Bass Fishing Forum

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The VMC Crossover Ring came across my radar recently.  I'm a sucker for marketing, I'm telling you .

As you guys know, I'm honing in my stickbait fishing skills, and the wacky style type of rigging is a killer technique.

The problem with that rigging method is that I lose a lot of stick baits.

I tried the rings to no avail. Until I recently came across these  crossover rings.

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230517/4c861d113772d96cdbf9242d2f123680.jpg)

Conceptually, it makes perfect sense, to me at least.

You need a special pair of pliers to attach the ring on the  stick bait. The ring itself has two small holes atop of the ring for different wacky presentations.

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It's pretty easy to do, plus the pliers come with a few rings already in them stored in a special compartment.

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Match it with your favorite hook, and you're good to go.

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I'm trying out these vmc wacky hooks as well.

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Stay tuned for my on the water review.

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Thanks for reading.

Lou, I started using these a year or so ago.  I have a multiple sizes even down to trick worm size and they work great for me here on the river.  I did buy multiple colors including the clear version although I am not sure it makes much difference.  Certainly a lot better than O rings and better than just stabbing through the bait. 

I am a big fan of wacky worms especially when out in the boat.  Fish them around drop-offs and ledges.  I have never used rings especially because I use trick worms more than stick baits.  They are longer, more flexable, and provide more movement with just a slight twitch.  They come in more colors, and the cost is good for what you get.  I really don't care if a lose a few because of that.  The cost of those rings will probably get me a few bags of worms.  Just another perspective of a wacky worm lover!

Quote from: Bud Kennedy on May 17, 2023, 03:57:33 PM
Lou, I started using these a year or so ago.  I have a multiple sizes even down to trick worm size and they work great for me here on the river.  I did buy multiple colors including the clear version although I am not sure it makes much difference.  Certainly a lot better than O rings and better than just stabbing through the bait.

Thank you for your input Bud. Appreciate it.

I'm looking forward to your water review. I saw them in an online ad some time back, but as I recall they were pretty pricey (.50 each?) compared to the ordinary wacky rings I use. I also keep a couple of the Wacky ring tools on the boat, my travel bag, co-angler bag. That could get kind of expensive if I had to buy multiple tools as well. I suppose if you could make it through the whole day on just one or two rings, it wouldn't be so bad.

I have interesting observations to share. Just came back from my local fishing hole. Took just one stick worm attached to a cross-over ring. I wanted to test out a few things. 1. Durability of the crossover ring if I caught fish. 2. Durability of the stick worm after catching fish, and 3. The new hook I'm trying out.

The good news is that I was able to convince 2 decent bass to volunteer for my test in very short order.  lo

Bass number one observation: Ring stayed in tact. However, the ring slid up the hook, around the eye, and then up the line. Worm was still intact, but I observed stress marks around the worm where the ring was situated.
The hook worked great, stuck the bass solid. I could not slide the ring down back over the eye hook. Had to cut the line and re-tie. Hmmmm.

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** Note the stress marks just to the right of the ring in this ^^^ picture.

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Bass number two observations, two casts later. Ring stayed in tact, slid up the hook and line again, but with no worm in sight. Worm broke in half during the fight, and the halves landed close to me. Hook once again performed flawlessly.
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Obviously, I need to catch more than 2 bass to draw better conclusions, but here are the questions I'm asking myself now.
- Will I need to retie my hook after each catch due to the ring sliding up and around the eye of the hook?
- Stick worm longevity. So far its suspect. However, I will need to test other stick worms to be conclusive. I was using a Senko, and although bass love these stick baits, their longevity is poor. Maybe other brands may last longer using this ring system. Time will tell.

I will report back when I have more time under my belt fishing these rings.

** Side note, apparently showing the inside of a bass mouth is considered an adult picture now.  lo lo ~b~ The system flagged my picture that showed the hook deep in the bass mouth with just the hook and the ring, with no worm. But apparently the picture resembled something else.  ~b~ ~roflmao

The saddles I have are a bit different.  First of all the hook slot is very very tight and have not had the hook slide through that way yet.  The other thing is mine allows to rig the bait in the traitional horizontal fashion  and also in an in line fashion.  I will see if I have any in the garage and will take a picture.  Otherwise they are likely in the boat on the storage lot.

I prefer heat shrink. Works like a champ.

Boy that is a giant wacky hook. I've never used that type of o ring. Curious to see how it works for you.  I use a standard o ring and it seems like the worm lasts forever and hook ups were excellent.  I was saving my used Texas rigged stick worms for wacky hook presentations but stopped doing that because the worms last so long on an o ring and I ended up with bags of stick worms waiting for their second life.

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I haven't found anything that keeps a Yamamoto brand Senko intact for very long if it's wacky rigged. Not sure if it's how much salt they're using or of it's their particular plastisol, but they are super-fragile. Regular O-rings are what I settled on, being easy and cheap, but I haven't tried heat shrink tubing.

Quote from: FlatsNBay on May 19, 2023, 07:03:45 AM
Boy that is a giant wacky hook. I've never used that type of o ring. Curious to see how it works for you.  I use a standard o ring and it seems like the worm lasts forever and hook ups were excellent.  I was saving my used Texas rigged stick worms for wacky hook presentations but stopped doing that because the worms last so long on an o ring and I ended up with bags of stick worms waiting for their second life.

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Yeah, I use big hooks when I wacky. I usually use a 4/0 Ewg, but I wanted to experiment with a smaller profile hook. I see that wacky rigging is synonymous to small hooks. Clearly I never came across that memo. Still catch them on big hooks though. ;)

Quote from: Capt. BassinLou on May 19, 2023, 07:31:41 AM

Quote from: FlatsNBay on May 19, 2023, 07:03:45 AM
Boy that is a giant wacky hook. I've never used that type of o ring. Curious to see how it works for you.  I use a standard o ring and it seems like the worm lasts forever and hook ups were excellent.  I was saving my used Texas rigged stick worms for wacky hook presentations but stopped doing that because the worms last so long on an o ring and I ended up with bags of stick worms waiting for their second life.

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Yeah, I use big hooks when I wacky. I usually use a 4/0 Ewg, but I wanted to experiment with a smaller profile hook. I see that wacky rigging is synonymous to small hooks. Clearly I never came across that memo. Still catch them on big hooks though. ;)

We've caught them on 3/0 and 4/0 EWGs in a pinch.

Those Gamakatsu G-Finesse stinger hooks in 1/0 or 2/0 are good, but you have to seal the hook gap (where the wire bends back around at the eye to meet the shank) with some superglue or epoxy if you're using lighter braid. Learned that the hard way. We lost two really good bass in a tournament when the line slipped out of the hook eye. Other than that, they are awesome light wire hooks, and fish have stayed pinned for us with them.

I like the concept of the Crossover rings. As Bud pointed out they used to be available with holes that allowed for rigging horizontal or vertical. If I could find those rings I'd probably give this system a shot.

Big problem is I have several thousand of the regular O-Rings. About 10 years ago I had a local guy who was selling the regular O-Rings dirt cheap. He had 3 different sizes in a variety pack of colors and 250 of each size per pack. He was selling the packs for $7.50 so the rings worked out to a single penny each. So I bought a bunch of packs. 

Still, I would give the Crossovers a fair try IF I could find the originals.



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Quote from: Smallie_Stalker on May 19, 2023, 12:07:23 PM
I like the concept of the Crossover rings. As Bud pointed out they used to be available with holes that allowed for rigging horizontal or vertical. If I could find those rings I'd probably give this system a shot.

Big problem is I have several thousand of the regular O-Rings. About 10 years ago I had a local guy who was selling the regular O-Rings dirt cheap. He had 3 different sizes in a variety pack of colors and 250 of each size per pack. He was selling the packs for $7.50 so the rings worked out to a single penny each. So I bought a bunch of packs. 

Still, I would give the Crossovers a fair try IF I could find the originals.



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I didn't show them in my pictures, but there is a hole for that option of rigging.

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Here's a picture. Tough to focus on the small hole on top of the ring.

Quote from: Capt. BassinLou on May 19, 2023, 12:14:42 PM
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Here's a picture. Tough to focus on the small hole on top of the ring.

Cool beans. Thanks for the info. Lou. 👍

Here is the VMC Cross Over Ring Sizing Chart :
    8mm: 6" Senko
    7mm: 5" Senko
    6mm: 6" Roboworm Fat
    5mm: Zoom Trick Worm
    4mm: 4.5" Roboworm Straight Tail
    3mm: Small finesse worms and drop shot baits

*Please Note : These sizes  above are approximate - try going down one size (i.e. 6mm for stick worms like Yum Dinger) , Try other stick worms from Bass Pro (Stik-O) , the Yum Dinger , Gambler Ace , Zoom Zlinky and Big Bite Bait Trick Sticks then test for longevity - all of these stick worms have good action wacky rigged .

Save your money!

I tell everyone about this every chance I get, and have been using this method since I read about it. I haven't spent a dime on rings, sleeves, etc. since!

https://www.m3outdoors.com/post/diy-wacky-rig-neko-rig-sleeves


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Quote from: skidemn on May 22, 2023, 01:04:10 PM
Save your money!

I tell everyone about this every chance I get, and have been using this method since I read about it. I haven't spent a dime on rings, sleeves, etc. since!

https://www.m3outdoors.com/post/diy-wacky-rig-neko-rig-sleeves


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Hmmm, I think I like that. O-rings are not terribly expensive if you buy them in bulk from a hardware warehouse or something. They get marked up a lot when they are sold as tackle. I think the tubing might be cheaper and work for other uses though.

Quote from: skidemn on May 22, 2023, 01:04:10 PM
Save your money!

I tell everyone about this every chance I get, and have been using this method since I read about it. I haven't spent a dime on rings, sleeves, etc. since!
*The video does not show how he hooks the soft plastic : Is this a method for going under the silicon tube parallel to the worm OR can you hook through the center of the silicon tubing perpendicular to the worm ?
https://www.m3outdoors.com/post/diy-wacky-rig-neko-rig-sleeves


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Quote from: chrisD46 on May 25, 2023, 06:58:33 AM
*The video does not show how he hooks the soft plastic : Is this a method for going under the silicon tube parallel to the worm OR can you hook through the center of the silicon tubing perpendicular to the worm ?
https://www.m3outdoors.com/post/diy-wacky-rig-neko-rig-sleeves

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You can rig parallel to the worm when Neko rigging or perpendicular to the worm when wacky rigging with the tubing. I have a Senko I've caught many fish on still sitting in my box because they last so long this way.


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Quote from: skidemn on May 22, 2023, 01:04:10 PM
Save your money!

I tell everyone about this every chance I get, and have been using this method since I read about it. I haven't spent a dime on rings, sleeves, etc. since!

https://www.m3outdoors.com/post/diy-wacky-rig-neko-rig-sleeves


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I appreciate this info!  :-* ~beer~

Update time. I have been fishing with these rings since I bought them, and have caught several bass already using this system.

I use a very simple thumbs up or thumbs down classification system. I'm giving these rings a thumbs down. Here's why:

- For what they are they these rings are very $$$
- The rings really don't last as long as people say. They rip off after two bass, and they were little bass by the way.
- The rings slide up the line after a catch, which means I have to slide them back down through the knot and eye of the hook, which then probably tears the ring a bit, leading to its failure.

What am I going to do next?

First off, shout out to skidemn. I looked into the information you posted, and the silicone tubing looks like a better, and cheaper solution. I purchased a roll of tubing and will be experimenting with that option next week!!  lo Never a dull a moment with me. Stay tuned!! 

Quote from: Capt. BassinLou on May 26, 2023, 04:40:09 PM
First off, shout out to skidemn. I looked into the information you posted, and the silicone tubing looks like a better, and cheaper solution. I purchased a roll of tubing and will be experimenting with that option next week!!  lo Never a dull a moment with me. Stay tuned!!

Here's a comparison of a new Daiwa Neko worm (made by Yamamoto) versus one that has caught several fish using the silicone collar method. As you can see I saved it and will use it again because, despite all the little tears from teeth, etc., it is still holding together well. I hook around the collar, not through the worm—well, I hook a little through the worm, but not enough that it gets torn up easily and can't be used for several fish. For wacky rigs I cut my collar sections about 2-2.5x as wide as seen on this worm.
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230526/fc5162d32103cec96806286db6316616.jpg)


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Quote from: skidemn on May 26, 2023, 05:23:54 PM

Quote from: Capt. BassinLou on May 26, 2023, 04:40:09 PM
First off, shout out to skidemn. I looked into the information you posted, and the silicone tubing looks like a better, and cheaper solution. I purchased a roll of tubing and will be experimenting with that option next week!!  lo Never a dull a moment with me. Stay tuned!!

Here's a comparison of a new Daiwa Neko worm (made by Yamamoto) versus one that has caught several fish using the silicone collar method. As you can see I saved it and will use it again because, despite all the little tears from teeth, etc., it is still holding together well. I hook around the collar, not through the worm—well, I hook a little through the worm, but not enough that it gets torn up easily and can't be used for several fish. For wacky rigs I cut my collar sections about 2-2.5x as wide as seen on this worm.
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230526/fc5162d32103cec96806286db6316616.jpg)


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Very cool. If you may, could post a picture of how you rig the stick worm wacky using the silicone ring. Thanks!

My silicone tubing arrived today. I quickly cut a few pieces, rigged a worm, and off I went to test.

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Unfortunately, I didn't catch anything during my short outing. I can say with pretty good confidence that the silicone rings appear to be much tougher than the system I was using before.

I will know more by next week. ;)

Anyone have an idea what size tubing to order for trick worms?

Quote from: J.W. on May 28, 2023, 09:55:36 AM
Anyone have an idea what size tubing to order for trick worms?

3/16 based on the information skidemn provided.

Quote from: skidemn on May 26, 2023, 05:23:54 PM

Quote from: Capt. BassinLou on May 26, 2023, 04:40:09 PM
First off, shout out to skidemn. I looked into the information you posted, and the silicone tubing looks like a better, and cheaper solution. I purchased a roll of tubing and will be experimenting with that option next week!!  lo Never a dull a moment with me. Stay tuned!!

Here's a comparison of a new Daiwa Neko worm (made by Yamamoto) versus one that has caught several fish using the silicone collar method. As you can see I saved it and will use it again because, despite all the little tears from teeth, etc., it is still holding together well. I hook around the collar, not through the worm—well, I hook a little through the worm, but not enough that it gets torn up easily and can't be used for several fish. For wacky rigs I cut my collar sections about 2-2.5x as wide as seen on this worm.
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230526/fc5162d32103cec96806286db6316616.jpg)


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*If the silicon is soft , I see no reason why you can not run a hook through the silicon AND the worm perpendicular and still have a long lasting wacky worm .

Quote from: Capt. BassinLou on May 29, 2023, 02:20:45 PM

Quote from: J.W. on May 28, 2023, 09:55:36 AM
Anyone have an idea what size tubing to order for trick worms?

3/16 based on the information skidemn provided.

Thanks Lou, I completely forgot about the link that was posted. ~b~   lo

Quote from: J.W. on May 31, 2023, 12:22:49 PM

Quote from: Capt. BassinLou on May 29, 2023, 02:20:45 PM

Quote from: J.W. on May 28, 2023, 09:55:36 AM
Anyone have an idea what size tubing to order for trick worms?

3/16 based on the information skidemn provided.

Thanks Lou, I completely forgot about the link that was posted. ~b~   lo

Yw, no worries.

So I took this a step further and purchased a nasal speculum.

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230531/c437d6db0c473426b45f875b6a3185b0.jpg)

Believe it or not, this stainless steel nasal tool is considerably cheaper than the plastic vmc ring tool.

The nasal tool can easily open a silicone ring.

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230531/8aac07be0c20041693f22d4480cd70f6.jpg)

Take note, however. The vmc ring tool can not handle opening a silicone ring. Since it is made of plastic, it will bend and warp, trying to open a silicone ring.

i bought silicon tubing from amazon.  it was a six foot section.  a lifetimes amount.

i dont even need a tool to slip a senko on. its a tight fit, but it fits.  i like how it roughens some salt to the surface as well, and dulls the color.

Quote from: Hobious on June 01, 2023, 09:47:47 AM
i bought silicon tubing from amazon.  it was a six foot section.  a lifetimes amount.

i dont even need a tool to slip a senko on. its a tight fit, but it fits.  i like how it roughens some salt to the surface as well, and dulls the color.

I agree that a tool is not necessarily needed. I have found, with softer stick baits, if I'm not careful pulling the worm through the silicone ring I run the risk of tearing it. The tool just helps opening the ring enough to easily adjust the worm.

This is my exact order.  Perfect for the 5" SENKO in which a spreader tool is not necessary.  Bought it from Amazon.
looking at pics above, the stuff i bought seems to have a thinner wall section. but i cant be sure.

Quote from: Hobious on June 01, 2023, 11:42:05 AM
looking at pics above, the stuff i bought seems to have a thinner wall section. but i cant be sure.

Thinner is better since it makes getting lighter wire hooks through easier. You'll understand what I mean when you try to use the Owner 1/16oz weighted wacky hooks.


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Quote from: skidemn on June 01, 2023, 07:32:55 PM

Quote from: Hobious on June 01, 2023, 11:42:05 AM
looking at pics above, the stuff i bought seems to have a thinner wall section. but i cant be sure.

Thinner is better since it makes getting lighter wire hooks through easier. You'll understand what I mean when you try to use the Owner 1/16oz weighted wacky hooks.


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Thinner is always better.   Especially with my hook choice.

Quote from: Capt. BassinLou on May 27, 2023, 05:44:52 PM
My silicone tubing arrived today. I quickly cut a few pieces, rigged a worm, and off I went to test.

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230527/9ecd7406880140ad137ae0e87d70e478.jpg)

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230527/6ab98a0455ddeedc2d100e49bce0e80b.jpg)

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230527/44f6a5749387c2828271ec3d7f6202e0.jpg)

Unfortunately, I didn't catch anything during my short outing. I can say with pretty good confidence that the silicone rings appear to be much tougher than the system I was using before.

I will know more by next week. ;)

*The silicon tubing wall looks pretty thick - any issues with penetrating the hook through the tubing and Senko as you have done in the picture ?

Quote from: chrisD46 on June 02, 2023, 06:49:57 AM

Quote from: Capt. BassinLou on May 27, 2023, 05:44:52 PM
My silicone tubing arrived today. I quickly cut a few pieces, rigged a worm, and off I went to test.

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230527/9ecd7406880140ad137ae0e87d70e478.jpg)

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230527/6ab98a0455ddeedc2d100e49bce0e80b.jpg)

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230527/44f6a5749387c2828271ec3d7f6202e0.jpg)

Unfortunately, I didn't catch anything during my short outing. I can say with pretty good confidence that the silicone rings appear to be much tougher than the system I was using before.

I will know more by next week. ;)

*The silicon tubing wall looks pretty thick - any issues with penetrating the hook through the tubing and Senko as you have done in the picture ?

It's not supple, that's for sure. I can say that once you drive the hook through, that worm isn't going anywhere.

I need to familiarize myself with silicone tubing and see if there are varying degrees of softness to them.

Tubing is going to be somewhere between very stiff (water lines, etc) to extremely supple (surgical tubing).  I might check out some surgical tubing once I run out of O-rings.  I don't fish wacky very often, so it may be a few months lol....

Quote from: apenland01 on June 02, 2023, 09:46:28 AM
Tubing is going to be somewhere between very stiff (water lines, etc) to extremely supple (surgical tubing).  I might check out some surgical tubing once I run out of O-rings.  I don't fish wacky very often, so it may be a few months lol....

*Yes , you want that tubing softer with more stretch and a thinner wall thickness . This may require buying a few types of silicon tubing as aquarium tubing is too rigid .

Try using surgical tubing from the big box stores. The hook can be run through it. It can be colored in plastic dye. Regular fishing pliers will open it.
Rodney

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the tubing i posted up from Amazon is the best i have ever used.  thin, flexy, all the stuff we are looking for in a wacky tube. 

Check out this alternative flexable silicon wacky rig kit : https://www.ebay.com/itm/265649813309?hash=item3dd9f6773d:g:P2cAAOSwRRheLalb&amdata=enc%3AAQAIAAAA8CTIG19d4LC%2FAeWlkQq2faix8ED7DnxVWdBx1lA8ZplrSLDrViRnNXJe7yHIJzEBb8uLzj80Lb9jc9eedejcpx76NLshp1XBlcBxs%2F0LU8wLri1WTNiR%2BgAmwJFPKRk5hMX1zPrBHVpPb8twwyW5RQn%2Fg%2FWU2227NzRUi3tyE10lwui5X2cC6z5ulLv6Ng4oLKm7Hl5JI5GIqJaWAqqW8TbAUHbCOjgXssuvRV1b5r%2BwaetczfL5MpNnyGIjRMZYM4fMqPJ5XAT5MH0zDUBUWwv%2BvRXx1Q9Jtxbt0wZoWKgHZYK%2BrihTTglbsaoaBGv3Gw%3D%3D%7Ctkp%3ABk9SR8azrK2TYg . *Good information on various sizes - then go to Amazon to try and find thin wall flexible tubing in the same three ID sizes for wacky rigs .

Quote from: chrisD46 on June 08, 2023, 06:58:36 AMCheck out this alternative flexable silicon wacky rig kit : https://www.ebay.com/itm/265649813309?hash=item3dd9f6773d:g:P2cAAOSwRRheLalb&amdata=enc%3AAQAIAAAA8CTIG19d4LC%2FAeWlkQq2faix8ED7DnxVWdBx1lA8ZplrSLDrViRnNXJe7yHIJzEBb8uLzj80Lb9jc9eedejcpx76NLshp1XBlcBxs%2F0LU8wLri1WTNiR%2BgAmwJFPKRk5hMX1zPrBHVpPb8twwyW5RQn%2Fg%2FWU2227NzRUi3tyE10lwui5X2cC6z5ulLv6Ng4oLKm7Hl5JI5GIqJaWAqqW8TbAUHbCOjgXssuvRV1b5r%2BwaetczfL5MpNnyGIjRMZYM4fMqPJ5XAT5MH0zDUBUWwv%2BvRXx1Q9Jtxbt0wZoWKgHZYK%2BrihTTglbsaoaBGv3Gw%3D%3D%7Ctkp%3ABk9SR8azrK2TYg . *Good information on various sizes - then go to Amazon to try and find thin wall flexible tubing in the same three ID sizes for wacky rigs .

Thank you for sharing!

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Quote from: Capt. BassinLou on June 08, 2023, 02:29:04 PM

Quote from: chrisD46 on June 08, 2023, 06:58:36 AMCheck out this alternative flexable silicon wacky rig kit : https://www.ebay.com/itm/265649813309?hash=item3dd9f6773d:g:P2cAAOSwRRheLalb&amdata=enc%3AAQAIAAAA8CTIG19d4LC%2FAeWlkQq2faix8ED7DnxVWdBx1lA8ZplrSLDrViRnNXJe7yHIJzEBb8uLzj80Lb9jc9eedejcpx76NLshp1XBlcBxs%2F0LU8wLri1WTNiR%2BgAmwJFPKRk5hMX1zPrBHVpPb8twwyW5RQn%2Fg%2FWU2227NzRUi3tyE10lwui5X2cC6z5ulLv6Ng4oLKm7Hl5JI5GIqJaWAqqW8TbAUHbCOjgXssuvRV1b5r%2BwaetczfL5MpNnyGIjRMZYM4fMqPJ5XAT5MH0zDUBUWwv%2BvRXx1Q9Jtxbt0wZoWKgHZYK%2BrihTTglbsaoaBGv3Gw%3D%3D%7Ctkp%3ABk9SR8azrK2TYg . *Good information on various sizes - then go to Amazon to try and find thin wall flexible tubing in the same three ID sizes for wacky rigs .

Thank you for sharing!

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*I bought the kit (silicon cut tubes + nasal plyers) . Yes , the silicon tubing is definitely pliable and thinner in diameter as the ebay pictures show . Now , I want to find the exact same tubing source and cut my own .

Quote from: chrisD46 on June 09, 2023, 06:14:08 AM

Quote from: Capt. BassinLou on June 08, 2023, 02:29:04 PM

Quote from: chrisD46 on June 08, 2023, 06:58:36 AMCheck out this alternative flexable silicon wacky rig kit : https://www.ebay.com/itm/265649813309?hash=item3dd9f6773d:g:P2cAAOSwRRheLalb&amdata=enc%3AAQAIAAAA8CTIG19d4LC%2FAeWlkQq2faix8ED7DnxVWdBx1lA8ZplrSLDrViRnNXJe7yHIJzEBb8uLzj80Lb9jc9eedejcpx76NLshp1XBlcBxs%2F0LU8wLri1WTNiR%2BgAmwJFPKRk5hMX1zPrBHVpPb8twwyW5RQn%2Fg%2FWU2227NzRUi3tyE10lwui5X2cC6z5ulLv6Ng4oLKm7Hl5JI5GIqJaWAqqW8TbAUHbCOjgXssuvRV1b5r%2BwaetczfL5MpNnyGIjRMZYM4fMqPJ5XAT5MH0zDUBUWwv%2BvRXx1Q9Jtxbt0wZoWKgHZYK%2BrihTTglbsaoaBGv3Gw%3D%3D%7Ctkp%3ABk9SR8azrK2TYg . *Good information on various sizes - then go to Amazon to try and find thin wall flexible tubing in the same three ID sizes for wacky rigs .

Thank you for sharing!

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*I bought the kit (silicon cut tubes + nasal plyers) . Yes , the silicon tubing is definitely pliable and thinner in diameter as the ebay pictures show . Now , I want to find the exact same tubing source and cut my own .

It may be medical tubing. For example, the ones that nebulizers use.

I'm happy to report that the biggest bass of my outing yesterday came off using the silicone wacky ring. The bass was over 5 lbs but less than 6 lbs.

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230611/b77af6b8a19c05e27dc3dc023b00e55e.jpg)

As I have mentioned before, I have been testing out this silicone ring system for about 3 weeks now. Yesterday was one of the most productive soft plastic outings I have had in a while, and I was able to really test out the silicone rings.

I threw 5" Senko stick baits. The rings secured the worm great. The nasal tool worked like a charm. I did lose 2 or 3 rings after fighting a few nice bass. However, I made a hook inserting adjustment and did that t lose any more rings. Did lose worms, which is expected, but not the rings. I will add, I did not lose any worms due to casting. If I did, it was because the worms were really damaged from fighting a bass from the previous cast.

I will say, the silicone tubing thickness and pliability discussion is one topic I will continue following. The tubing I purchased, although its tough and holds well, requires careful hook penetrating effort to rig successfully.

I'm sure using softer tubing will help make inserting the hook easier, so again, I will be following this discussion to see if anyone comes across what call the silicone tubing "sweet spot."

I just got back from a media trip in NY for smallmouth bass. During my trip we wacky rigged a lot. I found this thread very interesting and took notice of what the 4 pros used while I fished with them. Granted that they all got their baits for free but none used an o ring or tubing while wacky rigging. I thought to myself that we would be going through a ton of worms, but in 2 days of fishing I don't think we lost one single worm to a fish or cast off. At one point one of the pros handed me a wacky rigged Berkley General stick worm that was hanging by a thread and I thought it wouldn't last long. 3 fish later, it was still hanging in there.

That got me thinking, does the brand of stick worm affect the durability? Those Berkley Generals lasted forever.

I'm going to go in a reverse direction from this thread and experiment with various makes of worms wacky rig without any type of ring or tubing. I've always been a big fan of an o ring so it will be interesting to see if I like it more or less while rigging without.

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Interesting and I will be following along to hear your thoughts on this.

I do think the brand will affect it some. The Yamamoto Senkos are softer and don't seem to last as long as say the Yum Dingers.

Back in the day, long before O-Rings became a thing we used to rig floating worms through the egg sack and they seemed to last forever.

Not sure what accounted for that. Things like hooks and plastic formulas were different back then so I wonder if that played a part.

At any rate I'll be interested to hear your thoughts as you experiment with this.

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Here is a wacky rig Trick Worm tactic I saw on You Tube : Black rubber jig skirt bands (BOSS) fit perfect on a Trick Worm ... Rig the hook perpendicular (does not hurt hook ups as Trick worm is thin). Trick Worms rigged wacky with skirt bands make a Trick Worm last a lot longer .

Quote from: chrisD46 on June 13, 2023, 07:04:29 AMHere is a wacky rig Trick Worm tactic I saw on You Tube : Black rubber jig skirt bands (BOSS) fit perfect on a Trick Worm ... Rig the hook perpendicular (does not hurt hook ups as Trick worm is thin). Trick Worms rigged wacky with skirt bands make a Trick Worm last a lot longer .

Another good tip! Thank you for sharing!

Quote from: Capt. BassinLou on June 13, 2023, 07:22:07 AM

Quote from: chrisD46 on June 13, 2023, 07:04:29 AMHere is a wacky rig Trick Worm tactic I saw on You Tube : Black rubber jig skirt bands (BOSS) fit perfect on a Trick Worm ... Rig the hook perpendicular (does not hurt hook ups as Trick worm is thin). Trick Worms rigged wacky with skirt bands make a Trick Worm last a lot longer .

Another good tip! Thank you for sharing!

Use a #2 size VMC Neko hook, Trokar Neko #2 size , etc. hooks with your Trick Worms rigged this way .