5″ Hawg Stix

Hawg Stix: A Versatile and Reliable Lure for Bass Fishing

The stick bait, often referred to as a soft plastic stick worm, is a simple yet highly effective lure that has become a staple in bass fishing. Its straightforward, cylindrical design with little to no appendages makes it incredibly versatile and easy to use, allowing anglers of all skill levels to catch bass in various conditions. The natural wiggle and subtle action of a stick bait during its fall is what makes it irresistible to bass.

Key Features

• Simple Design: A straight, soft plastic worm with a lifelike texture.
• Natural Action: Produces a subtle wiggle as it sinks, mimicking an easy meal for bass.
• Versatile Rigging Options: Can be fished in multiple ways to target bass in different environments.
• Variety of Colors and Sizes: Typically ranges from 4 to 6 inches, with color options to match forage and water conditions.

How to Rig a Stick Bait

1. Weightless Wacky Rig: Hooked through the middle for a slow, fluttering fall that drives bass wild.
2. Texas Rig: Weedless setup for fishing in cover such as grass, wood, or lily pads.
3. Neko Rig: Weighted on one end for a unique bottom presentation.
4. Carolina Rig: Dragged along deeper structure to target bass near the bottom.
5. Drop Shot: Nose-hooked for finesse presentations to suspended or pressured bass.

Fishing Techniques

• Dead-Sticking: Cast out, let the stick bait sink, and leave it motionless for a few seconds to tempt wary bass.
• Twitching: Use gentle rod movements to create subtle, darting action.
• Slow Retrieve: Drag or reel the bait along the bottom for a natural appearance.
• Skipping: Easily skips under docks, trees, or tight cover, thanks to its streamlined shape.

Best Situations for Stick Baits

• Clear to Lightly Stained Water: The natural presentation excels in high-visibility conditions.
• Shallow Water: Great for fishing along weed lines, docks, and shallow flats.
• Pressured Waters: Subtle action makes it effective in areas with high angler activity.
• Year-Round Effectiveness: Works in all seasons but shines during the post-spawn and summer when bass are feeding near shallow cover.

Pro Tips

• Use natural colors like green pumpkin, watermelon, and black for clear water. Opt for brighter colors like chartreuse or junebug in stained or muddy water.
• Pair with a spinning rod and light fluorocarbon line for finesse techniques like the wacky rig.
• Add a small nail weight to one end for deeper presentations or windy conditions.

The stick bait’s ability to produce strikes with its simple, natural action makes it a must-have in every angler’s tackle box. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, this lure’s versatility and effectiveness will help you catch more bass.