How Fred Roumbanis uses the Oki Worm

The Oki Worm is a recent addition to the Yamamoto line of plastic baits. Measuring 10.5” in length, the Oki Worm's slender tapered profile and subtle spade-like tail combine to produce the perfect blend of presence and subtlety. Molded with Yamamoto's Mega Floater Formula, the versatile Oki Worm presents with a tail-up attitude that is a strong strike trigger. Since its introduction last summer, the Oki Worm has generated a strong following, among them is Bass Pro Tour Angler Fred Roumbanis. Recently the Inside Line caught up with the Yamamoto Pro to get the juice on the Oki Worm. While the Oki Worm is an extremely versatile bait, Roumbanis has found it to be an exceptional structure bait.

Brush Pile Killer

“Big worms have always been great brush pile baits,” said Roumbanis. “Big worms can be fished in the thickest branches, fall quickly, and have a strong drawing power. The Oki Worm is probably the best brush pile worm on the planet. It has caught me a lot of big fish. I'll use my Livescope to determine how the fish are relating to the brush pile and I'll just pitch the worm in there and I'll slowly drag it. The way the tail floats up and moves is key. There are times if the fish are spooky that I may need to back off and cast to them. When you get out to Oklahoma, the Ozark Lakes, and where I live, brush piles are such a huge factor. These brush files can be anywhere from 6 feet down to 25 feet. The Oki worm is the greatest, it's just so soft, the fish eat it good and you don't miss fish with it. It just blows my mind how good it works.”

When targeting brush piles, the Alabama Pro likes to fish the Oki Worm on a Texas Rig, although sometimes he will opt for a Free Rig. Brush piles require stout gear and Roumbanis' rod of choice is a 7'7” Phenix medium heavy Feather Casting Rod that he has paired with a 200 series casting reel spooled with 17 lb fluorocarbon line. Roumbanis constructs his Texas Rig with an unpegged 5/16 oz to 3/8 oz tungsten worm weight and a 5/0 straight shank flippin' hook. Roumbanis likes to target brush piles that are in 10' to 15' of water and the combination of heavy fluorocarbon line and a stout hook, enables him to quickly and effectively maneuver the fish out of the cover and into the boat.

Deep Water Ledges

Over the years big worms have established themselves as an important tool for anglers who like to target big bass on deep summertime structure. “A killer application is to rig the Oki Worm on a big shaky head,” offered Roumbanis. “It fishes really good on a Buckeye Magnum Series Spot Remover. I like a 5/16 oz or ½ oz. Magnum because it has a bigger stronger hook that matches the bait perfectly and the screw lock keeper makes it easy to rig. This is a killer combination to fish out on the deep water ledges, especially when there is no current or wind and the fish just won't eat a crankbait or a big spoon. It's perfect when the fish are sluggish and just not that active. You can fish it so slow. I just like to slowly drag it and let the worm produce its own action, it's so natural that the fish can't stand it. If the fish are a little more aggressive then I will fish the bait faster and hop it some.”

Roumbanis uses the same rod and reel setup when fishing the Oki Worm on a big shaky head with the exception of downsizing to 14lb fluorocarbon line. He likes the 7'7” medium heavy Feather Casting Rod for its ability to work the bait properly, make long casts, and move a lot of line on the hookset.

Regardless of the application, Roumbanis relies on the same colorways. If the water is discolored, he likes Plum Apple (356) or Plum Candy (415). Green Pumpkin (297) is a good all-around option and if the water is clear then Baby Bass (305) is his choice.

“I am confident that I will find a lot more applications for the Oki Worm,” concluded Roumbanis. “It's still a relatively new bait but it sure has helped me catch a lot of big fish already.”