Wacky Rig Crossover Ring

Print your own TPU crossover rings for wacky-rigging soft-plastic worms.

A standard O-ring helps keep the hook from tearing through the worm, but it usually leaves the hook running parallel to the bait. This crossover design adds a separate opening for the hook, allowing it to sit perpendicular to the worm without piercing the plastic.

That gives you the hook orientation of a traditional wacky rig while helping the bait survive more casts and fish.

Features

• Keeps the hook perpendicular to the worm
• Avoids running the hook directly through the soft plastic
• Helps extend the life of stick worms and similar baits
• Available in several diameters for different worm sizes
• Metric versions have the size embossed directly on the ring
• Small enough to print in large batches

The 7.5 mm version works well with the 5-inch worms I use.

Versions below 6 mm have smaller hook openings to better match their overall size. I have not tested those smaller versions yet, so let me know if the hook opening needs adjustment.

Printing

Print these in TPU. A rigid filament will not stretch over the worm and will not work properly.

I print them in batches of 100 at a time. They use very little filament, and filling the build plate gives each layer more time to cool while producing enough rings to stock multiple tackle boxes.

Rigging

1. Choose a ring that fits snugly around the worm.
2. Stretch the ring over the bait and position it near the center.
3. Pass the hook through the crossover opening instead of through the worm.
4. Replace the ring if it becomes torn, loose, or badly stretched.

The ring should fit tightly enough to hold the worm securely without cutting deeply into the plastic.