Sofia Martinez
Soft plastic lures are a popular choice for fishing walleye, as they are durable, cost-effective, and versatile. They are also easier to use than live bait, as they can be fished faster and more aggressively, and they don't have the challenge of keeping the bait alive or on the hook. When selecting soft plastic lures for walleye, there are a few key considerations: size, colour, and tail type. In terms of size, soft plastic lures typically range from 3 to 7 inches, with 4 inches being a popular choice. Colour-wise, there are numerous options available, and it's important to select a colour that matches the forage base in the system you're fishing. As for tails, the two main types are twister tails and paddle tails, each creating different actions in the water.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Size | From short and stubby to long and skinny, with most lures between 3-4 inches |
| Color | Many options available, but choose colors that match the forage base in the system being fished |
| Tail | Twister tails or paddle tails |
| Style | Swim It, Jig It, or a combination of both |
| Type | Boot-tail, Fork-tail, Twister-tail, Ring Worm |
| Action | Plastics produce more action at all retrieve speeds |
| Durability | Softer plastics are less durable but produce more action and bites |
| Head | Match the jig color with the plastic and choose a long shank hook for erratic movement |
| Body Shape | Swimbaits offer a variety of head sizes and body shapes |
| Jig Type | Wedge or arrow head jigs are best for cutting tactics |
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What You'll Learn
Soft plastic lures are more durable than live bait
Soft plastic lures are also more durable because they can be used in a variety of conditions. They can be used in both freshwater and saltwater, and they are especially effective in saltwater when fish aren't chasing or eating live bait. They are also most effective around mangrove lines, island shorelines, flats, docks, and areas with structure. Additionally, they can be used during calmer conditions, as well as during outgoing and incoming tides when fish are more active and feisty.
The durability of soft plastic lures also lies in their versatility. They come in a range of sizes, colours, and tail variations. You can find short and stubby or long and skinny soft plastic lures, typically ranging from 3 to 4 inches in length. There are endless colour options, allowing you to match the forage base in the system you're fishing. Soft plastic lures also offer two types of tails: twister tails and paddle tails, with the latter creating a fast, lively appearance that attracts nearby fish.
Lastly, soft plastic lures are more durable because they can be rigged in different ways to suit your fishing needs. The Texas rig is one of the most common methods, helping to avoid getting stuck in vegetation. The swimbait rig involves threading the hook through the swimbait lure, ensuring a strong hookset. The Carolina rig, on the other hand, resurfaces along the plastic, creating a small gap. These various rigging options allow anglers to adapt to different fishing conditions and target specific species.
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Plastics can slow the descent of your jig
Plastics can be a great option for fishing walleyes. They are more durable than live bait and allow you to fish faster and more aggressively. One of the advantages of using plastics is that they can slow the descent of your jig, which is often key to making a catch. This is particularly useful when fishing in deep water. By letting your jig fall slowly through the water column, you increase the chances of a fish taking the bait.
When using plastics, you can also experiment with different techniques to entice the walleye. For instance, you can try the "swim it" method, where you cast out and adjust your reeling speed based on the depth you're fishing. When fishing in shallow water, use light jigs, and when fishing in deeper water, opt for heavier ones.
Another technique is the "jig it" method, which involves letting your jig fall to the bottom and then popping your rod tip to make the bait shoot up in the water column. This creates an erratic movement that can trigger a reaction from the walleye. However, this method may not work as well in heavy weeds as it can foul your lure.
Additionally, consider using plastics with a boot-tail or shad body design. These lures have a boot-shaped tail that generates a lot of action, even at slow speeds. The tail also emits vibrations that attract fish in clean water and help them locate the lure in off-colored water. The softer plastics produce more action, resulting in more bites but may be less durable and need to be replaced more frequently.
Overall, by using plastics and employing various techniques, you can effectively fish for walleye while taking advantage of the ability of plastics to slow the descent of your jig.
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Boot-tail lures vibrate to attract fish
Boot-tail lures are a type of swimbait with a grooved back and tapering belly section, giving them a natural profile in the water. They are designed to mimic baitfish and their thin profile, coupled with good colour combinations, gives them a well-rounded appeal in a variety of waters. The boot tail design combines the durability and heft of a solid body with the nimble action of the Fluke and the body roll provided by the boot tail. This means it can move water at any speed and be fished throughout the water column.
The boot tail lure can be used with a variety of techniques. It works well on a weighted swimbait hook or a jighead, and is also effective on a vibrating jig or swim jig, as well as a castable umbrella rig. The paddle tail and thin leg section give the boot tail lure a natural-looking subtle kick and shimmy at both slow and fast speeds.
The Zoom Boot Tail Fluke is a popular option for anglers and can be purchased in a few different colours from Tacklewarehouse.com and other stores that carry Zoom products. The lure can be fished like a jerkbait or with a straight reel retrieve. It is also effective on a weighted EWG hook, giving a subtle flash and wiggle to attract fish in a range of situations.
Boot-tail lures are a good option for walleye fishing, as they can be used with a variety of techniques and are effective at various speeds and depths. When selecting soft plastics for walleye, it is important to consider size, colour, and tail type. Boot-tail lures check all these boxes, offering a range of sizes and colours, as well as a tail design that provides a natural-looking movement in the water.
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Twister tails are versatile
The versatility of twister tails extends to their rigging options. They can be rigged with Carolina rigging, Texas rigging, or as a trailer on a spinnerbait or jig. Additionally, twister tails can be cast with minimal weight in weed-infested areas if rigged weedless with a size 1 bass hook. They can also be retrieved slowly on a safety pin or straight spinner, or jigged vertically. When fishing for walleye, it is crucial to consistently present the jig or twister in front of the fish.
Twister tails are effective for catching a variety of fish species, including both freshwater and saltwater gamefish. They are particularly renowned for their success with walleye, pike, and bass. The action and durability of twister tails have made them a long-standing favourite among anglers. Their effectiveness in catching various fish species makes them a valuable addition to any angler's tackle box.
When using twister tails for walleye fishing, it is recommended to start by fishing points with access to deep water nearby. Setting up your canoe with your back towards the shore, cast the jig into the deeper water, let it sink to the bottom, and then slowly retrieve it by lifting and dropping the rod tip. This technique, combined with the versatility of twister tails, will enhance your chances of success in catching walleye.
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Match jig colour with plastic for erratic movement
When selecting a soft plastic jig for walleye, it's important to consider the jig's colour, weight, and movement in the water. The right combination of these factors can trigger an aggressive response from the fish.
Firstly, choose a jig colour that matches the forage base in the system you're fishing. This can be a daunting task, given the vast array of colour options available for soft plastic lures. However, it's important to remember that the colour of the jig in water can vary from how it appears out of water due to light filtration and water conditions. For example, a bright red lure might appear grey or black at deeper, murkier depths. Thus, understanding the environment, fish behaviour, and water conditions is crucial to selecting the right jig colour.
In clear water, opt for colours that match the forage base, such as white or clear with a hint of glitter. Warmer colours can be effective during sunny days when they reflect light, mimicking the vibrant hues of aquatic creatures. Conversely, in muddy or stained water, a black and blue jig offers high contrast and is more visible to bass.
When it comes to weight, a heavier jighead will sink faster, while a lighter jighead will slowly drift down, making it ideal for shallow waters. For walleye fishing, it is recommended to use lighter jigs (1/16 to 1/4 oz) when fishing in shallow waters and heavier jigs (5/16 to 3/8 oz) when fishing in deeper waters or around structures.
Lastly, the erratic movement of the jig can be a key trigger for predatory fish. The irregularity in the way a lure swims, wobbles, or flutters can mimic an injured fish or a sinking insect, enticing the walleye to strike. This can be achieved through techniques like "popping" your rod tip to shoot the bait up the water column and then letting it drop, or swimming the jig with twitches and short pops and pauses.
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Frequently asked questions
Plastics are more durable than live bait, they're also cheaper and easier to manage. They allow you to fish faster and more aggressively. They can help slow the descent of your jig and put out more vibration in low light or off-coloured water.
Boot-Tail (swimbait), Fork-Tail (fluke), Twister-Tail, Ring Worm, and Jerk Minnows.
Match the jig colour with the plastic. Use a long shank hook for erratic movement. Use heavier jigs when fishing deep. Try a combination of "swim it" and "jig it" techniques.
