​Wacky Rig VS Texas Rig For Bass

A staple in almost every angler’s tackle box, the Texas Rig or (T-Rig) is one of the most well-known bass fishing rigs. Hell, even novice anglers know about these rigs, and catch plenty of fish on them. One of the best things about them? They can be fished weighted or weightless, whichever you prefer.

So… Why are we comparing the proven Texas Rig to the less known, and newer Wacky Rig technique? Because, the subtle differences can help you know when to fish each style of rig, optimizing your chances at catching more bass.

Texas Rigs For Bass

One of the best ways to catch fish in thicker vegetation, the Texas Rig excels in these situations specifically because they’re designed to be fished weedless and snag-free.

When To Use A Texas Rig For Bass.

Some of the best times to fish a Texas Rig for bass are summer months when bass are holding in tight vegetation and during the spring months when they’re inhabiting the shallow water.

What baits can you Texas Rig?

• Worm Baits
• Creature Baits
• Craw Baits
• Basically, any soft plastic bait.

What is an ideal rod setup for the Texas Rig?

An ideal fishing rod for Texas Rigs is going to be a heavy power, moderate fast action rod that is just over 7’ in length. Braided line helps in eliminating slack and can reduce misses and lost fish.

This rod set up is ideal for fishing heavy cover. A medium heavy, fast action rod could be used for vegetation that isn’t as thick.

Wacky Rigs For Bass

Everyone loves Senkos, and so do bass. But these Senko Wacky Rigs aren’t the best for fishing heavy, thick vegetation. So, where does the wacky rig out fish the Texas Rig? In open water. When bass are timid, a Wacky Rig can entice strikes when other baits and lures are not.

When To Use A Wacky Rig For Bass

Wacky rigs allow you to keep your bait in the strike zone longer while also creating more action. The best time and place to use a Wacky Rig is going to be in open water, outside of grass lines and reed pockets. Boat docks, rocks and where fish are spawning are also great places to utilize the Wacky Rig with great success.

What baits can you Wacky Rig?

• Senkos
• Finesse Worms
• Lizard Baits
• Leeches
• Soft Plastic Minnows
• Nightcrawlers
• Just about any soft plastic bait that produces a lot of action on the fall.

What is an ideal rod setup for the Wacky Rig?

An ideal fishing rod for weightless worms and wacky rigs is going to be a medium power, fast action rod that is around 7’ in length. Utilizing braided line will help eliminate slack you typically get from mono and make missing and losing fish less likely.

This fishing rod setup is also great for finesse and dropshot techniques as well.

So what’s the benefit of throwing a Texas Rig or Wacky Rig?

You can throw a longer stick worm on either setup with great success. Both Texas and Wacky rigs have there time and place, but knowing when to fish each one will help you catch more fish.