The Texas Rig was originally developed for fishing soft-plastic baits in weed-filled waters for largemouth bass, but works equally well in the salt. The sliding bullet weight provides casting distance and gives the bait a tantalizing darting, diving action as it’s worked through the water. Meanwhile, the hook point remains hidden inside the soft-plastic body, where it can’t snag weeds and obstructions. On the strike, the hook must be set firmly to pull the point through the bait and into the fish’s jaw. If you don’t want the bullet weight to slide on the line, it can be held in place with the end of a toothpick.
The Texas Rig works great for a variety of species, including snook, striped bass, seatrout, redfish, weakfish, flounder, sea bass, calico bass, cobia, tripletail, grouper and even permit and bonefish. Virtually any type of soft-plastic bait can be “Texas-rigged,” but long, slender designs such as worms, grubs, and slugs are favored by many anglers.
Step 1 Thread line through bullet weight and tie on hook. Pack a selection of weights to account for different depths and current flow.
Step 2 Run hook point through tip of bait.
Step 3 Pull hook all the way through bait. Invert hook so that point is facing toward bait.
Step 4 Insert hook point into bait body.
Step 5 Pull on line to draw hook eye inside bait.
