The plastic worms long, thin profile and lifelike action suggest a wide range of prey.

Yet, in spite of their ability to catch fish, worms often are misused and misunderstood.

They are a "feel" bait that requires some technique on the part of the fisherman.

Rigging Methods:

* Texas Rig:

The most popular worm-fishing technique, but also the most difficult to master.

When fishing in heavy cover, you can "peg" the slip sinker by inserting a toothpick into it.

This will keep the sinker from hanging up, and will increase your feel of the plastic worm.

Tip. Use the Texas rig in cover and on drop-offs.

* Floating Worm:

Use this worm weightless, and cast it under over-hanging trees and near flooded bushes in shallow water.

Use a float/twitch/float retrieve.

You may have to use a small hook or a buoyant worm to let the rig float

* Carolina Worm:

Has a heavy sinker on the line with the worm attached with a swivel and leader.

The heavy sinker helps maintain bottom contact.

As the sinker bounces along the bottom, the suspended worm darts an settles like a baitfish.

Retrieve at a medium speed along ledges, sandbars, flats andother structures.

Use weedguards when fishing heavy weeds.

* Swimming Worm:

Use a swivel and leader line.

Attach a 6-inch stright worm that has been rolled on the hook to make it semi-weedless.

Fish around shallow boat docks, grassy shorelines,etc., using a slow, constant retrieve.

Choosing Worm Styes and Colors

Match the worm style to the fishing condition:

* Bulkier worms with twist tails, multiple tails, appendages or similar attention getting devices usually are best in water of low visibility.

* Use thin worms with stright tails in vegatation.

* When fish are active, try a smaller worm.

* In clear water, lighter, more translucent colors tend to work best: blue, green, peal, smoke, etc.

* In dark water, dark worms often produce best: purple, black, brown, etc.

* Two-toned worms are better when the less dominant color is a highly attracting one, such as bright yellow or red, and the dominant color is a more conservative one, such as black or blue.

* In choosing worm colors, stick to a few that seem to work in your area, but don't be afraid to experiment.

Worms are among the least expensive lures you will buy.