How to Texas Rig Soft Plastics for Bass

The Texas rig is weedless, simple and effective from shallow cover to deep structure. It lets anglers match hook size, bait profile and weight to nearly any bass-fishing situation.

What You Need

• Bullet weight.
• Offset or wide-gap hook.
• Soft-plastic bait.
• Optional bobber stop for pegging.

How to Rig It

1. Slide the bullet weight onto the line.
2. Tie on the hook.
3. Insert the point into the nose of the bait and bring it out after a short distance.
4. Rotate the bait onto the hook shank.
5. Measure where the point should re-enter.
6. Push the point through straight and skin-hook it for a weedless finish.

Choosing a Weight

Use the lightest weight that reaches the target. Lighter weights create a slower fall. Heavier weights improve control in deep water, wind or thick vegetation.

Pegged vs. Unpegged

Peg the weight when pitching into dense grass, pads or wood so the weight and bait enter together. Leave it unpegged around scattered cover when you want more separation and movement.

Best Urchin Sizes

Use the 19mm Kraken for a compact finesse Texas rig, the 20mm Sinking Kraken for a naturally weighted profile and the 25mm Kraken when you want a larger target.

Hook Size

Start with 3/0 for 19mm, 4/0 for 20mm and 5/0 for 25mm. Shop the matching American Bait & Tackle Company Urchin Hook & Frog Hook.

How to Fish It

Pitch to the target, let the rig reach bottom and watch the line. Shake it in place, make one or two short hops, then move to the next high-percentage spot. Set the hook after reeling down and feeling the fish.

Best Texas-Rig Cover

• Hydrilla and grass holes.
• Lily-pad stems.
• Docks and cables.
• Laydowns and brush.
• Points and offshore structure.

Final Texas-Rig Tip

Keep the bait straight. A twisted rig spins, catches cover and looks unnatural. For more rigging options, read 5 Ways to Fish an Urchin Bait.