This is one old lure that should have a place in your angling arsenal.

Through the years I have come to use the Ribworm as my backup/standby when the fishing gets tough. The reason is the design.

The rings/ribs do several things. They produce noise and bubbles and provide an excellent area to hold scents. The rings also increase the lure’s flexibility. The small sickle tail puts out action with the slightest of movement, which is usually a plus. At times the tail can be an annoyance, however, if bluegills are attacking it and ripping it off.

I rig the worm in three basic ways. First, I Texas-rig it with a 1/0 to 2/0 XPoint XGap hook and a sinker of whatever weight I need for casting or flipping/pitching. Second, a good all-around rig is with a B-Fish-N Precision H20 jig head, which helps when swimming or jigging the lure, or whenever you want an open hook. Last is as a trailer for a skirted jig. I normally start with the Blitz Finesse Jig, but sometimes go a little bigger with a 1/4- or 3/8-ounce Blitz Spyder Jig. All are good for swimming or flipping/pitching.

Techniques of flipping/pitching, jigging, hopping, swimming, vertical lift-and-fall, or whatever else can be used—and can work. In other words, it is a great little all-around worm. No matter what technique is used, be sure to allow the body’s flexibility and super tail action to work to the max.

If you like to catch bass check out MidWest Outdoors magazine, available at the newsstand or by subscribing on the MWO website.