Ethan Clarke
Soft plastic lures have been a popular choice for fishers for several decades, with their use becoming increasingly common in the past 20 years. They are a versatile option, proven to be very productive in both freshwater and saltwater. Soft plastics allow anglers to adjust their approach to suit changing conditions, such as sliding a heavier sinker onto their rig if the current speed increases. When selecting a lure, it is important to consider the environment in which you will be fishing. For example, flathead fish are commonly found in areas with sandy bottoms and patches of rock or weed beds, and soft plastics with a jighead tend to stay close to the bottom, making them a suitable choice for this type of environment.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Soft plastic lures for | Flathead, Bass, Bluegill, Snook, Redfish, Sea Trout, Bass, Bluegill, Freshwater fish, Saltwater fish |
| Best environments for soft plastic lures | Sandy bottom, rock patches, shallow sandbanks, deeper channels, freshwater, saltwater |
| Soft plastic lures with | Jighead, TT Snake-Lock jigs |
| Soft plastic lures work best with | Graphite and braid set-up, fluoro-carbon as the leader |
| Soft plastic lure size | 3-5 inches |
| Soft plastic lure color | Pink |
| Soft plastic lure brand | ZMan, Berkley's Swamp Lord Frog, Googan's Banditio Bugs, D.O.A |
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What You'll Learn
Soft plastics vs hardbody lures
Soft plastic lures have been a part of the fishing scene for decades, with the plastic worm being introduced to the market in 1951. Over time, soft plastic lures have expanded from their original straight-tail design to include paddle-tail, forked-tail, and ribbon-tail designs. They are now commonly used in fishing, with some fishers even choosing to make their own lures.
Soft plastics allow anglers to easily adjust their approach to suit changing conditions. For example, a lure angler could rig their soft plastic on a heavier jighead if the current speed increases. This is in contrast to bait fishing, where the set-up usually involves wobbly-actioned fibreglass rods and monofilament as the mainline.
Hardbody lures are also used in fishing, and the choice between using soft plastics or hardbody lures depends on the specific situation. Hardbody lures are generally used in brackish, choppy, or cloudy water, as well as in poor light conditions. They are also preferred in areas with minimal snags, such as sandy bottoms with little patches of rock or weed beds. Most hardbody lure packets will tell you how deep the lure will dive when retrieving.
On the other hand, soft plastics are ideal for ultralight fishing in calm, clear waters. They are also useful in areas where snags may be more common as they are cheaper to replace if lost or damaged. Soft plastics with a jighead tend to stay close to the bottom, making them effective for targeting fish that lie in wait for their prey, such as Flathead. When fishing for Flathead, a short sharp lift of the rod tip is often all that is needed to be successful with soft plastics.
Both soft plastics and hardbody lures have their advantages and disadvantages, and experienced fishers may choose to use a combination of both to suit the specific fishing conditions and target species.
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The importance of location
Soft plastic lures are a versatile type of fishing lure that can be used in a variety of locations and conditions. They can be applied to practically any style of fishing and are suitable for both freshwater and saltwater environments. However, the specific location and conditions will impact the type of soft plastic lure that should be used.
When fishing in freshwater, calmer and warmer conditions are generally best for soft plastics. Clear water is ideal as it allows for more enticing presentations of flashy, moving lures. Morning and evening bites are great for soft plastics, especially near banks or around vegetation and structures. During the day, soft plastics can also be used in the deeper parts of ponds, lakes, or canals to attract fish seeking cooler temperatures.
In saltwater, soft plastics can also be used effectively throughout the day. However, certain types of lures may be more suitable depending on the specific conditions. For example, fluorescent colours can be useful when the lure needs to stand out, such as in dirty water. Darker lures can also be effective in dirty water as they create a better silhouette, making it easier for fish to locate the lure.
The location and species of fish you are targeting will also influence the specific rig and retrieval techniques used with soft plastic lures. For example, a standard jig head rig is great for open water, while a weedless rig is better for fishing around structures without snagging. Retrieval techniques such as the slow roll can be used to mimic the natural movement of baitfish, making the lure more appealing to the target species.
Overall, the location and conditions play a crucial role in selecting the appropriate soft plastic lure, rig, and retrieval technique. By considering factors such as water clarity, temperature, structure, and species present, anglers can increase their chances of success when using soft plastic lures.
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Choosing the right rod and reel
Soft plastics are a versatile and popular choice for fishing enthusiasts, but choosing the right rod and reel is essential to improving your skills and increasing your chances of getting a bite. The right gear will help you cast more accurately and control your line better.
Firstly, consider the water systems and the species of fish you are targeting. Most rod and reel combinations are designed with specific species and conditions in mind, so it is important to understand the depth of the water, the strength of the current, and the structure of the fishing area. For example, if you are targeting estuary fish such as bream and perch, a light rod and reel combo is suitable. However, if you are going after inshore fish like flathead and snapper, a heavier setup is required to handle stronger fish.
The weight rating of your rod will depend on the depth and style of fishing. For shallow water fishing, a good starting point is a 2-4kg rod, with more experienced anglers potentially opting for a 1-3kg rod. High modulus graphite rods are ideal for soft plastics fishing, and a braided mainline is recommended for increased casting distance and accuracy. A braided line also allows you to feel the bites better due to its lack of stretch.
When choosing a reel, avoid mismatching with your rod. For instance, pairing a light rod with a large spinning reel will cause discomfort when casting and may result in tangles. Instead, opt for a reel that complements your rod's weight and length.
Additionally, consider the type of soft plastic lure you are using. For instance, if you are using a soft plastic jerkbait with an embedded hook, a rod with a fast action tip is recommended for a quick and strong hook set.
Finally, while quality gear is important, it is not always necessary to opt for the most expensive option. Instead, choose a reputable brand that aligns with your values, such as those that promote responsible fishing practices and conservation efforts.
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Using the correct line
Soft plastic lures are a great way to target fish. However, it is important to use the correct line to get the most out of your fishing experience. Here are some tips for using the correct line when presenting soft plastic lures:
Braid as the Main Line and Fluorocarbon Leader:
Use braid as your main line and fluoro-carbon as your leader. Braid has no stretch, allowing you to feel even the slightest touch on your lure. Fluorocarbon, on the other hand, is nearly invisible in water and resists abrasion. You can attach the braid to the leader using knots like the double uni knot, FG knot, or improved Albright. Select the appropriate line strength for the braid, ranging from 15 to 30 pounds, and choose the fluorocarbon leader strength based on the species you're targeting.
Stiffer Graphite Rods and Braided Mainline:
Soft plastic setups typically use stiffer graphite rods and a braided mainline. This combination provides greater casting distance and accuracy, allowing you to present the lure effectively. The graphite and braid setup also enable you to feel the bite better, making it easier to set the hook.
Avoid Thick Monofilament Line:
Thick monofilament line tied directly to your lure can hinder its action, create extra drag, and is more visible to fish. Instead, opt for a braided mainline or fluorocarbon/monofilament leader, which offers better performance and stealth.
Consider Jig Head Size and Weight:
When targeting light estuary species like bream, use light jig heads (e.g., 1/12, 1/16, 1/20) to allow the soft plastic to sink slowly and enhance its action. For bigger inshore species, adjust the jig head size and weight accordingly, such as 1/2, 1/4, or 1/8.
Secure Your Lures:
To prevent lures from falling off the hook, use O-rings, hooks with twist locks, or bait keepers. This ensures your lures stay in place, saving you money and reducing the need for frequent rebaiting.
By following these guidelines for using the correct line, you'll improve your soft plastic lure presentation and increase your chances of a successful fishing trip.
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How to work the lure
Soft plastic lures are a great tool for fishing, especially for beginners. They are easy to use and can be worked in a variety of ways to attract fish. Here are some tips on how to work a soft plastic lure effectively:
When using soft plastic lures, it is important to consider the environment and the type of fish you are targeting. For example, flathead fish are commonly found in areas with sandy bottoms and patches of rock or weed beds. Knowing the environment and habits of your target fish will help you present your lure effectively.
The lure needs to be in regular contact with the bottom for flathead fishing as they lie in wait for bait fish and prawns. A short, sharp lift of the rod tip is often all that is needed to work the lure successfully in this situation. Using a soft plastic with a jighead will help keep the lure close to the bottom, where the fish can see it.
In terms of lure size, a general rule is to use smaller lures for smaller fish and larger lures for bigger fish. For flathead, a 3-5 inch soft plastic lure is recommended. Colour can also make a difference, with pink being a particularly good choice for flathead.
When casting your soft plastic lure, try to cast it out as far as you can. Then, with sharp flicks of your rod tip and pauses in between, work the lure back to you. This technique creates a fast-moving, erratic action that can entice fish to bite. If you are fishing in an area with snags, consider using a weedless jig to avoid getting your lure caught up.
Additionally, the time of day can impact the effectiveness of your soft plastic lures. Morning and evening bites tend to be more successful, especially near banks or around vegetation and structure. During the heat of the day, try casting your lure into deeper parts of the water to attract fish seeking cooler temperatures.
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Frequently asked questions
Soft plastic lures are a must-have in your tackle box. They are suitable for both freshwater and saltwater fishing and can be used year-round. When fishing in freshwater, use soft plastics in the morning and evening near banks or around vegetation and structure. In saltwater, cast your soft plastics into deeper areas during the day to attract fish seeking cooler waters.
Tube baits are small, hollow lures that mimic moving bait. Paddle tails are long lures with a flappy tail that can be reeled in quickly or jerked around the bottom. Plastic shrimp, crabs, and baitfish are also popular soft plastic lures.
A graphite and braid set-up allows for greater casting distance and accuracy. A light soft plastic set-up typically includes a rod, reel, and mainline and can be purchased for around $150.
Soft plastics are ideal for changing conditions. For example, if the current speed increases, a bait soaker would use a heavier sinker, while a lure angler would rig their soft plastic on a heavier jighead.
