Omar Khalid
Soft plastic jerkbaits are a versatile and effective way to catch a lot of fish. They can be used in open water, heavy vegetation, and at varying depths. When rigging a soft plastic jerkbait, it is important to do so perfectly straight on the lure. There are several ways to rig a soft plastic jerkbait, including weightless with an exposed hook, a weighted swimbait hook, a jig head, or a weighted Spinhead lure. The weight of the hook will affect how quickly the bait sinks, so anglers may want to experiment with different combinations. The type of hook used is also important, with options including EWG swimbait hooks, offset round bend worm hooks, and VMC Wide Gap hooks.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Rigging | Rig it perfectly straight on the lure |
| Rig weightless with an exposed hook | |
| Rig on a jig head for deeper creeks or docks | |
| Rig on a weighted swimbait hook for shallow flats or shorelines | |
| Rig upside down | |
| Texas rig the soft jerkbait | |
| Use a 4/0 VMC Wide Gap hook | |
| Use a medium-heavy power rod with a fast-to-extra fast taper | |
| Use a size 70 to 150 baitcasting reel | |
| Use a 10–17lb fluorocarbon line | |
| Use a braided mainline with a fluorocarbon leader | |
| Use a #4 or #5 EWG (Extra Wide Gap) hook for a weightless presentation | |
| Use a weighted Spinhead style of lure to cover water quickly | |
| Use a Darter Head Jig when fish are close to or lying near the bottom | |
| Rig behind a bullet-style weight and weedless | |
| Use a TwistLock weighted hook | |
| Use a Gamakatsu Weighted Superline Spring Hook |
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What You'll Learn
Using a weighted hook for fishing in shallow water
Soft plastic jerkbaits are a popular choice for anglers due to their versatility and ability to mimic injured baitfish. When fishing in shallow water, using a weighted hook can be advantageous for several reasons.
Firstly, a weighted hook can help you achieve the desired rate of fall for your bait. By experimenting with different hook weights, you can control how fast or slow your bait sinks. This is particularly useful when fishing in shallow water, where you may need to adjust the rate of fall to match the behaviour of your target fish species.
Additionally, weighted hooks excel in shallow water because they help you navigate through underwater cover. When fishing in shallow areas, there may be weeds, wood, or vegetation that your lure could get snagged on. A weighted hook helps your lure pass through these obstacles snag-free. This is especially true for weedless rigging options like the Do-it Weighted Hook Jig, which allows the hook to lay flat along the back of the plastic lure, reducing the chances of getting tangled in underwater cover.
When using a weighted hook for shallow water fishing, it's important to match the size of the hook to the length and height of your swimbait. Ensure there is enough clearance for the plastic of the swimbait to collapse when a fish bites, exposing the hook and increasing your chances of a successful catch.
Finally, when fishing with soft plastic jerkbaits in shallow water, you can experiment with different rigging techniques. One option is to use a Texas rig, where the hook point is "Texposed", meaning it pierces through the plastic but the tip is recessed back into the bait to remain weedless. Another rigging style is to have a slightly exposed hook point when fishing in open water, as this setup can increase your chances of hooking charging fish.
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How to rig soft plastic jerkbait weedless
Soft plastic jerkbaits are commonly used to catch bass and are known for their versatility. They can be used in open water or heavy vegetation and at just about any depth. They are often rigged weightless, but sometimes weights are added to fish slightly deeper.
To rig a soft plastic jerkbait weedless, you can use a Texas Rigged presentation. This involves using a #4 or #5 EWG (Extra Wide Gap) hook and rigging it behind a bullet-style weight. The hook point should be punched through the plastic, but then the tip of the point should be recessed back into the bait to remain weedless. This method allows you to pitch the jerkbait into heavy cover and work it through thick vegetation without getting snagged.
When fishing in thick vegetation or shallow water, it is recommended to rig the jerkbait weightless and weedless. This technique is ideal for when fish are hiding in the grass or cruising the shallows in search of prey. The bait can be cast and retrieved with a steady reel and twitch cadence, followed by a pause of two to ten seconds. This allows the bait to fall naturally into holes in the grass where bass may be lurking.
Another option for rigging a soft plastic jerkbait weedless is to use a weighted swimbait hook. To do this, put the centering pin through the center of the lure and twist the lure onto the spring. Bring the hook point out through the top of the lure, ensuring that the bait is straight on the hook and not curved. This method allows you to fish the jerkbait on shallow flats or shorelines.
Additionally, when fishing in open water, you can use a weightless soft plastic jerkbait with an exposed hook. Thread a 4-inch white or silver soft jerkbait onto a 1/0 to 3/0 straight-shank worm hook, ensuring that the barbs are near the eye to hold the bait in place. Slide the hook point straight through the middle of the bait and poke the tip out the top or back, making sure it is not weedless.
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The best hook type for weightless soft plastic jerkbaits
Soft plastic jerkbaits are often rigged without weights, so the ideal rod should have a soft tip that can effectively cast lightweight lures, while still providing enough strength to drive an extra wide gap hook home for a solid hookset.
When it comes to hook type, there are a few options for weightless soft plastic jerkbaits. The first is a wide gap hook, which is ideal for Texas rigging tubes, as its deeper bend lets the tube collapse into the belly of the hook on the hook set. When fishing with light line, a 1/0 hook is recommended, but switch to a 4/0 hook when pitching 4- to 5-inch tubes with heavy line. Another option is the standard worm-style hook, which works well due to its longer shank. A longer shank hook in a 3/0 model is recommended if you want the lure to fall at a slow, steady pace. If you need the lure to dive quickly into cover, attach the lure to a 3/0 wide gap, short shank hook, as the shorter hook makes the lure dive nose-first.
For a traditional Texas-rigged soft plastic jerkbait, a medium-heavy power rod with a fast-to-extra fast taper is recommended. Additionally, a size 70 to 150 baitcasting reel with a slightly faster 7.0:1 gear ratio or higher is ideal for quickly picking up the line when twitching the bait or catching up to a bite.
When fishing calm, shallow water, a weighted swimbait hook can be used with a soft plastic jerkbait, allowing the lure to bounce along the bottom. The retrieve speed can be adjusted depending on the target fish species.
The weight of the hook can impact the rate at which the bait sinks, so it may be beneficial to experiment with different hook and bait combinations to find the desired rate of fall.
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Using a jig head for deeper creeks or docks
Soft plastic jerkbaits are versatile lures that can be used in open water or heavy vegetation and at varying depths. When fishing in deeper creeks or docks, using a jig head can be an effective approach. Here are some detailed instructions and tips for employing this technique:
Selecting the Right Jig Head:
Choose a jig head that matches the depth and fishing conditions. Spinhead or bladed jig heads are available in a range of sizes, from one-quarter to one ounce, allowing you to fish at different depths. The blade on these jig heads creates additional vibration and flash, attracting the attention of feeding bass. If you're fishing near the bottom, a Darter Head Jig is a great option, causing the lure to pop off the bottom and fall in an erratic manner, imitating an injured or dying baitfish.
Rigging the Soft Plastic Jerkbait:
Proper rigging is crucial to ensure the lure swims straight and doesn't spin or helicopter in the water. Start by putting the centering pin of the jig head through the center of the lure and twisting the lure onto the spring. Bring the hook point out through the top of the lure, ensuring it sits in the middle. Check that the bait is straight on the hook and not curved. A technique called "Texposing" involves punching the hook point through the plastic and then recessing the tip back into the bait to make it weedless, which is useful when fishing around cover.
Retrieving the Lure:
When retrieving the lure with a jig head in deeper water, it will create an up-and-down retrieve pattern due to the added weight. You can use a technique called Snap Jigging, which involves making a long cast, allowing the bait to reach the bottom, and then snapping your fishing rod quickly upward one to two feet, letting the lure fall again. This erratic action mimics an injured baitfish and can provoke aggressive strikes from predatory fish.
Choosing the Right Hook:
The choice of hook is essential for effective soft plastic jerkbait fishing. Hooks with twist-on bait holders at the top make it easier to secure the bait and extend its lifespan. Weighted hooks, such as the TwistLock hooks by Owner, enhance the action of the lure in the water and are ideal for fishing the shallows for larger fish species. A thick gauge hook, like the Gamakatsu Superline, or a weighted EWG swimbait hook, can help get your bait down quickly when fishing at greater depths.
Additional Considerations:
When fishing with soft plastic jerkbaits, it's important to vary the speed of retrieval to imitate the movement of injured baitfish or scared shrimp, which are favoured meals for predators in the shallows. Additionally, experiment with different colours of jerkbaits to match the type of forage fish present in the water, such as darker colours like green pumpkin and junebug, or brighter shades like bubblegum or chartreuse to stand out during spawning seasons.
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The best gear for soft plastic jerkbait fishing
Soft plastic jerkbaits are a versatile tool for anglers, but choosing the right gear is essential for success. Here is some of the best gear for soft plastic jerkbait fishing:
Rods:
When it comes to rods, a medium-heavy power rod with a fast-to-extra-fast taper is ideal for traditional Texas-rigged soft plastic jerkbaits. Most anglers prefer a slightly shorter length, typically between 7 to 7'4", as it offers improved handling when working the bait. Light-duty jig and worm rods are also suitable for soft plastic jerkbaits, so you may already have a suitable rod in your collection.
Reels:
For reels, a size 70 to 150 baitcasting reel with a gear ratio of 7.0:1 or higher is recommended. These smaller, more compact reels excel at handling light baits without sacrificing casting distance or accuracy. They also allow for comfortable hand placement while working the bait.
Lines:
A 10-17lb fluorocarbon line is a popular choice among anglers due to its stealth. It is nearly invisible underwater and helps the bait sink, enhancing its natural appeal. Fluorocarbon also provides excellent abrasion resistance, allowing you to fish with confidence around wood, light cover, and vegetation without worrying about line damage. When using a spinning combo, a braided mainline paired with a fluorocarbon leader offers the best of both worlds: castability, strength, and sensitivity.
Hooks:
There are several hook options available for soft plastic jerkbaits. EWG swimbait hooks and offset round bend worm hooks are popular choices for Tex-posing the bait. The weight of the hook can impact the sink rate, so experimenting with different combinations can be beneficial. For a Strike King Caffeine Shad, a 4/0 VMC Wide Gap hook is recommended, while a 5/0 Gamakatsu Offset Round Bend Worm Hook is ideal for a Jerk Minnow.
Baits:
Soft plastic jerkbaits are often rigged weightless, but adding weight can be advantageous in certain situations. Weighted swimbait hooks can be effective when fishing in calm, shallow water, allowing you to bounce the bait along the bottom. Paddle tail and split tail baits are also options, offering different retrieve styles to entice strikes.
With the right gear and some practice, you'll be well on your way to unlocking the full potential of soft plastic jerkbaits.
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Frequently asked questions
A 4/0 VMC Wide Gap hook is a good option for soft plastic jerkbaits. You can also use a #4 or #5 EWG (Extra Wide Gap) hook for a weightless presentation.
There are several ways to rig a soft plastic jerkbait, including Texas rigging, weightless rigging, and weighted rigging. When Texas rigging, make sure the hook point is "Texposed" by punching it through the plastic and then recessing the tip back into the bait to make it weedless. For weightless rigging, use an exposed hook and thread the jerkbait onto a straight-shank worm hook. Weighted rigging can be achieved by using a TwistLock weighted hook or a Gamakatsu Weighted Superline Spring Hook.
When fishing in shallow water, it is recommended to use a weighted soft plastic jerkbait with a hook such as the Gamakatsu Weighted Superline Spring Hook. This will allow you to target big fish in shallow water effectively.
In open water, a weightless soft plastic jerkbait with an exposed hook can be effective. This method is particularly useful for matching schooling baitfish in open water.
When retrieving a soft plastic jerkbait, it is important to use a steady reel and twitch cadence, followed by a pause. The length of the pause can vary depending on the conditions and depth, but it should generally last between two and ten seconds.
