Pro bass angler Ott DeFoe explores the world of weightless soft plastics for targeting prespawn bass on the verge of spawning. In this video, he dives deep into the when, why, and how to fish a weightless wacky rig and Texas-rigged stick worm when water temperatures reach the upper 50s. *Featured product listing at the bottom.
As Ott explains, a few degrees can make all the difference in bass behavior during spring, shifting their focus to spawning activities. When this happens, hard baits like squarebill crankbaits take a backseat to weightless soft plastics, which hover in the strike zone longer and temp spooky bass in shallow water.
Much of the content centers around how Ott rigs and fishing a wacky rig. And while a wacky rig is tough to beat, it’s prone to fowling around heavy cover. Ott’s alternative setup is a weightless Texas-rigged stick worm. It easily comes through cover, making it an excellent performer when casting into grass, laydowns, brush piles, and underneath docks.
The video highlights the benefits of using a braided line with a fluorocarbon leader when fishing with weightless soft plastics. This combination provides optimal casting distance, line visibility for bite detection, and near invisibility on the business end. Also, remember to have a good pair of polarized sunglasses. They’re essential for spotting potential targets and seeing subtle line movements.
Follow this guidance and you’ll be well on your way to mastering weightless soft plastics during the prespawn period.
TACKLE LISTING (retail links)
WACKY RIG SETUP
• WORM – Bass Pro Shops Wacky Stik-O Worm, Buy at Bass Pro Shops: https://wired2.fish/400Ub8q
• HOOK – VMC RedLine Series Weedless Wacky Neko Hook
Buy at Omnia Fishing: https://wired2.fish/40mWOkq
Buy at Bass Pro Shops: https://wired2.fish/3ySzmQq
• WORM RETENTION – VMC Crossover Ring, Buy at Omnia Fishing: https://wired2.fish/3O6Uhot
WEIGHTLESS WORM SETUP
• WORM – Bass Pro Shops 5-3/8” Stik-O Worm, Buy at Bass Pro Shops: https://wired2.fish/3FBDHve
• HOOK – VMC RedLine Series Hybrid Wide Gap Hook, 3/0
Buy at Omnia Fishing: https://wired2.fish/3TvYVAf
Buy at Bass Pro Shops: https://wired2.fish/3lkpb4h
• Bass Pros Shops Johnny Morris Platinum Signature Spinning Rod – JMP71MHSF, Buy at Bass Pro Shops: https://wired2.fish/3TrRFW2
• REEL – Bass Pro Shops Johnny Morris Platinum Signature Spinning Reel – JMP71MSF, Buy at Bass Pro Shops: https://wired2.fish/3loLUMv
• LINE (braided mainline) – Bass Pro Shops XPS SS Braid Fishing Line, Buy at Bass Pro Shops: https://wired2.fish/3ZXIwqM
• LINE (fluorocarbon) – Bass Pro Shops XPS KVD Signature Series 100% Fluorocarbon Fishing Line, 10-pound, Buy at Bass Pro Shops: https://wired2.fish/3SKPUD8
• SUNGLASSES – Costa Del Mar Reefton, Buy at Tackle Warehouse: https://wired2.fish/CostaReefton
• HITCH – BW Tow & Stow Adjustable Ball Mount, Buy at BW Hitches: https://wired2.fish/3LDlbXi
ELECTRONICS
• FISH FINDER – Humminbird HELIX 12 MEGA SI+ GPS G4N
Buy at Tackle Warehouse: https://wired2.fish/3UqmDxz
Buy at Bass Pro Shops: https://wired2.fish/3Y1ATh9
• LIVE SONAR – Humminbird MEGA Live Imaging
Buy at Tackle Warehouse: https://wired2.fish/3mqCHTL
Buy at Omnia Fishing: https://wired2.fish/3KGuUeO
Buy at Bass Pro Shops: https://wired2.fish/3ma8TdX
• 360 IMAGING – Humminbird 360 Imaging
Buy at Tackle Warehouse: https://wired2.fish/366bPwB
Buy at Omnia Fishing: https://wired2.fish/41tdQyJ
Buy at Bass Pro Shops: https://wired2.fish/3EEnoNz
• TROLLING MOTOR – Minn Kota Ultrex
Buy at Tackle Warehouse: https://wired2.fish/3KWt8X4
Buy at Bass Pro Shops: https://wired2.fish/3Y4DyH8
• SHALLOW WATER ANCHOR – Buy at Minn Kota: https://wired2.fish/MinnKotaTalonJO
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What size Vmc hook you using?
How long a leader do you use to your braid.
good stuff.👍👍👍👍👍
Awesome instruction and a great watch, thank you. One question from a newer fisherman, trying to get better. I noticed that you use a spinning reel/rod set up left handed (realizing that that’s the way most come), but your baitcaster is right reel. Do you throw with your left hand and reel with your right, or do you mostly switch hands after cast? Im confused on what hand to get, as I am looking to buy my first baitcaster soon. Thank you!
Now that's the way to release our natural resources; with care and concern, not tossing her while standing up on the deck letting the fish slam the water. Treat your catch with respect.
Great information from a real pro not a idiot like swindle
Great video Ott thanks for sharing 🎣
Good lord he caught the heck out of them!!!
Ott, what size crossover ring would you suggest for the Berkeley General Max Scent & Yum Dinger 4" & 5"? Thanks.
Woow great Vidio fishing 👍🇮🇩
I use a purple 5” whacky worm in the stained water of New England and I get slammed in springtime
Good morning Ott, how are you, what size retention rings should I get for the BOS Stick-O, and Yama Senko’s, great vid.
I love the wacky rig I have been wearing the bass out all year long
👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻💪🏻🎣
Love those Johnny Morris Signature Series combos.
Just curious what color worm that is. Can't for the life of me figure out what he's saying
Ott thanks for all the tips.
Awesome video!
Thanks for the advice again! Got to love the wacky rig!
best video lately. thx
Thanks guys for sharing this great video and the tips!
Greetings from the Netherlands and bless you guys, Pat.
👊🏼👍🏼🎣🎣🎣🤘🏼🇳🇱
Great video!!!
Have you noticed that we catch our best day when where just enjoying the day of fishing but come tournament time // We can’t catch two-5lbs like that in one day… but like I said great video 👍🏽
Why is Ott running with Talons over Raptors?
first