Finesse worms are extremely popular for smallmouth bass. A drop shot rig and a finesse worm is the most common way to fish these baits, but you do have lots of options since finesse worms are very versatile.
Best Techniques
Hop Them Along the Bottom
Finesse worms look great when hopped along the bottom. Use a lighter jighead, small Texas rig or a drop shot rig and just hop them along the bottom with some pauses mixed in.
Twitch Them
The twitching technique is a technique you can use with a shaky head jig or a drop shot rig. It works better with a drop shot rig, however, the shaky head jigs look good too. Basically, you’re trying to give the bait action without moving it much out of its original spot. By doing this, you’re creating action while keeping your bait in a good spot to draw more strikes.
Go Vertical
Finesse worms are awesome fished in deeper water. Fish them vertical over schooling bass on the bottom or suspended higher up in the water column. You will catch smallmouth bass both ways from summer through early fall with finesse worms.
Swim the Curly Tail Worms
The finesse-style curly tail worms are awesome baits for swimming with a slow and steady retrieve.
Best Rigs for Finesse Worms
Carolina Rig
Carolina rigs are usually used for targeting smallmouth bass in deeper water. Hop your favorite finesse worm over some rocks and you’ll find some hungry smallmouth bass.
Drop Shot Rig
The drop shot rig is one of the best rigs for fishing with finesse worms.
Jighead
The smaller jigheads work perfect for finesse worms.
