Great pro tips Matt. It’s crazy to think…what if you didn’t do just one of these small things during the tourney? It could have cost you the win. Most folks don’t realize how much attention to detail you guys put in to your craft, well done. And thanks for sharing with the general public, it gets the wheels turning for sure.
Thank you Matt... another excellent video on details. On windy days Ill also add a screw in very small tail spinner blade ( to tail end of wacky worm) either in colorado or willow leaf shape. It adds just enough weight and flash on really windy days. Also adds an appeal to bass that their not used to seeing. Can be good for straight worming and flipping and punching cover also. Tim Nelson
I have been fish a Wacky rig a ton lately. One thing I have been doing I take a dye marker and put a dot where my hook goes through. It gives the something to home in on. Congrats on a great win
Thanks for sharing these tips! I turn to a wacky rig when the bite gets tough, but I sure didn't think about using nail weight in the center or some of the other tips you gave for dealing with wind. You are Awesome Matt! It makes me so happy to see you win that tournament. I believe that we'll see many more 1st place finishes from you in events among the best.
Man the wacky is definitely my confidence bait, I really can’t head out without one! I like to use a zoom trick worm, California 420, sometimes with a weight and some time without. Thanks for giving us all the juice 🎣
Congratulations on your well deserved WIN. So awesome to watch you for so long and see you apply all the tips to win a Big Tourney. Can’t wait to see you on the Elites.
I was wondering if you have ever tried this tip: I have had issues in the past with my worm’s getting torn apart a lot so I started prerigging them with a 3/8” diameter, 1/2” long piece of clear heat shrink tubing. I insert the worm into the tubing, apply a quick flame to it and the heat shrink tubing tightens around the worm. I then insert my hook through the tubing and the worm. This worm is now nearly indestructible and lasts a LONG time, probably longer than you want. Try it. It will save you a boatload of worms.
Spot on. I got a lot of bites after ripping away from the grass to clear the bait off. it seemed like the slick calm days they would come out and bite on that secondary fall after all the commotion. Great solution but slow paced! Congratulations Matt!
Gratz on the win!! Well deserved. I know you have sponsors, but you could have used the most popular stick brand that sinks a lot faster. I make my own sticks and use a different sink additive than salt so they don't lose any durability. I can make them as soft and sink any rate I want.
Thanks for the tips! I frequent pool 8 many times each summer and going back next week. Already picked up some more maxscent products as well! They where killing the lil general the other week but gonna try some more wacky rigging this trip.
Ever since I started fishing a wacky rig I always use a VMC wacky jig head, either 1/16 or 1/8oz. I've never tried weightless. I guess I should try weightless sometime.
Matt. Awesome, congratulations on the win and thanks for sharing your knowledge. It's really incredible that you do this! You've asked for tips, so here's one, something that's worked for me is a nail weight with a skirt when they are taking it off the bottom and not eating the traditional wacky the way you may have expected, especially if you get a short strike or a bass looking and turning away, sometimes this is the ticket. I believe the movement of the skirt while keeping the worm dead on the bottom may be what puts them in the boat.
Great play by play of your thinking and tournament strategy. Really appreciate your transparency. All of your methods can be implemented by us weekend warriors. Blessings to you Matt!
I've done it with green pumpkin and purple fleck. Gives a little subtle difference but similar color of green sunfish. I always try to match the hatch, and it usually works well. I also rig the wacky worms like a Texas rig and sometimes add weight. Other times, I let it slowly sink for a different presentation. Either way has caught me fish.
Matt, I use an owner mosquito size 1 when wacky rigging. I add split shot weights above the knot on the hook as needed due to water depth and wind. I can take it off whenever i want as condtions change. Hope it helps
Congratulations on a great win! For me, any type of finesse bait, letting it marinate for a bit is the key to success. Too many guys throw it and start bouncing it right away.
Great tips Matt I like that same hook for the exact same reasons as you mentioned .Huge salmon and trout are caught on little hooks. Also like the spike it for the added scent and flavor .Thanks for sharing .
Matt. You are so spot-on with using a smaller hook on a wacky rig to avoid balls of grass. I dont have a boat, but as a bank angler, this method has proven lethal on my artifical, man made lake here in Northern, Il. I get other anglers asking what am I doing different where I get Bass and they dont. The secret is the 1/0 hook. Too bad that I cannot share pictures here on RUclips but in all my catches, it is a textbook catch and hookset. Congrats again on this accomplishment of winning the Open
I have a color series 7' mh blank and an American Tackle cct apex G2 seat with standard hood. What grip components can I use from mudhole that will match up with this combo?
What a way to end the season💰 Great detailed breakdown on your winning pattern! 🐟 Decoy makes a Worm Holder spring. It is a coil spring that you place in the bait. Simply screw the spring into the worm and around the hook. The bait is almost indestructible! 🐟 On green pumpkin or baby bass colors, I take a black sharpie and color the tail. When you see a small bass in the water the first thing you notice is the black tail.
A stick worm is about the only finesse technique that I use tournament fishing. You certainly understand the bait and make some great points. I use the bait in 3-6” sizes myself, 3 and 5 the most. What size were you using?
Hey Matt great info as always. I fish mostly from the bank and for the past 2 months most of my bites have come on a wacky rig with a green pumpkin and pumpkinseed worms with the tail dipped in chartreuse. And the majority of the bites were in the shade or around wood structure.
The only thing I do different, is to use pieces of nail weight sideways. I think it keeps the flexibility of the bait a little better. I've been sealing them up with my cigar lighter so they never come out too. Matt, you are making all the right adjustments obviously and I couldn't be more pleased to see you headed to redcrest and headed to the Big show next year
Congratulations on your win! I fish in Florida and eelgrass all the time. I like your detailed information on how you caught fish. Can you tell me what pound leader you usually fish and which hook and what size is the smaller one you’re talking about. Hopefully I can use some of this information to catch more fish.
I was throwing a wacky rig the other day out on the water and hooked a big one and got broke off. Was using Berkley 10 lb X9 with a 8 lb flourocarbon leader, think I might have to step up the leader to 10 lb. What are your thoughts on leaders?
Great tips I use a 1/16 oz. Weighted wacky hook sometimes when its windy or there's current when I want ut to fall straight down. Also if you're using something like a yum dinger and want it to fall like a senko that weighted hook makes it do so.
I use cut pieces of a stainless steel rod and insert them into 5" stick worms (directly below the hook) to increase the fall rate and get a little more wobble action as it falls. I prefer the 6" worms because I think they wobble better but adding weight to the shorter ones seems to help.
I prefer 6 inch stick baits too. I won my kayak event on wacky last month. Got 2 over 5lb. I prefer small wide gap hooks for wacky acually. Matts tip about hooking the worm off center and angled is underrated also.
Right on cue I have a tournament Sunday and one of my places has grass to the top and planned on the wacky rig there. Thanks for those extra tips Matt. Once again congratulations
When fishing just like hunting people need to understand instinct that little voice in your head telling you what you should do thank you instinct 👍🎣 congratulations on your win 🏆
I use a weedless VMC neko hook size one or two with the mono weed guards and they are awesome around everything, and always with the VMC crossover rings in 6mm for 5 inch senko
Thank you for the tips! I haven't had a lot of luck with the wacky rig. For whatever reason. I need to give it another go. I know there are a lot of guys using them in my area.
I like inserting a worm rattle in just above where a nail would go for neko rig to give it some sound. Also I like to use green pumpkin, junebug, and white depending on what I am doing. White is what like to follow for topwater. I also like going with a small hook all the time and dying the tip of the tail. The hook I go with is Gamakatsu Finesse Wide Gap Hooks in #1-2 size all the time so I do not loose fish.
Great tutorial on the wacky rig, I will be at Lake of the Ozarks all next week and I will keep all these tips in my head!!!! I love the smaller hook idea you used, I probably would have used a weedless hook and that sounds like it would have been a mistake.
Most of the lakes I fish have current so I like to fish a weighted wacky rig. Just enough to keep it where I want. I have tested the hover ridge and now anytime I want something like it higher in the water column. Core tackle hover rig all the way.
Matt, again, congrats ! That's so awesome. Happy for you. Wacky Rig is something new for me, so thanks for the tip and any tip on that rig. The only thing I've been experiencing with, not sure if it's standard or not, is using an Octopus style hook for the standard size Wacky Rig.
I run those smaller hooks as well and I find even without a weed guard they still come through cover nice. Also I add a split shot to the shank of my hook if I want to add weight but keep it centre on the hook. I just use a dab of super glue and lightly crimp it on.
Hey Matt huge congrats…..I watched a lot of the live this week and was wondering why you chose spinning tackle to present the wacky rig into the eel grass edges and holes vs using a lighter bait casting rod setup? I fish my wacky rig on spinning tackle mostly but when I was watching how you guys were fishing it made me wonder about using a lighter baitcasting setup to allow more control and also to allow for a few more casts or presentations during the course of a fishing day. Good luck and congrats on making the BPT next season!
Depending on the situation and what I'm trying to do, but I do sneek some super light split shot from my fly vest. We're talking at the light side of a 1/64 oz. Sometimes all you need is a little weight. A small finishing nail is an old school solution. I carry a few that are only a half inch long! Push one at each end and you can still hook it in the middle. 😳 Give that one a try Matt.
I've just never had a lot of luck with a wacky rig. I know it works really well because everyone else talks about it and I see guys online just tearing them up with it- but I bet I could count my wacky bass on one hand. I'm going to try it again in the morning- tbh though I've had more luck rigging it weightless on an ewg- Texas rig style. It still falls the same as a wacky rig- but about halfway down it will usually tilt toward the hook end and plane out to bottom. Why that works better for me, no idea- but it seems to. I use JJ's for dye- I'll give that a shot in the morning as well- thanks Matt.
@@MattStefanFishing Do you pull it back up off bottom considerably to let it fall again- or do you just sort of bounce it along bottom- or do you mix it up and do both? I'll check your vids- I bet you've done one on the wacky rig already.
Great video and congrats on the win. I will try your tips. I fish in Connecticut and I have had more luck with the Yamamoto kreature bait (watermelon with black and gold flake 4”) Thanks for all your advice .
Congratulations again Matt! Good stuff. I’ve been fishing a wacky rigged stick bait on spinning gear with braid to a fluorocarbon leader for well over a decade. My biggest on this set up so far is a 7.1 lbs largemouth. Sometimes I add a nail weight if it’s windy or I’m fishing deeper. Sometimes I use an o-ring because it comes through cover better. I use a double uni knot but I’m learning the FG and I’m going to try it. What knot do you use?
Congrats on your win! I told Sonar he needs to buy you a drink next time he sees you!!! I have not caught much on the wacky rig. I have a few Black/Blue & GP generals to which I will be using this weekend on the Ohio River during a BFL Tournament. I will try the hover rig (Core Tackle Hooks) as well in this tournament. I won't win $80K but hopefully win the co-angler side of the house. Thanks for sharing!!!
matt Congrats on this win. I have been using wacky rigging for finesse presentations here in east central AL all summer. Thanks for the tips I am going to be trying the die tip. What do you think of the VMC crossover rings for wacky rigging vs hooking directly through the bait? I have started trying the rings but not sure yet if it is as effective for me as hooking directly through the bait.
Love your channel and this is a great tutorial Matt! I live 2 hours away from Pool 8, and maybe 90 minutes from Pool 9/10. I love throwing the Wacky rig. I was hoping this was my secret. Well, thanks to your win not anymore! Actually I'm sure man guys throw it. I own some Lake Fork Ring Weights. The problem is they are only available in 1/8 oz. I don't use them because of this. That's a bit heavier than what you are throwing. I will try the lighter nail weights I have for my Nekpo rigs. I notice you do not use the wack-O rings. Any particular reason? Thanks and congrats on your win bud!
You should check out the eco pro wacky weight… I love using them when I need a little weight on my wacky rig and they hold your bait on pretty good too.
Stay on the cloud....until it comes time to prep for Redcrest!!! Wondering, when the wind blew, did you try drop-shotting the wacky worm? works pretty well for me
Can you comment on the rod and line you chose for the conditions? I like a ML rod for open hook but with the grass did you go M or MH rod? Line choice? What hook have you settled on with your Wacky RIgs? Still pumped for your win, good TV man, it was fun to watch.
Well done 👍 I would have thought a light spinning rod would have been too weak to throw and fish Senko like sticks. What is the rating (oz) on your rod ? I’m considering trying Senko style baits but I only have a MH bait casting rod , so I will have to invest in a good spinning rod - and reel. Any suggestions? Take care
@@MattStefanFishing Just pulled the trigger on a 7 ft light from mudhole. Going down the rabbit hole. Put it off as long as I could resist. Good job at Redcrest btw.
Thxs for video. Spot on with dying the tail. Just a dab of Chart, Black,or Blue dyes on green pumpkin and watermelon stick baits make huge difference when it's tough out. 👍
Congrats on the dubya Matt! All of my fishing buddies insist that you have to throw the OG yamasenko for wacky rigging to get the most bites due to its salt content and the way it falls. I know you are sponsored by Berkley so there is a certain amount of product promotion you have to do here. Are there situations where you would throw an og senko over the general? Love the subtle chart tip commentary that was the deal at nation regionals on the potomac but i used the spike it garlic chart pen with subtle strokes on sides of all of my baits. Whats the latest with Hank?
i have completely replaced my senkos with maxscent generals...but thats not saying they dont work i just have a TON of confidence in the generals right now
My seven year old grandson taught me hooking the wack rig off center. The closer he’d hook it at the end the more the bait would spiral down on slack line. I hooked him up on the first worm and after about three docks he finally got bit, he hooked up the next worm way off center of course and started catching two or three almost every dock. The fish liked that slight spiral that day
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Congratulations on the win, couldn't have happened to a more deserving guy. Great tips as always.
Much appreciated!
Great pro tips Matt. It’s crazy to think…what if you didn’t do just one of these small things during the tourney? It could have cost you the win. Most folks don’t realize how much attention to detail you guys put in to your craft, well done. And thanks for sharing with the general public, it gets the wheels turning for sure.
ive thought a lot about that
Thank you Matt... another excellent video on details. On windy days Ill also add a screw in very small tail spinner blade ( to tail end of wacky worm) either in colorado or willow leaf shape. It adds just enough weight and flash on really windy days. Also adds an appeal to bass that their not used to seeing. Can be good for straight worming and flipping and punching cover also. Tim Nelson
thanks for sharing!
I have been fish a Wacky rig a ton lately. One thing I have been doing I take a dye marker and put a dot where my hook goes through. It gives the something to home in on. Congrats on a great win
Good stuff
Thanks for sharing these tips! I turn to a wacky rig when the bite gets tough, but I sure didn't think about using nail weight in the center or some of the other tips you gave for dealing with wind. You are Awesome Matt! It makes me so happy to see you win that tournament. I believe that we'll see many more 1st place finishes from you in events among the best.
i hope so!
Man the wacky is definitely my confidence bait, I really can’t head out without one! I like to use a zoom trick worm, California 420, sometimes with a weight and some time without. Thanks for giving us all the juice 🎣
Good stuff!
Congratulations on your well deserved WIN. So awesome to watch you for so long and see you apply all the tips to win a Big Tourney. Can’t wait to see you on the Elites.
Thanks!
I was wondering if you have ever tried this tip: I have had issues in the past with my worm’s getting torn apart a lot so I started prerigging them with a 3/8” diameter, 1/2” long piece of clear heat shrink tubing. I insert the worm into the tubing, apply a quick flame to it and the heat shrink tubing tightens around the worm. I then insert my hook through the tubing and the worm. This worm is now nearly indestructible and lasts a LONG time, probably longer than you want. Try it. It will save you a boatload of worms.
i have tried it and it works, but i prefer my worm to be able to move on the hook and heat shrink locks it in place
very good imfo. I liked the way you explained the whole process.
Spot on. I got a lot of bites after ripping away from the grass to clear the bait off. it seemed like the slick calm days they would come out and bite on that secondary fall after all the commotion. Great solution but slow paced! Congratulations Matt!
Thanks 👍
Gratz on the win!! Well deserved. I know you have sponsors, but you could have used the most popular stick brand that sinks a lot faster. I make my own sticks and use a different sink additive than salt so they don't lose any durability. I can make them as soft and sink any rate I want.
my favorite is the maxscent general. thats what ai chose to use and it won the tourney for me
Excellent video Matt, very detailed, the way every fishing video should be.
thanks!
Congratulations on the win 🏆
Thanks for the tips, always appreciate the videos
Tight lines and Godspeed
Thanks!
Congratulations on the win! Thanks for the tips for a rookie Bass fishing guy.
you bet!
Thanks for the tips! I frequent pool 8 many times each summer and going back next week. Already picked up some more maxscent products as well! They where killing the lil general the other week but gonna try some more wacky rigging this trip.
im jealous!
Ever since I started fishing a wacky rig I always use a VMC wacky jig head, either 1/16 or 1/8oz. I've never tried weightless. I guess I should try weightless sometime.
Yep!
Matt. Awesome, congratulations on the win and thanks for sharing your knowledge. It's really incredible that you do this! You've asked for tips, so here's one, something that's worked for me is a nail weight with a skirt when they are taking it off the bottom and not eating the traditional wacky the way you may have expected, especially if you get a short strike or a bass looking and turning away, sometimes this is the ticket. I believe the movement of the skirt while keeping the worm dead on the bottom may be what puts them in the boat.
very cool!
Great play by play of your thinking and tournament strategy. Really appreciate your transparency. All of your methods can be implemented by us weekend warriors. Blessings to you Matt!
I appreciate that!
Good stuff Matt. The way the dye looks on the black bait definitely looks more natural in the water. Thanks for the tips
yep!
I've done it with green pumpkin and purple fleck. Gives a little subtle difference but similar color of green sunfish. I always try to match the hatch, and it usually works well. I also rig the wacky worms like a Texas rig and sometimes add weight. Other times, I let it slowly sink for a different presentation. Either way has caught me fish.
Sounds great!
Matt,
I use an owner mosquito size 1 when wacky rigging. I add split shot weights above the knot on the hook as needed due to water depth and wind. I can take it off whenever i want as condtions change. Hope it helps
thanks for sharing!
Congratulations on a great win! For me, any type of finesse bait, letting it marinate for a bit is the key to success. Too many guys throw it and start bouncing it right away.
Thanks!
Great tips Matt I like that same hook for the exact same reasons as you mentioned .Huge salmon and trout are caught on little hooks. Also like the spike it for the added scent and flavor .Thanks for sharing .
Thanks!
Matt. You are so spot-on with using a smaller hook on a wacky rig to avoid balls of grass. I dont have a boat, but as a bank angler, this method has proven lethal on my artifical, man made lake here in Northern, Il. I get other anglers asking what am I doing different where I get Bass and they dont. The secret is the 1/0 hook. Too bad that I cannot share pictures here on RUclips but in all my catches, it is a textbook catch and hookset. Congrats again on this accomplishment of winning the Open
thanks for sharing!
I have a color series 7' mh blank and an American Tackle cct apex G2 seat with standard hood. What grip components can I use from mudhole that will match up with this combo?
You’ll need to call mud hole to help with those questions they have great customer support
What a way to end the season💰 Great detailed breakdown on your winning pattern! 🐟 Decoy makes a Worm Holder spring. It is a coil spring that you place in the bait. Simply screw the spring into the worm and around the hook. The bait is almost indestructible! 🐟 On green pumpkin or baby bass colors, I take a black sharpie and color the tail. When you see a small bass in the water the first thing you notice is the black tail.
Thanks for sharing
I watched the event live. It was really cool to see you win, especially after the lock situation!! Congratulations, and thanks for the tips!
Thanks so much!!
Congrats on your well deserved win. Thanks for the dye tips - I often use green dye in these Texas off color waters.
Awesome! Thank you!
Congratulations and thank you for these tips!
Where does one buy that Chartreuse dye?
here is a link to the dye at Tackle Warehouse www.tacklewarehouse.com/Spike_It_Dip-N-Glo_Worm_Dye/descpage-SIDGWD.html?from=MSFG
A stick worm is about the only finesse technique that I use tournament fishing. You certainly understand the bait and make some great points. I use the bait in 3-6” sizes myself, 3 and 5 the most. What size were you using?
5"
Hey Matt great info as always. I fish mostly from the bank and for the past 2 months most of my bites have come on a wacky rig with a green pumpkin and pumpkinseed worms with the tail dipped in chartreuse. And the majority of the bites were in the shade or around wood structure.
Good stuff!
I use a neko hook on my wacky rig , I think that little bit of weight helps. Thanks Matt
Solid idea
Thanks!
Amazing how you dialed in the details to get the win,
thanks!
The only thing I do different, is to use pieces of nail weight sideways. I think it keeps the flexibility of the bait a little better. I've been sealing them up with my cigar lighter so they never come out too. Matt, you are making all the right adjustments obviously and I couldn't be more pleased to see you headed to redcrest and headed to the Big show next year
thanks for sharing!
Congratulations on your win! I fish in Florida and eelgrass all the time. I like your detailed information on how you caught fish. Can you tell me what pound leader you usually fish and which hook and what size is the smaller one you’re talking about. Hopefully I can use some of this information to catch more fish.
i was using a 10 lb leader to 10 lb braid
I was throwing a wacky rig the other day out on the water and hooked a big one and got broke off. Was using Berkley 10 lb X9 with a 8 lb flourocarbon leader, think I might have to step up the leader to 10 lb. What are your thoughts on leaders?
i mainly use 8 lb leaders
Great tips I use a 1/16 oz. Weighted wacky hook sometimes when its windy or there's current when I want ut to fall straight down. Also if you're using something like a yum dinger and want it to fall like a senko that weighted hook makes it do so.
Thanks!
Matt, congrats on the win sir!! Much deserved man.
Thanks!
I use cut pieces of a stainless steel rod and insert them into 5" stick worms (directly below the hook) to increase the fall rate and get a little more wobble action as it falls. I prefer the 6" worms because I think they wobble better but adding weight to the shorter ones seems to help.
I prefer 6 inch stick baits too. I won my kayak event on wacky last month. Got 2 over 5lb. I prefer small wide gap hooks for wacky acually. Matts tip about hooking the worm off center and angled is underrated also.
thanks for sharing
@@MattStefanFishing Well thank you for the awesome content very helpful!
Great information! I appreciate the details you share. Congratulations on your win!! Very well deserved and hope you have many more!
Thanks so much!
Great job! Good information on the wacky rig. I will try these next time out.
Glad it was helpful!
I haven’t given the wacky rig much attention but I plan to use it more and some of these tips will be helpful. Thanks for sharing.
Glad it was helpful!
Right on cue I have a tournament Sunday and one of my places has grass to the top and planned on the wacky rig there. Thanks for those extra tips Matt. Once again congratulations
Have fun!
Thanks for the Hook size and what could be better than watching your tips while the lower unit gear oiled drains out of the lower unit. TC
Glad to help
When fishing just like hunting people need to understand instinct that little voice in your head telling you what you should do thank you instinct 👍🎣 congratulations on your win 🏆
agreed
great video. Thanks. I like the Gama 1/0 finesse wide gap for wacky rigging. I'll try the size 1 to see if it makes a difference for me.
give it a try
I do have spike it with me every trip, but don’t use it every time. Certainly not on the darker colors. Ill give it a try for sure. Thanks Matt
awesome!
I use a weedless VMC neko hook size one or two with the mono weed guards and they are awesome around everything, and always with the VMC crossover rings in 6mm for 5 inch senko
Sounds good
Thank you for the tips! I haven't had a lot of luck with the wacky rig. For whatever reason. I need to give it another go. I know there are a lot of guys using them in my area.
Thanks!
I like inserting a worm rattle in just above where a nail would go for neko rig to give it some sound. Also I like to use green pumpkin, junebug, and white depending on what I am doing. White is what like to follow for topwater. I also like going with a small hook all the time and dying the tip of the tail. The hook I go with is Gamakatsu Finesse Wide Gap Hooks in #1-2 size all the time so I do not loose fish.
Nice!
Great tutorial on the wacky rig, I will be at Lake of the Ozarks all next week and I will keep all these tips in my head!!!! I love the smaller hook idea you used, I probably would have used a weedless hook and that sounds like it would have been a mistake.
i lose fish on weedless hooks
Most of the lakes I fish have current so I like to fish a weighted wacky rig. Just enough to keep it where I want. I have tested the hover ridge and now anytime I want something like it higher in the water column. Core tackle hover rig all the way.
Right on
Matt, again, congrats ! That's so awesome. Happy for you. Wacky Rig is something new for me, so thanks for the tip and any tip on that rig. The only thing I've been experiencing with, not sure if it's standard or not, is using an Octopus style hook for the standard size Wacky Rig.
interesting
I run those smaller hooks as well and I find even without a weed guard they still come through cover nice. Also I add a split shot to the shank of my hook if I want to add weight but keep it centre on the hook. I just use a dab of super glue and lightly crimp it on.
agreed
Hey Matt huge congrats…..I watched a lot of the live this week and was wondering why you chose spinning tackle to present the wacky rig into the eel grass edges and holes vs using a lighter bait casting rod setup? I fish my wacky rig on spinning tackle mostly but when I was watching how you guys were fishing it made me wonder about using a lighter baitcasting setup to allow more control and also to allow for a few more casts or presentations during the course of a fishing day. Good luck and congrats on making the BPT next season!
i could have used baitcasting gear, but i prefer to fish it on spinning gear
Depending on the situation and what I'm trying to do, but I do sneek some super light split shot from my fly vest. We're talking at the light side of a 1/64 oz. Sometimes all you need is a little weight. A small finishing nail is an old school solution. I carry a few that are only a half inch long! Push one at each end and you can still hook it in the middle. 😳 Give that one a try Matt.
thanks for sharing!
I've just never had a lot of luck with a wacky rig. I know it works really well because everyone else talks about it and I see guys online just tearing them up with it- but I bet I could count my wacky bass on one hand. I'm going to try it again in the morning- tbh though I've had more luck rigging it weightless on an ewg- Texas rig style. It still falls the same as a wacky rig- but about halfway down it will usually tilt toward the hook end and plane out to bottom. Why that works better for me, no idea- but it seems to. I use JJ's for dye- I'll give that a shot in the morning as well- thanks Matt.
it works so good!
@@MattStefanFishing Do you pull it back up off bottom considerably to let it fall again- or do you just sort of bounce it along bottom- or do you mix it up and do both? I'll check your vids- I bet you've done one on the wacky rig already.
I do the same thing with the dip n glo on my wacky rigs, definitely seems to help get a few more bites. Do you always use the garlic scented version?
yes
Great information as always. Thanks for all you do and congratulations on your win. Really happy for you and your family!!!
Thanks so much!
VMC crossover ring, do you use this setup?
Nope
Great video and congrats on the win. I will try your tips. I fish in Connecticut and I have had more luck with the Yamamoto kreature bait (watermelon with black and gold flake 4”) Thanks for all your advice .
awesome!
Congratulations! Great in-depth video from great fisherman!
Thanks for watching
I’ve been having a lot of luck with a June bug wacky rig this summer. Also I use drop shot hooks on my wacky rigs.
great!
It sounds like the gusty winds made bait presentation extra challenging. Did you also shorten the length of your casts to reduce the bow in your line?
not really
Did forward facing sonar help in your win?
no
Congratulations again Matt! Good stuff. I’ve been fishing a wacky rigged stick bait on spinning gear with braid to a fluorocarbon leader for well over a decade. My biggest on this set up so far is a 7.1 lbs largemouth. Sometimes I add a nail weight if it’s windy or I’m fishing deeper. Sometimes I use an o-ring because it comes through cover better. I use a double uni knot but I’m learning the FG and I’m going to try it. What knot do you use?
i use the miller knot
@@MattStefanFishing I'll have to try that one. What knot do you use for the braid to fluorocarbon?
Congrats on your win! I told Sonar he needs to buy you a drink next time he sees you!!! I have not caught much on the wacky rig. I have a few Black/Blue & GP generals to which I will be using this weekend on the Ohio River during a BFL Tournament. I will try the hover rig (Core Tackle Hooks) as well in this tournament. I won't win $80K but hopefully win the co-angler side of the house. Thanks for sharing!!!
i like that idea!
matt Congrats on this win. I have been using wacky rigging for finesse presentations here in east central AL all summer. Thanks for the tips I am going to be trying the die tip. What do you think of the VMC crossover rings for wacky rigging vs hooking directly through the bait? I have started trying the rings but not sure yet if it is as effective for me as hooking directly through the bait.
i prefer to hook directly through it
Love your channel and this is a great tutorial Matt! I live 2 hours away from Pool 8, and maybe 90 minutes from Pool 9/10. I love throwing the Wacky rig. I was hoping this was my secret. Well, thanks to your win not anymore! Actually I'm sure man guys throw it. I own some Lake Fork Ring Weights. The problem is they are only available in 1/8 oz. I don't use them because of this. That's a bit heavier than what you are throwing. I will try the lighter nail weights I have for my Nekpo rigs. I notice you do not use the wack-O rings. Any particular reason?
Thanks and congrats on your win bud!
I feel like i get better presentation without the o ring
Great stuff Matt. Quick question….instead of the nail weight do think a flick shake head or a weighted wacky hook??
Nope would have gotten caught in the frass
You should check out the eco pro wacky weight… I love using them when I need a little weight on my wacky rig and they hold your bait on pretty good too.
will do!
Stay on the cloud....until it comes time to prep for Redcrest!!!
Wondering, when the wind blew, did you try drop-shotting the wacky worm?
works pretty well for me
i had one rigged but never needed it
Matt, what spinning reel size do you prefer in most circumstances, a 3000 or 4000?
3000
I like to use a 1/16 oz bullet weight to Thanks for sharing
Thanks!
Matt,is there a reason you don’t use a crossover oring (the kind that still allows the hook to be perpendicular to the bait) on your wacky rig?
i prefer rigging through the worm
Can you comment on the rod and line you chose for the conditions? I like a ML rod for open hook but with the grass did you go M or MH rod? Line choice? What hook have you settled on with your Wacky RIgs? Still pumped for your win, good TV man, it was fun to watch.
i used a 7'3" light medium fast spinning rod with 10 lb braid to 10 lb fluorcarbon
Well done 👍
I would have thought a light spinning rod would have been too weak to throw and fish Senko like sticks. What is the rating (oz) on your rod ? I’m considering trying Senko style baits but I only have a MH bait casting rod , so I will have to invest in a good spinning rod - and reel. Any suggestions?
Take care
@@MattStefanFishing Just pulled the trigger on a 7 ft light from mudhole. Going down the rabbit hole. Put it off as long as I could resist. Good job at Redcrest btw.
Awesome win Matt!!! Were you using straight Fluro, or Braid to Fluro?
Been slaying them on the purple General this summer, thx for the tips.
braid to fluoro 10 lb for both
Would a Zoom Speed Worm have been a good option for fishing eel grass?
im sure you could have caught some on a texas rig
Matt, interesting tip on the dip. Do you think this would work on the wacky rigs for Chippewa Flowage ?
yes
Congratulations on your win. Awesome tips
thanks!
Definitely great tips that will help. Thanks Matt.
you bet!
I sometimes use the 1/16 tungsten flick shake head also.
thanks for sharing
What’s your thoughts on o-rings or vmc rings? Congratulations 🎉
i prefer no rings
Thxs for video.
Spot on with dying the tail. Just a dab of Chart, Black,or Blue dyes on green pumpkin and watermelon stick baits make huge difference when it's tough out. 👍
thanks!
GOOD THINGS HAPPEN TO GOOD PEOPLE CONGRATULATIONS
Thanks!
Appreciate your choice of words, "we won". Hold fast neighbor. 2:40
Thanks!
Much respect and deserved success. Victory is yours !
Thanks!
Congratulations again on your win and your qualification for the BPT awesome
Thanks!
Congratulations on the win!! Well deserved!
Thanks so much!!
Any reason you didn’t use a weedless wacky hook (when weightless) or a weedless wacky jig hook instead of when you nail weighted it in the middle
i lose fish on weedless versions
Congrats on the dubya Matt! All of my fishing buddies insist that you have to throw the OG yamasenko for wacky rigging to get the most bites due to its salt content and the way it falls. I know you are sponsored by Berkley so there is a certain amount of product promotion you have to do here. Are there situations where you would throw an og senko over the general? Love the subtle chart tip commentary that was the deal at nation regionals on the potomac but i used the spike it garlic chart pen with subtle strokes on sides of all of my baits. Whats the latest with Hank?
i have completely replaced my senkos with maxscent generals...but thats not saying they dont work i just have a TON of confidence in the generals right now
Congratulations Matt. Keep up the grind.
will do!
Mike Swofford Thanks Matt for the details , Great video
Thanks!
62 and Still waiting on my first win, Happy for ya!
youll get it!
Congrats! Did you use livescope?
i was using it when i could but generally the grass was way to thick/ I think i caught 1 fish of my 15 weigh in fish with it
Congratulations Matt!
Thank you!
My seven year old grandson taught me hooking the wack rig off center. The closer he’d hook it at the end the more the bait would spiral down on slack line. I hooked him up on the first worm and after about three docks he finally got bit, he hooked up the next worm way off center of course and started catching two or three almost every dock. The fish liked that slight spiral that day
yep!
Awsome! Congratulation on the win you deserve it.....Ride that cloud 9 out you earned it and thanks for all the tips
Thanks so much!!
I have fished that little hook for a long time and love it! Hooks up and stays buttoned! 💪🏻
agreed!
Thanks for the advice and congratulations! U worked hard for ur win, enjoy every second of it! 👍🏻🇺🇸🎣
thanks!
Great tip Matt. Congrats
Glad it was helpful!