A “Tried and True” staple of the sport, the jig worm is still one of the easiest ways to catch summertime schooling bass. Wired2fish intern Nick Dumke shares why he loves a jig worm so much when fish go deep, as well as how he utilizes the bait to its full potential.
KEY TACKLE & GEAR
- JIG – Mustad Grip-Pin Ned Jig Head, 1/4-ounce
- WORM – Culprit Fat Max, 6″
- LINE – PowerPro Super8Slick V2 Braided Line, 10-pound
- LEADER – Yo-Zuri T7 Premium Fluorocarbon, 10-pound
- ROD – Falcon Cara Spinning Rod, 7′ Medium
- REEL – Shimano Sahara FI Spinning Reel
* Additional links below.
A bait that got Dumke into the world of bass fishing, the jig worm has remained on his deck ever since. The simplicity of this rig shines through in its name, a jig and a worm. Dumke prefers either a curly tail worm or a stick bait style. When it comes to setup, match the rod to the cover you are fishing. The thicker the weeds, the heavier the rod. Either way, Dumke prefers a longer twig for maximum casting distance and fighting power. He also recommends a little bit heavier fluorocarbon leader when fishing around thick weeds to give yourself the ability to get fish out of the jungle.
Dumke immediately begins the day graphing high percentage areas, specifically main lake points leading out of spawning bays. These particular bass were positioned on a distinct grassline falling into a deeper rock edge — perfect habitat for a school of largemouth. Dumke explains how he uses Humminbird MEGA 360 Imaging to line up his casts. Despite his use of electronics, Dumpke stresses that the jig worm flat out catches bass if you focus on outer grasslines.
BOAT & ELECTRONICS
- FISH FINDER (bow stack) – Humminbird SOLIX 12 CHIRP MEGA SI+ G3
- FISH FINDER (console) – Humminbird SOLIX 15 CHIRP MEGA SI+ G3
- SONAR – Humminbird MEGA 360 Imaging
- BOW ELECTRONICS MOUNT – Precision Sonar Over and Under Bow Mount for Deck
- TROLLING MOTOR – Minn Kota Ultrex 112lb-36V Trolling Motor
- BASS BOAT – Lund 2075 Pro-V Bass
- MOTOR – Mercury Pro XS 250hp
CLOTHING
- Costa Del Mar Freedom Series Rinconcito Sunglasses, Shiny USA Black
- Realtree Wav3 Men’s Long Sleeve Performance Fishing Tee, Gray/Blue
