Yum Baits Worm

The 4-inch dinger from Yum Baits is a great way to catch big bass under docks and in heavy cover

We have all had those frustrating trips to the lake when it seems like nothing is going your way. When targeting largemouth bass, my favorite technique used to be top-water, especially a Jitterbug or Buzzbait. The main problem with this strategy was that I seemed to only catch smaller bass, usually in the 12 inch range. The night trips were filled with lots of excitement, but I had no trophies to show for all of my work.

Yum Worm-4 Inch Dinger

This summer, I found a new technique to deliver to bass. The bait is called the “Yum” worm, and I like the 4 inch “dinger” worm the best. There are a variety of colors, but I have had the most luck with either the “blue flake” or the “watermelon” variety. There is a slot on the worm in the middle, and you simply hook a large hook through the slot, directly in the middle. When hooked correctly, you should have about 2 inches of worm on either side of the barb.

Skip Under Docks

Casting a Yum Worm under and around docks with a skipping action produces fantastic results

This rig may be fished anywhere, but docks are where the action is particularly strong. As you cast the worm, you want to keep your rod tip low. The motion of the cast is similar to swinging a baseball bat. When casted correctly, the worm will skip along the top of the water. This skipping motion allows you to deliver the worm directly under the dock, in places you normally could never reach. Sometimes the bass will hit the worm immediately as it hits the water. Most times, you should let the worm sink and avoid reeling. As the worm falls, it imitates a leech, and rocks back and forth in a swaying motion as it moves to the bottom. Bass cannot resist the worm. They will strike it off the bottom. If you do not have a bite within about 20 seconds, retrieve the worm about 5 feet and then let it fall again.

If you are having trouble getting the worm to skip (as I did when I first began using it) you should swing the worm in small circles before casting. It may seem silly, but swinging the worm first will help it to skip along the water. I would also recommend using braided line. I like to use PowerPro, with 15 pound strength. The diameter of the line is the same as 4 pound test, making it easy to cast and hard to see in the water.

I have had an amazing summer fishing with this lure. The best part is, it will not only catch largemouth bass, but smallmouth bass as well. I used this lure in deep weed beds, and even caught a 14 inch crappie with it! The main trick is to let the lure fall and do all of the work. It is effective on the bottom as well, so be patient with it. Enjoy some excellent fishing, and remember to practice CPR.

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