Swimming Texas Rig (Swim Worm): Gear notes

7'-7'3" (2.1-2.2 m) medium-heavy moderate-fast casting rod (a bit of give keeps the fish pinned on a moving bait), 6.4:1-7.1:1 reel, 17-20 lb fluorocarbon or 30-40 lb braid in heavy grass. Swimbait hook 3/0 for a 3-3.5 in bait, 4/0 for 3.5-4.5 in, on a loop knot so the tail swings free. Retrieve just fast enough to feel the tail; when it loads with grass, rip it free and let it fall — the bite is often right there. The common mistake is setting on the first tick: keep reeling until the rod loads, then sweep.

← When it fails