Texas Rigged Lizards Throughout the Lone Star State, Texas-rigged lizards are among the top choices for bass fishermen. This is particularly true on South Texas impoundments. In fact, legendary Choke Canyon guide Jerry Dunn estimates he throws a Texas-rigged lizard 90 percent of the time. As Dunn points out, all that's needed is a quick change of bullet weights to switch from shallow brush to deepwater structure to punching through hydrilla mats. And, in his estimation, a Texas-rigged lizard will produce fish equally as well in each of those situations. However, as simple and productive as a Texas-rigged lizard is, many inexperienced bass fishermen are too intimidated to try it. Partly this is due to them not knowing for sure how to rig it. But, the rigging isn't near as difficult as it may sound. To rig a lizard Texas-style: 1. Thread a bullet weight onto the line, cone first. 2. Thread a glass or plastic bead onto the line (optional). 3. Tie the appropriate size worm hook onto the end. 4. Push hook into the nose of the lizard and punch it out under the chin. 5. Pull hook through until the lizard's head is situated on the hook neck near the eye. 6. Twist the hook and insert it into the midsection of the lizard. 7. Push the hook completely through to where the barb lays flush across the lizard's back. If these instructions appear too complicated, there is always the option of buying a pre-rigged lizard. Creme Lures offers several pre-rigged baits, including a very good Texas-rigged Lizard. Picking up a couple pre-rigged baits will give anglers the confidence they are using a properly rigged lure. It also gives them an opportunity to examine a well-rigged bait, which should help them learn to do so on their own. In fact, Creme actually has a set of rigging instruction packaged with their pre-rigged baits. The other main reason has more to do with feeling the strike. Admittedly, distinguishing the soft pickup that often results from a properly presented lizard can take some adjustment. However, there's nothing better than trial-and-error experience to gain a better feel. In short, set the hook on every tap or tug until you're able to determine the difference between the tick resulting from bumping into a hydrilla mat and that of a largemouth bass gently picking the lizard off the bottom. Be warned, this will result in the loss of some lures until the right 'feel' is developed. But, sticking the occasional bait in a submerged log sure beats letting a lunker largemouth spit out a bait without ever even setting the hook. And, after a few outings even a novice Texas-rig fishermen will be adept at telling the difference between a stick and a fish.