I've never fished a T-rig before :-[

Basically, what techniques work best? Also, i'm not sure how to go about setting the hook.

Here you go link to short video that explains the basics

http://www.associatedcontent.com/video/13450/how_to_rig_a_plastic_bass_worm_texas.html

I pretty much know how to setup a T-rig.....i'm just not sure how to fish it or how to set the hook.

I've fished with mostly spinners and buzzbaits so fishing with soft plastics is all new to me  :-?

for me i hold the rod at a very slight upward angle and pull it up to a 45.then bring it down to the slight angle again while reeling in the slack line,vary the speed between each time you raise the pole but for me i do it quikly about every 3-5 seconds but when its very cold or hot i fish it much slower.for setting the hook i wait until i can feel/see the fish take the worm and swim off with it before i set the hook,dont set it while the fish is just tapping it.cast near any vegitation like grass,bushes,tree, or sumurged branches,even in open water at times

for me i hold the rod at a very slight upward angle and pull it up to a 45.then bring it down to the slight angle again while reeling in the slack line,vary the speed between each time you raise the pole but for me i do it quikly about every 3-5 seconds but when its very cold or hot i fish it much slower.for setting the hook i wait until i can feel/see the fish take the worm and swim off with it before i set the hook,dont set it while the fish is just tapping it.cast near any vegitation like grass,bushes,tree, or sumurged branches,even in open water at times

Thanks for the tips   8-)

Now if i can only put down the buzz and spinnerbaits for a bit i might just catch bigger fish  ;D

I was introduced to the Texas Rig back in 1972 while the equipment has changed the technique is still the same. The Texas Rig was originally designed to fish a plastic worm but today it is used with any type of soft plastic.

The Texas Rig and deep water (15' +) structure

1) Make a long cast

2) Strip 3 or 4 arms length of line, this will assure a vertical fall

3) Count the bait down, 15' of water count to 20 to make certain the bait is on the bottom, do it in your head if need be

4) Pause a good 30 seconds after the bait reaches bottom

5) Lower your rod to the 3 o'clock position while reeling slack & feel for anything unusual

6) Move the rod from 3 o'clock to 1 o'clock in three motions

7) Pause 30 seconds & feel for anything unusual

8) Repeat 5, 6, & 7 all the way back to the boat

9) If at any time you feel a noticeable tap, tug, line tighten, heaviness, or see line movement.

10) Without hesitation drop the rod, reel the slack, and set the hook

Now if i can only put down the buzz and spinnerbaits for a bit ;D

I can almost guarantee, you'll start catching even more fish if you're able to put down those buzz and spinner baits once in awhile!  

Adding plastics to your bass arsenal is an absolute must. Have fun!

The key to fishing a worm is slow.  I have been texas rigging all this week and have done very well.  I raise the tip of my pole very slow.  I know the patience level will take some practice after using spinners and buzz baits.  When I notice I am going to fast I will cast out and close my eyes and concentrate on my retreval techneque.  It helps me to slow down.  When you get the tap tap I usually pause to see if the fish picks it up.  If you see slack start to build up or your line going to one side lower rod reel in slack and set hook. Good luck.

I was introduced to the Texas Rig back in 1972 while the equipment has changed the technique is still the same. The Texas Rig was originally designed to fish a plastic worm but today it is used with any type of soft plastic.

The Texas Rig and deep water (15' +) structure

1) Make a long cast

2) Strip 3 or 4 arms length of line, this will assure a vertical fall

3) Count the bait down, 15' of water count to 20 to make certain the bait is on the bottom, do it in your head if need be

4) Pause a good 30 seconds after the bait reaches bottom

5) Lower your rod to the 3 o'clock position while reeling slack & feel for anything unusual

6) Move the rod from 3 o'clock to 1 o'clock in three motions

7) Pause 30 seconds & feel for anything unusual

8) Repeat 5, 6, & 7 all the way back to the boat

9) If at any time you feel a noticeable tap, tug, line tighten, heaviness, or see line movement.

10) Without hesitation drop the rod, reel the slack, and set the hook

Do you use any kind of weight when t-rigging at this depth level? or do you fish it weightless??

Now if i can only put down the buzz and spinnerbaits for a bit i might just catch bigger fish

If you really want to learn how to use a new bait, go fishing with only that setup.

I use a 3/16 oz or 1/4 oz