Employing Gamakatsu's Rubber Worm hook for "Brass and Glass" finesse fishing
 

Introduction: "Brass and Glass" techniques are among the oldest finesse fishing techniques, and are still one of the most productive methods for drawing strikes. With new lures and sharper hooks the "Texas Twitch" is deadlier then ever. In this article we explore how to rig and fish this method, and why it is so effective.
 

What is the "Brass and Glass?": Brass and Glass techniques are also referred to as "Doodlin, Twitchin, and The Texas Twitch." Basically the rig is a unpegged brass bullet sinker, a bead, and a hook. Brass bullet sinkers are preferable over traditional lead sinkers because of the distinct clicking sound that can be generated from a brass weight and a glass bead. The same rig with a lead weight will make a much more dull sound, and brass simply makes far more noise. With sharper hooks like Gamakatsu's solid hooksets are more likely, especially when used in a weedless rig like this one, when a sharp hook keeps more fish on for the duration.

When to use it: The "B&G" rig catches bass in a lot of situations, and can be a great tool for working through deep cover or trying to draw bass out from structure. It can be a great rig to fish right after a cold front to target unsettled bass.

Because of the large bullet weight this rig can be cast accurately and retrieved at variable speeds over almost any structure with confidence. While most anglers will catch fish retrieving this lure off the bottom we have also had a lot of success drifting and trolling this rig slowly while twitching the rod tip. Key to the success of this rig is its ability to work in and out of heavy structure with the added element of sound to attract fish from a distance. 

Rigging up the "B&G": The "B&G" is one of the easiest rigs to tie on. Make sure to use a line weight that is small enough that the brass weight you choose slides up and down the main line with no resistance. In between the weight and the hook choose a bead for the rig. My experience is that the bead color is not a major factor, but the size and material are. The larger glass angled-edged glass beads make a lot more noise then smooth plastic beads, and are my first choice. Finally tie the Gamakatsu hook on the end. (Both rubber worm hooks and offset hooks work well.) In most cases I feel a light 2/0 hook is perfect for the job. Finally rig a worm style and color of your choice exposing just the very tip of the hook or completely weedless. In the past I have used everything from slender "Magic Worms" to brush hogs, but have recently had a lot of success with a fat 5" Yamamoto Senko.
 

The Method: Fishing the "B&G" is easy to learn. After casting the rig into the desired area either bounce or retrieve the lure back through the strike zone. Using a sensitive rod with a soft tip will allow you to twitch the rod tip evenly or violently. In either case the sinker will slide up and down your main line and come back to strike the glass bead on top of your lure making it click deep below the surface.

In my opinion this is one of those techniques that just works better on a baitcasting rig. While it will work on light spinning gear it is easier to control and feel the lures as it is retrieved with your thumb on a baitcaster. With small twitches of the rod tip the Senko will flip its tail back and forth and as the weight is accelerated up your main line the Senko will jerk forward.
 

Sometimes when you pause between twitches and let the worm sink slowly is when the fish will take it. The goal of the "B&G" is to attract attention to your lure, increasing the chances your lure will be hit. Hits usually feel like a quick tick or tug rather then a violent hit, and you should set the hook just like any other Texas rigged worm.