The three must-haves are hooks, weights and baits. Everything here is in the Beginner Kit or the rig guides. Pliers live in the front pouch.
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Fished real days on it We use one our pick in a category we carry Research pick not used yet, doubt stated
Who it's for: every Texas rig in the Guides. 2/0–3/0 for 5" stick baits, 3/0 for 6" lizards and craws, 4/0–5/0 for Magnum lizards. Downside: house brand, so Bass Pro or nowhere. Tie them with a Palomar.
Who it's for: smaller than lead for the same weight; you feel the bottom better. Downside: three to four times the price of lead. Lead works fine while you learn.
Who it's for: the budget Texas rig; buy a bag and don't think about it. Downside: bigger profile, less feel, and some waters restrict lead.
Who it's for: the wacky rig in one pack. Downside: light-wire hooks — go up a size for big fish around wood. Spare rings: VMC 6mm rings.
Who it's for: pegging a Texas rig in grass so the weight stays on the bait. Downside: none worth naming; a pack lasts a season.
Who it's for: the wacky-rig variation that gets a stick bait down and standing up. Downside: they fall out of soft baits; O-rings help.
Who it's for: hook-outs without hurting the fish, treble swaps, clean braid cuts. Downside: none. A garage-sale pair works. Add a hook file if you crank riprap.
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