Omar Khalid
Soft plastics are a popular choice for anglers fishing for flathead, as they are inexpensive, versatile, and can be used in a variety of waterways. Flathead are not fussy and will go for just about any style or color of soft plastic lure. However, to maximize the chances of success, anglers need to understand the different types of soft plastics and rigging methods available. This includes knowing how to rig soft plastics to target flathead in specific depths and locations, such as in shallow flats or deep channels and structures. Additionally, the right rigging technique can help minimize the chance of snagging or fouling when fishing in areas with timber, weeds, or mangrove roots.
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What You'll Learn
Soft plastic shapes, colours and sizes
Soft plastics are versatile and can imitate a wide variety of prey for flathead. The shape, colour, and size of the soft plastic lure can make a difference in your fishing success.
Grubs, for example, are characterised by a cylindrical body and a flat-sided or ribbon-like tail that curls when stationary. When moved through the water, the tail comes alive, giving the lure a subtle yet enticing swimming action.
The Wave Minnow is another effective soft plastic lure. When rigged on a Bait Junkie Finesse Jighead, the Wave Minnow sits nose down and tail up, allowing the tail to move with the current even when the lure is at rest. This makes it ideal for challenging conditions when the bite is tough.
For deeper waters and stronger currents, consider soft plastics that imitate long, skinny prey such as garfish, whiting, or pike. These lures have a segmented body design that creates an "S" wave swimming action when retrieved quickly. The Bait Junkie Jerkshad, for instance, is an excellent choice for larger, hungrier flathead.
Paddle tail plastics are also a popular choice for targeting flathead. These lures mimic the small mullet, whiting, and other baitfish that make up a significant part of the flathead's diet. The Z-Man 2.5” Slim SwimZ or MinnowZ are excellent all-around options, while the Z-Man 4” DieZel MinnowZ offers a larger profile for areas with bigger bait.
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Rigging methods
When it comes to rigging methods for soft plastics to catch flathead, there are a few different approaches you can take. Firstly, it's important to use a braid when fishing with soft plastics, as it doesn't stretch, ensuring you remain in constant contact with the lure and can feel the bites. A leader made of fluorocarbon is also recommended as it's thinner and less visible in the water.
One popular rigging method is the slow roll. Cast your soft plastic lure and wait for it to reach the bottom. Then, slowly and continuously retrieve your fishing reel. This technique works well with curl tails and paddle tail plastics, as the natural action of the soft plastics does most of the work. Keep the lure a foot or two above the bottom to effectively target flathead.
Another rigging option is to use a running sinker rig, dropper rig, or paternoster rig, depending on the fishing conditions and location. When fishing in shallow water, consider using a weedless rig to minimise the chance of snagging or fouling in structures like timber, weeds, or mangrove roots.
Additionally, the jig head selection plays a crucial role in rigging soft plastics for flathead. It's advisable to have multiple weights and sizes available to adjust according to current strength and weather conditions. For example, having jig heads in sizes ranging from 1/4 to 1/12 jig head in a 2/0 and 3/0 size provides versatility. Take your time when rigging to ensure the plastic is straight, enhancing the action of the plastic.
When it comes to specific soft plastic types, grubs are a popular choice for flathead fishing. They feature a cylindrical body and a flat-sided or ribbon-like tail that curls when stationary, attracting flathead with its subtle yet irresistible swimming action when moved through the water. Paddle tail plastics are also effective, mimicking the swimming action of small mullet, whiting, and other baitfish that make up a significant part of the flathead's diet.
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Jig head selection
When selecting a jig head, it is crucial to consider the type of soft plastic lure being used. For example, a Z-Man 2.5” Slim SwimZ lure is typically paired with a 1/0 jig head for smaller bait, while a larger profile lure like the Z-Man 4” DieZel MinnowZ is recommended to be used with a 3/0 or 4/0 jig head when targeting bigger baitfish. The Z-Man 3” MinnowZ in Gold Rush is a popular choice for dirty water conditions.
The design of the jig head also plays a role in the presentation of the soft plastic lure. For instance, the Bait Junkie Finesse Jighead, ranging from 1/12-1/8oz, allows the Wave Minnow lure to sit with its nose down and tail up, even when stationary. This design takes advantage of the current, ensuring the lure's tail remains in motion, making it an effective choice when fishing conditions are challenging.
Additionally, the versatility of soft plastics allows for different retrieve techniques. Paddle tail plastics, such as the Z-Man 3” MinnowZ, can be used with a slow roll retrieve, making them suitable for a wide range of applications. Curl tail grubs, like the Z-Man 2.5” GrubZ, are also versatile and respond well to most retrieves, making them a popular choice for anglers new to soft plastics fishing.
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Braid fishing line
When fishing with soft plastics for flathead, it's important to use a braid fishing line. Braid fishing lines are made from multiple strands of polyethylene fibre that are woven together to create a strong, thin, and low-stretch line. Here are some reasons why braid fishing line is ideal for flathead fishing with soft plastics:
Sensitivity: Braid fishing lines have minimal stretch, which makes them highly sensitive to even the slightest bumps and bites. This sensitivity is crucial when fishing for flathead, as it allows you to detect subtle strikes and set the hook at the right moment.
Strength: Braid fishing lines are known for their exceptional strength. They have a high pound test rating, which means they can withstand significant pressure and abrasion. This strength is advantageous when targeting flathead, as it gives you the confidence to apply more force during hook sets and when fighting the fish.
Durability: Braid fishing lines are highly durable and resistant to wear and tear. They are less prone to abrasion and fraying compared to other types of fishing lines. This durability is beneficial when fishing in areas with structure or cover, as it reduces the likelihood of line breakage.
Casting Distance: Braid fishing lines have smooth surfaces and reduced friction, which contributes to longer casting distances. When fishing for flathead in open waters or targeting distant structures, the extra casting distance provided by braid lines can increase your chances of reaching the desired spots.
Versatility: Braid fishing lines offer versatility in terms of line thickness and visibility. You can find braid lines in a range of thicknesses, allowing you to select the appropriate strength and visibility level for your flathead fishing setup. Thinner braid lines are less visible to fish, making them ideal for clear waters or cautious targets.
When selecting a braid fishing line for flathead, consider the specific fishing conditions and the behaviour of flathead. Flathead are ambush predators with eyes positioned on top of their heads. They tend to lurk at the bottom, waiting for prey to swim by. Therefore, it's important to use a sensitive braid line that allows you to detect their subtle bites. Additionally, flathead are known for their sharp, bristle-like teeth, so choosing a heavier leader material, such as Fluorocarbon, can help prevent your line from being chewed through.
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Paddle tails
When selecting a paddle tail, consider the size of the baitfish in the area. If the bait is small, opt for a Z-Man 2.5” Slim SwimZ with a 1/0 jig head. For a larger profile, the Z-Man 4” DieZel MinnowZ with a 3/0 or 4/0 jig head is a great choice. A 3” Slim SwimZ or MinnowZ with a 3/0 jig head is a versatile option and works well as an all-rounder for flathead.
When fishing with paddle tails, it is important to take your time during the rigging process to ensure the plastic is straight, as this improves the action. Additionally, make sure to cover ground by drifting when flicking lures and soft plastics.
For those new to soft plastics fishing, the slow roll technique is a great option. Simply cast your plastic and wait for it to hit the bottom, then slowly and continuously retrieve your fishing reel. Keep the lure a foot or two above the bottom—this technique is very effective for catching flathead.
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Frequently asked questions
Grubs, worm imitations, curly tails, paddle tails, and minnow imitations are all good options. Grubs have a cylindrical body and a flat-sided or ribbon-like tail that curls when stationary, giving the lure a subtle but irresistible swimming action when moved through the water. Paddle tails are also versatile and can be fished almost anywhere on any retrieve.
For jig head selection, it’s a good idea to have multiple weights and sizes with you so you can adjust based on the current strength and weather conditions. A good range to have is 1/4, 1/6, 1/8, and 1/12 jig head in a 2/0 and 3/0 size.
The slow roll is a basic technique that works great with curl tails and paddle tail plastics. Cast your plastic or lure and wait a few seconds for it to hit the bottom, then simply do a slow continuous retrieve of your fishing reel. Keep the plastic or lure a foot or two above the bottom.
A 2-4 kilo rod, a 2500 series reel, and a line strength between 6 to 12-pound are ideal for targeting flathead with soft plastics. It’s important to use braid because it doesn’t stretch, so you are always in contact with the lure and can feel the bumps and bites. To improve your catch rate, use a fluorocarbon leader, which is thinner in diameter and harder to see in the water.
