Sofia Martinez
Soft plastic grubs are an effective and inexpensive way to catch fish. They are versatile lures that can be used in all types of water and in all seasons. Grubs can be used in many ways, including chunking, bumping, swimming, and buzzing. When using soft plastic grubs, it is important to consider the weight, depth, current, wind, and fish mood. Generally, it is best to use the lightest weight possible. Grubs can be fished with spinning tackle, and they work well with spinnerbaits and chatterbaits. The colour of the grub can also impact its effectiveness, with smoke, motor oil, white, and clear being good choices in clear water and on sunny days. When rigging a curly tail grub, the hook should be threaded through the middle of the grub, and the weight of the jig head should match the size and weight of the grub.
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What You'll Learn
Curly tail grubs are best fished with a leadhead jig
Curly tail grubs are a type of soft plastic lure with a thin curved tail that wiggles when retrieved. They are predominantly fished with a leadhead jig, but they can also be attached to other hooks and lures. When fishing with curly tail grubs, there are two main retrieval methods: swimming and jigging.
To swim a curly tail grub, turn the reel handle slowly and steadily with the rod tip low, occasionally twitching to maintain a slow pace. This technique is effective in deeper locations, as it allows the lure to sink to a specific depth before being lifted and dropped. The swimming technique is particularly useful when fishing for smallmouth bass, as it makes the tail kick like a fleeing baitfish, attracting the attention of predatory fish.
Jigging, on the other hand, involves casting and lifting the lure off the bottom and slightly towards you while retrieving the slack line. This technique can be varied in speed and action, and it is often used in deeper waters by opening the bail on the reel and letting the jig drop before pumping the rod tip lightly. Most strikes occur during this downward movement.
When rigging a curly tail grub, ensure the body lies flat and straight along the hook shank, with the head of the grub snug against the back of the jig head. Align the upward curl of the tail with the upward bend of the jig hook, and thread the hook through the centre of the grub's head, bringing the point out at a position that covers the entire hook shank. Match the size of the grub to the jig head, with smaller grubs (1-inch) for species like crappie and perch, and larger grubs (3-inch) for bass, walleye, and larger species.
Additionally, consider the weight of the leadhead jig based on the water depth. In shallow water, use smaller-sized leadheads of 1/16, 1/8, or 1/4 ounce, while in deeper water or strong currents, opt for a heavier leadhead of 3/8 ounce. Experimentation is key to finding the best presentation for different areas and target species.
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Thread the hook through the middle of the grub
When fishing with soft plastic grubs, there are several methods you can use to rig your hook. One popular technique is to thread the hook through the middle of the grub, optimising its position to entice the fish. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do this effectively:
Firstly, identify the centre of the grub's head. This is the ideal starting point for threading your hook. Take your hook and carefully insert it through the middle of the grub's head. Ensure the hook pierces the grub's body directly in the centre, as this will provide the best presentation and increase your chances of a catch.
As you insert the hook, guide it through the grub's body so that the hook's point emerges on the opposite side, at a point that will allow the entire hook shank to be covered. This is crucial for ensuring the hook is well-concealed within the grub, making your lure look more natural and appetising to the fish. A well-threaded hook will increase your chances of a bite.
When selecting your hook, it's essential to match the size and weight of the jig head to the dimensions of the grub. Smaller grubs, such as 1-inch versions, pair well with smaller jigs, and are ideal for targeting species like crappie and perch. On the other hand, larger grubs, around 3 inches in length, are more suitable for bass, walleye, and bigger fish species. Remember, in all jig fishing, it's best to use the lightest weight possible that still allows you to cast effectively and reach the desired depth.
Threading the hook through the middle of the grub is just one method of presenting your lure. There are several other ways to rig a soft plastic grub, including nose-hooking it on a drop shot or using it as a jig trailer. Each technique has its advantages, so feel free to experiment to find what works best for you and the type of fish you're targeting.
Remember, when using soft plastic grubs, it's important to work the lure back to the boat, just like you would with a plastic worm. However, don't be afraid to try out different retrieval techniques, as there are numerous ways to make this versatile lure even more effective.
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Use the lightest weight possible
When fishing with soft plastic grubs, it is recommended to use the lightest weight possible. The weight you use will depend on factors such as depth, current, wind, and the mood of the fish. Generally, in under 6 feet of water, a weightless to 1/8 oz weight works best. Using a lighter weight allows you to slowly work your bait along the bottom of the body of water, where you can experiment with different speeds to see what the fish respond to.
When fishing with soft plastic grubs, it is important to match the size of the grub to the size and weight of the jig head. Smaller grubs, such as 1-inch grubs, are better for small species like crappie and perch, while larger grubs, such as 3-inch grubs, are better for larger species like bass and walleye. Using a lighter weight can also allow for more effective casting, helping you reach the desired level you need to fish.
There are a variety of ways to rig plastic grubs, including Texas, Carolina, Ned, and Shakey Head rigs. A popular choice is the wacky worm rig, where you can cast around areas like weed lines, wood, and docks to attract bites. Another option is to use a plastic grub as a jig trailer, adding kick and vibration to your presentation.
The weight you use with soft plastic grubs can also depend on the type of water you are fishing in. For example, when fishing in smaller rivers, using lighter outfits can be more effective. Additionally, the color of your soft plastic grub can impact your success. Colors like smoke, motor oil, white, and clear are good choices in clear water and on sunny days, especially during the later part of spring and most of the fall.
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Fish in rivers, lakes, reservoirs and ponds
Soft plastic grubs are a versatile lure that can be used in rivers, lakes, reservoirs, and ponds. They are inexpensive and can be used in various ways, making them a great option for fishing in different bodies of water. Here are some tips for using soft plastic grubs in these environments:
Rivers: When fishing in smaller rivers, it is recommended to use lighter outfits. For smallmouth bass, a 2" to 4" single or twin-tail grub is a good choice, and a spinning outfit is the best option for this size range. During cold water periods, try using a small, single-tail grub on a 1/16oz jighead and slowly bouncing it down the wall from ledge to ledge. This technique works well with a 2" Berkley Power Grub on a 1/16oz ball head jig.
Lakes and Reservoirs: For fishing in lakes and reservoirs, a 6' to 6'6" medium-action rod and a medium-size spinning reel spooled with 8lb or 10lb line is a good all-around choice. When using larger, bulkier grubs like the "Hula" style or spider grubs, which are 5" or longer, baitcasting gear is recommended.
Ponds: Smaller grubs in natural colours are ideal for ponds, as well as clear water streams and small lakes. Go for 3-inch or shorter grubs in colours like white or clear, especially during sunny days in the later part of spring and most of the fall.
In general, when fishing with soft plastic grubs, you can experiment with different colours to improve your odds of catching fish. While any colour might work on a given day, smoke, motor oil, white, and clear are good choices for clear water and sunny days. Additionally, you can try different techniques such as "chunking", "bumping", "dragging", "swimming", "buzzing", "cranking", and "hop and drop" to make your soft plastic grubs more effective.
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Colours matter: smoke, motor oil, white and clear are good choices
When it comes to fishing with soft plastic grubs, colour choices do matter and can influence your success. While plastic grubs can be found in almost every colour, some colours are more effective than others in certain conditions. Smoke, motor oil, white, and clear grubs are excellent choices, especially in clear water and on sunny days. These colours are ideal during the later part of spring and throughout the fall season.
Smoke-coloured grubs are a versatile option, effective in both daytime and night-time fishing. For night fishing, a smoke-coloured grub with a chartreuse tail can be a successful combination. Additionally, smoke-coloured grubs are well-suited for bright light conditions and clear water, as they provide a subtle yet attractive target for fish.
Motor oil-coloured grubs are a favourite among anglers and have a proven track record of success. This colour is particularly effective in catching smallmouth bass, as anglers have shared their positive experiences using this colour on the Potomac River. The motor oil colour seems to have a special appeal to fish, making it a reliable choice for your soft plastic grub collection.
White and clear grubs are also excellent choices for clear water environments and sunny days. These light colours stand out and can attract fish, increasing your chances of a catch. Remember to experiment with different colours and techniques to find what works best for you and the specific fishing conditions you encounter.
When selecting colours for your soft plastic grubs, it's important to consider the lighting conditions and water clarity. In bright light and clear water, light colours tend to be more effective, while dark colours are preferable in low light and cloudy water conditions. For night fishing, experiment with different colours, as fish may be attracted to both light and dark options.
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Frequently asked questions
Soft plastic grubs are small, nondescript lures that can be used in all types of water and during all seasons. They are ribbed or smooth, soft plastic baits with a thin, curved tail that wiggles when retrieved.
Thread the hook through the middle of the grub, bringing the point out at a location that allows the entire hook shank to be covered. Match the size of the grub to the size and weight of the jig head.
You can "chunk 'em", "bump 'em", "drag 'em", "swim 'em", "buzz 'em", "crank 'em", or "hop and drop 'em". When using a plastic grub, cast it out in target areas, such as weed lines, wood, or docks, and then reel it in. Experiment with different speeds to see what the fish respond to.
Soft plastic grubs come in almost every colour. However, smoke, motor oil, white, and clear are good colours for clear water and sunny days, especially during the latter part of spring and most of autumn.
