Texas Rig
A bullet sinker slides freely on the line ahead of a wide-gap hook with a weedless-rigged soft plastic. The rig is completely snag-resistant, making it the go-to choice for grass, timber, and heavy cover. Works with virtually any soft plastic — worms, craws, creatures, lizards.
Setup & Gear
| Rod | 7'–7'3" medium-heavy casting rod, fast action |
| Reel | 7.1:1 or faster baitcaster |
| Line | 15–20 lb fluorocarbon or 30–50 lb braid in heavy cover |
| Weight | 3/16–1/2 oz tungsten bullet weight (peg it in heavy cover) |
| Hook | 3/0–5/0 EWG wide gap hook sized to plastic |
Best Conditions
Heavy cover — grass, timber, laydowns, docks; murky to stained water; any season; pre-spawn and post-spawn periods
Seasonal Tactics
Slow drag through spawning flats and around beds. Lizards and creature baits in crawfish colors.
Pitch into shade — docks, mats, and laydowns. Pegged weight for matted grass punching.
Cover water quickly on points and along weed lines. Faster retrieve with a reaction element.
Slow drag on deep structure, 15–30 feet. Finesse Texas rig with 1/4 oz and 6" worm.
Peg the weight with a rubber toothpick when fishing grass. A sliding weight catches weeds; a pegged weight punches through clean.
Frequently Asked Questions
What rod and reel do I need for Texas Rig?
7'–7'3" medium-heavy casting rod, fast action. Pair it with a 7.1:1 or faster baitcaster, spooled with 15–20 lb fluorocarbon or 30–50 lb braid in heavy cover. Use 3/16–1/2 oz tungsten bullet weight (peg it in heavy cover).
What conditions are best for Texas Rig?
Heavy cover — grass, timber, laydowns, docks; murky to stained water; any season; pre-spawn and post-spawn periods
When is the best season to fish the Texas Rig?
Spring: Slow drag through spawning flats and around beds. Lizards and creature baits in crawfish colors. Fall: Cover water quickly on points and along weed lines. Faster retrieve with a reaction element.
What is the biggest mistake anglers make with the Texas Rig?
Peg the weight with a rubber toothpick when fishing grass. A sliding weight catches weeds; a pegged weight punches through clean.
More Techniques
Want to know when to throw this?
Ask Hank about your specific lake, water temp, and conditions — he'll tell you exactly what to tie on.
Ask Hank →