Megabass Spindle Worm: Subtle, Deadly, Reliable
Some lures just keep on catching. The Megabass Spindle Worm isn’t one of the new kids on the block -it’s been quietly doing the business for years. While other lures seem to be in the spotlight at the mo. They always seem to come and go, the amazing Megabass Spindle Worm stays in my box for one simple reason: it works.
This post breaks down what makes this lure so effective, how to rig it, and why it still deserves a spot in your bass lure box, especially if you’re fishing tough conditions or shallow water.
My First Experience With The Megabass Spindle Worm
On this particular day, the fishing had been pretty slow to say the least. Blimey – If I had a pound for every time I’ve said that. But that’s lure fishing, it is a science lol, that’s why it is so rewarding when your experiments work. This day was no exception.
We’d been fishing for about 4 hours solid and not a bloody sniff of a fish. Then, my friend conjured up this strange-looking soft plastic thing called a Megabass Spindle Worm. I kid you not, first cast and BANG! fish on. That was enough for me, I just had to get them. Do they always work? Of course not. Let’s get into this a bit more.
What Is the Megabass Spindle Worm?
The Spindle Worm is a soft plastic paddle tail lure made by Japanese lure legends Megabass. It’s got a slim, realistic profile and a paddle tail that gives off a subtle but deadly action. It has a joint in the middle that gives the impression of an injured or unaware baitfish just waiting to get munched on.
The Megabass Spindle Worm are available in a range of colours and sizes, typically 4″, 5″, and 6″ and works well in both salt and freshwater. Here are some of the common choices of colours available
- Wagasaki
- Pure White
- Ayu
- Blue Gill
- Chartuese
- Secret Iwashi
- Green Shirashu
- Tinsel Orange
Just to name a few.
🧠 Keith Top Tip:
When the fishing’s slow or you’re struggling to get a bite, tie on a Spindle Worm and slow it right down. Let the paddle do the work — sometimes less is more.
Why It Still Holds Its Own
You don’t see loads of people raving about the Spindle Worm anymore — maybe it’s not as sexy as some of the newer soft plastics out there. But that just means fewer fish have seen it, and when things go quiet, this lure has a way of waking them up. (If they’re there)
Here’s why they still work so well:
- Subtle action: The paddle tail gives just enough movement without spooking the fish.
- Great for finesse: Ideal when fish are pressured, moody, or not committing to bigger lures.
- Easy to rig: Works on a jighead, weedless weighted hook, or weightless.
- Natural presentation: Especially deadly in clearer water or calmer seas.
- Built by Megabass: Quality finish and attention to detail that sets it apart, Megabass just says it all, they certainly know their onions.
How to Fish the Spindle Worm
There are a few ways to fish it, but I tend to keep it simple because it works. Here’s what I’ve had success with:
- Jighead + slow retrieve – Bounce it along the bottom on a light jighead. Perfect for rocky marks or over sand.
- Texas rig – Great for weedless fishing through kelp, rough ground or near snags.
- Weightless – Let it sink naturally and twitch it mid-water, ideal around structure or over shallow reefs.
I usually pair it with a light braid setup, a fluorocarbon leader, and an 8 to 10-foot lure rod rated around 5–30g. Keep your retrieve slow and steady – or add in the odd twitch or pause if the fish needs convincing. Sometimes (if nothing is working), try a quick burst, especially after you have let the lure sink. Sometimes it may just be something different to make that bass strike into action.
Best Conditions for the Spindle Worm
You can fish it i most conditions, but it shines when things are a bit tricky:
- Clearer water lets the natural colours do their job.
- Overcast or low light – that subtle movement stands out just enough.
- Flat or slightly choppy – too much wave action and it might get overpowered.
Colour & Size Guide for UK Bass Fishing
Here’s what I’ve found works best in UK waters:
- Wakasagi / Real Ayu – Match the hatch when sandeels or baitfish are around.
- White / UV Pink / Chartreuse – Dirty water or when visibility drops.
- 4″ Spindle Worm – Great when bass are being picky or smashing micro-bait.
- 5–6″ For general lure fishing scenarios
- Weighted Jig head – When there is tidal movement and you are fishing lower down the water margins.
FAQ – Megabass Spindle Worm
Q: Is the Megabass Spindle Worm weedless?
A: It’s not weedless out of the pack, but you can easily rig it weedless using an offset hook and a Texas or belly-weighted rig. Perfect for snaggy ground or fishing over weed beds.
Q: Best retrieve style for the Spindle Worm?
A: A slow and steady retrieve works best, but adding a few twitches or pauses can often trigger more bites, especially when bass are following.
Q: Can I use this in freshwater?
A: Definitely. It’s great for perch and zander — especially the smaller sizes — and its subtle action can outfish flashier lures on tough days.
Q: How does it compare to other soft plastics like the Savage Gear Sandeel?
A: The Spindle Worm is more subtle. It’s not about big movement — it’s finesse. That makes it ideal when fish have seen everything else or are spooked by more aggressive lures.
🛒 Before You Buy
Right before you buy, make sure you know exactly what you are buying to coincide with the conditions you are fishing. Just to refresh: if there is hardly any tide run, opt for a weightless bait, but if it’s a strong tide run, then a heavy-weighted hooks would be a better option. As for jig head,s if you are getting snagge,d go for a seedless hook setup. If you’re new, then go for the 5″
Final Thoughts
There’s a reason the Megabass Spindle Worm has stuck around for so long. It might not be the loudest lure in your box, but when it comes to getting takes when other lures fail, it delivers. It’s that quiet assassin, the lure you turn to when things get tough and the bass go finicky.
For me, it’s one of those “confidence lures” you can rely on when nothing else is working. It’s not going to light up your Instagram with flashy colours or crazy action, but it will put fish on the bank when it matters.
So if you’ve never given one a go, or it’s been sitting in your lure box gathering dust — tie one on, fish it slow, and see what happens. Sometimes the old faithfuls are still the best weapons you’ve got.🎣
Than you for a very informative article.
You mention the sizes the lure comes. What would also be helpful is stating the different sizes of hooks you would pair with each size lure.
Many thanks
Eduward
Hey Eduward – thanks for you input 🙂