While there's no denying the effectiveness of sinking worms like the Yamamoto Senko and Yum Dinger when bass are on beds, limiting their use to this scenario is a mistake.
Throw early summer largemouths holding on emerging weedlines a change-up by replacing an action tail worm with a 4- or 5-inch sinking worm, which provides a different look than a more traditional floating worm. Alter the look further by experimenting with various sinking worm profiles, like a fork-tailed version.
One of my friends, bass enthusiast Scott Kinard, targets largemouth bass by using a sinking worm as a trailer on either a chatter-style bait or swimming jig.
"I like to fish slow, but use a bait that is moving, to cover flats that are near deeper water," Kinard said. "By using a Senko or Zoom Trick Worm as a trailer I get a more erratic action from the trailing bait, plus a different look than what other anglers are throwing."
For river-dwelling smallmouth bass, a Texas-rigged sinking worm is an ideal summertime presentation, particularly when the fish are in a funky mood and less willing to chase a moving lure. Simply deadstick the worm, allowing it to go-with-the-flow as the boat drifts through deeper runs. Maintain a semi-tight line; in deeper water (over 5 feet), or if wind is present, use a sixteenth-ounce slip sinker to help maintain feel.
- 2808 views