Sarley: Why don’t more people use ‘wacky’ worms while fishing?

Last week we talked about drop shotting plastic baits, and now we will deal with the technique that’s become known as “wacky” worms.

These are certainly not new methods. They’ve been around for a while, but it amazes me that there are an awful lot of people who haven’t tried them out.

I spent a memorable day on the water pre-fishing a tournament with Bassmaster Classic champion Denny Brauer on the Illinois River. We talked about everything. Denny told me he had never had such a talkative partner. I’d like to take that as a compliment, but I am not sure.

Anyway, I asked Brauer about drop shots and wacky worms. He shook his head and said he didn’t use them and didn’t think they would work for him. He said it was like they say about old dogs and new tricks. I thought he was missing the boat.

I think a lot of us think the same way and revert back to the old tried and true methods that have worked for us in the past. I’m not saying that this is wrong, but I think fishermen should open up their minds to new experiences.

Anyway, there is nothing simpler that wacky worming. All you need is a hook and a plastic worm. I prefer an octopus style hook in a No. 1 or No. 2 size. I like the Gamakatu brand because they are the sharpest and I prefer red hooks. I don’t know why and I don’t have any evidence that they work better. Maybe it’s just a quirk of mine.

For your plastics, the name “Senko” has become the equivalent to “Kleenex” for facial tissue shoppers. Some brands seem to become generic as time passes.

The worm is just a straight piece of plastic that has a raised center area. It looks just like nightcrawler. The hook goes right through the center. No weight is needed. Just toss it out and watch it as it sinks slowly with the ends rhythmically dancing in the water.

I had always heard that Gary Yamamoto, the inventor of the Senko, once was fishing and had a Bic pen fall out of his pocket and into the water. He watched it sink out of sight. I bumped into Gary and asked him if the story was true. He laughed and said: “It’s not true but it’s a great story. I hope you won’t mind if I claim the story as my own.”

Have at it, Gary.

Personally, I have been using worms made by YUM. The Dinger is a great bait. I also use the ZinkerZ from Z-Man. Z-Man lures are made of “Elaztech” a special proprietary material that is virtually indestructible. It’s hard to believe how tough it is while remaining so soft and pliable.

I’ll spear a wacky worm on a hook that is 4, 5 or 6 inches in length. I try bigger first and go down in size if the fish are finicky. For color I prefer names that include the words green pumpkin, watermelon and motor oil. As a last resort I’ll go with something in blue.

When you toss out your wacky worm you need to be alert. Most of the time you will not feel a bite. You’ll see your line moving to the left or right or forward or backward. Reel up the slack until you feel some weight at the end of your line and set the hook hard.

This is not the kind of fishing for kids or adults who want to shoot the bull while they pop the tab on a golden beverage. Wacky worm fishing takes deep concentration. Good luck.

• Daily Herald Outdoors columnist Steve Sarley can be reached at sarfishing@yahoo.com.