Pretty simple question. Thought about just T-rigging it but with it being such a long bait I was afraid it would not get to the hook before I swung on it. So how and what size hook should I try on it? Certain type of rod/line I should pair up for these?

I wouldn't worry too much about the bait being too long. From what I've heard, a 2 lb bass have no problems engulfing a 12" worm. So a 9" jellyworm should be a piece of cake. I would however try to use a 5/0 or 6/0 hook with that worm. I don't have any suggestions on the line. Perhaps someone else will chime in on that.

From my experience it’s not the length of the hook that is significant, it’s the gap.  I consistently fish big worms using a 4/0 or 5/0 hook, typically an EWG style; however, I also use what are referred to as worm hooks.  I do take advice I received from this forum to ensure the gap is at least twice the size of the worm diameter to ensure it will penetrate the worm and embed itself in the fish’s jaw.  I’ve caught a lot more two- to three-pound bass than slobs and they have no problem engulfing the worm. A few guys have pointed out that a bass will also most likely go for the front of the worm because instinctively they know it is easier to swallow prey head first. Can’t prove it, but it does make sense.  (Just for the record I really like Zoom Ol’ Monsters (10- and 12-inch) and Culprit (10- and 12- inch) especially in the summer.). Will be interested in reading others’ responses since these are one of my favorites!

 

As for line, due to the fairly “mucky” bottoms and the weeds in local lakes I use 30-pound braid with 12-pound flourocarbon or mono leaders.  Probably overkill but it’s comforting to me.

A 9" jelly worm isn't a very big bait. A 5/0 EWG will work just fine. I fish a YUM Mighty worm quite a bit (10.5" and about twice as thick as the jelly worm), with a 7/0 EWG monster worm hook. I've caught plenty of bass barely longer than the worm eat them with no problems. Regular T rig gear works just fine. 

37 minutes ago, Bluebasser86 said:

A 9" jelly worm isn't a very big bait. A 5/0 EWG will work just fine. I fish a YUM Mighty worm quite a bit (10.5" and about twice as thick as the jelly worm), with a 7/0 EWG monster worm hook. I've caught plenty of bass barely longer than the worm eat them with no problems. Regular T rig gear works just fine. 

1/4 or 3/8 tungsten for our waters around here? FC or braid? Recommend bc set up or spinning for this presentation?

1 minute ago, pauldconyers said:

1/4 or 3/8 tungsten for our waters around here? FC or braid? Recommend bc set up or spinning for this presentation?

I use a 1/4oz for the jelly worm with fluoro. Baitcaster for sure. 

What # fluoro would you recommend? I'd assume a reel on the faster side? What rod characteristics would you point me to?

15 is what I use for most of my T rig rods, anywhere between a 7.1 to a 9.1, whatever you like to use. A MH/F in whatever length you like, mine are mostly 7- 7.5'. 

4 minutes ago, Bluebasser86 said:

15 is what I use for most of my T rig rods, anywhere between a 7.1 to a 9.1, whatever you like to use. A MH/F in whatever length you like, mine are mostly 7- 7.5'. 

Once again thanks for sharing some knowledge with me!

I go with a straight shank hook for the Jelly worms. I think I use a 4/0 Gamakatsu round bend and add some shrink wrap as a bait keeper like they have on the roboworm rebarb hooks. I'm usually using a 1/4oz tungsten weight but Ill even rig them as a splitshot rig sometimes. 

Rule of thumb is you want the hook gap to be at least twice the plastic's thickness.  Weight depends on desired rate of descent.  Also, I fish lighter on mucky bottoms.  You can go weightless.  I use braid to leader, 50/20, but I fish gnarly stuff.  You don't want braid around rock or shell. I also like straight copolymer. The reason for high speed reels is to get them out before they bury up in cover.  Hope this helps.

I bought three hundred 8 inch blue jelly worms because they were so cheap . I dont even know the size hook i  use on them , i just know they are sufficient .A 4.0 or 5.0 I presume .Texas rigged, bass eat them like candy.

I fish the grape colored 9" worms with a 4/0 hook and weightless if there is no wind.

18 hours ago, Bluebasser86 said:

A 9" jelly worm isn't a very big bait. A 5/0 EWG will work just fine.

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