Maya Ellison
Rigging a plastic shad correctly is essential for catching fish. Soft plastic jerk shads are versatile and can be rigged on a jig head for deeper creeks or docks, or a weighted swimbait hook for shallow flats or shorelines. To rig a plastic shad, the tail must be pointed down with the hook pointed up and exiting the centre of the lure's body. The hook should be exposed to better pin the fish. For long, thin shads, a Z-bend jig hook is needed to ensure the lure sits in the bend of the hook. The lure should be fed up to the eye of the hook, marked, and then pushed through so it sits neatly.
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What You'll Learn
Use a jig head for deeper creeks or docks
Jerk shads are versatile lures that can be used in a variety of fishing scenarios. When fishing in deeper creeks or docks, one effective method is to rig your soft plastic jerk shad with a jig head.
Jig heads are heavier and front-loaded, which means that when you rig a jerk shad on them, the bait will dive straight down headfirst. This makes them ideal for deeper water, typically considered to be over four feet deep. The weight of the jig head also allows for a faster retrieval, which can be useful when fishing in deeper areas with strong currents.
When rigging a plastic shad with a jig head, it is important to ensure that the body of the lure is straight so that it swims correctly. The hook should exit the lure's body in the centre, allowing the lure to swim straight through the water. If the hook is off-centre, the lure will swim at an odd angle, which may deter fish from striking. Additionally, you can use a small dab of superglue to secure the lure to the shank of the hook.
The weight of the jig head can be adjusted depending on the depth and speed of the water. For deeper or swifter water, a heavier jig head can be used to achieve the desired depth. When fishing in creeks or docks, a lighter jig head may be more appropriate to avoid spooking the fish with a lure that moves too quickly.
While jig heads can be very effective in deeper creeks or docks, they are not weedless, so anglers should be cautious when fishing in areas with heavy structure to avoid getting snagged. In such scenarios, a weighted hook may be a better option.
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Use a weighted swimbait hook for shallow flats or shorelines
When fishing in shallow flats or shorelines, using a weighted swimbait hook with a plastic shad lure is a great option. This setup allows for a more natural presentation of the lure, as the weight helps to keep the lure swimming straight and prevents it from darting around too quickly, which can spook the fish in calm, shallow water.
To rig a plastic shad on a weighted swimbait hook, start by choosing the right hook size and weight. The hook size will depend on the size of the lure and the type of fish you are targeting. For example, larger swimbaits like the 13 Fishing Coalition Baits BAMF swimmer or a Battle Shad are designed to fit a large weighted swimbait hook. On the other hand, smaller swimbaits can be used with smaller hooks that don't overpower the bait. In terms of weight, you can fine-tune it to achieve the desired action, such as a nose-down fall, upward dart, or flat, horizontal slow-sink.
Once you have selected the appropriate hook, it's time to rig the plastic shad. One popular method is to use a weedless rigging technique, which can be achieved with hooks like the Do-it Weighted Hook Jig and Hitching Post, or the Mustad Grip Pin weighted hook. With these hooks, the point of the hook lays flat along the back of the plastic or is inserted back into the plastic, keeping the point protected and reducing the chances of snagging on weeds or other obstacles.
Another rigging option is to use a screw-lock hook, especially when skipping a swimbait around shallow docks. This type of hook holds the plastic shad securely and can withstand the torque and force exerted on the nose of the bait during skipping. To rig the plastic shad on a screw-lock hook, start by marking the point at which the hook should emerge from the lure's back, ensuring it is on the centreline. Then, insert the hook point through the nose of the lure and thread it through the lure, exiting 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 centreline.
When fishing with a weighted swimbait hook and plastic shad, it's important to consider the speed of your retrieve. If you are targeting flounder or redfish, slow down your retrieve. However, if you're aiming for snook or trout, speed it up and add some erratic movements to attract their attention. Additionally, pay attention to the colour of your plastic shad. In shallow water, try using colours like green pumpkin or combinations of green, brown, purple, and orange. Pure white and pure black can also be effective in the depths or murky water.
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Ensure the lure is rigged straight
Rigging your plastic shad lure straight is essential for effective fishing. Here are some detailed instructions to ensure your lure is rigged correctly:
Firstly, if your lure has a straight back, it must be rigged onto the jighead in a straight manner. This is crucial as it enables the lure to swim correctly and facilitates complete hook sets. A crooked lure is less likely to attract fish and may move inconsistently through the water, reducing your chances of success.
When rigging the jighead, lay it over the lure body to visualize where the hook should exit. This technique helps you get the placement right the first time and prevents damage to the soft plastic from multiple attempts. Ensure the hook exits the lure's body in the center; otherwise, the lure will swim at an odd angle.
Additionally, consider using weight balancers with your lure. These accessories help to ensure the lure runs straight during retrieval. Weight balancers are designed with a groove to accommodate your stinger tackle, keeping the lure streamlined and minimizing the chances of debris being picked up.
The tail of the lure should also be considered when rigging. For paddle tail baits, the tail must be pointed down, with the hook pointed up, to allow the lure to swim through the water effectively. However, for straight tail baits, there is no specific requirement, and you can rig them directly onto a jig head.
Finally, test your rigging by dragging or popping the lure through the water alongside you. Observe if it swims straight. A correctly rigged lure will move smoothly and attract fish.
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Use a Z-bend hook for long, thin shads
To rig a plastic shad with a Z-bend hook, you'll need a lure that resembles a long, thin sandeel. Standard J hooks are ineffective for soft plastic lures, so you'll need a special hook with a cranked shank, like a Z-bend jig hook.
First, hold the hook against the shad to determine where the point will exit the body. Mark the entry and exit points with a pen. Then, feed the lure up to the eye of the hook and turn it so that the shank lies along the underside of the lure. Push the point of the hook through both marks so that the lure sits neatly in the bend of the hook. This will ensure that the lure swims straight and doesn't spin or 'helicopter' in the water.
To rig a plastic shad with a Z-bend hook, start by marking the entry and exit points for the hook. Hold the hook against the shad and use a marker pen to indicate where the point will enter the underside of the lure and where it will emerge on the top. This will ensure that the hook point penetrates the lure in the correct spots and that the lure sits securely on the hook.
Once you've marked the entry and exit points, push the point of the hook through the underside of the lure at the marked spot. Then, guide the hook point through the top of the lure at the exit mark. Make sure the lure is seated neatly in the bend of the hook and that the shank of the hook lies along the underside of the lure. This will ensure that the lure is securely attached to the hook and is less likely to come loose during casting or retrieval.
Finally, check that the rigged lure swims straight and doesn't spin or helicopter in the water. A properly rigged plastic shad with a Z-bend hook should swim straight and true, mimicking the natural movement of a sandeel or other long, thin baitfish. If the lure spins or helicopters, adjust the positioning of the hook or try using a different hook size or type to achieve the desired action in the water.
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Make sure the hook exits the lure's body in the centre
When rigging a plastic shad, it is important to ensure that the hook exits the lure's body in the centre. This is crucial for achieving the desired swimming action and attracting fish. If the hook is not centred, the lure will swim at an odd angle, reducing its effectiveness in attracting bites.
To accomplish this, start by laying the jighead over the lure body to visualise the exit point of the hook. This step helps you get the placement right the first time and prevents damage to the soft plastic from multiple attempts. Mark the point where the hook should exit on the top of the lure, a few millimetres forward from where it enters. This positioning ensures the lure sits neatly in the bend of the hook.
The centred exit point of the hook is particularly important for lures with a straight back. If the hook is off-centre, the lure will not swim straight, and its erratic movement may deter fish from striking. By ensuring the hook exits in the centre, you increase the chances of a consistent swimming action, making the lure more appealing to fish.
Additionally, when rigging plastic shads, consider using specialised hooks designed for soft plastic lures. Standard J hooks may not be effective, and specially cranked hooks, such as Z-bend hooks, are often required to achieve the correct swimming action and hook placement. These hooks are designed to accommodate the unique characteristics of soft plastic lures, ensuring optimal performance.
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