A rig that Aliceville Lake fishermen love for fishing shallow vegetation is known locally as “the Speed worm.”
In this application, a Speed worm is any ribbed worm in the 4- to 6-inch range with a curly or flat tail.
Zoom markets the original Speed Worm, the ribbing of which creates a vibration that reportedly triggers a reflex bite in bass. Other brands we found in use at Aliceville were a Berkley PowerBait Ribworm and a Havoc Ribbed Craw.
A popular application for the Speed worm is for shallow, weightless fishing. With a uniquely shaped tail buzzing across the water’s surface, it is well known for producing huge bass throughout the early summer months when bass are shallow.
Rigged weightless on a 3/0 hook, anglers are allowed to fish this bait both quickly and slowly atop the water. Because the Speed worm sinks slowly, it is ideal for all shallow water applications.
Anglers we talked to have enjoyed a lot of success swimming — or “buzzing” — the worm across thick lily pads and matted grass. As the bait nears an opening in the matted vegetation, they simply slow their retrieve in order to draw some acrobatic, monstrous strikes.
A key to a successful hookup is a sweeping hookset, much like that of a Carolina-rigged worm.
With a small 1/16-ounce weight, the Speed worm also gives angler the opportunity to wake the bait just below the surface. A weighted hook, such as the Gamakatsu Superhook, allows for longer casts without compromising the weedless characteristics.
Texas and Carolina rigs are also potent medicine when rigged with a Speed Worm.
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