Big Bites Bait Of The Month

Jeff Kriet Squirrel Tail Worm

In this month’s Big Bite Bait of the Month we are going to talk about the Squirrel Tail Worm. Now most of what you have heard about this bait so far is how to fish it on a Shaky Head Jig, but have you tried to fish the Squirrel Tail rigged a few different ways? Let’s look at just how versatile the Squirrel Tail can be.

 Shaky Head

Fishing the Squirrel Tail on a football shaped Shaky Head is the standard application that designer Jeff Kriet had in mind. In the last couple of years this has been one of the best ways to take bass during tough bite conditions. I generally fish the Shaky Head Squirrel Tail combination on a 7’ to 7’6” spinning set up, teamed with a matching reel, spooled with either 6lb or 8lbs test line.  My line choice is always based on the fishing conditions.  If I am fishing in open rock areas with little snags I will opt to use 6lb test line.  On the other hand if I am fishing in cover I will opt to use 8lb test line.  This gives me a few more pounds to get the bass out of cover if needed.

On the days I downright struggle to get bites, I will fish 6lb line no matter what the conditions. Day in and day out 6lb line will get you more bites than 8lb.  Just remember when using 6lb test line you will have to retie more often. 

To fish the shaky head, cast it out and let the bait settle to the bottom. You will want to drag this bait slowly along the bottom.  Do not lift and hop it like you would fish a regular jig.  When you get the bait in cover or against a rock jiggle the rod tip to make the squirrel dance.  This is the key to trigger the strike.  It doesn’t take much, the slightest movement will start the tail dancing.

 Jig Head

Another way to fish the Squirrel Tail is on a jig head.  Rigged on a jig head the tail does not ride up as high as it will when it is rigged on a Shaky Head.  I have noticed that there will be days when the bass will bite the Squirrel Tail rigged this way better than on a Shaky Head.  The only reason I can see is they want the bait closer to the bottom.

Once again I will fish the same setup that I described for the shaky head rig.  The only difference is I am hopping the jig on the bottom and not dragging the jig like I would if I were fishing a Shaky Head.

Split Shot Rig

This is my sleeper rig that I use for weed conditions and not many fishermen fish a split shot rig.  To rig I take a 2/0 worm hook and tie this to the end of my line. Then I will take a single slip shot or 2 and crimp them on my line about 1’ to 1 ½’ up the line.  How you determine if you need one to two split shots is you want to be able to feel the bait when you pick it up to move it.  If you cannot feel the bait, simply add another shot.

Cast you’re offering out and let it settle to the bottom or the top of the weeds. Once on the bottom you want to slowly drag your offering through the weeds.  Let it sit for a few seconds, then pick it up again for the next move.  The Squirrel Tail Worm will ride tail up in the weeds giving the bass a better chance of finding and striking your bait. When you sense the bait being picked up or you start to see the line move across the water set the hook.

I will fish this rig on a 7ft medium action spinning setup, teamed with a matching reel and spooled with 8lb test line.

Finesse Carolina Rig

I like to fish the finesse Carolina Rig in open areas.  To up the weight a little for this tactic I will either fish a 1/8oz to 1/4oz slip weight. Generally I will rig the finesse Carolina Rig like I would a regular Carolina Rig with a bead and a swivel, but if I am in a hurry I will just use a slip sinker and crimp a split shot on the line where I want the weight to stop.

This rigging saves time and allows me to adjust the length of line that I need on the go by just sliding the split shot up or down my line.  I usually start out placing my weight 1 ½’ to 3’ up the line.  On the end of my line I will tie a 2/0 worm hook and thread my Squirrel Tail on texas style.

I will fish this rig on a 7ft medium action spinning setup spooled with 8lb test line.

Make your cast and let the bait settle to the bottom.  Once on the bottom you want to fish this like you would a regular Carolina Rig in dragging it along the bottom. When you feel you have a bite, use a sweep set to set the hook.

Texas Rig

With all the attention of the Squirrel Tail on the Shaky Head combination many fishermen are forgetting to just use the Squirrel Tail texas rigged.  Just as it will get you bites on a Shaky Head it will also get you bites rigged texas as well.  I have found it works best when you use ¼ oz or less for weight size.  If you use too much weight you will over power the bait and it will not catch you as many bass.

I will fish this on a spinning setup 7’ medium action rod, teamed with a matching reel spooled with either 6lb or 8lb line.  Once again let the cover you are fishing dictate what size line you use.

Drop Shot

Just as the Squirrel Tail works on all the other rigs it will work on a drop shot rig as well.  The tail allows the bait a ton of action in the water when it is moved.  I will generally fish only the 4” Squirrel Tail for this application.

I will either rig the Squirrel Tail nose hooked on an open hook or you can rig it texas on a worm hook depending on the conditions.

As you can see the Big Bite Squirrel Tail can be rigged and fished more ways than just on a Shaky Head.  Give some of these rigs a try and if you start catching fish on a different rigging of your own please make sure you let us know at www.bigbitebaits.com so we call tell all our fellow fishermen about your success with the Jeff Kriet Squirrel Tail Worm.

Scott Petersen