Next, he adds weights to the head end of the bait to give it the desired rate of fall for the depth and type of structure being fished. Meyer uses a metal tube to insert BB shot, and a dab of superglue ensures that it stays put. Another weighting option is to use a plain jighead with a thin wire hook. “Just straighten the hook and insert the wire into the nose of the bait. The barb helps hold it in place. You can shove the leadhead up into the nose or leave it exposed. I like this option, because the jig pulls out from the bait if it snags and you don't lose the whole rig.”

“Another variation that avoids threading line through the bait substitutes a long-shank hook. Plunge the hook eye into the bait where you want the point to be, pushing the shank up through the rear of the bait until the hook eye is exposed. Baits rigged this way aren't as flexible as when the line is threaded through the bait, but flexible rigs have more unpredictable action,” he explains.

Once the rig hits bottom, Meyer imitates a feeding minnow by making smooth 6- to 24-inch lifts and drops of the rod tip. “Lifts may be slow and deliberate or with a popping action, with slight shakes to add a dancing motion just before the return to bottom,” he says. “Sometimes I leave the bait on the bottom for 30 seconds or more -- it just depends on what the fish want. I tend to avoid jerk-jerk-jerk retrieves. Work the technique with the rod held at about 11 o'clock, with raises to about 12 o'clock,” he says. “This keeps the lure in the strike zone longer.”

“Backward rigging helps keep baits in strike zones longer compared to traditionally rigged baits. When you raise a bait from the rear, it works up and down in tight V's. When the line pulls from a lure's nose, it moves in a wider U, creating wide lifts that quickly move it out of narrow strike zones,” he explains.

“Watch the line for the slightest movements that might indicate a strike -- Berkley Vanish Transition works well for this method. It's less visible underwater, yet easy to see above. Anyone who has jigged for lake trout can tell you how critical line size and visibility can be. A sensitive rod helps create this subtle action and increases feel.”

So, the next time you're faced with a mound of used plastics, choose a few to “erraticize” with the Meyer method. The rigs shown here are only a few examples of how to give new life to your used baits and your old techniques. Experimenting with different shapes and actions can unleash the potential for unlimited backwards, sideways, and anyways riggings that promise you more bass every time out.