Alexei Volkov
Rigging a plastic shad is a simple process that can be done in a few different ways. One of the most common methods is Texas rigging, which is ideal when fishing around covers such as rocks, wood, or vegetation. This involves using an offset shank hook and inserting it into the head of the bait, then rotating it back around so the head sits in the offset shank. Another popular method is wacky rigging, which involves sliding the hook through the nose of the bait and leaving the hook point just below the surface of the plastic. This creates a profile that bass find irresistible. When rigging soft plastics, it's important to use a small, sharp hook to maximise the action of your bait.
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What You'll Learn
Use an offset shank hook
When using an offset shank hook with a plastic shad, it's important to consider the length of the hook in relation to the size of the shad. The longer shank of an offset hook makes it ideal for Texas-rigged worms, and the hook size should be chosen based on the length of the worm. For instance, a 3/0 hook is suitable for 4- to 7-inch worms, while an 8- to 12-inch worm requires a larger hook, such as a 4/0 or 5/0 model.
To rig a plastic shad with an offset shank hook, start by marking the point where the hook should emerge from the shad's back, ensuring it's aligned with the centreline. Then, insert the hook point into the nose of the shad and, in one smooth motion, thread the hook through the shad until it exits at the marked point on its back. Check that the shad is not bunched or stretched along the hook shank; if it is, remove the hook and adjust. It's crucial that the hook point emerges on the centreline for optimal presentation.
Additionally, consider using a worm threader to simplify the rigging process. Lay the hook next to the plastic shad and identify where you want the head to be positioned. Insert the worm threader into the back of the shad, at the desired exit point for the hook. Push the threader through the shad until it comes out of the nose, then place the hook onto the tip of the threader. Finally, slide the shad off the threader and onto the hook, ensuring a perfect alignment every time.
When selecting a hook for plastic shads, the gap between the shank and the hook point is an important consideration. While longer hooks were once favoured for larger baits, modern hooks with wider gaps and shorter shanks can effectively handle bulky lures. The deep belly of an extra-wide gap hook allows large lures, such as plastic lizards or tubes, to collapse into the hook's belly while still attracting sizeable fish. Ultimately, the choice of hook depends on personal preference and the specific type of lure being used.
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Insert hook 1/4 inch below the head
When rigging a plastic shad, inserting the hook 1/4 inch below the head is a common technique. This method, known as nose hooking, is particularly effective when using a Shad Shape Worm on a dropshot rig. Here's a detailed guide on how to execute this technique:
Select the Appropriate Hook:
Choose a hook that is appropriately sized for your plastic shad. A traditional Split Shot hook in size #4 is a popular choice for nose hooking small dropshot baits. This hook's small size belies its effectiveness; it will catch bass as your line size permits.
Insert the Hook:
Gently insert the hook point into the plastic shad's body, approximately 1/4 inch below its head. Ensure the hook point is securely embedded in the shad's body. This placement is crucial to achieving the desired presentation and hooking success.
Position the Shad:
When the rig is hanging vertically, ensure that the nose of the shad remains below the hook point. This positioning prevents the shad from rotating and reduces the chances of the hook point burying into the shad instead of the targeted fish during the hookset.
Benefits of this Technique:
Nose hooking a plastic shad in this manner offers several advantages. Firstly, it minimizes the risk of the shad twisting and fouling during the cast or retrieve. Secondly, it ensures a secure connection between the hook and the shad, increasing the likelihood of a solid hookset when a fish strikes.
Considerations:
When employing this technique, it is essential to select an appropriately sized hook for your plastic shad. A hook that is too large may affect the action of the lure, while a hook that is too small may not provide a secure hold. Experiment with different hook sizes to find the optimal match for your plastic shad.
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Rotate the hook back
When rigging soft plastic bait, one of the most common methods is Texas rigging. This method is ideal when fishing around any kind of cover, such as rocks, wood, or vegetation. To Texas rig your plastic shad, start by taking an offset shank hook and inserting it into the head of the bait, then backing out about a quarter of an inch below the head.
Now, here comes the crucial part: rotating the hook back. You'll want to slide the hook through the bait and rotate it back around so the head of the bait sits snugly in the offset shank of the hook. This step ensures that the bait is securely attached to the hook and helps create a natural presentation in the water.
Once you've rotated the hook back, push the hook point back into the body of the bait. This step is important as it makes the bait weedless, meaning it will not get caught on underwater vegetation or other obstacles. The hook point should be just below the surface of the plastic. This technique, often called nose hooking, is similar to the setup used in dropshot fishing.
Rotating the hook back and positioning the hook point just below the surface of the plastic offers several advantages. Firstly, it frees up the action of the lure, creating a profile and movement that bass find irresistible. Secondly, it preserves the natural appearance and action of the soft plastic lure, which is one of its key advantages over other types of lures.
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Push the hook point back into the body
When rigging a plastic shad, it is important to use the right type of hook. Standard J hooks are not effective for soft plastic lures like shads. Instead, you need a hook with a single or double cranked shank.
One way to rig a plastic shad is to start by creating a small pilot hole with the hook point on the nose of the lure. Then, take the hook and push the top of it in through the bottom of the lure, so that it comes out through the pilot hole. This technique prevents the hook from sliding through the entire lure, which can cause damage. It also helps to protect your bait so that it lasts longer.
When pushing the hook point back into the body of the plastic shad, it is important to be gentle yet firm. You want to ensure that the hook is secure and doesn't move around, but you also don't want to damage the lure. It's a good idea to test the security of the hook by gently tugging on it after you've pushed it through.
There are a few variations to this technique. Some anglers prefer to use an offset hook, especially when fishing for bass. Others may opt for a weightless hook in calm and clear conditions, although a weighted hook can be beneficial for longer casts. Additionally, some anglers recommend clipping off a small piece of the lure and reinserting the hook in clean plastic if the bait gets damaged.
By following these steps and techniques, you can effectively rig a plastic shad lure, ensuring that your bait lasts longer and increasing your chances of a successful fishing trip.
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Wacky rigging
If there are a lot of lily pads around, cast a ribbon-tailed worm in a dark color on top and reel it back fairly quickly, imitating a water snake. Try to hit holes in the pads so that it swims a bit.
Next, do the lift-and-drop method. Cast out along the edge of the weeds and let the worm sink to the bottom. Lift the tip of the rod so that it drags the worm up and forward, then let the tip of the rod fall at the same speed as the worm so that you can watch the line and see if you get tapped or get a hit.
If you're fishing in calm, shallow water, try tying a soft plastic jerk bait to a weighted swimbait hook and bouncing it along the bottom. If you're targeting flounder or redfish, slow down your retrieve; if you're targeting snook or trout, speed it up and make it a little more erratic.
When rigging the plastic shad, it's important to rig it straight. Mark the point at which the hook should emerge from the lure's back, which must be on its center line. Insert the hook point into the nose of the lure and, in a single movement, thread the hook through the lure and out at the marked point. Check that the lure is not bunched or stretched along the hook shank and that the hook point emerges on the center line. If not, start again.
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Frequently asked questions
One of the most common ways to rig a plastic shad is Texas rigging. This method is ideal if you're fishing around any kind of snaggy cover, such as rocks or wood.
First, use an offset shank hook and insert it into the head of the plastic shad, then back out about a quarter of an inch below the head. Next, slide the hook through the plastic shad and rotate it back around so the head sits in the offset shank. Finally, push the hook point back into the body of the plastic shad.
Another popular method is wacky rigging. To do this, simply slide the hook through the plastic shad and rotate it back around, then push the hook point back through the body of the plastic shad, leaving the hook point just below the surface.
For wacky rigging, you can use a small, sharp hook. Hook it through the middle of the plastic shad to maximise the action of the plastic.
Yes, you can use a dropshot rig with a plastic shad. Take a small sharp hook tied perpendicular to your line above a sinker and hook the plastic shad through the nose.
