Soft-bait Rigging: Explained

Truly, soft bait rigs are no secret to the pros or even Grandparents, so I won't waist my time explaining it to them. However, to a beginning angler it can be a logistical nightmare. In this article I will attempt to explained several basic methods of rigging worms and soft-baits. Including one that I think is being completely over-looked (At least, it hasn't been talked about much). With a little basic knowledge and some help, fishing with plastic and now non-plastic soft-baits can be some of the best fishing even a young beginner could encounter. And if anybody else wants to listen in, they're more than welcome.

Instead of naming each method, one by one, we will begin with the Texas rig and then the Carolina rig. From there we will move on to the Florida, Drop Shot, Weightless and the Swimming or Indiana rigs. Gear, knots, terminal tackle and reeling methods will be explained throughout also.

A sad attempt at humor, I know.

O.K., let's get down to business. The first worm rig was developed by Nick Creme from guess where, that's right, Texas in 1949. As it spread throughout the fishing industry the weed-less method of hooking the worm was developed, this is how the Texas rig was started and the rest of the styles followed in its wake. The Texas rig was the first rig that brought me into the world of soft lure fishing.

All of these methods contain similar elements that can be explained in one shot. The first thing is no matter which rig you are using, you should attach a barrel swivel of appropriate size to the end of your line. This will prevent your line from becoming twisted and tangled.

I like to use a Surgeons loop to attach things. To tie this knot, double the line back on itself once and knot the loop twice. Make the loop about two inches long. Pull tight and snip the excess and you're done. This is one of the strongest and most efficient ways of attaching terminal tackle to your line.