I posted this on the "Number at Waterboo" fishing report, but just in case some members don't see it there, I thought it might be helpful to post it here, too. Hope it helps someone save some money.

I seldom rig stick worms Texas-style, having had much better luck fishing them wacky-style. Rather than use an O-ring, which leaves the hook parallel to the length of the worm, or two O-rings, which (to me) takes too long to rig, I use shrink tubing. The 3/8" size is perfect for 5" Senko worms (and the 5/8" size fits 7" Senkos). I buy the stuff at Home Depot or some other hardware store and, before fishing, I cut them up into lengths of about 3/8" inch. To rig them, I push the narrow end of the worm through the tubing and pinch it with my hand. I then stretch the worm (gently, so as to not break it) so the tubing slides easily up toward the "egg sack." Position the tubing so the worm and tubing are balanced at the tubing - usually, this will be at the narrow end of the "egg sack." Then I put my weedless wacky hook through the center of the worm and both sides of the tubing. Rigged this way, I have caught as many as 45 bass on the same Senko. I don't have an answer for T- or C-rigging, though. Hope this can help some of you folks.

Great info.

Just to clarify, do you cut the tubing into lengths of 3/8" or 3.8 inches?

Sorry for the confusing typo. I cut them about 3/8 of an inch. You can save money by cutting them to be 1/4" long, but you'll use a few more worms that way.

Many thanks for sharing this great technique Tom.  I went to Home Depot yesterday and paid $1.99 for the heat shrink tubing.  I used it today and caught 8 LMB on one senko.  I still have the same senko ready for use next week.  A clever idea like this deserves a name, so I will suggest "The Dillon Rig."  Thanks again!

Greg, you're most welcome! I'm glad my tip worked out well for you. Thank you for the feedback and the kind words, but I can't take credit for the idea. It's not mine. I read it somewhere about 5 years ago (might have been on BassResource.com), and have been doing it ever since. It's just a (modified) wacky rig that I call a WWRS (weightless Wacky-rigged Senko).

Tom, I have learned a tremendous amount from your fishing reports.  Thank you so much.  The information that you share is generous, appreciated and invaluable.  Fishing techniques have been passed down for generations, some good, some kinda bs. In today's life, we learn about fishing from youtube videos, internet and many other great sources from great bass fisherman, many of which are younger than most of us.  My point is that when I get a tidbit of knowledge from someone with your experience, I know it will work and I will try my best to pass it along. 

Tom, I tried your suggestion recently and it works (never doubted it)! Thanks!

Tom - I tried this and it works very well.  What a great tip!  Thanks!

Hey Tom,

Thanks for the tip. What do you find is the best weedless wacky worm hook?

Sion

Scion,

You're welcome; glad to offer a tip. I always use the largest size weedless wacky hook I can find. There are a couple that I use most:

I also make my own.

There are a couple of newer ones on the market that I haven't tried yet, but plan to:

Hope this helps.