While I like to use topwater lures when fishing just for the thrill of it, if I want to be sure to catch fish, I use plastic worms. Did you know plastic worms have won more B.A.S.S. tournaments than all the other lures combined?

There are a variety of plastic worms and most have a specific purpose for the type of their tail. Some are flat tails, some are curly tails and many other varieties. Here are some places to use worms and what they can do for you.

• Floating Worm…I use this worm in shallow water and mainly in the spring. I use no weight whatsoever and like to use it when the fish just start thinking about spawning. 

   

• Stick Worm…..I use this worm in 60-70 degree water. If you use it whacky style it will vibrate on both ends. 

   

• Paddle Tail…..This is one of my favorite shallow water lures. When I fish vegetation I use long casts and just reel it back in slowly. 

   

• Gator Tail…This is also a shallow water worm that I use in the summer. It’s also great on streams and rivers. 

   

• Curly Tail….I use this worm in the summer around stumps, docks, timber, lily pads and it’s one of my favorite when I fish deep water to 20 feet. 

   

• Straight Tail…This is one of my favorites for docks, timber and brush. I have found it doesn’t wrap around brush like most worms do. 

   

• French Fry….I always carolina rig a french fry and use it in clearer water. The action of this is amazing when you move your line and the weight comes up the line. 

   

• Ribbon Tail…I read about 30 years ago of people fishing with a 10 inch ribbontail at night. I’m here to tell you this works, I have caught some nice bass on a big ribbontail. I use a regular ribbontail when fishing 10-15 feet of water too.

If you like to worm fish now, try some of the types of worms above for specific conditions. I think you’ll like the results.