Chloe Zhang
Soft plastic lures are essential for any fishing trip and are widely used and loved by many anglers. They are popular because they come in various shapes and colours and can be used in just about any waterway. Soft plastics cover the whole spectrum of fishing, in all conditions, from inshore to freshwater, off the rocks or off the side of the boat. They are also versatile, allowing you to cover a lot of ground and expose your presentation to more of the water column and different types of fish. Soft plastics can be rigged in two ways: standard and weedless. The hook point should emerge from the bait roughly halfway down the body of the lure. The body of the lure must be rigid enough to hold its shape when being threaded onto the hook, yet elastic enough to prevent the fish from tearing it off.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Lure type | Soft plastic lures are available in various shapes, colours, and sizes. They can be used in any waterway and are suitable for deep or shallow water. |
| Lure movement | Soft plastic lures can be fished to float or sink. Some fish are attracted to quick-moving lures, so you can modify your soft plastic to attract fish in a certain situation. |
| Rigging | Soft plastic lures can be rigged in two ways: standard and weedless. The lure should be threaded onto the hook straight, without contortions, and be free to wiggle. The hook size depends on the size of the lure and the type of fish you're targeting. |
| Retrieval technique | The "single hop" technique involves casting your lure out, letting it sink to the bottom, and then using a simultaneous wind of the reel handle and lift of the rod tip to force the lure to hop along the bottom. |
| Line type | A braided line is recommended as it allows for longer casts and better bite detection due to its lack of stretch. |
| Leader material | Fluorocarbon is recommended due to its superior abrasion resistance and lack of stretch, allowing for a better feel of what's happening with the lure. |
| Jig heads | Jig heads provide the necessary weight for casting and enabling the lure to sink. The weight can be moulded around the hook or placed above the swivel to carry the rig to the bottom. |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right hook size
However, some anglers suggest that it is better to use the largest hook you can reasonably get away with. This means considering the type of fish you are targeting and the action you want from your lure. A larger hook will result in fewer strikes but may be more suitable for catching larger fish. Additionally, the type of rigging and line strength will also determine the hook size. For instance, when using a bulkier creature bait like a Strike King Rage Bug, an extra-wide gap style hook is preferred to provide space for the bait on the hookset.
It is worth noting that using a hook that is too big for your lure can cause issues. A larger hook may protrude from the tail, reducing the action of the lure and resulting in fewer strikes. Conversely, a hook that is too small may not effectively hook a fish, even if it bites a large portion of the bait.
Ultimately, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to choosing the right hook size, and personal preference and experience will also play a role in an angler's decision.
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Rigging techniques
Soft plastic lures are a versatile and popular option for fishing enthusiasts. They are available in various shapes and colours and can be used in diverse waterways and fishing conditions. The lures are also mobile, allowing anglers to cover a lot of ground and expose their presentation to different types of fish.
When it comes to rigging soft plastic lures, there are a few techniques to consider. Firstly, it is important to select the appropriate hook size. The general rule is to use the largest hook that can reasonably fit the lure. For example, a 5" soft plastic worm is typically rigged on a 3/0 extra-wide gapped hook. It is desirable for the hook point to emerge from the bait roughly halfway down the body of the lure.
There are two common rigging techniques for soft plastics: standard and weedless. In the standard rigging technique, the soft plastic lure is threaded onto a hook, which also provides the necessary weight for casting. This setup allows the lure to sink to the bottom of the seafloor. Braided lines are commonly used in this technique as they enable longer casts and better bite detection due to their lack of stretch.
The weedless rigging technique is often employed when fishing in areas with vegetation or other obstacles that can snag the lure. In this method, the hook is embedded within the soft plastic body, creating a weed guard that helps prevent snagging. This technique is particularly useful when fishing in shallow waters or areas with heavy cover.
Additionally, anglers can employ specific rigging techniques like the Carolina rig and the Texas rig. In the Carolina rig, an unweighted rigged soft bait is tied to a trace, which is then connected to the mainline via a swivel. A weight, typically a ball sinker, is placed above the swivel to carry the rig to the bottom. The Texas rig is similar, but the unweighted rigged soft bait is tied directly onto the mainline after threading through a bullet or ball sinker. The pointed end of the sinker faces away from the lure for a streamlined setup.
When rigging soft plastic lures, it is essential to consider the body texture and elasticity. The body must be rigid enough to hold its shape when threaded onto the hook, yet elastic enough to prevent fish from tearing it off. The weight of the rig is also crucial, and anglers can use jig heads weighted with resin or lead to achieve the desired depth and sinking speed.
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Lure retrieval methods
The Single Hop:
This technique is particularly effective with a curl tail grub lure. First, cast your lure out and allow it to sink to the bottom. Then, simultaneously wind the reel handle while lifting the rod tip to make the lure hop along the bottom. It is important to do this slowly and with precision to feel the slightest amount of tension without dragging the lure back.
The Slow Retrieve:
This technique involves starting with a slow, steady retrieve, which can be effective when sight-fishing. Maintain a slow pace initially, and if there is no response, pause the lure at key points to entice a bite. If there is an aggressive reaction from the fish, speed up the retrieve or use sharper snaps with the rod tip to create commotion.
The Fast Long Lift:
This method is similar to the long lift but involves a quicker lift, resulting in the soft plastic fluttering and dancing erratically. Cast your lure and let it sink to the bottom. Then, retrieve the line at an average speed of 2-3 rounds and let the lure drop again. The objective is to stimulate the fish to attack by allowing the lure to rest at the bottom for 1-2 seconds.
The Jerk and Twitch:
This technique involves using a rod tip to pull the lure with a stop-and-go motion. Pull the lure 10-20 cm and then stop, repeating this process until you get a strike. The pause duration can be adjusted based on the fish's activity level. If the fish is inactive, extend the stop period to up to 10 seconds. Additionally, a slight twitch or flick with a moderate retrieve can help the bait explore larger areas more quickly.
The Slow Twitch-Pause:
This technique involves a slow, steady retrieve with pauses. This can be effective when combined with a slow presentation to seal the deal. The twitching action can also be used at the bottom to mimic the movement of an injured fish, enticing an attack.
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Lure movement
The type of knot used to connect the braid to the leader is also crucial for achieving optimal lure movement. A double uni-knot is a reliable choice, followed by a simple loop knot to attach the jig head to the leader. This combination provides a full range of movement for the lure, allowing it to move naturally in the water. Additionally, consider using a stiffer graphite rod with a braided mainline. This setup enhances your ability to impart action in the soft plastic lure, even with subtle rod movements. The sensitivity of graphite and the low-stretch properties of the braided line enable you to feel the bite better.
Another technique to master is the "single hop." This retrieval method involves casting your lure, letting it sink to the bottom, and then simultaneously winding the reel and lifting the rod tip to make the lure hop along the bottom. It's important to maintain a slow, steady retrieve, especially when using topwater lures. Experiment with different jig head weights to find the right balance, allowing your lure to reach the desired depth without being carried away by wind or tidal movement.
When dragging your bait along the bottom, do it slowly, feeling for obstacles like brush or rocks. Occasionally stop and let the bait rest for a few seconds, adding a light pop to your rod tip now and then. Remember that the size of your line matters; a smaller line size will produce more natural movements from your bait. Finally, pay attention to the colour of your lures. Generally, darker colours work better in darker waters, while lighter colours are more effective in clearer waters. However, bright colours can sometimes attract bites in darker waters during hot weather.
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Lure shapes and colours
Stick Baits: Stick baits are simple stick-shaped worms that are popular among anglers due to their effectiveness in catching bass. They are often impregnated with salt to increase their action and fall rate, with the Senko lure being a well-known example.
Plastic Worms: Plastic worms, popularized in the 1950s by the Creme Worm, come in various sizes and are effective for catching different fish species. Three- and four-inch worms are commonly used in northern regions, while larger eight- or ten-inch worms are preferred in summer months for bigger bites.
Beaver Baits: Beaver baits, such as the Sweet Beaver, feature a thick, fat body with small trailing appendages that create subtle movements underwater. They are effective when fish are not aggressively feeding.
Creature Baits: Creature baits are a category of soft plastic lures that mimic unique forage in fish diets, such as craw-shaped trailers that give a realistic appearance to your jig.
Soft Body Toads: Soft body toads are topwater baits that create a churning, gurgling action on the water's surface, making it easy to know when you get a strike. Rigged on an EWG worm hook and cast into weeds and grass, they are a fun and exciting option for bass fishing.
Curl Tail Grub Lures: These lures are effective with the "single hop" retrieval technique, where the lure is cast out, allowed to sink, and then hopped along the bottom using a simultaneous wind of the reel handle and lift of the rod tip.
Natural-Looking Lures: When fishing in clear water, natural-looking lures that match the local baitfish are recommended. Examples include the Exude® RT Slug for bass and Croaker Shad, which resembles a small sunfish.
Vibrating Lures: In stained or murky water, vibrating lures that attract fish through sound are more effective. Most soft plastic lures produce some vibration, but some are designed to create more intense vibrations.
Additionally, weather conditions influence lure selection. During cold fronts, smaller lures are preferred, while stable weather calls for larger lures to catch bigger fish.
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Frequently asked questions
Soft plastic lures are popular because they come in a variety of shapes and colours and can be used in just about any waterway. They are also versatile, allowing you to cover a lot of ground and expose your presentation to different types of fish. When it comes to worm fishing, it is important to be gentle and slow unless the fish are aggressive. It is also recommended to fish with your rod and only use your reel to pick up slack.
The general advice is to use the biggest hook you can reasonably get away with. A 5" soft plastic worm should be rigged on a 3/0 extra wide gapped hook, and a 3" plastic on a 1/0. You want the hook point to emerge from the bait roughly halfway down the body of the lure. However, some sources recommend using a smaller hook to avoid compromising bait shape and profile.
One retrieval technique is the "'single hop'", which involves casting your lure out and allowing it to sink to the bottom. Then, simultaneously wind the reel handle and lift the rod tip to force the lure to hop along the bottom. Another technique is to use a top water lure along the edge of lily pads. If a fish hits it, switch to another rod with a wacky rigged senko in a similar colour and cast it to the same spot, letting it sink. Then, shake the rod tip while lifting the bait about a foot or two to simulate a dying bait fish.
