A great soft plastic is only as good as the jig head under it. Here is how to pair hook size, head weight and bait length for a clean, natural presentation.
Hook size: match the bait length
As a rule of thumb, the hook gap should be about one-third to one-half the length of the bait. A 3 inch worm pairs well with a 2/0 or 3/0 hook, while a 5 inch worm needs a 4/0 or 5/0. The hook point should sit just past the middle of the bait so it stays weedless but still hooks fish on the strike.
Head weight: match the depth and wind
Light heads (1/16 to 1/8 oz) let a bait fall slowly and look natural over shallow cover. Medium heads (3/16 to 1/4 oz) are the all-around choice for most bank and boat fishing. Heavy heads (3/8 oz and up) punch through grass, reach deep ledges and fight current.
Keep the presentation clean
Rig the bait straight — a twisted bait rolls on the fall and ruins the action. Run the hook through the center of the bait nose, then reinsert the point to make it weedless. For finesse presentations, a mushroom or ned head with an exposed hook gives the most natural shimmy.
Build a matched set
Pair your favorite plastics with a spread of jig head weights: light for shallow, medium for everyday, heavy for deep cover. That simple set covers most bass waters.
Shop our jig heads and hooks to complete your rigs.