Sofia Martinez
Plastic shrimp lures are a versatile and effective way to catch a variety of game fish. When fishing with plastic shrimp, there are several factors to consider, such as the type of hook, the depth of the water, and the action of the shrimp in the water. The most suitable hook for your plastic shrimp will depend on the depth of the water you are fishing in. For instance, when fishing in water deeper than four feet, a jig head is recommended, while a weighted swimbait hook is more suitable for shallower water. Additionally, the action of the shrimp, or how it moves through the water, can influence its effectiveness in attracting fish. Using a popping cork with your plastic shrimp can create a splash and rattle, mimicking the sound of an injured fish and attracting larger predators.
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What You'll Learn
Using a popping cork
There are a few things to keep in mind when using a popping cork with plastic shrimp. Firstly, it is important to match the hook size with the size of the shrimp. A small hook, such as a 2/0 Owner light wire circle hook, is ideal as it doesn't weigh down the shrimp but allows it to move freely. The shrimp can be hooked in one of two places: between the eyes and the organs, which will make the shrimp twitch forward in a natural swimming motion when the cork is popped, or through the bottom of the tail, which will make the shrimp dart backward as if fleeing when the cork is popped.
When fishing with a popping cork, the length of the leader between the cork and the lure is important. The length of the leader should be adjusted based on the water depth and the target fish's feeding zone. A shorter leader keeps the lure higher in the water column, while a longer leader allows it to go deeper. It is also important to avoid rigging the cork too close to the knot, as this can cause it to slide up and put pressure on the knot, potentially popping it off.
Weighted, slitted popping corks are a good option as they are easy to put on, take off, and adjust the depth of the shrimp. Corks with rattles can attract some fish but may also scare off larger fish, so it is generally recommended to go with a cork that doesn't have rattles. Standard, weighted styrofoam corks are a popular choice as they are easily adjustable and allow for maximum casting distance.
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Choosing the right colour
If you are fishing in clear water, opt for a realistic artificial shrimp lure in natural colours. These lures are based on 3-D scans of live shrimp and are more likely to entice a bite when fish can get a good look at the bait. Some examples of highly realistic lures include those made by Savage Gear and LiveTarget. In clear water, bright, dark, or contrasting colours may spook the fish and lead to fewer strikes.
On the other hand, if you are fishing in turbid or cloudy water, you can experiment with more elaborate models. Choose shrimp imitations with flash and extra colour to gain the attention of the fish. The fish sometimes prefer flashier lures over realistic-looking bait in these conditions. Additionally, ensure that the eyes of your artificial shrimp are reflective, as live shrimp have reflective eyes that fish use to locate them.
When fishing with a fly, match the colour of the fly to the water colour. The darker the water, the darker the fly, and vice versa. This principle also applies to the use of popping corks; a light natural shrimp colour is recommended for lighter, cleaner water, while a darker colour is more suitable for dark water.
Finally, consider the species of fish you are targeting and their feeding habits. For example, if you are fishing for trout, a topwater or extremely slow-sinking lure is recommended. The Unfair Lures shrimp, a hard-body selection, is an ideal choice for trout feeding on the surface or just below it. By understanding the depth at which your target fish feeds, you can select the most effective lure colour and type.
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Using a weedless hook
When fishing with a plastic shrimp, rigging it weedless can be a good idea, especially when fishing around objects with hard edges, such as bridge pilings and rocks, as it will help you to avoid getting snagged.
To rig a plastic shrimp weedless, you will need to match the size of the hook to the size of the shrimp. You can use a wide gap hook, a circle hook, or a weighted swimbait hook, such as the Owner TwistLock hook. If you are using a soft-plastic shrimp, you can keep the lure in place by applying a drop of Super Glue where the hook enters and exits the shrimp.
Once you have selected your hook, follow these steps:
- Thread a bullet weight onto the leader. This will help to get your shrimp down into the strike zone.
- Secure your hook to your line with a snug knot, such as the Orvis knot.
- Tear the shrimp tail off to release extra scent into the water.
- Bury the point of the hook in the body of the shrimp. Check your rig after each cast to ensure that the hook point remains buried.
By rigging your plastic shrimp weedless, you can fish with confidence around docks, mangroves, marsh grass, and other structures without constantly getting snagged.
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Using a jig head
Jig heads are a great way to fish with plastic shrimp lures, especially in deeper waters. When fishing in water greater than four feet deep, it is recommended to use a jig head. This is because the weight of a jig head is concentrated at the front of the lure, allowing it to dive straight down and making it more hydrodynamic.
When choosing a jig head, it is important to consider the depth and current of the water you are fishing in. Jig heads typically range from 1/8 oz to 1/2 oz in weight, with smaller weights being more suitable for shallower waters and slower currents. It is a good idea to bring a variety of sizes with you so you can adapt to the fishing conditions.
There are a few different ways to rig a plastic shrimp on a jig head, and it is important to avoid common mistakes to improve your bite ratio. One mistake to avoid is rigging the shrimp so that the hook exits out of the bottom leg region, causing the shrimp to curl up and look unnatural. Instead, thread the hook through the shrimp's body with the legs out, so that the hook point comes out of the top of the shrimp. This will make your lure look more natural in the water and increase your chances of hooking a fish.
Another effective method for rigging dead shrimp on a jig head is to insert the jig through the tail of the shrimp, with the hook coming out of the bottom side. This imitates the movement of a shrimp fleeing from a predator, as they naturally dart backward to keep an eye on the threat. However, it is important to note that this method may increase the chances of your hook snagging on the bottom.
When using dead shrimp, it is crucial to ensure that they are fresh. Old or frozen shrimp can become soft and mushy, causing them to fly off the hook when casting or being easily picked clean by bait fish. To keep your shrimp fresh, store them in a bag on ice or in a small cooler if you are in a kayak or small boat.
Additionally, when using plastic shrimp lures, consider adding a wire leader if you are targeting fish with sharp teeth, such as sharks or mackerel. This will help to prevent your line from being cut by the fish's teeth.
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Using live or dead shrimp
Using live shrimp as bait is a popular choice for anglers, but it requires more preparation and maintenance than artificial lures. When using live shrimp, it's important to keep them cool and change the water regularly to ensure their freshness and longevity. Inserting the hook through the top of the shrimp's head is a common technique, especially for bottom fishing, but this method increases the likelihood of the shrimp falling off the hook. For drift fishing or float-rigging, poking the hook crosswise through the shrimp's body while avoiding its organs is a more secure approach.
Frozen shrimp are a convenient alternative to live shrimp, and they can be purchased from bait shops or distributors. Anglers can also freeze their own shrimp by removing the shells, heads, and tails, then preserving them in brine or salt layers in small jars or ziplock bags. Frozen shrimp can be refrozen if they haven't spoiled, but they should not be cooked or eaten.
Dead shrimp are easier to use than live shrimp as they require less preparation and can be preserved for future fishing trips. Dead shrimp attract fish through their smell, so it is common to break off the head, feet, and tail fan before threading the rest of the body onto the hook. Adding a trailer hook to meaty pieces of dead shrimp ensures that fish don't take the bait without getting hooked. Dead shrimp can also be cut into smaller pieces and used to sweeten a jig, enhancing its crustacean scent.
While live shrimp are often believed to be more effective in attracting fish, some anglers argue that dead shrimp can be just as successful, especially when considering the convenience and lower maintenance they offer. Ultimately, the choice between using live or dead shrimp depends on personal preference, the type of fishing, and the level of preparation one is willing to undertake.
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Frequently asked questions
Plastic shrimp lures are effective in catching a variety of game fish. Here are some tips for using them:
- Use a popping cork with the plastic shrimp to attract larger predators.
- Match the colour of the plastic shrimp to the conditions: use lighter colours in clear water and darker colours in darker water.
- Use a weedless hook when fishing in water less than four feet deep to avoid getting snagged on debris.
- Use a jig head when fishing in water greater than four feet deep as the weight at the front of the lure allows it to dive straight down.
Here are some techniques to try when using plastic shrimp lures:
- Cast it out and bounce it off the bottom.
- Let it sink and jig it off the bottom with some side action, pauses, and short reels.
- Walk it just over the bottom or grass line with erratic movements to mimic a real shrimp.
Some popular plastic shrimp lures include:
- Savage Gear's 3D Hybrid Shrimp
- LiveTarget's Hybrid Shrimp
- Savage Gear's TPE Fly Shrimp
- Chasebaits Flick Prawn
- Gulp Shrimp
