Texas Rig
Also called: Texas-rigged worm
The standard weedless way to rig a soft plastic: a sliding bullet weight, an offset hook, and the hook point buried in the bait.
- Type
- Rigs & Setups
- Target fish
- Bass
- Skill
- Takes some practice
- Depth
- Bottom
- Best seasons
- All seasons
Note: Some states restrict or ban lead sinkers and split shot in certain waters, so check your state's rules and consider tungsten, steel, or other non-lead options.
When it works best
- In weeds, brush, and timber that would snag other rigs.
- When bass hold in cover and want a slow bait.
- With worms, creature baits, and craws.
How to fish it
- Slide a bullet weight onto the line, point toward the rod, and tie on an offset worm hook.
- Push the hook point into the head of the plastic and out the side, then slide the plastic up over the eye.
- Turn the hook and push the point back into the plastic so it lies flat and buried.
- Cast to cover, let it sink, and hop it slowly along the bottom.
- Reel down and set the hook with a firm sweep when you feel weight.
Tips
- Peg the weight in place with a rubber bobber stopper for thick weeds.
- Use a lighter weight to fall slowly and a heavier one to punch through cover.
Common mistakes
- Leaving the hook point exposed, so the rig snags.
- Setting the hook too softly.
- Using too much weight.
Gear
A medium-heavy rod with a fast tip and 12- to 20-pound line is common.
Often confused with
- Carolina rig: puts the weight above a swivel and a longer leader, so the bait floats behind it.
Fish it catches
Field notes
The Texas rig is the most-used soft plastic rig because it is nearly weedless. Learning to rig it neatly, with the point buried, is the key.
Related guides
What works varies by water, season, and the fish that day, so use this as a starting point. Regulations on live bait, hook type and number, lead tackle, and baitfish transport differ by state and water body. Check your state's current fishing rules; our state resources directory links to each state's official regulations and license portal.