Ethan Clarke
Fishing with plastic lures can be a tricky art to master, but once you do, you'll be hooked. The first step is to get your hands on some decent equipment: a carbon fibre rod with a sensitive tip and a lightweight reel will help you to feel what your lure is doing. Next, you need to learn how to rig your soft plastic correctly—this is important as an incorrectly rigged lure will spin and put fish off. Once you're all set up, it's time to get out on the water and start practising different retrieval techniques. Try varying your speed, from fast to slow, and experiment with different pauses and twitches. If you're fishing in a weedy area, try using weedless lures to avoid getting snagged and cast along the edge of the weeds, letting the worm sink to the bottom before lifting your rod.
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right plastic lures
Soft plastic lures are a must-have in your tackle box when fishing with artificial lures. They are proven to be very productive in both freshwater and saltwater fishing. There are endless options when it comes to soft plastic lures, and they are suitable for various types of fishing.
When choosing the right plastic lures, the first thing to decide is the type of fish you are after. The lure you choose should match the fish you want to catch. The clearer the water and the brighter the sky, the brighter your lure should be. Brighter lures are more suitable for clear water as they attract fish by sight. In such conditions, you can also use lures that resemble baitfish. On the other hand, if the water is stained or murky, use less natural colours like chartreuse and pink on bright days, and black/blue or red shad on darker days. In stained water, fish are attracted by sound and vibration, so use lures that produce more vibration, such as lures with Twister tails or paddle tails.
The time of year and weather conditions also play a role in lure selection. Bigger baits are more effective later in the year (late summer into fall) as baitfish are also bigger during this period. Stable weather calls for larger lures, as the saying goes, "Big lures catch big fish". Conversely, cold fronts call for smaller lures with a slower presentation. During a cold front, a fish's metabolism slows down, so a smaller lure will be more effective as a snack rather than a full meal.
Additionally, consider the weight and size of the bait, the location you'll be fishing, and the type of fishing you're doing. For example, jigging or sight-casting, still water or moving water. Make sure the soft plastic is the right size and combined with the right jig head so that it swims properly in the water. You can also finish your setup with a fluorocarbon leader to increase flexibility and make the line less visible to fish.
Lastly, when choosing a hook, a simple rule of thumb is to select one that is the same size as your bait's length in inches. If you choose a hook that is too small, the fish may not get hooked properly. Conversely, if the hook is too big, it may cause your lure to have less action, resulting in fewer strikes.
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Using the correct rod and reel
To fish with plastic lures successfully, you need a decent rod and reel setup. A good rod and reel setup will allow you to feel what your lure is doing. A carbon fibre rod with a sensitive tip is a good option, as it is lightweight and durable. When choosing a rod, it is important to find one that feels right for you. You don't need to spend a fortune, but it's important to get something decent.
It is also important to team your rod with a decent reel. Avoid reels that are too heavy, as you will get tired from casting them all day. Your reel should be used to pick up slack, so make sure it is easy to operate. When worm fishing, use your rod to fish, rather than your reel. Drag your bait across the bottom slowly, feeling for brush, rocks, and other obstacles. You can also let your bait sit for a few seconds or give your rod tip a light pop to attract fish.
The size of your line is another important consideration. A smaller line will produce more natural action in your bait, so try to keep it under a 12lb test. When using weedless lures, such as the TT Snake-Lock jig, you can cast deep into snags where the fish are hiding without worrying about snagging your lure. If you're fishing in areas with a lot of weeds or Lilly pads, you can use the lift and drop method. Cast your lure out along the edge of the weeds and let it sink to the bottom. Then, lift the rod tip so that the lure drags up and forward, and let the tip fall at the same speed as the lure to watch for any hits.
Additionally, it's important to vary your retrieve. Don't use the same retrieve all the time; instead, mix it up by changing speeds, pausing, twitching, or stopping altogether and letting your lure waft in the current. This will keep the fish interested and increase your chances of a bite.
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$23
Rigging the plastic straight
Rigging plastic straight is a common method used by anglers, and it is especially useful when fishing around covers like rocks, wood, or vegetation. One popular method is the Texas Rig, which is effective when fishing in areas with lots of weeds. Here are the steps to rig a plastic straight using the Texas Rig method:
- Use an offset shank hook and insert it into the head of the bait, then back out about a 1/4 inch below the head.
- Slide the hook through the bait and rotate it back around so the head sits in the offset shank.
- Push the hook point back into the body of the bait, making the bait weedless.
Another option for rigging plastic straight is to use a shaky head hook. This method is excellent for fishing in deeper water and around structures like rocks, wood, or boat docks. Here's how to do it:
- Take a shaky head hook (there are many variations available) and insert the hook point into the head of the bait.
- Back the hook out about a 1/4 inch below the head.
- Slide the hook through the bait and adjust it so the head sits securely on the shaky head.
When rigging soft plastics, it is important to select the appropriate jig head and hook size for the type of soft plastic lure you are using. A good rule of thumb is to ensure that the hook comes out of the plastic about halfway along the body. If the hook is too far forward, you may experience tail strikes with no hookups. Conversely, if the hook is too far back, it will stiffen the plastic and reduce its action.
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Using the correct technique
Start by choosing the right equipment. A decent rod and reel setup is necessary for successful plastic lure fishing. Invest in a carbon fibre rod with a sensitive tip, which will allow you to feel the movement of your lure. Select a lightweight reel that won't tire you out during a long day of casting.
When it comes to lures, there are various options to choose from. Soft plastic lures come in different shapes and sizes, such as worms, jigs, and swimbaits. Each type of lure requires a slightly different technique, so it's essential to understand the basics of each. For example, when using a worm lure, you can try the lift and drop method. Cast your worm lure along the edge of weeds, let it sink to the bottom, and then lift your rod tip to drag the worm up and forward. As the worm falls, slowly lower your rod tip, watching your line for any taps or hits from fish.
Additionally, vary your retrieve speed and action. Don't be afraid to experiment with different techniques. Try retrieving your lure faster or slower, pausing, twitching, or even stopping altogether, allowing it to drift with the current. These variations in speed and movement can trigger strikes from curious fish.
Ensure your soft plastic lures are correctly rigged. Improper rigging can cause your lure to spin, making it less attractive to fish. Take the time to learn the correct rigging techniques, either from experienced anglers or online resources like YouTube videos. A well-rigged soft plastic lure will exhibit subtle, natural movements that entice more fish.
Finally, practice makes perfect. Fishing with plastic lures requires a bit of trial and error to find what works best for you and the type of fish you're targeting. Don't be discouraged if you don't succeed right away. Observe how fish react to your lures and adjust your techniques accordingly. Attend boat shows or fishing exhibitions where you can see demonstrations of different lures in action, providing valuable insights into their underwater performance.
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Choosing the right location
Water Conditions
The clarity of the water is an important factor in choosing the right location for plastic lure fishing. If you are fishing in clear water, opt for more natural and dark-colored lures, such as black or June bug. In contrast, when fishing in stained or murky water, choose brighter and less natural colors like chartreuse or pink to attract the fish's attention. Additionally, consider the water temperature and choose brighter colors during warmer months when fish are more active.
Fish Species and Behavior
Understanding the species of fish you are targeting is crucial in selecting the right location. Different fish species have specific habitats and feeding habits. For example, if you are fishing for walleye, they are known to be opportunistic feeders and rely on their night vision and stealth to ambush prey. Researching the behavior and preferences of your target species will help you choose a location where they are more likely to be present.
Water Depth and Structure
Consider the depth of the water and choose lures that can reach the desired depth. Sinking lures are suitable for fish that feed close to the bottom, such as perch. Additionally, look for structures in the water, such as reefs or wrecks, as these areas can attract feeding fish. You can use tools like Google Earth to identify terrain features and locate potential fishing spots.
Tide and Weather Conditions
Take into account the tide and weather conditions when choosing your fishing location. Tides can affect the behavior and movement of fish, so plan your fishing trip accordingly. Stable weather conditions typically call for larger lures, while cold fronts require smaller and slower presentations.
Fishing Regulations and Safety
Ensure that you are aware of any fishing regulations or restrictions in the area you plan to fish. Some locations may have specific rules regarding lure fishing, and it is important to respect these guidelines to preserve the fish population and ecosystem. Additionally, always prioritize your safety when choosing a fishing location. Avoid areas with strong currents or hazardous conditions, especially if you are fishing alone or are unfamiliar with the location.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need a decent rod and reel set up. A carbon fibre rod with a sensitive tip is recommended as it allows you to feel what your lure is doing. You will also need a decent reel that doesn't weigh too much, as you will tire from casting a heavy reel all day.
If you are fishing in a pond with a lot of lily pads, cast a ribbon tail worm in a dark colour on top and reel it back quickly, imitating a water snake. You can also try the lift and drop method: cast out along the edge of the weeds, let the worm sink to the bottom, then lift the rod tip so the worm drags up and forward. Let the worm fall at the same speed as the rod tip and watch your line to see if you get tapped or get a hit.
Rig your soft plastic straight. If it is not correctly rigged, it will spin and no fish will come near it. Vary your retrieve: try faster, slower, pause, twitch, and stopping altogether to let the lure waft in the current.
Plastic lures allow you to actively hunt and fish, rather than lazily soaking bait. They can also be used to chase freshwater fish. Additionally, you can watch demonstrations at boat shows to see how different lures work underwater and how fish react to them.
