Story by Corey Casey | Photos by Tanner & Travis Lyons
The wacky rig—it’s incredibly simple, and incredibly effective! This tried-and-true rig has been catching fish all over the world for years, and for good reason. As a professional tournament angler, full-time guide, and lifelong fisherman, the wacky rig is hands-down my number one bait—and honestly, nothing else comes close. Whether you’re 8 or 80, this setup can help you dominate a tournament or simply out-fish your buddies. It’s easy to rig, even easier to fish, and I’m going to walk you through everything you need to know—from equipment to technique and where to fish it.
Gear Up
Let’s talk equipment. I almost always use a 7-foot to 7-foot-2 spinning rod in medium or medium-heavy action. I pair it with a 2500 or 3000 size spinning reel, spooled with 15-pound braid and a 10-pound fluorocarbon leader.
For hooks, I stick with a No. 1 or 2 straight shank hook—no weed guard. You can use a weed guard if you prefer, but I like the open setup. As for worms, I keep it simple: a 5-inch stickworm with a #10 O-ring or a Zoom Trick Worm with a #9 O-ring. Use your favorite wacky rig tool to place the band near the center of the worm, thread your hook point just under the band, and boom—you’re ready to catch fish!
Where It Works
For fun fishing, this rig works anywhere and everywhere. Pond, stream, river, or lake—you name it. You can cast it out in open water, near drainpipes, through grass, skip it under docks, or pitch it around trees. It just plain works. Period.
Wacky in Tournaments? Absolutely!
This isn’t just a fun fishing trick—it’s a tournament-winning tactic. I’ve taken home checks fishing a wacky rig around brush piles, cypress trees, grass, stumps, and even out in open water using forward-facing sonar. In fact, I recently caught a 29-pound limit—enough to win a Bass Kings tournament on Santee Cooper—with just one rod and one bait. You guessed it: the wacky rig. It can help you fill out a limit, catch a key fifth fish, or even win the whole thing.
HOW TO FISH IT
Fishing it couldn’t be easier. Here’s a video showing exactly how I do it! But here’s the quick version: cast and count.
That’s right. Cast to your target and start counting. I usually fish in 8 feet of water or less, so I give it a 10-count. Once your worm hits the water, give it 10 feet of slack line. The slack is key—it allows the worm to fall naturally, right alongside the target you cast to. Don’t fish it on a tight line!
When you pick it up by raising your rod tip, feel for the weight of a fish. I’d say 90% of bites come on the initial fall. So, if it feels heavy, set the hook! Just lift the rod sharply and hang on!
Let’s Go Catching
Grab your favorite spinning combo, a few hooks, a pack of worms, and hit the water. If this article and my video didn’t give you enough confidence to get out there, contact me through social media or give me a call—I’d love to get you on fish at Santee Cooper.
Whether you’re a tournament angler or just looking for a fun day on the water with family and friends, the wacky rig is your ticket to success.
Let’s go fishing!
Corey Casey – Angler Profile
