Wacky Rig...The Most Common Rigging Mistake Even Some Pro Anglers Make With Them

[@demolitionwilliams7419]

There are so many good fishing channels out there but this channel filled a void that we've (at least I have) been missing and have been needing. This is my most watched channel now, being a rookie. This is the exact information I've been looking for, so thank you!

[@randyblaukatintuitive]

Thx man!!

[@火盧]

I've watched several videos, thank you for all the great tips / secrets! On the o-rings, I happened to have piece of latex tubing so I thought to cut a small piece and use it as an o-ring. It's wide enough for the hook to penetrate while holding the worm in place correctly. Latex is biodegradable - an added bonus.

[@davidbrown-55]

Love these tips! Someone who doesn’t hide secrets is a good thing to help average anglers learn more. Appreciate it. Thank you and keep them coming, I’m always willing to listen.

[@matts8023]

Another great video. This is an example of the best content on KZbin. I know the algorithm might ding you, but short to the point and extremely informed videos. I have been binging the last few days. Since I just decided to take up fishing on my own, and continue to fish solo there us a constant nagging doubt that I am doing things wrong. Even at 41 you all become the dad/uncle/parent who is teaching every outing. I found double o rings to break a lot of worms in half...which could be a problem with the ring materials. I dont like the single ring sideways hook though. I lose so many fish that I put the wacky aside for a ned. Will try your tip, maybe I can find the love for this jig that matches the hype.

[@holdmybeeroutdoors223]

This has become my favorite KZbin fishing channel. Holler if you ever need anything when fishing Grand. I’m here in Grove

[@randyblaukatintuitive]

Thx man!

[@rvfishingyet]

Thanks for the video. I rig the way you are demonstrating but with 2 O rings and hooking through the X perpendicular to the bait. Works great for me. Courtesy of Debos Fishing. I will incorporate roughing up the bait more. That is another great tip!

[@bucknuts8824]

More free tips from a pro bass angler with 40 years of knowledge. Thanks Randy!

[@ancelmagarcia7013]

8

[@bojudd1965]

Absolutely great tip I figured that out myself, one thing I might add is when piercing the worm dont pass straight through . Move the hook point left and right a small bit as it goes through, that puts a bit more side tension on the hook and holds just a little tighter a bit longer. Then duplicate that also every 10 min or so when it gets loose and you re-hook the bait.

[@larryn1929]

Thank you as you just told me I was wacky rigging the correct way. Your videos on plastics have all told me to rough up my plastics.......which I have not been doing but will be doing. Thanks again.

[@_Alzee_]

You can double up the “O” rings and cross them over themselves, to make an “X” and you can rig it the same way without tearing up your worms as fast, just as an FYI. Those worms can get expensive if you fish them all day.

[@stoneysdead689]

They make a little see through band now that you put on with these odd shaped pliers instead of the regular wacky tool- works really well for being able to orient your hook like this or however you want it and not tear up the worm- and it's see through if you're worried about them seeing an o ring. The set runs about 20 bucks shipped, got mine on eBay from some no name company but it really saves the worm- I've caught 4-5 bass before having to change mine finally. Usually I get at most 2 fish per senko when using regular o rings- 1 bass if I use none. Now if they grab it by the end or something- nothing is going to save you there but- as long as they don't the worm usually slides up the line and it's fine. If i use it in conjunction with the neko hooks by Owner- its money.

[@robstone1489]

100% rig it up at the angle Randy is showing. I use the doubled up cross over bands if I’m fishing it a lot. It works well. I’ve got a buddy that just got the invisible band thing. Seems to hold even longer. I need to try that.

[@verlinbalsigeriii9617]

@@stoneysdead689 what’s the invisible band thing called?

[@stoneysdead689]

@@verlinbalsigeriii9617 Arsenal Fishing Neko/wacky tube pliers and the Arsenal Fishing stealth silicone tubes

[@freshwater_tactical]

Clear Heat shrink plumbers tape

[@Tomc8030]

Thanks for taking the time to put these great videos together. I’ve always roughed my plastics, I learned it from my uncle when I was a kid. He always said it caused the worm to move a little more water when it was falling. Also If you’ll take your stick worm and try balancing it in the the bend of the hook you’ll find the center and it’ll help with more of a level fall....

[@NealVan]

Rig a wacky rig without an ‘O’ ring is for guys who have lots of money. The bass grab the worm and rip it off the hook. And if you use on or two ‘O’ rings and put the hook in length-wise as you show. Also, I use weed guard style wacky hooks and twitch it just below the surface very close to submerged trees.

[@mattolivo]

Love your channel and all your tips! These tip videos are great and Im glad there is at least one legend out there giving us the REAL tips!

[@robpatterson2441]

Absolutely agree with you on your rigging observations / recommendations! I'm an old guy and have been throwing the wacky rig and drop shot longer than most. I've had much more success over the years rigging exactly as you point out in your video. I also recommend using "bait buttons" to help with bait retention. Keep the great content coming, Randy! God bless!

[@robertbrost7777]

Hey Rob. Thanks for the Bait Button suggestion. I have a few setups where they may be handy. So, you slide the hook through the wacky worm and then slide a Bait Button on? Does this work well? Thanks again.

[@robpatterson2441]

@@robertbrost7777 They work extremely well, used exactly as you stated. I will also use them from time to time with certain nose-hooked baits on a drop shot. Not all, as there are times I'll Texas-rig a drop shot when using a straight-shanked hook. However, if I want more action, I'll nose hook the bait and secure with a bait button.

[@mikeharris130]

Thanks for the info. I have been using the O ring, but will try your method as well as scuffing up the surface.

[@jakeblaha9233]

This is pure gold Randy, thanks so much for sharing.

[@dgatz1247]

Totally agree Randy. I started rigging it this way last year and my wacky rigged bites increased and my land percentage sky rocketed. For a while when I was rigging it with the O ring I lost so many fish that I quit using it. Now I use it tons more after changing the rigging. You are so correct on this.

[@harryestep2488]

I enjoyed the last video as well. Keep up the good work and info/knowledge that you share. Techniques, the mental side of it etc... Hope you have a great Christmas.

[@jbjgibbons]

I like the tips. Valuable for all is bass freaks! 💥💥🙏🏻 I use a Zman bangz stick or strike king zero. Plastic won’t tear at all.

[@matthewkitch1]

Thanks for the info. I caught COVID and have been binge watching your videos while quarantined. It’s been great learning some killer info! Thanks!

[@randyblaukatintuitive]

Get better soon!

[@shanescott3168]

After I watched this video, I bought and used straight shank hooks and easily hooked my first four wacky rig bass. Great suggestion. The heavier hook gives it more weight to help the bait sink slightly faster with more action too.

[@gfour20]

Thanks for sharing. I have fished the wacky like you do since the early 90s. I did not know about roughing it up. I will use that tip.

[@mattnash5159]

Hi Randy my name's Matt & I'm new to your channel. Found out who you were through Johnny. Your videos are very informative and you seem like an all around solid person. Having said that it's a pleasure to have you in my daily YT feed/line up. On behalf of all the bass junkies thank you and Johnny for all that you do I sincerely mean it!

[@freshwater_tactical]

I got a secret for you. Small piece of clear plumbers tape in the middle, lighter to seal it, hook through the same way you do, catch as many fish as you want on one senko!

[@outinthenortheast2728]

I've been wasting $$$

[@skeegets2]

Clear shrink tube works too

[@jtotherog]

Ive used clear vinyl tubing too!

[@Mckillax]

A clear straw with the same diameter as the worm cut in about 1/4 inch lengths also works well

[@kennethsmith2752]

@@Mckillax electrical tape or clear tape works good too

[@stratos175escape7]

Just started watching your videos, getting back into bass fishing and learning a lot. THANKS!!!!

[@clarence1149]

Thanks for the tip. I do have to ask the logic on how a fish will notice the o ring and not bite but not the hook.

[@Pat19997]

I wonder about that as well. In years gone by I have snagged a branch, as I was reeling it in I had a fish chase and attack it. I've caught a fish that had a rock larger than a golf ball in its gut. I've seen video of a guy who lost a frog to a fish and a little while later he caught the same fish on a different frog, as it had both in it's mouth. Saw the video where a lure maker catches a fish on an unpainted plain block of wood. Saw Another video that shows a fish had swallowed a fillet knife. Look at all the hardware on an A rig, doesn't seem to matter, as some locations outlaw the A rig. Finding fish is difficult but once found fish are pretty stupid.

[@greghammett7894]

@@Pat19997 I think the difference is reaction bait vs a visual "study" bait. Moving blocks of wood and A rigs are reaction baits. Fish sees erratic fast movement, fish hits out of instinct (prey drive). Slow falling wacky worm, fish kind of "studies" and decides it's food and eats it. My 2 cents, I'm no pro! Cheers

[@Pat19997]

@@greghammett7894 Thanks, Im learning. lol

[@greghammett7894]

@@Pat19997 me too! Tight lines!

[@anthonycecil7070]

The same way that fish will see snaps but completely disregard two treble hooks swinging under the lure.

[@guitardoug12]

I’m telling you, you are dead on with your set up. I totally agree, especially where I fish in California/Delta. Rough up that bait and forget the o-ring. Love it! Also, we make a few cuts in the worm to give it even more action. Thank you!

[@harlanmorrisson6490]

You can buy an assortment of different colored : O : rings in the Dollar stores for $ 1 and change for a package of 500, assorted colors will match your baits including Florescent Pink !

[@rickfernald3452]

I first started following you when I wactched Bassmasters many years ago and saw you win that tournament on Kerr by flooding your ranger and going under the bridge at the back of Nutbush creek, few years later I fished an eastern divisional tournament on Kerr and the first place I went was Nutbush creek. after fishing a few other spots I went too the end of the creek I found that cove under the bridge at the back of the creek, what a great time I had following in your footsteps so to speak, keep up the good video's, bass wishes!

[@robertm1188]

Great content in your video's, sharing your experience helps alot of angler's. Thanks Randy

[@rickyledford9486]

This technique has become one of my favorite ways to catch fish. I look so forward to Pre Spawn and Spawn every year just to throw this silly looking rig and watch the line start moving off. Rubbing up the worm is magic. Thanks Randy. 57 and still learning.

[@brucetobin4001]

Thank you for your videos. I got my pb one day stringer this past weekend using your techniques.

[@brucegilson6187]

The hole purpose of the O ring is to save on baits. Most of us don’t have unlimited supply of plastics. Also the baits that gets lost in the water don’t just dissolve there there for years killing off our fish because they can’t pass the plasteral baits

[@rogerhall5532]

Man ty so much for these tips I cant wait for spring to put more to use

[@BillyAllen07]

Can’t wait to try in our very weedy pond. Thank you

[@danscholes9132]

Great tips! Sometime, I'd enjoy hearing some examples when you observed something on the water, which led to an unexpected technique that was successfully.

[@gpharned]

Straight shank hook over wacky hook. I'll give it a try. Thanks Randy

[@mikek3638]

Some video ideas: -How to make adjustments on the water -How you organize your tackle -Boating tips -Knots -Lake breakdowns -Friendly competitions with a bet or wager involved -Love the tournament videos, so keep them coming -Why you don't fish certain popular baits like ned rig -Hand tying jigs -Highland reservoir tips/patterns Thanks!

[@richardblake4777]

Merry Christmas to you and your family Randy. I'm 79 and still have the fever and enjoy your videos.

[@CreekFishingOhio]

I got a tip from the ndyakangler on KZbin. Use about 1/4” piece of clear heat shrink tube. Hook through it and the worm a bit. All baits will last longer and still slide up the line when hit.

[@wickedbassn]

I do agree with you. What I do is take 2 o rings and make them overlap. I then put the hook through where they cross over, and it keeps the hook pointing the correct way too.

[@johnnymassengale6275]

I've quit using O rings for all the reasons you mentioned. Good video's!

[@nolanwilliams2622]

Agreed! Starting using a o-ring a couple years ago and was losing a bunch of fish. I think it’s bc the hook is turned sideways and slides out of their mouth on the hook set. Went back to just hooking it through the worm and didn’t have a problem.

[@EpicGamin1]

Thank you for hours of informative viewing. You have a big following up here in Northern Canada. Some clear water fishing vids would be great. Merry Christmas to you and your family Randy!!

[@jefferyholland]

Great tip Randy. Roughing up the bait is a new one for me and I will be giving it a try.

[@dironifish]

Another suggestion that works great for me. I place about 3/8 of an inch of shrink tubing on the worm. Shrink it and pierce the hook through both sides of the tubing the very same way that you do it. I live on a small lake and fish almost daily, and rigged liked this my worms sometimes last for two weeks.

[@finsfeathersfuroutdoors2460]

Wow roughing it up was actually a great tip ever wonder why the bass are eating the old beat up worm better than a new one right out of a package that's why

[@sethook-ro4xh]

Yes I have. Old senkos seemed to catch more fish. I just thought it was chance until I started watching this channel.

[@bcp5296d]

I actually put the o rings on by hand and this roughs it up perfectly.

[@jeffhorton7862]

Randy your videos are some of the best out. Thank you

[@randyblaukatintuitive]

Thx man!

[@masfishing1]

Great tip. I use O-rings but I X them so the hook is perpendicular to the worm. But I will try without O-ring and with your suggested straight shank hook. Thank you. Thanks, I like these how to/tips video. Merry Christmas Randy.

[@justinsword4522]

So a bass can see the oring but but not the big ole hook hanging off the side of it? I agree the position of the hook is better but if they can notice the ring they surely would notice a hook

[@eddiehawk8861]

I’m finished with the o-rings, I lost a huge bass using the o-rings. I like the hook angle much better without using the o-rings.

[@tablerockkid8237]

Another of those topics that brings out a lot of opinions, and that's good. I use both, and I think I do better without the "O" ring. I know I can buy several new baits for the same money as the "O" rings and the "O" ring tool .... and seems I can never remember where I put the darn thing the last time I used it anyway and just fish with the hook in the bait. Fish might well see the hook, but for sure they can see the black O ring AND a hook. Just one less thing to possibly spook a fish away. Thanks Randy. Love these 'experience based" videos. Was great meeting you yesterday too. Thanks for taking the time to chat a bit.

[@randyblaukatintuitive]

Thx man and good meeting you yesterday!

[@johnm2617]

Agree 💯% And for some reason I will not use a o ring if I'm fishing a tourney ! If I'm fun fishing I will ! and I hook it like randy !

[@seizedcarcass8440]

I agree! When you rig it in line with the bait it gets in the way of the hookset. Also if you use two O-Rings and cross them like an X it makes a perfect place to put the hook in the middle and keep it perpendicular to the bait.

[@adventureswithfrodo2721]

Some one made the point the Pro angular aren't paying the high price for the worm and don't care if they lose them.

[@dennisederer3594]

Thank you for the comments. Especially the last comment about roughing up the surface. So logical.

[@David-rr8cu]

Why would bass notice an O-ring, but not a huge hook sticking out of the worm?

[@mrkmkr99]

Thanks for sharing your tips on this technique! I look forward to putting this info to use.

[@xzacto]

the o-ring is a visual deterrent but the hook isn't?

[@bryanturner5159]

Use a clear double o ring I catch 5 to 6 fish on the same bait almost every time.

[@rileymcgill9893]

Just keep taken it in and out, in and out. It's actually a really good tip too bc I hate o rings unless I'm neko rigging with a nail weight. But then I'll use a completely different soft plastic than when I would for wacky rig. The berkley hit worm is one of my favorites for neko rigging

[@kenmaylin4744]

I needed this video. Tried wacky rigs last year. Bought circle hooks wacky rig hooks weedless hooks and couldn't get a fish in the boat to save my life with a wacky rig. I will be trying some Gamakatsu straight shank hooks this year.

[@DouglasSubbs]

Thanks Randy for the awesome tips and observations. Separate thought... i understand if the o ring was red or even a white one but the black one they dont see. If they saw black o ring, then why would people use black marker to hid 4 or 5 feet of their braid? Also, its not like you have to buy a new tool every time. I got 2. one with #9 and 1 with #10 rings and it stays in my bag with my worms. i use the 2-ring X to rotate the hook to perpendicular of the worm. 25 0 rings for 4 bucks saves me about 30 bucks on bags of worms.

[@Twangtown7]

Highly doubt the o ring isn't gonna keep a bass from biting. They're not gonna see a rubber band. It's just gonna look like some black stripe on the prey. If that's the case, the hook itself would scare the bass off. That looks way more unnatural.

[@Patiencelad]

Great tips Randy! You're the best!

[@coachmatt6735]

Really have been enjoying your videos Mr. Blaukat. As a long time finessse and wacky guy (since before stickworms were a thing and before jig-wacky was flickshake) I have my opinions on o-rings too. While I agree that a single o-ring puts the hook in a funny position (except when used neko style), I still think that people should use o-rings (or some alternative) not so much for cost-effectiveness, but rather to minimize littering plastic waste in lakes and rivers. Bass eat lost stickworms, and the result can be starvation and death. However, by using two O-rings (one crossed over the other), you can get the same point-up orientation of the hook, while getting the strength and bait-retention of the O-ring. This is my favourite method I use red and black o-rings, depending on the colour of worm, and have not noticed any negative visual cues, (and the waters we fish up here in Ontario often are very, very clear). I understand your reasoning, but in this case I don't find the extra terminal tackle to be a deterent. Is the Zlinky elaztech? If so, that is significant in reducing bait losses for you. But I still use o-rings on elaztech baits, because it does retain worms better. I do like your tip on re-orienting the hook periodically. I'm not sure how you would rig a neko rig without an o-ring, and still maintain a good hooking percentage. Seems like a critical element in that set-up to me. My 2 cents. Thanks for the vids and keep them coming.

[@randyblaukatintuitive]

Thx man... the zlinky is not elastic... just plastic

[@benjaminlatta5784]

I do this for the same reason. I might get 5% less bites/fish, IDK, but the O-ring keeps the bait from going in the water and polluting the fishery. Even if it gets destroyed it stays in my boat.

[@EasyModeFishing]

Using an o ring makes the baits last longer. Without it you lose your worm every fish.

[@theparnellfam8384]

Thank You for your videos and Merry Christmas

[@devinhoyt8396]

Its not a mistake its a preference in which one the angler likes to use. Just like spinner baits with and with out trailors some folks use trailors some dont Its a preference not a mistake 🤘✌

[@mmccown1]

Last bass I caught was 5.4 pounds on a wacky worm. Pitched it next to a dock and never had time to set the hook.

[@christophercooper146]

Thanks for tips.. learned few things off Cherokee video. Appreciate the tips help the pocket

[@brandonelliott5345]

I decided to try the o ring method to try and save some worms and after missing a few fish and getting hung up more often I switched back to the original method and havnt really ever lost another fish on a senko.

[@greghammett7894]

Same

[@WysteriaGuitar]

So I do not have to waste money on O rings...excellent...thanks

[@JoeGerossie]

You know I disagreed on your drag video, but this one I totally agree! Lost a good amount of fish when I was running the O ring and it took me a couple trips to figure out why. Turned that hook back the old fashioned way and instant results. Man I lost a few good ones too

[@Anthony-Paul]

Randy could you please do a show on lipless crankbaits. I would like to hear what baits you like and color preferences for seasons.

[@billbarnes5137]

Always love your tips! Merry Christmas to you and your family.

[@randyblaukatintuitive]

You too man

[@mikekarpiak5286]

Great vid ! But I bet a tackle company promoted the video because you will go through 5 times the number of baits without the ring lol

[@iam73en]

Awesome, thank you. Wish I would have watched this last week.

[@greenminnowbassfishingtips6883]

I have found the same thing to be true... i missed so many fish when i went to an o-ring. Switched back to the old way and boom back to catching.

[@ivanticristus]

I catched my first 3.50 pounder with this advice, regards from Mexico.

[@TheRecon1a]

Randy if you and Johnny could put together like a top 5 baits or rigs and like top 3 colors to use on them in each season would be absolutely amazing... Also Maybe best way to use them Ie ( around what cover or structure) and lastly since you are more Shallow water and Johnny is more Offshore deeper water what ways are best to use these baits and Techniques...That would be absolutely great.

[@FishtheMoment]

Just posted this video today. It’s exactly what you’re looking for: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z6W5YYCaZ9d2hNk

[@chrisholland354]

I’ve caught thousands of bass on the oring method. And I fish mine in a lot of thick cover, I lost a lot more senkos before starting to use the oring method

[@TheFishingMommy]

I think it’s really interesting that you use a straight shank hook. I use small (size 2 to 1/0) circle hooks, and I only use o-rings occasionally. Sometimes I’ll even rotate the hook placement for a different presentation. Very rarely miss a fish on my wacky rigs. I rough up my Senkos too!

[@dsquared317]

Really good stuff as usual. Always learn something.

[@ericblomgren4387]

I'm curious what size hook he is using there 2/0?

[@shawnwhalen8314]

Learning new stuff thanks Randy.

[@jasondean9626]

I like to rough up stick bats because it changes the color slightly as well as bringing the salt out. That Zoom worm is the deal.

[@fishingwithvance]

With respect, this hasn't been my experience. I use the O ring and catch them like crazy. I use a smaller hook as well. I will give this a shot this season. Thanks for sharing your experience. Fish on!

[@bcp5296d]

Not sure I'm sold on not using a snell hook (gamakatsu). They are smaller and don't get caught up as much, and I almost never miss a fish on em.

[@bcp5296d]

also the way you're hooking perpendicular doesn't allow for neko presentation.

[@bcp5296d]

also not sure why hook angle has anything to do with it. the worm falls first in your example, and whether it is hooked side or parallel would have the same result. Hook point facing up...

[@douglascobb]

What do you do with a knife to rough the lures up? Gently rub the blade across the length of them, maybe? Thanks for a great, informative video on wacky rigging plastic worms?

[@UTEXTRACK]

Great tips from a true professional.

[@andrewwilson8522]

I caught a bass fishing a wacky rig like this today, thanks for the suggestion.

[@timmertwotone1]

I fish wacky rig all the time in Northern Wisconsin. I use the VMC Wacky Rig weed less jig, excellent hook up ratio and it is just different enough that I am catching those bass everyone else can't get. Caught my PB this year in league when everyone else was struggling.

[@mattarmstrong8197]

I agree that the straight shank hooks work much better than short shank hooks like drop shot hooks or hooks with offset eyes like octopus hooks. Wacky jigs tend to have kahle type hooks on them that I don't prefer either. I think it has to do primarily with the angle at which the hook is pulled when it's set. You could probably remedy the problem by adapting your hookset, or by the knots you use to tie your hooks. Obviously hooks with any kind of offset eye are meant to be snelled. It's also important to note that many anglers tend to use smaller hooks with this technique, but it's very important that you don't overkill it and have plenty of gap to snag a biting fish. The VMC Neko hook is my favorite for wacky and Neko rigs. I love the light wire construction on those for wacky rigging on light setups. That being said, fishing the wacky on light tackle means I avoid anything with any kind of weed guard on it because I feel it costs me hook ups.

[@jonahlawrence6204]

Like that tip RANDY thanks and MERRY CHRISTMAS TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY LOVE YOUR VIDEOS I WATCH AS MANY AS I CAN THANKS

[@pooshoveler]

I experimented with trebble hooks too. They seem to catch more fish but are only good in lighter cover. But I rig them like you do. 😁

[@adamrewolinski1789]

I prefer to use an octopus hook, but still hook the same through the middle.

[@christopherwood2290]

Yup, Octopus hook all the way.

[@garyxiong5198]

I use two o-rings and cross cross it, then put the hook under the two o-rings between the x. By hooking it that way I go through less senkos without tearing it.

[@williamnewell7784]

Excellent points Randy.

[@sandycohen9862]

If you aren't ready to loose baits you ain't fishing. Gotta throw baits in or very close to hang up areas.