You have the rod, the reel, and the lures—but can you actually rig them?
In bass fishing, “terminal tackle” refers to everything at the end of your line that isn’t the lure itself: hooks, weights, swivels, and snaps. While lures get all the glory, your terminal tackle is what actually hooks the fish and keeps it on the line.
If you want to fish the most effective bass rigs like the Texas Rig, Wacky Rig, or Drop Shot, you need a specific set of components. This checklist covers the exact terminal tackle you need to build a professional-grade bass kit from Amazon.
The “Big Four” Bass Rigs: Shopping List
| Rig Type | Essential Hook | Essential Weight | Key Accessory |
|---|---|---|---|
| Texas Rig | EWG Worm Hook (3/0 or 4/0) | Bullet Weight (1/4 oz) | Bobber Stops |
| Wacky Rig | Wacky Hook (1/0) | N/A (Weightless) | O-Rings & Tool |
| Drop Shot | Drop Shot Hook (Size 1 or 2) | Cylinder Weight (3/8 oz) | Fluorocarbon Leader |
| Ned Rig | Ned Jighead (1/10 oz) | Built-in | Z-Man Finesse TRD |
1. Hooks: The Business End
Not all hooks are created equal. For bass, you need three specific styles to cover 90% of situations.
Extra Wide Gap (EWG) Worm Hooks
The EWG hook is the gold standard for weedless fishing. Its deep bend allows the hook point to stay tucked inside soft plastics until a bass bites.
- Recommended Sizes: 3/0 (standard) and 4/0 (for larger worms/creatures).
- Best for: Texas Rig, Carolina Rig.
- Extra wide gap worm
- Has Z Bend, non Offset, forged and ringed Eye
- 1 pack of ewg worm hooks/ quantity: 5 pieces
Wacky Hooks
These are short-shank, wide-gap hooks designed to be hooked through the middle of a stickbait (like a Senko).
- Recommended Size: 1/0.
- Pro Tip: Use a “weedless” version with a wire guard if fishing near brush.
- Harmony Fishing’s Wacky Weedless Hooks are an excellent way to get into fishing Wacky Style (The Wacky Rig). Simply hook…
- Wider gap offers better hookup ratio. Turned in hook point keeps fish hooked, and prevents that lunker bass from getting…
- Designed for Senko Worms, Finesse Worms, and all other bass fishing baits like Gary Yamamoto Senkos, Yum Dingers, Zoom T…
Drop Shot Hooks
Small but incredibly strong. These are designed to be tied with a Palomar knot so the hook stands out horizontally from the line.
- Recommended Size: #1 or #2.
- 【Knot-Free Drop Shot Rigging】 Features built-in line clips for quick and easy setup—no need to tie traditional knots for…
- 【Swivel Design Prevents Line Twist】 Integrated swivel reduces main line twist, allowing soft baits to move more naturall…
2. Weights: Getting to the Fish
Bullet Weights (Tungsten vs. Lead)
Used for Texas Rigs. Tungsten is preferred by pros because it is smaller and denser than lead, allowing you to “feel” the bottom better.
- Recommended Weights: 1/8 oz (shallow), 1/4 oz (all-purpose), 3/8 oz (deep/windy).
- BREAK THROUGH COVER: Our lead weights have been crafted to give you an advantage when bass fishing; The streamlined shap…
- STAMPED SIZES: All of these fishing sinkers and weights are stamped with the weight in ounces on the weight for quick an…
Drop Shot Weights
These feature a special clip that allows you to attach them to the end of your line without a knot.
- Shape: Cylinder (for grass) or Teardrop (for rocks).
- 97% Tungsten – High density, more compact than lead, sink faster, sensitive and less hang ups. Tungsten is incredibly du…
- Highly Quality Clip – Fishfun drop shot weights feature a clip-on eyelet that are designed to hold the line without tyin…
3. Essential Accessories (The “Small Stuff”)
These items are often overlooked but are critical for advanced rigging.
Wacky O-Rings and Tool
Stop losing expensive Senkos! An O-ring allows you to hook the ring instead of the bait, making one soft plastic last for 5-10 fish instead of just one.
- ✅ UNBEATABLE BAIT PROTECTION – Our thick silicone O-tubes fully shield Senko worms from bass teeth and hook damage, keep…
- ✅ INCLUDES QUICK-INSTALL TOOL – The kit version include an exclusive installation tool lets you slide O-tubes onto worms…
Bobber Stops (Pegging Weights)
Slide these onto your line before your bullet weight to keep the weight from sliding up and down. This is essential for “flipping” into heavy cover.
- Secure Line Positioning: Our bobber stops grip the fishing line firmly, preventing unwanted movement of floats and sinke…
- Versatile Application: Perfect for creating slip bobber stops, sinker stops, and line stoppers, these rubber bobber stop…
Barrel Swivels
Essential for the Carolina Rig to prevent line twist.
- This fishing swivel kit includes 300pcs of Fishing Barrel Swivels. Ranging in 6 sizes, 50pcs each for 2#, 3#, 4#, 5#, 6#…
- The fishing barrel swivels are made of stainless steel, strong corrosion resistance and wear resistance. Good quality an…
4. The “Ready-to-Fish” Terminal Tackle Kits
If you don’t want to buy everything individually, Amazon offers high-quality assortment kits that include hooks, weights, and beads in one box.
- Best Overall Kit: Bass Fishing Terminal Tackle Assortment
- Best Finesse Kit: Ned Rig & Drop Shot Kit
Terminal Tackle FAQ
What size hook is best for a 5-inch Senko?
A 3/0 or 4/0 EWG hook is perfect for a Texas Rig, while a 1/0 Wacky hook is best for wacky rigging.
Is Tungsten worth the extra money?
Yes. Tungsten is much harder than lead. When your weight hits a rock or a log, the vibration travels up the line much clearer, helping you distinguish between a “thump” (bottom) and a “bite” (fish).
Do I need a swivel for bass fishing?
Only for specific rigs like the Carolina Rig or when using lures that spin (like inline spinners). For most bass fishing, tie directly to the hook to maintain a natural presentation.
Final Checklist: Your Amazon Shopping Cart
To be fully prepared for your next trip, make sure you have these 5 items in your bag:
- Pack of 3/0 EWG Hooks
- Assorted Bullet Weights (1/4 oz)
- Wacky Rig O-Rings & Tool
- Drop Shot Weights (3/8 oz)
- Tackle Organizer Box
Want to know which lures to put on these hooks? Check out our 2026 Bass Lure Guide for the top-performing baits this season!