To make a curl or ribbon tail worm, use a soft, low durometer plastisol so the thin tail has maximum action, heat it to just over 350°F, add color and glitter, and pour or inject it into a worm mold. The softer the plastic, the more the tail swims. Very soft plastic tears faster, so balance action against durability.
Curl tail and ribbon tail worms have been catching bass for generations because of that hypnotic swimming tail. Here is how to pour or inject your own.
Why soft plastic matters here
The whole point of a curl or ribbon tail is movement. A thin tail on soft plastic wiggles with the slightest pull, even on a slow drag. Use a soft to medium-soft durometer. If your tails tear too easily, add a little hardener rather than jumping all the way to a firm plastic.
Curl tail vs. ribbon tail
A curl tail (or grub tail) has a single flat, hooked tail that thumps and rolls. A ribbon tail has a longer, flat ribbon curl that undulates. Both want soft plastic; ribbon tails especially reward it because the tail is longer and thinner.
What you need
- A curl tail worm mold or a ribbon tail worm mold.
- Soft to medium-soft plastisol.
- Colorant and glitter.
- Heat source, thermometer, measuring cups, safety gear, injector if injecting.
Step-by-step
- Warm the mold so the thin tail fills completely.
- Heat plastic to about just over 350°F and stir gently.
- Color it (junebug, red shad, and green pumpkin are classics).
- Pour or inject slowly and steadily.
- Cool, pull, and trim.
Frequently asked questions
What plastic is best for a ribbon tail worm?
A soft to medium-soft durometer so the long tail has maximum action. Add a little hardener if the tails tear.
Why won't my worm tail fill out?
The thin tail cools fast. Warm the mold and keep the plastic hot and fluid.
What is the difference between a curl tail and a ribbon tail?
A curl tail has one hooked, thumping tail; a ribbon tail has a long, undulating ribbon. Both want soft plastic.
Start pouring worms
Browse curl tail worm molds and ribbon tail worm molds. New to pouring? See our beginner's guide and plastisol guide.
By the Angling A.i. team