@nglers have been successful using the Senko stickworm for many years. The 5 1/4” model is their “go-to bait” for largemouth bass. I also used them five years ago but quickly became disappointed with their frailty and colors. I decided to manufacture my own line of stickworms.

Most manufactures use some salt for weight (to make them sink), I combine salt and sand for a somewhat faster sink rate with excellent tensil strength. They also are impregnated w/3 different types of scent (I do not use garlic scent in these baits - it tends to attract catfish). They do not require any additional scent to be dipped, rubbed or sprayed onto the bait.

Even though these baits are impregnated w/salt and sand, they’re very flexible and retain the side-to-side shimmy and tail wiggle on the drop. They can be ordered in 3 different quantities to save you some $$$ :)

Do you need a HEAVIER STICKWORM ?

I fish mainly from a boat. I prefer to “pitch” my 5 ¼ “ heavier stickworms vs. “side arm” on a casting rod. Wind can also effect the shore bound angler and boat movement can cause the bait to drag above the strike zone below the surface. Dragging the bait will inhibit the built-in action and will keep your bait out of the strike zone in 6-12’ of water depth. The 4 1/4'' model casts very easily with spinning tackle and is excellent for river applications where current is always a factor. A fishing partner and myself have been very successful adding a Water Gremlin,1/16-1/32 bull shot, crimp-on bullet weight 6” above the worm (split-shot style) in windy conditions. We have experienced this technique to be very productive under adverse conditions. This extra weight of my stickworms also gives the angler the advantage of seeing his line move backwards (towards him or her) when the worm reaches the bottom. Many times the line will move sideways or away from the angler indicating a pick-up. The bass that swim at you are the most difficult to hook and detect.

5¼ & 4 ¼” Models

Most anglers use the 5 1/4” model with success. They work well when bass are aggressively feeding-up for the spawn period. Then the “dreaded cold-front” blows thru shutting down the bite. This is where the 4 ¼” model shines for lake applications - but ya gotta fish them to know! I have also been successful using the 4 ¼” model after the fish leave the beds during the post-spawn disappearance of the bass. Try them on the outside edges of weedlines. I prefer not to target spawning bass.

RIGGING

I prefer to use braided line w/a fluorocarbon leader when fishing stickworms. The sensitivity and “O” memory is simply un-surpassed w/monofilament line. The tell-tail tap or two transmits very well thru braided line.

5 ¼” - A 3-4/0 Gamakatsu EWG hook Texas–rigged is the gold standard for most applications.
4 ¼” - The Gamakatsu EWG 2/0 hook works well.
 

I prefer to apply a small amount of Pro’s Soft Bait Glue to the entrance area of the worm. This keeps the worm in place thru repeated casting, retrieving thru pad beds, weeds and wood. It also works extremely well when skipping the bait under docks and overhanging trees. No more of that annoying bait sliding down the hook and “balling-up”.
 

COLORS

I prefer to stick to the basics w/color and flakes. Two over-looked and very productive colors are #09 Black/chartreuse and #11 Black/Pink Glimmer. These two colors work equally well in low light and stained water situations - especially on cloudy days. EVG - #05 (electric violet grape) is becoming an angler favorite under most water color conditions.

Here are two pictures below of popular, productive colors. Both the Magnum & Stickworm Jr. are available in wacky models w/ pre-installed “O” rings for repeated use and proper hook placement.

5 ¼" Magnum Stickworm	4 ¼" Stickworm Jr