Ethan Clarke
Soft plastic lures are a great way to target fish. They are popular because they can be used to easily imitate popular baits such as yabbies, worms, and small fish. Soft plastics also allow anglers to adjust their approach to suit changing conditions. When it comes to attaching soft plastic lures, there are a few different techniques to consider. One common method is to use a jig head, which provides weight for casting distance. Another option is to use a Texas rig, where the soft plastic is tied directly to the mainline. Additionally, anglers can experiment with different speeds and techniques, such as the slow roll, to find what works best for attracting fish.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Technique | Cast the lure and wait for it to hit the bottom, then add several erratic lifts and wind in the slack, then let the lure sink again. Repeat this process until the lure is back where you are fishing. |
| Lure type | Paddle tail lures are effective and simple to use. Choose two colours: one bright and one more natural. |
| Jig heads | Jig heads are important as they provide weight for casting distance. Choose the right size and weight depending on the target species and fishing conditions. |
| Line strength | Choose a line strength between 15-30 pounds depending on the target species. |
| Knots | Use an FG knot, Double Uni knot, or improved Albright to attach the braid to the leader. |
| Retrieval speed | Experiment with different speeds, but generally, a slow and steady retrieve works best. |
| Bait movement | Drag the bait slowly across the bottom, feeling for brush, rocks, etc. Occasionally stop and let the bait sit, giving the rod tip a light pop. |
| Scent | Use scented lures to enhance their appeal. Soft plastics allow the scent to soak in and disperse slowly. |
| Rigging | Use a Texas rig or tie the lure directly to the mainline with a Palomar knot (ledger rig). |
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What You'll Learn
Using a Texas rig
The Texas rig is a foundation rig used in different setups, such as the Carolina rig, drop shot rig, and shaky rig. It is a quick and easy setup that can be applied to most soft plastic baits. The rig consists of three essential elements: a bullet-shaped sinker, a pegging device, and a hook.
- Slip the rigging stop and sinker onto your line.
- Tie your hook with a Palomar knot. According to Kansas pro Brent Chapman, "If you tie (the Palomar) correctly, it is one of the strongest knots out there."
- Insert about 1/4 inch of the hook point into the top of the bait.
- Turn the hook and exit the lure at the side of the head.
- Slide the lure up the hook shaft and twist the lure around the shaft, so the hook's point faces the lure.
- Insert the hook at a right angle into the lure and drive the hook point through the lure's body.
- Complete the rig by pushing up on the lure to slip the hook point just underneath the plastic surface to make the bait weedless.
The Texas rig is a versatile way to fish, as it can be used in both shallow and deep waters. It is also effective in dense vegetation as the bullet shape helps in sliding over obstacles and through vegetation. When using a Texas rig, it is important to make short, manageable casts to structure or cover, and to hold your rod in a position to maximize bite detection.
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Choosing the right jig head
Firstly, the size of the jig head should correspond to the size of the lure. A general rule of thumb is to select a hook based on its number. For instance, 2/0 hooks are ideal for 2-3 inch baits, 3/0 hooks for 3-4 inch baits, and so on. If the hook point goes past the halfway mark on the soft plastic, it's too big, and if it doesn't reach a third of the body, it's too small.
Secondly, consider the water depth and tidal current. When fishing in shallow waters, opt for lighter jig heads ranging from 3 to 10 grams, while in deeper waters with strong currents, heavier jig heads are necessary to plummet down quickly. The weight of the jig head affects how the lure moves through the water, with heavier ones sinking faster.
Additionally, the shape of the jig head matters. Head-weighted jig heads are suitable for deeper waters as they have a protruding hook and a faster sink rate, but they are more prone to snagging. Mid-shank weights, on the other hand, flutter down more slowly, making them ideal for mid-water fish.
Lastly, the type of fish you're targeting may also influence your choice of jig head. For instance, micro jigging for smaller predators like perch or jack pike typically uses lures up to 3 inches in size with weights under 5g.
By considering these factors, you can choose the right jig head for your soft plastic lure, increasing your chances of a successful fishing experience.
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Using the right speed
When using paddle tail or curly tail soft plastics, a slow continuous retrieve, known as the slow roll, is often effective. This technique mimics the natural action of a baitfish swimming just above the bottom, which is attractive to many fish species. Cast your lure and wait for it to hit the bottom, then slowly wind it in. You can also add some erratic lifts to imitate a wounded baitfish, which can trigger aggressive feeding responses.
For jerkshad soft plastics, a high-speed retrieve is recommended. The fast speed causes the straight tail to vibrate through the water, creating an attractive action. Additionally, the erratic movement can resemble a wounded or struggling baitfish.
If you are fishing in an area with a strong current, you may need to adjust your jig head weight and profile to control the sink rate of your lure. A heavier jig head will help your lure sink faster and reach the desired depth. Conversely, a lighter jig head will allow your soft plastic to sink slowly, enhancing its action in the water.
When using a Texas rig or a Carolina rig, you can experiment with super slow speeds. Angler Casey Scroggins achieved success by modifying his soft plastic worms to achieve a unique, slow action that bass had never seen before. This modification can be particularly effective in clear water scenarios with a steady current.
Remember, the key to success with soft plastic lures is to imitate the movement of your target fish's natural prey. Mix up your retrieval speeds and techniques to find what works best for the conditions and the species you are targeting.
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Making it look natural
Soft plastic lures are a great way to target fish as they allow you to move around and hunt, rather than sitting and waiting for a bite. The endless choices of soft plastics and ultra-light gear make soft plastics fishing quite addictive. Here are some tips to make your soft plastic lures look natural:
- Use highlight powders to create an iridescent effect. When light reflects off the lure from different angles, it creates a special flash of colour that produces a very natural look found in nature.
- Choose the right type of plastic. A higher durometer plastic is stiffer, while saltwater plastisols have a high durometer. As you scale down to Firm, Craw Tube, or Soft, Worm-type blends, the durometer is lower. Finding the right plastic that matches your presentation preference is key to making your bait unique.
- Consider using floating or sinking plastic. Soft plastic frogs, shaky heads, and drop shots are typically made with floating plastisol. If you are making swimbaits, you can choose either floating or sinking plastisol depending on how you want to present the bait.
- Pay attention to colour. Most fish food is either green or orange, so these colours are a great choice. You can also match the colours of baitfish or other potential bait in the area you will be fishing. Additionally, consider using non-bleed colourants to avoid the colour bleeding into other colours and affecting the appearance of the bait over time.
- Add glitter, mica, or other additives to make your bait distinctive. These additives can create unique looks that fish don't typically see, increasing your chances of a bite.
- Choose the right jig head. Jig heads provide weight to give you ample casting distance. When targeting light estuary species like bream, use light jig heads to allow the soft plastic to sink slowly and enhance its action. If you are targeting bigger inshore species, increase the jig head size and weight accordingly.
- Finish your setup with a quality fluorocarbon leader. This will provide increased flexibility and make the line harder for fish to see. You can attach your braid to the leader using an FG knot, Double Uni knot, or improved Albright.
- Use braid for soft plastics. Unlike monofilament, braid doesn't stretch, allowing you to be in constant contact with the soft plastic and feel all the nibbles. It also gives you greater casting distance and accuracy.
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Using the right line
When using braid line, it's recommended to finish with a fluorocarbon leader, which is nearly invisible to fish, providing increased flexibility and stealth. The length of the fluorocarbon leader should be approximately one rod length, and the strength will depend on the fish species you're targeting. For light estuary species like bream, a leader strength of 2-8 lb is suitable, while inshore fish may require 10-20 lb, and offshore fish will need even heavier setups.
The sensitivity of the line is another crucial factor. A highly sensitive graphite and low-stretch braided line allow you to feel everything that's happening through the rod. Lure fishing often relies on feeling the bite rather than seeing it, so this sensitivity is crucial for setting the hook at the right moment.
Additionally, consider the sink rate and action of the lure. When fishing from the shore, it's important that the lure flutters down slowly, imitating an injured baitfish. To achieve this, you may need to adjust the jig head weight and profile to account for variations in current or tidal flow. A swivel can also be used to reduce line twist, especially when fishing in strong currents, but many anglers prefer tying the leader directly to the mainline for a more natural lure movement.
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Frequently asked questions
Paddle tail soft plastic lures are extremely effective and simple to use. They are so named because they consist of a main body with a paddle-shaped tail. The action of this lure relies on the tail moving up and down and side to side, producing vibrations and a slight thudding sound that fish find enticing. Curl tail grubs are another good option for beginners. They have a long curled tail that flutters in the water with little to no movement of the lure.
Cast your plastic or lure and wait for it to hit the bottom. Then, add several quick erratic lifts and wind in the slack, then let the plastic sink to the bottom once again. Now count to five and repeat this process until your plastic or lure is back where you are fishing. The idea behind this technique is that you’re imitating a wounded baitfish, and most of your catches will come when the lure sinks back to the bottom.
A jig head is what you attach your soft plastic to. It also provides weight to give you ample casting distance. Jig heads come in many different sizes and variations, and it’s important to understand which ones to use for certain fishing applications. If targeting light estuary species like bream, you will require light jig heads. These will allow the soft plastic to sink slowly and enhance the action of the soft plastic.
With braid, choose a line strength ranging from 15 pounds through to 30 pounds. The fluorocarbon leader strength will depend on the species that you are targeting. Light estuary species may be anything from 2-8 lb, inshore fish may be 10-20 lb, and offshore fish will require something heavier.
In a Texas rig, an unweighted rigged soft bait is tied directly onto the mainline immediately after the mainline is threaded through a bullet or ball sinker. The pointed end of the bullet sinker faces away from the lure to make the entire rig more streamlined.
