Although a Texas Rig is fundamental to bass fishing, there are still many factors to consider when building your Texas Rig setup. From the type of rod to reel speed, line to weights, Jeff Sprague has you covered with an essential setup to get you started.
The Texas rig is a staple in the sport of bass fishing. It is likely one of the first baits that we were taught how to use as novice anglers. However, it is not just as simple as a weedless bait. There are some things behind the scenes that can make or break your Texas rig experience. Jeff Sprague has a list of things that go into his perfect Texas rig setup.
He starts off with a great Texas rig rod. He likes the Lew’s Xfinity Pro, 7’1”, Medium Heavy Rod. The rod has enough tip, but also has a good back bone. This simply means that the tip allows him to work the bait well and make good casts, but the backbone helps him get a good hookset and fight fish out of cover. He rigs this up with 17-20 pound fluorocarbon line. “The new Contra from Strike King is the primary go-to line for me,” states Sprague. The fluorocarbon line is sensitive to feel even the smallest bites, but strong enough to get fish out of laydowns or vegetation. Sprague spools his line up on a Lew’s Hypermag Baitcast Reel. He likes this reel in a 7.5:1 gear ratio. This is because “those fish will swim off and they’ll swim toward you, and they’ll swim to the side,” says Jeff. The quicker gear ratio allows him to catch up to the fish and set the hook. If one were to use a reel with a slower gear ratio, it would be more challenging to reel in slack line quick enough for a solid hookset.
When it comes to the terminal tackle, Sprague keeps it simple. His go to is a “3/8 ounce Tour Grade tungsten weight ,” explains Jeff. He usually pairs that with a 4/0 worm hook and keeps the weight pegged. Depending on what kind of cover he is fishing, he may change his weight. “You can go lighter on your weight. You can go to a 1/8 oz. You can go to a 3/4 oz, and it goes heavier from there,” states Sprague. A lighter weight may be used in shallower water or around pressured fish. A heavier weight may be used for flipping grass mats or thick bushes.
For years, the Texas rig has been catching bass. Over time, the choices for that technique have become more complex. Do not let all the choices confuse you. Revert back to this great outline of the perfect setup. If you get comfortable with it, then test out different hooks, or weights, or line sizes. You may find something that you like better. Always remember that the equipment is a very important part of the technique. If you can follow these tips, more bass should make it in your boat.
