Rigging  14" Hogy "Wacky Style"

By Captain Mike Hogan

Wacky style rigging is a "finesse" technique that originated in largemouth bass circles. The rig has traditionally been associated with smaller baits, comprised with a hook placed in the center of the bait with the action generated from twitching of the rod. I see advantage to "wacky fishing"  is that you can get a tremendous amount of action from a soft-bait while its suspended in just one area such as defined structure where you know where big fish are holding.

I also see this as a valuable technique for any game fish, not just largemouth bass. That's why I was so eager to play around with our larger baits to use this technique for big striped bass, a favorite species of mine. In doing so, I tinkered with the traditional rigging method with just one hook in the center, but missed A LOT of fish due to short strikes. I needed a second hook to mitigate this problem, so I came up with this method for tandem rigging the 14" Hogy, using our standard 14" Hogy Quick Rig. In addition to the increased hook up ratio an added benefit of the nose hook is that it adds just enough weight to nose the bait forward, creating the effect of a wounded bait fish trying to find its way to structure.

Rigging Instructions:

Step 1: Insert the rear hook into the apex of the V Marker in the middle of the bait. (It doesn't matter which hook you start with as they are interchangeable

Step 2: Insert the "nose" hook into the same hole you made and work the hook out in to the tail end of the hook groove. Make sure you keep your running line that connects the hooks nice and neat along the hook shank

Step 3:  At the nose end of the Hogy Rigging Slot, inset the hook so that it exits the nose of the bait, hook point side down.

Step 4: Simply adjust the bait so that everything lays properly.

Fishing Still Water: The key to fishing "wacky baits" is SLOWLY! Patience is required!! The Action is going to come from twitching motions generated from your rod, not from the retrieve.  If you are fishing "still" water, cast out, let the bait sink a little and start twitching the rod. (You'll notice that the tail will really kick out in an S-formation as the nose continues to sink.)  Once the bait has worked the water column, take a few quick cranks to place the bait in a new location. The retrieve will bring the bait to the surface, allowing you to start all over.

Fishing Moving Water: Cast up current, about 45 degrees so that the wacky rigged bait will drift over the target area, likely some sort of structure with fish holding behind it. Take a few retrieves so that you are "connected" with the bait, meaning taking all the slack out of the line so that you can feel any hits. While the bait is drifting down tide, start twitching your bait sporadically. The moving water will aid in the action of the bait, so don't over twitch the bait, which will cause it to raise to the surface.