revo described the most common method. get some worm hooks, I recommend 3/0 or 4/0 offset-shank, I like gammakatsu, and slip sinkers, 1/2 oz. and 3/4 oz (for windy days).
Thread a slipsinker on to the line then tie on the hook. put the point of the hook dead center right into the fat end of the worm, like right into the top of his head. push the point in about a half-inch then out the side. Push the worm all the way up on to the offset portion of the shank, if it covers the eye of the hook, even better. Push the point of the hook though the body of the worm until it comes out the other side, then embed the tip into the worm.
When you're done, it should lay and hang straight.
Cast it at the base of trees, into lily pads, into the thickest part of hydrilla. Let it sink to the bottom until the line goes slack. Slowly lift your rod tip a few feet, then take up the slack line with your reel as you lower the rod tip.
As you move the worm across the lakebed, you'll feel every weed, stick, rock, whatever is down there. Stay alert for a gentle tap-tap-tap. When you feel that, drop your rod tip and wait. When the line starts moving, reel up the slack and set the hook for all your worth. Remember you have to move the hook through the plastic worm and through the fish's bony mouth. You might notice the line moving without ever feeling the fish pick it up -- either way, set the hook *hard*.
For color selection, general rule is, lighter colors in stained water, dark colors in clear. Contrasting tails is always nice, I like black w/blue tail, or grape with fire tail.
