Assault Worm

7.5″ or 10″ Assault Worm: A Classic Bass Fishing Soft Plastic

The ribbontail worm is a proven soft plastic bait that combines a slender body with a long, curled tail, creating a lifelike swimming action. This versatile lure is a favorite for targeting largemouth, smallmouth, and spotted bass in various conditions. Its elongated tail produces enticing vibrations and movement, making it especially effective for slow presentations in deeper water or around cover.

Key Features

• Slender Body: Easily penetrates cover and provides a streamlined profile.
• Ribbon Tail: A long, curled tail that undulates in the water, mimicking a swimming baitfish or eel.
• Variety of Sizes: Commonly ranges from 6 to 12 inches to match forage and fishing conditions.
• Durable Soft Plastic: Withstands multiple strikes while maintaining action.

How to Rig a Ribbontail Worm

1. Texas Rig: Weedless setup for fishing in grass, timber, or other cover.
2. Carolina Rig: Perfect for dragging along the bottom in deeper water or offshore structure.
3. Weightless: For a natural fall in shallow water or around vegetation.
4. Shaky Head: Adds a stand-up action that keeps the tail moving near the bottom.
5. Worm Hook on a Jig Head: Great for targeting bass in open water or rocky areas.

Fishing Techniques

• Dragging: Slowly pull the worm along the bottom to mimic a foraging prey.
• Hopping: Lift and drop the worm to create bursts of tail movement that attract strikes.
• Swimming: Retrieve steadily to imitate a baitfish swimming through the water column.
• Pitching and Flipping: Drop the worm into heavy cover, letting the tail’s action do the work.

Best Situations for a Ribbontail Worm

• Clear to Stained Water: The tail’s movement is visible in various water clarities.
• Deep Water: Perfect for targeting bass on ledges, points, and drop-offs.
• Seasonal Use: Highly effective in warmer months, particularly during summer when bass are active in deeper waters.

Pro Tips

• Choose natural colors like green pumpkin, watermelon, or plum in clear water. Use darker hues like junebug or black/blue in stained or muddy water.
• Pair with fluorocarbon or braided line for increased sensitivity and strength when fishing around cover.
• Adjust the weight of your rig to match the depth and current for better control.

The ribbontail worm’s combination of subtle body action and enticing tail movement makes it a go-to lure for bass anglers. Whether fished shallow or deep, this bait is a reliable choice for catching bass in various conditions.