One thing (of several) that stood out when looking at the FishingGold.com data is that 10″ worms win derbies. They work.
And I just about never fish ’em. In fact, other than the one I used the other day that got beat senseless by the basses, I’m plum out. All the local tackle tackle stores look at me like I’m about to start foaming at the mouth when I ask if they carry 10″ worms, and the max the local Wally-Mart has is 7.5″.
So since I’m going to have to order some – or hit up a buddy in the biz for some freebies – need to know if you prefer one brand or another. For me the Culprit works, the Zoom works, I don’t have a preference. You?
Also wondering:
> Have a favorite color? Mine’s purple…so far. Don’t like the greens for huge worms. I like purple, blue and black.
> Opinions on 12″ vs. 10″?
My story here is we noticed this 10″ worm phenomenon in the FishingGold data, so I rooted around one day in the basement goody box and found one. One.
Tied it on, and catapulted it out from the shore, fishing with my so) at a local hole. This pond has a bunch o’ fish, but they’re tough to fool because the pond is fished a lot from the shore (no boats allowed).
In the first 5 minutes I hooked and lost a 3-pounder that smacked the heck outta that 10-incher. We fished for about 40 minutes more and I caught a 1.5-pounder that took off running with the worm.
I should mention that eels might be in that pond because it’s connected to a big lake.
Anyhow, I’m a believer.
And so is Larry Nixon, one of the guys we noticed winning derbies with 10″ worms. Here’s a little of what he said in a Bassin’Fan article written a while back…maybe writ by me (can’t remember):
> “The 10-inch worm is a lure fish don’t see a lot of anymore,” he said. “In certain situations, it’s really the best choice.”
> “In stained or dark water that has heavy cover and a good number of quality fish, I go with the 10-inch Power Worm,” he said. “It’s got a big profile that’s really appealing to those fish. It’ll work in any lake with heavy cover and big fish. If you think you have a chance to catch several fish over 3 pounds, then the 10-inch worm is a pretty darn good bet to produce.”
[Btw, the water in the pond I fished is just about the opposite of that.]
> “The 10-inch worm works in heavy cover because fish can detect it better than smaller offerings like the 7-inch worm he’d use in more open water. “You’re not trying to finesse them. They see that big ol’ worm swimming by and they just have to go get it.”
> “I do catch pound-and-a-half fish just as fast as the big ones when they’re in that cover,” he said.
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The original?
Jason Holmer
September 13, 2011 at 10:37 am
I’m partial to the Berkley Powerbait 10″ worm. I actaully like the green colors, but am partial to Motor Oil Red Flake. Also good success with Plum colors.
Matt
September 13, 2011 at 11:10 am
I’ve nearly ALWAYS got a 10″ Powerworm rigged on my deck. I’ve caught more fish on it than i could ever count. And not just big fish, but fish that weren’t as long as the worm! I don’t even carry smaller ribbon tailed worms in my boat anymore.
I generally fish it with a lighter weight…usually 1/8 oz. A 5/0 Gammie EWG hook is the only way to go.
I prefer green pumpkin, but pumpkinseed does well if you can find it. I think that color was discontinued…i have a hell of a time finding it. Black with blue fleck is another stand-by, as well as red shad. Black with a brown underside…i think it’s called moccasin…does well.
My dad prefers big Zoom worms, and we’ve been known to throw Culprits as well. I think it’s a confidence thing. I like the Powerworm because it seems like they will actually hold onto it longer. Like…if i’m hem-hawing around, talking to someone, watching the depth-finder, or pickin’ my nose…i’ll look down and the line will be clear back under the boat. lol
Dave H
September 13, 2011 at 11:18 am
Zoom Ol’ Monster 10″ in Junebug
Jason Bryant
September 13, 2011 at 11:21 am
I’m with Holmer, I like Berkley’s version, too. The Big Bite Kriet Tail worm is another good one.
And while it’s not a 10-inch worm, the Hag’s Tornado is another big worm I’ve taken a liking to. If you get the 8″ version it has a big presence in the water because of its bulk. I think the Tornado is more of a Texas thing. It’s big on Falcon.
And greens are still my go-to in the big worms. I like a green-pumpkin or watermelon with red and purple flake (watermelon candy). Straight black is my second choice.
Avidbasser
September 13, 2011 at 11:41 am
Blue Fleck 10″ Berkley Powerbait = Killer
Ken Cook
September 13, 2011 at 12:27 pm
Cannot beat a Power Worm in watermelon candy for clear water and Plum or Blue Fleck in stained.
Flip 'N' Pitch
September 13, 2011 at 9:17 pm
Is this THE Ken Cook?
admin (mostly Jay)
September 14, 2011 at 6:54 am
That’s him….
Flip 'N' Pitch
September 14, 2011 at 7:22 am
Duh, ^WINNING^!!!
Rich Arnold
September 13, 2011 at 1:22 pm
10.5 inch Zoom ol’ monster. I fish a couple of colors Watermellon Red, Plum, Junebug, and Tomato! Plum and Junebug are usually good winter, early spring and fall colors. Try that tomato in the late spring and especially the dog days of summer around the grass!! Oh yea!!
Alex Voog
September 13, 2011 at 3:08 pm
In addition to the powerworms, I also like the Culprit because the tail swims a bit better, and I SMOKE the jacks (Crevelle) swimming it on top in the shallow bays/mangroves. Regular EWG worm hooks, light 1/8 lead pegged, 20 lb test and……. HANG ON!!
Dwain
September 13, 2011 at 4:14 pm
I’m with most of these guys the 10″ power worm and the 11″ ole monster are my two favs
Randy S. Breth
September 15, 2011 at 6:47 am
I like the new (old) 9′ Manns jelly worm.
Randy S. Breth
September 15, 2011 at 6:47 am
(9″ NOT 9′) Darn shift button…