By Paige KingsleyAs an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This page may contain affiliate links.
Wiggle wart fishing lures have been a staple in bass and panfish tackle boxes for decades, and the Storm Original Wiggle Wart 05 is one of the most recognizable versions on the market. This review is research-based: it draws on the product listing, the manufacturer’s published information, and patterns that appear in owner feedback. It is written for anglers who want to know whether this lure earns a spot in their box. It suits people who fish shallow cover for bass, panfish, and other predators and want a reliable, simple lure that works across a range of retrieves. It is less suited to anglers who need precise depth control, those who fish deep, open water with heavy current, or anglers looking for a specialized lure that imitates a particular baitfish with high realism.
Storm Original Wiggle Wart 05 Fishing Lure
Product Overview
The Storm Original Wiggle Wart 05 is a small, segmented hard-body lure built around a wobbling action that comes from its tail section and body joints. Storm has sold versions of this lure for many years, and the design has changed little, which is part of its appeal: the action is familiar and well documented by anglers. The “05” in the name refers to the model size designation used in Storm’s line, and it is the version most often recommended for smaller fish and shallower water. For another angle, check out 26 Best Soft Plastic Fishing Lures.
The lure is meant to be cast and retrieved with a steady or pulsing motion. Because it has a relatively small profile, it works well when fish are keyed in on small forage, and it can be fished slowly around cover such as weed edges, laydowns, docks, and rock piles. Many anglers also use it as a search bait, covering water quickly to locate active fish before switching to something more specific.
It is a fairly simple tool. There are no rattles or electronics, and its action depends on how the angler works the rod and reel. That simplicity is one reason it has stayed popular with people who prefer to learn a lure’s behavior by feel.
Key Features & Specifications
The table below lists the specifications that are either stated in the product name or are consistent with how this model is commonly described. Where a detail is not clearly established, it has been left out rather than estimated.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand | Storm |
| Product line | Original Wiggle Wart |
| Model designation | 05 |
| Lure type | Segmented hard-body wobbling lure |
| Primary action | Wobble and side-to-side swimming action on retrieve |
| Typical target species | Bass, panfish, and other freshwater predators |
| Recommended water | Shallow to mid-depth freshwater cover |
| Retrieve styles | Steady retrieve, pulsing, slow roll near cover |
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Simple, familiar wobbling action that many anglers find easy to work
- Works across a range of retrieve speeds, from slow crawls to faster strips
- Well suited to shallow cover, weed edges, and structure
- Brand has a long track record and wide availability
- Good as a search bait when you need to cover water quickly
- Fits well in a basic tackle selection without requiring specialized tackle
Cons
- Limited depth control compared with deeper-diving or adjustable lures
- Action depends heavily on angler technique, which can frustrate beginners
- Small size makes it less effective for targeting larger, trophy-class fish
- Can be prone to snagging in dense cover without careful retrieve management
- Hook sharpness and durability vary by owner experience, so inspection is worthwhile
Performance Analysis
Performance with a lure like this comes down to three things: how well the action suits the water, how the angler controls the retrieve, and how the lure is matched to the fish. Based on the design and the patterns that typically show up in owner feedback, the Wiggle Wart tends to perform best in water where fish are relating to cover and feeding on small prey. Shallow flats, creek channels, and the edges of vegetation are common examples.
Owners often describe the lure as producing a consistent wobble at moderate speeds. A steady retrieve keeps the body moving and creates a visual target that predators can follow. For slower, more cautious fish, a stop-and-go pattern with short pauses can trigger strikes, because the lure tends to flutter or settle when it stops. That pause is often the moment fish commit, so it is worth practicing.
Where the lure can struggle is in deep water or heavy current. Because it does not dive far, anglers who need to reach fish holding deeper have to rely on a faster retrieve or a different lure altogether. In clear, pressured water, some anglers also report that the lure’s relatively large, obvious action can spook fish, and they switch to a slower presentation or a more subtle bait.
Durability is generally considered good for a hard-body lure, but as with any hook-equipped bait, inspection matters. Checking treble hooks for sharpness and replacing them when they dull is a simple habit that improves hookup rates. Anglers who fish heavy cover should expect some losses to snags and plan accordingly by keeping spares on hand.
Who Should Buy This Product?
This lure is a good fit for anglers who fish shallow to mid-depth water and want a dependable, simple option. It works well for beginners who are learning how retrieve speed and pauses affect a lure’s action, because the feedback is direct. It also suits experienced anglers who already know the design and want a proven search bait for covering shoreline cover quickly.
You should probably skip this lure if your fishing is mostly deep, open-water, or heavy-current work. Anglers who need a lure that holds a specific depth, or who want high-definition realism to match a particular forage species, will likely be happier with a more specialized option. Those hunting very large fish may also find a larger profile more productive.
Buying Guide
Choosing among wiggle-style lures comes down to matching the lure to the water, the target species, and your retrieve style. Before buying, consider the depth you usually fish, the cover you work, and the size of the fish you expect. Lures in this category vary in dive depth, body length, and action, so reading the specifications carefully helps avoid buying something that does not match your waters.
Color is also worth thinking about. Natural patterns such as shad, baitfish, and crawfish imitations tend to be reliable in clear water, while brighter or contrasting colors can help in stained or murky conditions where fish need more visual cue. Keeping a few colors in each size gives you flexibility when conditions change through the day.
If you want to compare options, consider these well-known alternatives:
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Fishing Lures Shallow Deep Diving Swimbait Crankbait Fishing Wobble Multi Jointed Hard Baits for Bass Trout Freshwater and Saltwater
View on Amazon — A multi-jointed swimbait and crankbait style lure offered in several dive depths. It is a good choice when you need to reach fish at different depths than a standard wobbling lure allows, and its multi-jointed body produces a wide, swimming action.
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Brad's Brad ' S Killer Fishing Gear Wee Wiggler Lure
View on Amazon — A wiggling-style lure from a different maker, often considered a close relative of the classic wobble design. It is worth comparing if you want a similar retrieve feel with a different body profile or finish.
For more on choosing lures by species and water type, see How to Choose Fishing Lures for Different Fish and Water. If you are building a broader collection, How to Choose a Good Value Fishing Lure Set explains how to balance coverage against spending. Anglers who fish mainly for bass may also want to read 9 Best Fishing Lures for Largemouth Bass: Expert Picks for Every Need for context on how wobbling baits fit alongside other options.
Storage and maintenance matter too. Keeping lures dry and organized prevents hook damage and corrosion. Using Utility Boxes for Fishing Lure and Tackle Storage covers practical options, and How to Clean Fishing Lures for Better Performance offers a simple routine for keeping finishes and hooks in good shape. For rigging advice, How to Rig Your Tackle for Different Fishing Lures is a useful next step.
FAQ
Is the Storm Original Wiggle Wart 05 good for beginners?
Yes, in many cases. Its wobbling action is straightforward to learn, and the effect of retrieve speed and pauses is easy to notice. Beginners should practice varying the retrieve in shallow cover to see how the lure responds.
What size fish is this lure best for?
The 05 designation points toward smaller to medium-sized fish and shallower water. It is commonly used for bass and panfish. Anglers targeting very large fish may prefer a bigger profile.
How deep does the Wiggle Wart run?
It is generally fished in shallow to mid-depth water rather than deep structure. For precise depth control, a dedicated diving lure is usually a better choice.
Does the lure work in both freshwater and saltwater?
The listing and the product line are positioned for freshwater fishing. Anglers interested in saltwater use should check manufacturer guidance and consider lures specifically designed for that environment.
What retrieve works best with this lure?
A steady retrieve at moderate speed keeps the wobble consistent. Adding short pauses can trigger strikes from cautious fish, since the lure often flutters or settles when stopped.
How should I care for hooks on this lure?
Inspect hooks before each trip and replace any that feel dull or show damage. Sharp hooks noticeably improve hookup rates, and keeping spares on hand is practical for anglers who fish heavy cover.
Are there cheaper or more versatile alternatives?
Several wobbling and swimbait-style lures offer different dive depths and body profiles. The Buying Guide above highlights two alternatives worth comparing based on the water you fish.
Final Verdict
The Storm Original Wiggle Wart 05 is a dependable, straightforward lure that earns its place in shallow-water tackle boxes. Its wobbling action is familiar, it responds well to changes in retrieve, and it works as both a search bait and a targeted tool around cover. It is not the right pick for deep water, heavy current, or anglers who need precise depth control, and its performance depends on technique. For shallow bass and panfish fishing, especially for anglers learning how wobbling lures behave, it is a sensible choice. Check the hooks before you fish, carry spares, and match the color to your water clarity for the best results.
About Paige Kingsley
Paige researches and writes buying guides and how-to articles on freshwater fishing tackle on a budget. Picks are based on product specifications, brand reputation and patterns in owner feedback, and are updated as new models come out.
