Alexei Volkov
Soft plastics are a popular choice for fishing, as they come in a variety of shapes and colours and can be used in almost any scenario. There are several ways to rig soft plastics, including the Texas rig, wacky rig, shaky head rig, and jighead rig. Each method varies in complexity and suitability for different fishing conditions. The Texas rig, for example, is ideal for fishing around cover such as rocks, wood, or vegetation. On the other hand, the wacky rig involves hooking the plastic bait through its middle, creating unique action in the water. The shaky head rig is suitable for deeper water and provides a more finesse presentation. Lastly, the jighead rig requires visualizing where the hook should exit the lure to ensure the body remains straight and swims correctly. With so many rigging options, anglers can maximize their chances of success on the water.
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What You'll Learn
Wacky rigging
There are multiple ways to rig soft plastic lures. Nearly all soft plastics can be easily rigged onto a jig head. To rig a soft plastic lure on a jig head, insert 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. You want the soft plastic lure to sit straight on the hook shaft. If your lure is bent, bunched up or twisted, remove the hook and try again.
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Texas rigging
When Texas rigging, it is recommended to use offset worm hooks or EWG (Extra Wide Gap) hooks. Offset worm hooks have a 90-degree elbow that is specifically designed for Texas rigging. EWG hooks are better suited for larger soft plastic lures. The weight of the bullet-shaped slip sinker should be chosen carefully to match the fishing conditions and the mood of the fish. A bobber stop can be added in front of the slip sinker to keep the weight, hook, and plastic together, preventing tangles and facilitating easier movement through thicker cover.
The rigging process for a Texas rig starts by slipping the bullet sinker onto the line through the pointed end. Then, take the point of the hook and insert it down through the middle of the nose of the soft plastic lure, exiting about 1/8 to 1/4 inch down the side. Pull the hook back out through this new exit hole and bring the lure over the elbow of the offset hook or the keeper on a straight shank hook. Finally, twist the lure to ensure the hook is secure. This rigging method allows the lure to move through weeds and grass without getting snagged while still providing an easy hookset.
Some anglers prefer to use the \"Tex-posing\" variation, which involves pushing the worm through the hook and laying the flat part of the hook point on the back of the plastic before slightly penetrating the point into the plastic. This variation makes it easier to release the hook from the plastic when setting the hook, but it may also result in more snags due to the hook point being more exposed. Tex-posing is better suited for sparser cover, such as boat docks or bank grass. Anglers can also add scents to their plastics to increase attraction.
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Nose hooking
One common way to nose hook a soft plastic lure is by using an offset shank hook. The hook is inserted into the head of the bait and then backed out slightly, before being rotated and pushed back into the body of the bait. This creates a weedless rig, where the hook point is mostly hidden until a fish bites, helping to avoid snags.
Another way to nose hook a soft plastic lure is by using a jig head. The hook point is inserted through the tip or face of the lure and pushed straight through the body until about 3/4 of the hook is covered. The hook is then worked back out through the side of the lure, with the hook bend and point exposed. This method allows the lure to sit straight on the hook shaft, ensuring that it swims correctly and creating maximum action as the bait falls.
When nose hooking a soft plastic lure, it is important to consider the size and type of hook, as well as the presentation you want to achieve. For example, a straight hook with an unweighted hook can be used in slow, shallow water or when fish are finicky. In contrast, a jig head can be used in most situations and allows for a variety of retrieval techniques, such as casting and retrieving, bouncing along the bottom, or suspending under a float.
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Shaky head rigging
To create a shaky head rig, start by threading your main fishing line through the eye of the jig head. Wrap the tag end around the main line 5-7 times, then pass it through the loop near the eye and back through the big loop you just created. Moisten the knot and pull it tight. Next, insert the hook point about a 1/4 inch below the head of the bait, then slide the hook through and rotate it so the head sits in the offset shank. Finally, push the hook point back through the body of the bait, leaving the hook point just below the surface of the plastic.
The shaky head rig is a versatile technique that can be used in a variety of fishing situations. It is particularly useful when fishing from a bank into open water or in areas with a lot of gravel on the bottom. It is also effective in clear water conditions when fish are inactive or in cold weather. When using a shaky head rig, it is important to know that bass are in the area, as this rig is not designed to cover a lot of water.
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Jigheads
First, identify the top and bottom of the lure. This can be done by looking at the paddle tail, which will indicate which side is the top and which is the bottom. The tail of the lure should face down, with the hook facing up. This is important as it ensures the lure swims through the water correctly and the hook sets are complete.
When rigging the jighead, lay it over the lure body to visualize where the hook should exit. The hook must exit the centre of the lure's body; otherwise, the lure will swim at an odd angle, making it less likely to be bitten by a fish. If the soft plastic has a straight back, ensure it remains straight when rigged onto the jighead.
For open jig heads, some anglers prefer to run the hook through the back of the lure, keeping the hook point upwards while retrieving. This method keeps things simple and allows the paddle tail to work effectively, even if the lure is upside down.
Additionally, some anglers intentionally rig the paddle tail upside down to mimic a dying fish, though the effectiveness of this technique is debatable. This technique can also help get more use out of a ripped-up plastic that isn't staying on the hook well in the standard orientation.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several ways to rig a soft plastic, including Texas rigging, wacky rigging, shaky head rigging, and jighead rigging. The best method depends on the fishing conditions and your personal preferences.
To set up a Texas rig, use an offset shank hook and insert it into the head of the bait, then back out about a 1/4 inch below the head. Slide the hook through the bait and rotate it back around so the head sits in the offset shank.
Wacky rigging involves moving the anchor point of your soft plastic to the middle, creating a unique action. To do this, take a small sharp hook and hook it through the middle of your plastic bait.
To rig a jighead, lay it over the lure body to visualize where the hook should exit. This ensures the hook exits the lure's body in the center, allowing the bait to swim correctly.
