How do you keep the worm straight on the leader with out sliding down into a ball just above hook when drifting them and when using them behind a bait diver?

Much has to do with the type of worm you're using.

They will all ball up at times. First off, you need to get away from a sinking worm and move to a floater so it doesn't beat in the rocks as much.

Then, you gotta look for worms of a better material and stiffness for this application.

http://www.dannyjoeslures.com are the best I've found out of dozens and dozens I've tried.

Ross: I only fish them under a float and they don’t' slip much that way. Occasionally I straighten them up as they get a bit bunched up but usually only after fifteen casts or so.
I wonder if the threader you use is too big? I use a small diameter needle. I also wonder if some leader materials are more slippery then others. I usually use Stren clear blue fluorescent for leader material. I almost always thread them the entire length of the worm but would think you might get less bunching if you only threaded 1/2 way though the fat end of the worm.

I will be curious to see what answers you get.

Bob, I think Danny Joes web page is down.
when I click on Danny Joe's Originals an error page comes up


The worms I'm using float a size 1 owner hook

should I get sinking ones for float fishing

when i fish a worm under a float it's most likely on a jighead so a floating worm may have even more action as a result of it's bouyancy and it will get down and stay down in the strike zone on a 1/4oz jighead...what i have found to avoid slippage down the leader when drifted is to use as small of a needle that you can fit your leader material through and i've found that a jerkbait will not slip and bunch up the way an actual worm will, i prefer small sluggos

i buy 5-6 in. needles from art stores (doll making section) they will make a smaller hole, seems to grip leader a little tighter.

Pin a corky above the worm.

THanks for the tips