I sat down with Drew Cook to talk about Wintertime Worm Techniques, and he spilled the beans!

 

 

Thanks Glenn.

I've been known to drag a lizard or two during winter months. 

Something I've been experimenting with this winter is a Carolina rig.  Only I'm using about 12-16" of #10 mono and a 1/0 dropshot hook with either a floating trick worm or Z-man Ned rig worm and a 1 oz. weight.  It seems to be working pretty well in the muddy bottoms I'm fishing.  The heavy weight allows me to fish it from the bank and still access deep water.  And the slightly floating, or slightly sinking worm stays just above the bottom where bass can find it.  I'll try it out first to see if the worm floats or sinks.  If it sinks, I'll hop it slowly like a jig or T-rig.  If it floats, I'll pull it slowly like a C-rig.  Either way, you have to constantly keep the line tight to feel any bites.  It's about the only way I can buy a bite from the bank.  

I enjoy anchoring up and dragging a Carolina rig. I usually retrieve it as slowly as possible, and then try to go a little slower than that. I take three to five minutes to retrieve a cast. Being anchored really helps to stay very connected and focused on detecting the subtlest bite. Sometimes I even close my eyes during the retrieve and just focus. 

 

Leader length from three to five feet long. Fishing the C-Rig with these guys is my default. Baits can vary quite a bit. However, the Keitech 4" Swing Impact, which is generally regarded as a swimbait, is my go-to default.

 

 

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