Hook shape is important for holding a worm in place. Jackall’s Wacky-Jig Head is a custom-built 90-degree Owner with a curving bend and point. The Zappu Jighead Wacky sports a special Japanese hook with a 60-degree eye. Matt Paino of Optimum Baits, which imports Zappu products, says that eye position promotes wobble on the fall, as well as solid hook-sets.

Ross Evans notes that the 60-degree eye invokes better worm action, though not everyone agrees. Knowing the appeal of wacky-rigged, full-sized stickbaits, Evans worked with Big Bite Bait Company to design their Wacky Head, with a 60-degree eye and a heavier gauge, wider-gap hook to accommodate 5- and 6-inch soft sticks.

Rod and Line: Since shaking is a critical element of many wacky-jig presentations, rod action and length can be important. At this point, two schools of rod choice exist. Japanese experts including Kato and Ono favor short spinning rods (6 feet to 6 feet 4 inches), rated for 1/16- to 1/4-ounce lures. They feel shorter, supple rods impart better shaking action to the worm.

On the other hand, many American anglers prefer longer, somewhat stiffer rods that allow greater casting distance and can put additional pressure on bass in cover. From poolside observations, Evans concludes that the more supple the rod, the more dramatic the worm movement. Light dropshot rods from 61⁄2 to 7 feet in length fill the bill.

Evans favors Falcon’s Cenderi 7-foot model SSti-7L, a light dropshot rod that’s well-suited for 8-pound test. I’ve fished Kistler’s 6-foot 9-inch Drop Shot Special (KDSS69), St. Croix’s Avid

7-foot medium-light power (AVS70ULF), and All Star’s Platinum Inshore 7-footer (P843C-TR1), rated moderate power and light action. Models with similar action are available from many top manufacturers, none of which has yet released a specific wacky-jig rod.

In Japan, anglers have primarily used 4-pound-test fluorocarbon line to disguise the presentation in their clear and hard-fished waters. Thin line also allows maximum worm movement. David Swendseid agrees that 4-pound line is best, if you can get away with it. That is, you get more bites, but bigger bass may break off on a hook-set or sudden dive, or by running around underwater cover. I’ve found 6-pound-test fluorocarbon a safer bet, and its diameter is thin enough to create a squirming worm. Evans and other experienced wacky-jiggers favor Sunline FC Sniper Fluorocarbon in 5- or 6-pound test.

Mono works fine, too, and matching a thin superbraid or fused line with a fluorocarbon leader is a great option that provides better feel of the worm, a sure hook-set, and allows more pressure to be applied to bass. Braids float, however, so sink rate is sacrificed. A long leader (10- to 25-foot) alleviates this problem. In getting started with wacky-jigging, experiment with tackle until you find systems you’re comfortable with and achieve success. Experienced wacky-jiggers use an array of tactics that are growing as you read this. I’m sure you’ll immediately get enough bites to inspire confidence in the approach.