I've always used general purpose rods that can be used for more than one kind of fishing. I have also always been pretty unproductive fishing T Rig plastic worms. Either I completely lack the ability, or I just need a better rod. Being a fisherman, the obvious solution is a new rod.

I have been looking at the advice given in various videos and articles and the general consensus is 7' MH or H Fast action. But, this is always mentioned in the context of mono or fluoro line. I think I want to fish braid with a fluoro leader. Given the lack of stretch in braid should I back down on the power and go with a Medium rod?

Should I just admit I am a plastic worm dufus and not waste the money?

Don't stress about getting the right rod, reel, etc. I am still catching fish on a rod purchased in 1992(!)

It's not the gear that catches fish...it's the fisherman.

All those videos and articles you are reading...they are designed to do one thing...separate you from your money. Gear manufactures win when you buy stuff. The "technique specific" rods, reels, whatnot...just clever marketing tricks to get us buy more stuff.

I do have some newer rods and reels. It's fun to do the research, ask around, read articles, watch videos, and don't get me wrong, it's nice get new gear. But don't stress about it.

My absolute favorite combo is a Cabela's C44x CDH 602, six foot casting rod, 8-17lb test, 1/4-5/8 oz lure weigh. I've paired it with a Shimano Citica CI-200. I'm running PowerPro 20lb bright yellow braid to 10lb fluoro. I tie on a 3/16 oz. tungsten weight, a 3/0 Gama EWG hook, and the same Berkeley 7" of 10" blue-fleck power worm. Yep, I have been fishing this same set up for 33+ years...and still catching fish.

Watch videos, try new things, experiment. You will find a way to catch fish on t-rigged soft plastics.

And if you don't, that's okay. I've been trying to find my groove with a jig-n-pig for 30+ years...it's never been my thing...would rather toss the power worm : )

I’m a braid to floro fisherman and mostly fish in MI. My favorite worm rods are shimano PA 6’11 M+/F and Diawa 7’ steez M+/XF. So light powered MH or a bit more powerful M seems to be my wheelhouse. I fish worms mostly in thick grass and find XF tips are better for snaking standard to small trigs thru the slop and find a F or slightly stiffer tip to be best for 6-10” worms. Fishing a clean bottom probably wouldn’t matter in this distinction.

scott

Pretty much any MH/F rod will do the trick. Whether it's fluoro, straight braid or braid to leader. With braid you just don't have to set the hook as hard if you don't want to.

3 hours ago, DaubsNU1 said:

All those videos and articles you are reading...they are designed to do one thing...separate you from your money.

Learn to line watch, you can use a clear blue/fl line in a co-poly or mono or a bright braid if you prefer. Certainly a rod with high sensitivity is also useful. Watching your line is still the best way to detect a plastic worm bite in my experience. Fingers on the line is very useful particularly at nighttime,especially with jig fishing. WRB’s favorite bite detector..

Also I want to add something else, contrary to popular belief, a clear blue line will not deter a bite from large, largemouth bass 😎

4 hours ago, SJS said:

Should I just admit I am a plastic worm dufus and not waste the money?

Don't waste your money but you are not a plastic worm dufus. You don't need a new rod you need time on the water. The next three months are prime time to learn to fish a Texas Rig. Fish docks, fish the bank and just keep casting till you figure it out.

I 100% agree with @NorthernBasser

Comfort is king. You want it to disappear in your hands. Match your line to your hook diameter.

Are you on shore or in a boat/kayak? I think a 6’6”-7’ standard MHF rod is perfect for t-rigging worms or creature baits.

Nothing says summer bassin’ more to me than a texas-rigged electric grape or blue fleck power worm on 12-14lb green trilene xt in heavy cover!

There’s just something about working a Texas rig, feeling the bottom, sunken logs, etc., and then feeling that tap-tap.

8 hours ago, SJS said:

Should I just admit I am a plastic worm dufus and not waste the money?

Don't be down on yourself, I'm also a plastic worm dufus.

I bought a really nice combo to throw 10" worms etc. and haven't done it once.

It always has a jig on it.

This summer, I'm doing it though!

2 hours ago, JonB2 said:

Are you on shore or in a boat/kayak? I think a 6’6”-7” standard MHF rod is perfect for t-rigging worms or creature baits.

I'm fishing from the bank on several small ponds. All shallow and the structure underwater, if any, other than the bank drop off is a mystery. In these ponds I have caught one large bass, and the rest are either 8" +/-, or 12" +/-.

I was sort of kidding about being a fishing dufus (though I am in other areas). I have caught bass on a t-rig and caught a small one today, but it is rare and I keep reading that it is everyone's go to technique.

Strangely, because it is so similar, I do catch a lot on the Ted Rig. Currently the Ted rig is out fishing everything else.

Being in tune with your rig and what bites feel like will improve your worm fishing. Be the worm.

Since you seem to be productive with the Ted, why not try a Neko?