Does anybody else do this? I ususally use 3/0 weighted swimbait hooks with 8-12 inch ribbontail worms. The spring thingy at the eye of the hook helps prevent the plastic head from slipping (big negative when using regular worm hooks), while the weight at the bottom of the hook helps improve casting distance a lot.

I have tried it for a few cast. It just was to slow for the way I was fishing that day and I went back to a slip sinker. I will give it another go some day. 

pretty common way to rig plastics and i think there is name for it but i am not sure.  I have been doing it with craws for years when chasing smallies.  It definitely provides a different presentation.

Rage rig is very effective

Rage rig is very effective

 

d**n.... I knew it had a name lol. It just escaped the top of my head

It's a Rage rig when used with Rage soft plastics, otherwise it's a keel weight hook rig.

Gamakatsu, Moaner and Owner all make this hook with and without keel weights to size 6/0.

This style of hook usually have heavy XXX wire and need strong line to get effective hook sets.

The Owner #5132-151 size 5/0 works good for big worms without a keel weight using a sliding bullet sinker.

Tom

I dont like the keel weights on my worms

I just feel the fish may be able to see them as a bit unnatural

I work worms generally superslow I am paranoid about fishes going up to them and closely inspecting them

I have had quite a bit of success rigging Senkos and other stick baits on them this year. And this is the first year I've even attempted to fish with Senkos. So there's that.

for 10'' or bigger worms i use Owner oversize worm hook in 7/0 , if i need weight , i peg a bullet weight . i like i slimmer hook profile on big worms and the 7/0 worm hooks from Owner are mandatory ! i fish big worms atop submerged grass and using big wide gap hooks catch too much grass ..

I really like it for craws worms and smaller shad swim baits.It seems to hang up alot less.I use the owner with the adjustable weight.You can adjust how bait sits on the bottom and how it falls.

If what you like is the screw lock they also make them unweighted with screw locks if you didn't know. They also make obes with pins. They have a place I am sure but I haven't spent much time with them. Actually probably worms as they go a good 1" or better in the bait. Owner VMC and mustard all make hooks with adjustable weights.

I use weighted hooks a LOT with creature baits - especially RT Structure Bugs.  I do use them for worms at times, but I won't hesitate to go back to 'regular' texas rig if it isn't working.  My wife was outfishing me by a LOT a couple of weeks ago on a smallie river by throwing 4 and 5 inch stick worms on weighted EWG while I was trying hard to prove that everything else in the bag wasn't as good.

I'm with ya on the screw holding plastics tight. and they don't tear apart during battles.  I buy Mustad 60 degree jig hooks in bulk b/c they're stout and cheap, then just attach a Do-it Hitching Post.  Peg a bullet if you need weight. Works great for punching also. you can flip/pitch endlessly w/o the beaver slipping or tearing.