The Weightless Rig (also known as the “free lining rig”) is very common when fishing for fish higher up in the water column. You will notice that the picture to the left displays a hook and line. That’s all it is. No weights, bobbers, swivels, etc. Most anglers use this rig when fishing in shallow water, but there are many anglers that will free line a decent-sized live bait over deeper water as well depending on where the fish are in the water column. This rig is popular for fishing with soft plastics for largemouth and smallmouth bass. It is also a very popular live bait rig for a variety of different freshwater and saltwater fish.
Live Baits & the Weightless Rig
Live baits are very popular on a weightless rig. This is usually when fish are in the shallows or if you’re close to a dock or some other type of shoreline cover. Nightcrawlers, leeches and minnows all look good when fished weightless.
Wacky Worms
Wacky worms are probably the most popular bait that is fished weightless nowadays. Rig a wacky worm with a single hook and cast it around all types of shallow water cover and you’ll catch plenty of bass.
Weightless Texas Rig
The Weightless Texas Rig is a great rig for using bigger soft plastic baits such as worms, jerkbaits, creatures and lizards. It’s great for rigging the bait weedless which allows you to fish your baits around all types of cover.
