Pro bass angler Bob Downey shares one of his favorite bass fishing tactics: the jig worm. While regarded as a staple in Minnesota, the jig worm catches bass everywhere and in wide-ranging weather and water conditions. This bait is simple, easy to rig, and consistently lands bass when other tactics fall short.
TACKLE USED (retail links)
• JIG HEAD – All Terrain Tackle Mighty Jig, 1/8-ounce: Buy at Omnia Fishing (https://omnia.direct/VzZxlY)
Buy at Tackle Warehouse (https://www.tacklewarehouse.com/All_Terrain_Tackle_Mighty_Jig_2pk/descpage-ATERTMJ.html?from=w2fish)
• NED JIG HEAD – VMC Ned Rig Jig: Buy at Omnia Fishing (https://omnia.direct/Gk6Y2L), Buy at Tackle Warehouse (https://www.tacklewarehouse.com/VMC_Ned_Rig_Jig_4pk/descpage-VNR.html?from=w2fish)
• WORM 1 – Big Bite Baits Trick Stick: Buy at Omnia Fishing (https://omnia.direct/9LOOPL), Buy at Tackle Warehouse (https://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Big_Bite_Baits_Trick_Stick/descpage-BBBTRST.html?from=w2fish)
• WORM 2 – Zoom Finesse Worm: Buy at Omnia Fishing (https://omnia.direct/mNeAyN)
Buy at Tackle Warehouse (https://omnia.direct/7p5zro)
Downey typically opts for a four-inch green-pumpkin stick worm with a chartreuse mushroom head jig with a longer hook shank. He recommends experimenting with different worm variations. A slender straight-tail finesse worm and a larger five-inch stick worm are other styles to consider.
ROD SETUP
• ROD – St. Croix Victory Spinning Rod, 7’1″ MH: Buy at Omnia Fishing (https://omnia.direct/L511Z5)
Buy at Tackle Warehouse (https://www.tacklewarehouse.com/St_Croix_Victory_Spinning_Rods/descpage-MBV.html?from=w2fish)
• REEL – Daiwa Ballistic MQ LT Spinning Reel: Buy at Omnia Fishing (https://omnia.direct/64LPp4)
Buy at Tackle Warehouse (https://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Daiwa_Ballistic_MQ_LT_Spinning_Reels/descpage-DBMQL.html?from=w2fish)
• LINE – Sufix 832 Braid (Neon Lime), 10-pound: Buy at Omnia Fishing (https://omnia.direct/ODBRxD)
Buy at Tackle Warehouse (https://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Sufix_832_Braided_Line_Neon_Lime/descpage-S832NL.html?from=w2fish)
• LINE – Sufix Advance Fluorocarbon, 10-pound: Buy at Omnia Fishing (https://omnia.direct/W5blPB)
Buy at Tackle Warehouse (https://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Sufix_Advance_Fluorocarbon_Line_Leader_25yds/descpage-SADFL.html?from=w2fish)
The rigging process is straightforward. Downey guides us on correctly threading the worm on the hook, stressing the need to rig it straight for a smooth glide on the fall. Similar to a Ned rig, this simple, slim profile bait offers bass different looks without being intrusive.
Downey’s suggests fishing jig worms along grass lines, allowing the jig worm to get caught momentarily before popping it free. The mushroom head jig has enough bluntness to hang on the grass but pulls free when popped or pulled. This ripping or deflection action often induces a bite like a crankbait hitting the bottom.
Whether a seasoned angler or a novice fisher, the jig worm is a surefire way to catch bass. It’s easy to use, versatile, and cost-effective. So the next time you’re out on the water, try it.
BOAT & ELECTRONICS
• LIVE SONAR – Humminbird MEGA Live Transducer: Buy at Omnia Fishing (https://omnia.direct/MKnVBK), Buy at Tackle Warehouse (https://wired2.fish/3J4rzlg)
• 360 SONAR – Humminbird MEGA 360 Imaging: Buy at Omnia Fishing (https://omnia.direct/m4XJVW), Buy at Tackle Warehouse (https://bit.ly/3zMbDBF)
• FISH FINDER – Humminbird HELIX 12 MEGA SI+ G4N: Buy at Omnia Fishing (https://omnia.direct/8yqrQ4), Buy at Tackle Warehouse (https://wired2.fish/HELIX12-MEGA-SI-G4N)
• BOAT – Bass Cat Eyra: https://wired2.fish/3PJ95KC
• TROLLING MOTOR – Minn Kota Ultrex MSI+, 52”, 36v (112 lbs): Buy at Omnia Fishing (https://omnia.direct/bXxBxO), Buy at Tackle Warehouse (https://wired2.fish/35duo2X)
• MAPPING – Humminbird LakeMaster VX Digital GPS Maps, Minnesota V1: Buy at Omnia Fishing (https://omnia.direct/wyRwbo), Buy at Tackle Warehouse (https://wired2.fish/2BOHF2f)
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Minnesota fishing is for sissies!
How many times can you say jig worm?
Love the older style Mighty Jig for a jig worm. It was perfect with the 3/0 hook and the wire keeper worked and needed with Z-Man elaztech plastic. A big TRD or Bang Stick….and of course a good old power worm are the go to's with the older style head. Way to wreck something that wasn't broken All Terrain!
Good video. Thanks for sharing. I haven't thrown a jig/worm for years. Just too many techniques. Thanks for the reminder. I will be using it soon.
Great video. Love the jig worm. This may sound stupid, but any insight would be appreciated….Sometime I use a worm, sometimes its just a keitech or other thin-body swimbait. Certainly a trade-off of ease coming though grass, but the swimbait lets me mix my methods/retrieve without changing rods. Thoughts?
I used to pour my own jigheads, and I always went with a hook that was larger than the mold called for. Almost always fished a 4" Mann's Jelly Worm, either red or black grape.
All Terrain doesn't make that good version of the Mighty jig any longer. They changed the hook size and got rid of the wire style keeper. The old one is much better than their new version.
Really had to throw bro under the bus for picking his wedge? 😅
The good ole trustworthy jig!! Good video!