So I have been slowly learning how to use plastic worms for bass. Mostly at Mantua. I have a bunch of worms that have ribs from head to tail. Why do they put them on there? I also have a bunch that are smooth. Is one better than the other?
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Well, I'm soooooo tempted to say it's for the benefit of the female bass. But I won't.
Those ribs can trap air bubbles, which in theory make the thing look more alive. They do make the worm "squishier" and "slinkier" so it moves and feels more natural. The spaces also hold any scent product you might apply.
I suspect the real reason is for them to sell more worms.
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Great answer!! Gotta love plastic worm jokes.
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[quote timberhall]So I have been slowly learning how to use plastic worms for bass. Mostly at Mantua. I have a bunch of worms that have ribs from head to tail. Why do they put them on there? I also have a bunch that are smooth. Is one better than the other?[/quote]
Ribs = more and different vibration.
Also some would argue the fish find it more appealing visually and maybe even texture wise too.
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[quote RockyRaab]Well, I'm soooooo tempted to say it's for the benefit of the female bass. But I won't.
Those ribs can trap air bubbles, which in theory make the thing look more alive. They do make the worm "squishier" and "slinkier" so it moves and feels more natural. The spaces also hold any scent product you might apply.
I suspect the real reason is for them to sell more worms.[/quote]
Had never thought about the scent factor but yes... more surface area = more scent.
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Imo, the ribs will hold more scent but also allow a slower fall. Lake fork tackle has a rib worm that is an awesome wacky rig bait. They make lead rings with slots in it that fits in between the ribs and you put your hook through the weight and the worm. Pretty sweet.
Straight worms have been a go-to for years also so its good to have both. It's hard to beat a PB straight tail camo worm on a light stand up jig head. Ugh, can't wait for March.
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Good vibrations, no batteries required.
(no I couldn't resist - heck they got Trojan commercials on TV these daze, what can ya say)
laterally speaking - the feel good - Same with all them curly tails, and floppy craw arms.
What kind of scent do ya'll find good for a bass-plastic?
I love ribbed worms. I would agree with everything that has been said as far as reasons for their effectiveness. Regardless, they definitely work. I really think they hold on a little longer because of the squishier texture, and I think the air bubbles and vibrations help too. This is one of my favorite worms here:
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This one has the extra attraction of a paddle tail. You can burn it across the surface like a buzz frog which can be effective sometimes, though a lot of my best bass have been caught on this worm fished slowly and weightless.
As for scents, I would use one of the paste types for a ribbed worm so it will really get stuck in all those crevices. I actually don't use a lot of external scents, I usually infuse my plastics with oil in garlic, anise, craw, shad, coffee or a combination. I think garlic craw is my current favorite.
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[quote CoyoteSpinner]Good vibrations, no batteries required.
(no I couldn't resist - heck they got Trojan commercials on TV these daze, what can ya say)
laterally speaking - the feel good - Same with all them curly tails, and floppy craw arms.
What kind of scent do ya'll find good for a bass-plastic?[/quote]
I like pro-cure.
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+1 on the Pro Cure, just make sure not to touch your nose for the next 11 hours. I like the Yum scents also,
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