Pro bass angler Ott DeFoe explores the world of weightless soft plastics for targeting prespawn bass on the verge of spawning. In this video, he dives deep into the when, why, and how to fish a weightless wacky rig and Texas-rigged stick worm when water temperatures reach the upper 50s. *Featured product listing at the bottom.
As Ott explains, a few degrees can make all the difference in bass behavior during spring, shifting their focus to spawning activities. When this happens, hard baits like squarebill crankbaits take a backseat to weightless soft plastics, which hover in the strike zone longer and temp spooky bass in shallow water.
Much of the content centers around how Ott rigs and fishing a wacky rig. And while a wacky rig is tough to beat, it’s prone to fowling around heavy cover. Ott’s alternative setup is a weightless Texas-rigged stick worm. It easily comes through cover, making it an excellent performer when casting into grass, laydowns, brush piles, and underneath docks.
The video highlights the benefits of using a braided line with a fluorocarbon leader when fishing with weightless soft plastics. This combination provides optimal casting distance, line visibility for bite detection, and near invisibility on the business end. Also, remember to have a good pair of polarized sunglasses. They’re essential for spotting potential targets and seeing subtle line movements.
Follow this guidance and you’ll be well on your way to mastering weightless soft plastics during the prespawn period.
TACKLE LISTING (retail links)
WACKY RIG SETUP
- WORM – Bass Pro Shops Wacky Stik-O Worm Buy at Bass Pro Shops
- HOOK – VMC RedLine Series Weedless Wacky Neko Hook Buy at Omnia Fishing Buy at Bass Pro Shops
- WORM RETENTION – VMC Crossover Ring Buy at Omnia Fishing
WEIGHTLESS WORM SETUP
- WORM – Bass Pro Shops 5-3/8” Stik-O Worm Buy at Bass Pro Shops
- HOOK – VMC RedLine Series Hybrid Wide Gap Hook, 3/0 Buy at Bass Pro Shops
- Bass Pros Shops Johnny Morris Platinum Signature Spinning Rod – JMP71MHSF Buy at Bass Pro Shops
- REEL – Bass Pro Shops Johnny Morris Platinum Signature Spinning Reel – JMP71MSF Buy at Bass Pro Shops
- LINE (braided mainline) – Bass Pro Shops XPS SS Braid Fishing Line Buy at Bass Pro Shops
- LINE (fluorocarbon) – Bass Pro Shops XPS KVD Signature Series 100% Fluorocarbon Fishing Line, 10-pound Buy at Bass Pro Shops
- SUNGLASSES – Costa Del Mar Reefton Buy at Tackle Warehouse
- HITCH – BW Tow & Stow Adjustable Ball Mount, Buy at BW Hitches
ELECTRONICS
- FISH FINDER – Humminbird HELIX 12 MEGA SI+ GPS G4N Buy at Tackle Warehouse Buy at Bass Pro Shops
- LIVE SONAR – Humminbird MEGA Live Imaging Buy at Tackle Warehouse Buy at Omnia Fishing Buy at Bass Pro Shops
- 360 SONAR – Humminbird 360 Imaging Buy at Tackle Warehouse Buy at Omnia Fishing Buy at Bass Pro Shops
- TROLLING MOTOR – Minn Kota Ultrex Buy at Tackle Warehouse Buy at Bass Pro Shops
- SHALLOW WATER ANCHOR – Minn Kota Talon, 10′ Black, Buy at Minn Kota
