If there's one thing I've learned over the years of fishing, it's that bass learn what anglers are throwing at them.

Keeping a fresh, new presentation can trigger strikes when they are otherwise lethargic.

I've only recently delved into nail weights, but now they are a permanent part of my tackle box.

**TIP** If you can't find any nail weights in the stores, you can make your own.

I go to the local hardware store and buy a box of wide-thread screws. I take a pair of dikes and cut the last 3/4" off from the tip of the screw (the pointed end).

I believe I found some screws made of yellow zinc that I was able to cut into and bend, until they gave a nice, clean break.

I prefer wide-thread screws over nails, because they hold much better in place.

What to do with them:

If you are fishing a wacky-rigged worm (Zoom trick worms work great!), try sticking a nail weight in the head of the worm. This gives an awesome display, as the left-half of the worm is dangling downwards, and the right-half of the worm dangles upwards.

Try going with a Texas-rigged french fry, and stick a nail weight in the bottom of the worm (furthest from the hook). No bullet weight on top.

As you lift your rod, the worm will go up a bit and then fall down and back, potentially right back towards the bass that was sitting there watching it. Irresistable!

If you have found any other effective tricks with nail wieghts, feel free to contribute.

Paneling nails have little ridges that hold just as good as screws & are cheaper

I use insertable weights with Ragetail shads and toads on windy days so I can cast further.