I'm looking for an ideal set-up for throwing a wacky-rig.  Everyone has their own special mod; I'm curious if anyone has ever experimented with hook orientation.  Has anyone noticed if there's a better hook-up ratio with the hook perpendicular to the worm instead of parallel?

 

Any fans of the Wacky Saddle or Never Slip bait tape? 

 

What size / brand of hook?  I've tried thin metal weed guards, but I've lost fish with these.  Has anyone else had this problem?  I've even bought wacky-rig hooks with mono-line weed guards (the line was too thick and still caught a lot of grass. 

BassResource member Wayne P. is about the most knowledgeable person I know in this regard. See the following article he wrote for specifics: http://www.bigindianabass.com/big_indiana_bass/a-better-wacky-rigging-method.html

 

-T9

I'm looking for an ideal set-up for throwing a wacky-rig.  NO SUCH THING. DEPENDS ON THE DAY, TIME AND A LOT OF VARIABLES.

 

Everyone has their own special mod; I'm curious if anyone has ever experimented with hook orientation. YES.

 

  Has anyone noticed if there's a better hook-up ratio with the hook perpendicular to the worm instead of parallel? SOMETIMES, DEPENDING ON THE HOOK SIZE AND WHERE YOU WILL BE THROWING THE BAIT.

 

Any fans of the Wacky Saddle or Never Slip bait tape? - NOPE. SHRINK TUBEING WORKS GREA AND IT IS CHEAP.

 

What size / brand of hook? - 1 OR 1/0

 

  I've tried thin metal weed guards, but I've lost fish with these.  Has anyone else had this problem? NOPE. WORK FOR ME.

 

I've even bought wacky-rig hooks with mono-line weed guards (the line was too thick and still caught a lot of grass. WASTE OF MONEY.

 

THERE ARE NO RIGHT OR WRONG WAYS TO SET UP YOUR WACKY RIG. YOU CAN EVEN USE A TRICK OR FINESSE WORM AND FISH THOSE WACKY.

 

JUST GO OUT THERE AND EXPERIMENT AND SOONER OR LATER YOU WILL FIND THE PROPER SETUP THAT YOU LIKE.

 

IT HAS TAKEN ME MANY YEARS TO PREFECT THE WACKY RIG AND I STILL CHANGE IT AROUND FROM TIME TO TIME.

I've tried it both ways and find that when the hook is parallel to the worm body I get better hook ups. It seems that when perpendicular, the worm balls up on the hook more often. However, I'm using 1/0 circle hooks.

I use the Eco Pro Tungsten Wacky Weights. They help keep the hook perpendicular to the worm and help the worm last longer. They also add just enough weight to help fish a wacky rig in a little more wind and/or a little deeper. As for a hook, I'll use a Trokar 2/0 weedless wacky hook unless I'm fishing pretty open water and then I'll just use a regular circle hook.