Ways to Reel in Plastic Fishing Worms

Dead-sticking

One of the most effective ways to fish a plastic worm, especially for large bass or during cold-front conditions, is to use a dead-stick retrieve. Such a retrieve involves casting the plastic worm into likely fish-holding areas, such as weedlines and drop-offs, letting it sink to the bottom, then reeling in a small amount of line from time to time. Some anglers let the worm sit on the bottom for a minute or more, turn the reel handle a few cranks so the worm moves a foot or 2, then let it sit again. The technique is effective if fish are in a negative feeding mood and will not chase a potential meal, or when anglers are targeting large fish that require a stealthy, natural presentation.

When plastic worms are rigged on a jig head, or rigged Texas style, reeling in a stop-and-go manner so the worm bounces along the bottom is effective. Cast the plastic worm out and let it sink to the bottom. Raise your rod tip to the 12 o'clock position, then lower it to the 9 o'clock position. Reel in line as you lower the rod tip. Stop reeling when you reach 9 o'clock, then raise the rod tip back to the 12 o'clock position. Repeat the procedure until the plastic worm is back to the boat.

Plastic worms generally are not thought of as a bait that should be fished on the surface of the water, but doing so can be effective, especially in shallow water around cover such as submerged vegetation, boat docks and lily pads. Cast the worm out and begin reeling it in as soon as it touches the water. Reel quickly enough that the worm stays on the surface of the water all the way back to the boat or shoreline. As you reel, the tail of the worm should disrupt the surface of the water.

It is unclear exactly what fish see when presented with a plastic worm, but it could be that reeling a plastic worm so that it neither touches the top of the water nor the bottom of the lake makes the fish believe it is a minnow. The worm should be reeled below the surface, but off the bottom, and be given sharp jerks from time to time. Doing so makes the plastic worm act in an erratic fashion, much like a wounded minnow. Fish key on weak or wounded minnows because they are the easiest to catch and eat.