Im new to the whole wacky rig layout.....But I am going to try it on a May trip this year.....2 questions:

1. Has anybody used the "O" rings for this setup or do you just hook the worm itself?

2. What colors have you guys had success with....and fish species? I have read about people catching walleye, northern and small mouth with it....

Thanks

T

I do things a bit different than most. I like a small circle hook paired with a bright colored worm when wacky rig fishing. This way I watch the bait as it falls and can see if a fish takes it. Once I see it move (usually to the side) I'll lower my rod tip to the opposite direction and reel...no hook set. This ensures a good corner of the mouth hook up with very low risk of gut hooking.

Specifically to your questions:

1. Haven't used them...I don't like the angle that they put the hook at. I like the hook perpendicular to the worm.

2. I use white or pink senkos. It's a great smaller tactic...especially as a follow up to a missed topwater strike.

no O rings here, dark colors in clear water.

The wacky worm was something I've never tried until last summer in the BW. I didn't know any different so I went with the o-ring and it seemed to work fine. I was using the 4" worms and the bass were inhaling them. As far as color I like white, pumpkinseed and some more white.

1) I have used two styles of o- rings. If you use just an o-ring the hook goes the same way as the worm. If you use a figure 8 o-ring they hook goes opposite the worm. I find better hook sets with the figure 8 style. You will need a tool to install the o-rings. As far as color, I find the watermelon or pumpkin color the best.

Never tried them until last year. Had my 7 year old do this rig because of suggestions on this site. Very simple rig. White 4" produced the best for him. We just hooked it in the middle with the hook, but I heard the O rings you can get more use out of the wacky worm--pretty much one decent smally and the Senko was worthless after that. Went through more than I thought we would.

I wouldn't count on them for walleye or northern. I am sure you will certainly catch some on a wacky rig but they seem more geared towards bass IMHO.

T

We use scented blue five inch wackys with a yellow tip, no O ring.

Work best for bass but also for northern...

White in dark, dark in clear, with O ring because I am cheap. I try for at least 10 fish per worm. I've seen days when Senkos are fish candy and days when they don't care.

All of the above advice is good. I like the o-ring because it does extend Senko life. It looks like I'll have to try white this year. I am partial to watermelon with black flake or green pumpkin with black flake. On hooks, I use the Owner mosquito or Owner mosquito circle for the reasons that SV laid out. The folks on this board helped me sharpen my technique a lot last year. I think I was missing quite a few fish on this rig. Watch your line and really be vigilant. You may not feel anything. I have caught walleye on this rig, but I think as bonus fish. For me (and i think most) it is a bass rig.

I have tried the O rings, but I felt like I missed fish with them because the way it places the hook. I also don't use the original Senkos because they're pricey and way too fragile. I think the YUM Dinger and Bass Pro Shops Stick O work just as well, are way more durable, and cost much less. I've done well with them in the BWCA in dark melon, baby bass swirl, and white pearl. I think a lot of colors would work though. I'm planning on trying green/orange laminate, green pumpkin and pumpkinseed this year.

I actually had my best success with them fishing them under a slip float around rocky reefs and drop offs. The slight chop on the water would wiggle the ends of the bait and with the bait suspended right in their faces, the fish couldn't resist. I've also found with this technique, you will miss fish if you try a big hook set. Just reel into the fish and do a gentle sweep set. Those super sharp, fine wire hooks will penetrate easily doing this, and you aren't pulling the bait out of the fish's mouth.

Christophersons Bait in Alexandria, MN makes their own version and sells them in bags of 100. A bag lasts more than one summer for my son and me.

Instead of o-rings, I tried some hair-ties that my wife has. Black, slightly stretchy rubber/plastic, long enough for multiple wraps so the hook can be perpendicular to the worm. Used a hard plastic tube for the tool.
Seemed to work well.

I have used rubber bands for o rings and have gone without. I use a Gami finesse wide gap hook. Hands down, THE best presentation for shallow Bowfin:)

On a side note; I tried a wacky rigged senko while sight fishing for Walleyes this winter through the ice. Every fish that came in smashed it! It was an incredible giggle fest and something I will be trying again.

I always use black or green.

I almost always use these.
http://www.basspro.com/Bass-Pro-Shops-Flickin-Shimmy-Jigheads/product/10209898/
And these.
http://www.basspro.com/Bass-Pro-Shops-Flick-n-Shimmy-Worms/product/10208036/?cmCat=CROSSSELL_PRODUCT
But the Elaztech versions last longer, so they'll be my go to this year. Black with blue flakes and green pumpkin (ie, brown) cover 90% of conditions, but I also like white/green, june bug, plum (hot color recently), bubble gum and about a billion other variations.
5" is my usual model, but I like 4" in the BW. Think leech.
The key is letting the bait shimmy down to the bottom. Twitch. Lift and let it shimmy back down. Watch your line, because the lack of a heavy weight means you'll rarely feel the strike.
If you're using spinning gear, keep your rod tip up to reduce loops on the spool.

When I throw a wacky worm this is what I do. You can use different colors to match the color of your bait if you like.

quote Arlo Pankook: "I have used rubber bands for o rings and have gone without. I use a Gami finesse wide gap hook. Hands down, THE best presentation for shallow Bowfin:)

On a side note; I tried a wacky rigged senko while sight fishing for Walleyes this winter through the ice. Every fish that came in smashed it! It was an incredible giggle fest and something I will be trying again.

I always use black or green. "

Nice dogfish!Those things put up a good fight.

Thanks guys for the info on wacky rigs.....just getting a little practice in yesterday in texas..... watermelon blabk flake with an o ring....thanks guys.

Travis