Maya Ellison
Plastic grubs are a soft plastic bait that comes in a variety of sizes, typically ranging from 2 to 5 inches. They are often used for bass fishing and can be rigged in different ways, such as with a Texas rig or a jighead hook. When using a jighead, it is important to match the hook size to the length of the bait to ensure effectiveness. Grubs can be fished in various water depths and conditions by adjusting the weight of the jighead. Additionally, their soft texture and curly tails create a subtle, undulating action that mimics the movement of baitfish, enticing bites from bass and other fish species. With their versatility and affordability, plastic grubs are a valuable addition to any angler's tackle box.
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right hook size
Firstly, it is generally recommended to match the hook size to the length of your plastic grub. If you're using a 2-inch grub, a 1/0 hook is ideal, while a 3/0 hook is suitable for a 3-inch grub. As the grub length increases, so does the hook size. For instance, a 4-inch grub pairs well with a 4/0 hook, and a 5-inch grub with a 5/0 hook. This rule of thumb ensures the hook is proportionate to the bait and increases your chances of hooking a fish.
However, it's important to note that hook selection is not a one-size-fits-all approach. The type of fishing and your target species play a role in hook size selection. For example, when fishing in shallow waters or with twin-tail grubs, smaller hook sizes like 1/16, 1/8, or 1/4 ounce are more effective. In contrast, when fishing in deeper waters or strong currents, a larger hook size like 3/8 ounce is preferred. Additionally, consider the action you want the grub to have. For a slow, steady fall, a longer shank 3/0 hook is ideal, while a shorter shank 3/0 hook is better for a quick dive.
The rig you're using also influences hook size. For a Texas rig, a simple and versatile option, a 3/0 or 4/0 hook is commonly used. If you're using a Carolina rig in cold water, a 3/0 to 5/0 hook is recommended, depending on the grub size. Additionally, when using a jighead, consider the grub's body style. For a solid body grub, a jighead with a 4/0 or 5/0 hook is suitable.
Lastly, personal preference and experience come into play. Some anglers prefer to use the largest hook possible, while others advocate for subtlety, using smaller hooks to increase the bait-to-hook ratio. The key is to find a balance between hook size and bait presentation, ensuring the hook blends seamlessly with the grub. Remember, there is no one-size-fits-all rule, and experimentation is part of the fun!
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Using jigheads
Jigheads are a versatile option for fishing with plastic grubs. They are customarily used with twist-tail and shad-tail grubs and are typically rigged with the hook point exposed. The weight of the jighead can be varied to fish at different depths. For example, during cold water periods, a small, single-tail grub on a 1/16-ounce jighead can be used. In contrast, jigheads of 1/2 ounce or more are sometimes used from a boat, and you may need jigheads as heavy as 1 1/2 ounces for bottom walkers. The size of the hook also matters. A 1" plastic grub on a 1/16 jig head may seem small, whereas a 2" grub on the same hook size may be a better fit. The hook size should match the size of the bait or plastic grub.
The shape of the jighead also matters. The toe-shaped head is good for sliding through thick cover, while the football-shaped head is designed to sink quickly and is often paired with a plastic crayfish or twin-tail grub for probing deep offshore structures. Spider jigs are often paired with a soft-plastic twin-tail grub trailer and are ideal for probing weedy cover. Darter head jigs enable the grub to move well through grass and, to a lesser extent, brush.
When using jigheads, the position of the line tie is important. A vertical line tie, common on bass-fishing jigheads, makes the jig drop horizontally, making it look more natural. A line tie closer to the nose enables the jig to slide through aquatic vegetation better but makes the jig fall at a different angle.
When fishing with grubs, the basic technique is to drift-fish. Cast slightly upstream, straight out, or slightly downstream, depending on the current. You are at the proper depth if your lure occasionally lightly ticks on the rocks. Use the lightest jig-head that allows you to reach the bottom consistently.
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Texas rigging
When Texas rigging a plastic grub, it is important to use the right hook and weight. The best hooks for Texas rigging are offset worm hooks or EWG (Extra Wide Gap) hooks. A round-bend worm hook is ideal for larger worms, while an EWG hook is better for lighter flipping and creature baits. The weight of the grub can be varied depending on the depth of the water and the rate of fall desired. When fishing in shallow water, use smaller weights, and when in deeper water or strong currents, use heavier weights.
To rig the plastic grub, start by slipping a bullet-shaped slip sinker onto your line. Then, take the point of the hook and insert it into the top of the grub at a right angle. Make sure the grub remains straight so that the hook exits at the side of the head. Push the point of the hook all the way through, and then pull the grub over the elbow of the offset hook or the keeper on the straight shank hook. Finally, twist the hook and bury the barb into the plastic to prevent it from getting snagged on obstacles like submerged timber.
Some anglers prefer to use a variation of the Texas rig called "Tex-posing." Instead of burying the hook into the plastic, they push the worm through and lay the flat part of the hook on the back of the plastic, with only a small portion of the point penetrating the plastic. This makes it easier to release the hook when setting it but increases the chances of snagging on obstacles. Tex-posing is better suited for sparser cover, such as boat docks or bank grass.
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Carolina rigging
Firstly, add a sinker to your mainline using an egg, bullet, or cylindrical-shaped weight. This weight should be appropriate for the depth and fishing conditions. Next, add a bead to protect the knot from the weight and create a noise to attract fish. Tie a barrel swivel to the mainline, connecting the leader line to the mainline. The leader line should be short and light, allowing the lure to disconnect from the weight and have freedom of movement. At the end of the leader line, tie a hook, of appropriate size—either EWG or offset for rigging a plastic snagless. Finally, thread your chosen soft plastic bait onto the hook. Grubs, lizards, worms, crawfish, and other creature baits are all popular choices.
When fishing with a Carolina rig, begin with a series of fan casts. Cast with a long rod to account for the added leader length, and let the weight pull the rig to the bottom. You will find it easier to use a side arm lob cast, keeping the weight about 2 feet from the rod tip. Once the rig is on the bottom, drag it slowly across the target area using a sweeping motion. Carolina rigs work well at depths from 2 feet down to about 25 feet. You can fish them in areas close to deep water, such as main channel drop-offs, and they are particularly effective in soft mucky bottoms. Avoid heavy cover areas with a lot of vegetation that can snag the rig.
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Spinnerbait and chatterbait
Spinnerbaits and chatterbaits are effective ways to catch a wide range of fish. Here are some tips on how to use them with plastic grubs:
Spinnerbaits are a great way to fish for bass. You can add a plastic grub as a trailer to a spinnerbait to make it more attractive to bass. This can be done by rigging a soft plastic trailer to the back of the spinnerbait. The right trailer can significantly impact the spinnerbait's overall profile, movement through the water, and speed of fall. Single tail grubs, for instance, add a slow and subtle action without much resistance, making them ideal for fishing in currents. You can also add a trailer hook to the spinnerbait to increase your chances of hooking short-striking fish. However, this also increases the chances of the bait getting stuck in the cover. When selecting a trailer hook, choose one that is slightly smaller than the spinnerbait hook, and ensure that both hook points face the same direction. If you are fishing in areas with grass, a trailer hook can be useful for catching short-striking fish.
Chatterbaits are excellent for catching redfin (English perch) and other predatory fish species. They work well with soft plastic grubs as trailers, especially curly tail grubs. The vibration and movement of the curly tail grub can be enhanced by inserting it into a chatterbait jig head. However, ensure that the hook size is appropriate for the grub size; otherwise, it may be too big for smaller grubs. Additionally, be mindful of the skirt length and thickness, as too much can interfere with the natural swim action of the grub. You can trim the skirt as needed to optimise the lure action. If you are getting strikes but not many hook-ups, consider adding stinger or assist hooks to the curly tail.
When selecting a spinnerbait or chatterbait, consider variables such as blades, head shape, weight, and skirt colour. Choose a skirt colour that matches the forage in the area. For spinnerbaits, you can select from various spinner blade colours and materials, such as silver, copper, gold, or bronze, as well as different profile designs like the willow blade or Colorado blade.
For spinnerbaits, a good rule of thumb is to use a spinning outfit with light line when fishing a 2" to 4" single or twin-tail grub. If you're fishing with a larger, bulkier "Hula"-style grub, baitcasting gear may be more suitable. A medium action rod and a medium-size spinning reel spooled with 8-10lb line are recommended for fishing in lakes and reservoirs. For smaller rivers, you may want to use lighter outfits with 4-12lb line.
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Frequently asked questions
A plastic grub is a soft plastic bait that comes in a variety of sizes, typically 2"-5" long. The curly tail vibrates and produces action when fishing, mimicking a baitfish.
The most effective way to rig a plastic grub is to use a lighter jighead-style hook (1/8 oz. or 1/4 oz.) and fish it with an exposed hook. Another easy but effective way to rig a plastic grub is a simple Texas rig, which is weedless and allows you to be more versatile.
A simple rule of thumb is to match the hook size to the length of the bait. For example, a 3" lure would use a 3/0 hook, and a 4" lure would use a 4/0 hook. If you are using a grub with a full solid body without a slot for a hook, you will need a jighead that uses a 4/0 or 5/0 hook.
