Anglers and fishermen have been using Texas rigs for many years and swear that it’s one of the most convenient methods for catching bass. New anglers joining in the excitement of bass fishing often wonder how to fish a Texas rig.
A Texas rig is a soft-plastic bait that can be used in many different water types and conditions, making it one of the most versatile options out there.
If you’re interested in learning how to make multiple catches of larger-sized bass, using a Texas rig can help you.
Here’s everything you need to know to use it like a pro!
How to Fish a Texas Rig: All You Need to Know
Before you can opt for a Texas rig, it’s important to understand exactly what it is, and all that makes it unique.
What is a Texas Rig?
A Texas rig is a common rigging method made of soft plastic. It features a soft plastic bait, a hook, and a bullet-shaped weight.
It’s usually used in areas of dense cover and can manage around weeds, brush, and rocks. This particular rig is generally weed-less and snag-proof, traits which help make it a great favorite amongst anglers as it means that the annoyance at losing lures is lessened.
Fishermen usually attach a range of different live bait to the Texas rig, including worms and lizards, along with any plastic bait.
How to Set Up a Basic Texas Rig
First you need to learn how to set up a Texas rig.
Setting up a Texas rig can be made as quick and easy as using it if you have enough practice under your belt.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you figure out how to prepare a Texas rig during your next fishing expedition.
1. Choose Your Fishing Rod
Texas rigs make excellent partners to all types of fishing equipment. Whether you prefer a light fishing rod and a light line, or a stiffer fishing rod with a heavy braided line, the Texas rig is great for you.
It’s essential to make sure that the fishing equipment you choose is in harmony with each other. Your fishing line and rod should be able to support the weight of your bait, hook, and weight.
2. Thread in the Weight
One of the first things you need to do is to thread in the bullet weight by putting a line through its pointed end. The weight would slide up the line, giving you enough room to tie it on the hook.
Bullet weights are available in the market in various different materials such as Tungsten and Lead. Most people opt for Tungsten as it has a smaller size and a weight that harmonizes well with the rest of the equipment.
3. Tie the Hook on the Line
There are many sizes and shapes of hooks available readily in the bait and tackle shop nearest to you.
Many anglers prefer the 3/0 size which can easily secure all soft plastic baits, while also being strong enough to manage any type of bass around.
Moreover, the off-set style of hook is what bass fishermen usually opt for due to its amazing bait holding capabilities.
The off-set hook can turn on a 90 degrees angle, holding a soft plastic offering that prevents it from getting entangled in weeds and in underwater structures.
4. Attach the Bait
After setting up the hook you will need to attach the bait to it. Many people often wonder if it matters choosing between using either live creature baits or soft plastic ones.
The answer is simple; you’re free to choose whatever you prefer, as the choice of bait doesn’t affect the overall rigging process.
In order to attach a piece of bait to the Texas rig, you need to insert the hook into the center of the bait. You have to keep on pushing the hook until you can securely hold the shank of the hook.
Once you grasp the hook shank, you should pull the hook until its eye reaches within the tip of the bait. Then twist the hook until it faces the plastic.
5. Reinsert the Hook in Bait
Remember to put the hook through the skin of the bait so that the bait can hang straight. Adjust the position so that the weight of the bullet is on the front of the bait.
How to Fish Texas Rig for Bass
There are three main ways to fish a Texas rig, and having fair knowledge of all three can help you fish for bass.
1. Dragging
This technique involves dragging the Texas rig across the water bed, especially during colder seasons when the bass is feeling more lethargic.
Knowing how to fish a Texas rig worm can help you catch a lot of bass even in the cold months.
2. Lift and Drop
This method involves enticing bass strikes by the up and down movement of the Texas rig, especially during the spring seasons when bass are feeling most active.
You need to lift the Texas rig from the water bed, and then let it fall. Bass tend to strike when the rig is moving downwards.
3. Weightless Twitching
Knowing how to fish a Texas rig without a weight is a real treat to behold. You simply need to cast the weightless rig and watch it ‘twitch’ in response to the water currents, attracting nearby bass.
Conclusion
As you have seen, this skill can help you successfully catch more bass during a fishing trip.
Knowing how to set up a Texas rig is often harder than actually using the Texas rig, but frequent practice can help you become a real pro!
Learning how to fish a Texas rig isn’t a real chore, but can be a really exciting experience. Hope you enjoy it!
Exceptional writing style—simple, plain and understandable.
Effective Subject, verb agreement with essential objectives to clarify the point.
Very impressive!