Maya Ellison
Soft plastics are a popular choice for anglers looking to switch from bait to lures. They are a great way to learn about lures because of their bait-like qualities. Soft plastics allow anglers to easily imitate popular baits such as yabbies, worms, and small fish. When fishing for redfin, soft plastics around 2–3 are the preferred option, with some anglers opting for larger models. The ZMan 2.5 and 3 Slim SwimZ, for example, have been game-changers for small paddle tail plastics. Curl tail plastics are also a good option for beginners as they have loads of built-in action. Jig spinners are a great accessory to add flash and vibration to your soft plastic presentation. When it comes to lure colour, it's best to match it to the water conditions.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Lure colour | Light/natural, dark, fluorescent |
| Water clarity | Crystal clear or bright |
| Lure colour | Light natural |
| Water clarity | Overcast or dirty |
| Lure colour | Dark, better silhouette |
| Lure type | Soft plastics, bladed reaction baits |
| Soft plastic size | 2-3" |
| Soft plastic type | ZMan Elaztech |
| Soft plastic size | 3.5-4" |
| Soft plastic type | Curl Tails |
| Soft plastic type | Paddle Tails |
| Paddle Tail type | ZMan 2.5" and 3" Slim SwimZ |
| Jighead accessory | Jig Spinners |
| Jig Spinner features | Stainless steel wire frame, silver or gold blades |
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What You'll Learn
- Soft plastics are a great way to learn about lures as they are similar to bait
- Stiffer graphite rods, spin reels, braided mainline and short fluorocarbon/monofilament leader are ideal for soft plastics
- Light/natural colours work best in clear water, dark colours in murky water and fluoro colours can be used to mix it up
- Soft plastics with scent can be effective, especially when using a slow wind or wind and pause retrieve
- Jig spinners add flash and vibration to your soft plastic presentation
Soft plastics are a great way to learn about lures as they are similar to bait
Soft plastics are a great way to learn about lures, as they are similar to bait. Soft plastics have been a popular entry point for anglers looking to switch from bait to lures. The similarities between the two are numerous, although the tackle used to present them differs. Soft plastics allow anglers to easily imitate popular baits such as yabbies, worms, and small fish. This is achieved by rigging a 2-3" soft plastic on a jighead, which is not too different from a yabby threaded onto a hook with a running ball sinker.
Soft plastics also offer the option of adding scent to enhance their appeal, and some even have scent built-in. The soft body material allows the scent to disperse slowly and evenly. Many soft plastics are designed with extra ribbing to hold scents for longer. The natural buoyancy of the material brings the plastic to life in the water, creating a natural pose.
Additionally, soft plastics feel natural to fish, so they tend to hold on to them longer once they bite, giving anglers extra chances to hook the fish. This is an advantage over hard-bodied lures, which can feel unnatural to fish. When it comes to fishing for redfin, soft plastics in the 2-3" size range are preferred, with some anglers using larger models for trophy fish. Smaller paddle tail plastics are a favourite for many anglers as they represent the baitfish that redfin feed on.
To fish these effectively, they are usually slow-rolled, shaken, and twitched, or fished with a burn-and-kill retrieve. Curl tail plastics are also effective for redfin, as they have a lot of built-in action, making them ideal for beginners and experienced anglers alike. Jig spinners are another useful accessory when fishing soft plastics for redfin. They add flash and vibration to the presentation and provide snag resistance.
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Stiffer graphite rods, spin reels, braided mainline and short fluorocarbon/monofilament leader are ideal for soft plastics
When it comes to fishing with soft plastics, the ideal setup involves stiffer graphite rods, spin reels, braided mainline, and a short fluorocarbon or monofilament leader. This combination offers several advantages for anglers. Firstly, the stiffer graphite rod paired with a braided mainline allows for greater casting distance and accuracy, making it easier to place the soft plastic exactly where you want it—an important factor in lure fishing. The graphite and braid setup also enable anglers to impart action in the soft plastics with even the smallest movement of the rod, something that would be more challenging with a flexible fibreglass rod.
The choice between fluorocarbon and monofilament for the leader depends on several factors. Fluorocarbon fishing line is known for its invisibility and sensitivity. Its low stretch properties allow anglers to feel even the lightest bites when retrieving their lure. This transparency in the water can be advantageous when fishing in clear waters as the lure appears more natural, increasing the likelihood of a bite. However, fluorocarbon is generally more expensive and can have issues with line memory, potentially causing tangles if left on the reel for extended periods.
Monofilament, on the other hand, is a more affordable option that performs well on spinning reels. Its stretch characteristics provide enough give for fish to bite without feeling too much resistance. Additionally, monofilament is less prone to tangles and line twist, even in breezy conditions. Anglers can use a regular monofilament line on their spinning reels without worrying about frequent line replacements.
Ultimately, both fluorocarbon and monofilament have their advantages and suit different fishing situations. Fluorocarbon offers increased sensitivity and stealth, making it ideal for clear waters or wary fish species. Monofilament, with its stretch and affordability, is a reliable choice for those seeking an effective yet economical setup. When using soft plastics for redfin, considering the specific characteristics of each line type will help anglers make an informed decision based on their preferences and fishing conditions.
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Light/natural colours work best in clear water, dark colours in murky water and fluoro colours can be used to mix it up
When fishing for redfin, it is important to consider the colour of your soft plastics. The colour of your lure can have a significant impact on your success, depending on the water conditions. Light and natural colours are ideal for clear water as they mimic the appearance of natural baitfish. These colours include options such as Baby Bass, Bad Shad, and Greasy Prawn. In clear water, fish have excellent visibility, so a natural-looking presentation is key.
On the other hand, when fishing in murky or stained water, dark colours are more effective. These colours create a silhouette that is easier for fish to locate and track. Examples of dark colours include Gold Rush, Houdini, and Red Shad. The particles in murky water dissipate light, causing the light reflected off bright colours to dissipate as well. Thus, darker colours stand out more in such conditions.
Additionally, fluorescent colours can be used when neither light nor dark colours are producing results. Fluorescent colours have proven effective for certain species and scenarios, sometimes even serving as a good starting point. These bright colours can trigger a strike and change the game when other colours are not working.
The colour selection can also depend on the species of fish being targeted. For instance, when fishing for bass, light and natural colours such as Baby Bass and Bad Shad can be effective, while for golden perch, dark colours like Black and Gold Rush are preferable.
Lastly, it is worth noting that scent can also play a role in enhancing the appeal of your soft plastics. Some even come with built-in scents, and the soft body material allows the scent to disperse slowly, making it more attractive to fish.
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Soft plastics with scent can be effective, especially when using a slow wind or wind and pause retrieve
When fishing for redfin with soft plastics, consider adding scent to your soft plastics. This can help get redfin fired up. The soft body material lets the scent soak in and disperse slower than it would with a hardbody. Many soft plastics are built with extra ribbing and other appendages designed to hold scents for longer.
When using scented soft plastics, a slow wind or wind and pause retrieve can be effective. Small paddle tail plastics, for example, are designed to represent the baitfish that redfin feed upon. They are generally slow-rolled (slow wind), shaken and twitched on a slow roll, or fished with a burn and kill (wind and pause) retrieve. This retrieve method is excellent for covering large expanses of water, allowing you to fan long casts over the area being fished and attract fish to the lure.
The speed of your retrieve will depend on the behaviour of the baitfish that the redfin are feeding on. If the baitfish are injured or fleeing from predators, a faster retrieve may be more effective. On the other hand, if the baitfish are calmly swimming or resting, a slower retrieve may be more enticing to the redfin.
In addition to the retrieve method, the jighead weight and rod angle can be adjusted to control the depth and path of your scented soft plastic. By adjusting these factors, you can drive the plastic just above structures, occasionally bumping into them, and prospecting the entire water column. This technique is especially useful when fishing in areas with underwater structures that redfin tend to inhabit.
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Jig spinners add flash and vibration to your soft plastic presentation
Soft plastics are a great way to learn about lures because of how similar they are to bait. One way to enhance your soft plastic presentation is by adding jig spinners. Jig spinners are simple to use—they clip onto the eye of your jig head, and your line is attached to the loop in the centre of the stainless steel wire frame. The soft plastic lure swims below your line, while the blade rotates above, creating flash and vibration. This combination of flash and vibration is a great way to attract fish and can be particularly effective on freshwater species such as bass, yellowbelly, trout, and cod, among others. Jig spinners are also successful with saltwater anglers, who use them to attract flathead, trevally, and other species.
The blades of jig spinners are typically manufactured from brass blanks and are available in both nickel-plated (silver) and bright gold finishes. They are designed with Colorado blades and are constructed from sturdy stainless steel wire frames, so you don't have to worry about rust.
Jig spinners are a versatile tool that can be used with a variety of soft plastic presentations. They are simple to set up and can make a significant difference in your fishing success, especially when fishing for species that are attracted to flash and vibration.
When using jig spinners, it is important to consider the weight and size of the spinner in relation to the soft plastic lure you are using. A good rule of thumb is to match the size and weight of the jig spinner to the lure. This will ensure that your presentation remains balanced and natural-looking to the fish.
Jig spinners are a great addition to your soft plastic arsenal, offering flash and vibration to attract fish. With their simple design and effectiveness across a range of species, they are a must-have for any angler looking to improve their catch rates.
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Frequently asked questions
Plastics around 2-3" in size are the preferred option, with some anglers using 3.5-4" models if they are chasing larger fish.
Popular styles include curl tails, which have a lot of built-in action, and paddle tails, which mimic the baitfish that redfin feed upon.
If the water is clear and the day is bright, start with a light natural colour. If the sky is overcast or the water is dirty, start with a darker colour. If you're still not catching any fish, try a fluoro colour.
Jig spinners are a great accessory to use when fishing soft plastics for redfin. They add flash and vibration to your presentation and provide a level of snag resistance.
