Chloe Zhang
Jerk soft plastics are a popular choice for anglers, and for good reason—they're versatile and effective for catching a variety of fish species. Rigging them correctly is essential to a successful fishing trip. The right rigging method can depend on various factors, such as the type of fish you're targeting and the conditions you're fishing in. This introduction will cover the basics of how to rig a jerk soft plastic, including choosing the right equipment and following key steps to ensure your lure swims straight and attracts the most strikes.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Rigging style | Straight hooking, weedless rigging, wacky rigging |
| Hook type | Baitholder hooks, Raven Specialist hooks, Gamakatsu offset hooks |
| Jig head weight | Depends on the target species and depth |
| Jig head size | Depends on the depth and current strength |
| Hook positioning | Hook point should be "Texposed" when fishing around cover |
| Hook exposure | Slightly exposed when fishing in open water, specifically for smallmouth |
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Using a jig head
Rigging jerk soft plastics with a jig head is a versatile and effective technique for attracting a variety of fish species. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to rig a jerk soft plastic using a jig head:
Gather Your Materials:
Firstly, you need to gather the required materials. You will need a soft plastic bait of your choice, a jig head that matches the size and weight of your bait, and a fishing line. Choose a jig head that suits the depth and current conditions you will be fishing in.
Insert the Jig Head:
Hold the jig head in one hand and the soft plastic bait in the other. Align the hook point of the jig head with the tip of the bait and insert it into the soft plastic body. Push the hook through the top of the bait and thread it until the hook eye is visible. Ensure that the hook exits the centre of the lure body, allowing the lure to swim straight through the water.
Thread and Position the Bait:
Continue threading the bait onto the jig head until it is straight and securely positioned. Make sure the bait is centred on the hook so that it hangs straight when retrieved. Position the hook flat against the body of the soft plastic bait to reduce snags and improve hook-setting efficiency.
Secure the Bait:
To prevent the bait from sliding down the hook, use a plastic keeper or apply a small amount of super glue or electrical tape just above the bait. This ensures that the bait remains in place during casting and retrieval.
Test and Retrieve:
Before casting, gently tug on the rig to ensure it is secure and properly aligned. Make any necessary adjustments to the bait's position on the jig head. Finally, cast your rig to the desired location, allow the jig head to sink to the desired depth, and retrieve it with twitches, hops, or a steady retrieve, depending on the fish species and conditions.
Rigging jerk soft plastics with a jig head is a versatile technique, but it is important to consider the conditions and the fish you are targeting. The size, colour, and action of the soft plastic bait, as well as the weight and size of the jig head, should all be selected to match the specific fishing situation.
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Texas-style rigging
To begin, take the point of the hook and insert it down through the middle of the worm at the nose, exiting about 1/8 to 1/4 inch down the side. Pull the hook back out through this new exit hole, then bring the worm over the elbow of the offset hook or the keeper on the straight shank hook, and twist. The hook point is then threaded back into the body of the worm to make the rig weedless.
Some anglers choose to add a bead, rattle, or other noise attractors to their rigs. These additions can be advantageous in stained or muddy water, as the clicking sound imitates a crayfish crawling over rocks and debris. However, others believe that these additions detract from a realistic presentation, as most worms do not make clicking noises.
When fishing with a Texas rig, it is important to use a rod with some backbone, such as a 7-foot medium-heavy rod, to drive the hook through the plastic and into the fish. Additionally, a longer rod helps to take up slack quickly on the hookset, as fish may run with the rig. Texas rigs work well with 15-20 pound fluorocarbon, but in clear water or when fishing out deep, a 12-pound line can be used to get the worm down quicker and fish more naturally.
Texas rigging is an effective technique for fishing in murky water or areas with vegetation, as it is weedless and can be worked through thick cover without getting hung up. It can be cast, pitched, flipped, punched, or placed in any hiding place a bass may use, making it a versatile and powerful tool for anglers.
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Straight hooking
To straight hook a soft plastic lure, start by inserting the hook point through the tip or face of the lure. Push the point straight through the body of the lure until about 3/4 of the hook is covered. Then, work the hook point back out through the side of the lure. The hook bend and point should be exposed, while the straight section of the hook shaft should be fully embedded in the lure. The lure should sit straight on the hook shaft. If it is bent, bunched up, or twisted, remove the hook and try again.
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Weedless rigging
To create an effective weedless rig, accuracy and precision are crucial. The final product should look incredibly realistic and swim correctly. A bent, kinked, or incorrectly positioned hook can cause the lure to swim awkwardly, reducing its effectiveness.
When selecting a hook for weedless rigging, consider using a true "weedless" hook pattern with a brush guard. These hooks are designed to help prevent fouling in areas with vegetation. Worm-style hooks are also a popular choice for weedless soft bait rigging, with many anglers opting for this style. Brands such as Owner, TT, Mustad, VMC, Gamakatsu, and Wilson offer high-quality worm-style hooks in various patterns, including straight shank, true turns, and extra wide gape.
Additionally, when rigging a soft plastic jerkbait, it is important to ensure that the lure is rigged perfectly straight. This will help to mimic the movement of a scared shrimp or injured baitfish, tricking the fish into striking. Soft plastic jerkbaits can be rigged on a jig head for deeper creeks or docks, or on a weighted swimbait hook for shallow flats or shorelines.
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Wacky rigging
To prevent the hook from ripping through the lure, some anglers put small rubber bands around their soft plastic lures and run their hooks under the band. Another method is to put a small piece of rubber band on the hook after running it through the bait.
Wacky worm hooks are made specifically for wacky worm rigging, but they tend to be larger in size and meant for bass. If you want to wacky rig smaller lures like trout worms, try a mosquito hook or a small jig head.
A shaky head is a great alternative to a standard Texas rig. It provides a more finesse presentation and is great for fishing in deeper water. A shaky head includes a hook attached to a shaky head weight that causes the worm to stand on end beneath the surface. Shaky heads excel around rocks, wood, and boat docks.
A Texas rig is ideal when fishing around any sort of snaggy cover, whether it be rock, wood, or vegetation. Use an offset shank hook and insert it into the head of the bait, then back out about a ¼ of an inch below the head. Slide the hook through the bait and rotate it back around so the head sits in the offset shank. Then push the hook back through the body of the bait, leaving the hook point just below the surface of the plastic.
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Frequently asked questions
Ensure that the soft plastic lure sits straight on the hook shaft. Match the jig head to your lure size and situation. Large jig heads cast further but sink quicker. Nearly all soft plastics can be rigged onto a jig head.
One method is straight hooking, which involves running an unweighted hook through a soft plastic lure. Another method is weedless rigging, which keeps the hook point mostly hidden until a fish bites. A third method is wacky rigging, which involves running a hook through the middle of a soft plastic lure and out the other side.
If targeting light estuary species like bream, use light jig heads to allow the soft plastic to sink slowly. If targeting bigger inshore species, up the jig head size and weight depending on the depth and current strength.
Bassmaster Elite, Bob Downey, recommends using a 4/0 VMC Wide Gap hook and Texas rigging the soft jerkbait. When fishing around cover, make sure the hook point is "Texposed". When fishing in open water, use a slightly exposed hook point. Russ Lane recommends sticking the hook point in the nose and pushing the hook through the body.
