Sofia Martinez
Soft plastic baits are artificial lures used for fishing. They are made by injecting or hand-pouring molten plastic into a 3D cavity in a mould or tray. Soft plastic lures are popular because they can be used in both saltwater and freshwater fishing. They are also effective when fish are not chasing or eating live bait. Soft plastic baits come in a variety of shapes, including worms, tubes, lizards, and creatures that resemble real critters such as frogs and bugs. They can be rigged in different ways, such as the Texas rig, swimbait rig, and Carolina rig. Soft plastic baits can be purchased or handmade, with anglers often choosing the latter to achieve their desired results and connect with their fishing on a deeper level.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Types | Worms, tubes, lizards, grubs, baitfish, frogs, paddle tails, flukes, jerkbaits, plastic shrimp, crabs, bait fish, swimbaits, creature baits, ned rigs, beaver-style baits, hog-style baits, minnow-style baits |
| Use | Freshwater and saltwater fishing |
| Best time for use | Dawn and dusk |
| Rigging methods | Texas rig, swimbait rig, Carolina rig |
| Customization | Softness, colors, scents |
| Durability | Prone to wear and tear, brittleness, stretching, ripping |
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What You'll Learn
Soft plastic worms
When choosing a soft plastic worm, factors such as size, colour, and action can be considered. The size of the worm can vary depending on the time of year, with larger worms tending to work better during the summer months. The colour of the worm can be selected to match the conditions and the type of fish being targeted. The action of the worm refers to how it moves through the water, with some worms designed to create a lively, erratic action, while others have a more subtle, natural presentation.
There are several techniques that can be used when fishing with soft plastic worms. One technique is to retrieve the worm quickly to create a fast-moving bait, or it can be jerked around to mimic the movement of wounded prey. Soft plastic worms can also be bounced off the bottom or trolled, depending on the conditions and the behaviour of the fish.
Overall, soft plastic worms are a versatile and effective lure for bass fishing and other types of fishing, offering a range of presentations that can be tailored to the conditions and the target species.
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Soft plastic lizards
Soft plastic lures are a popular choice for fishing enthusiasts, and one of the most iconic soft plastic baits in freshwater fishing is the lizard. These soft plastic lizards are often referred to as salamanders due to their resemblance and versatility in the water. The slender body and fluttering tail and legs of the lizard mimic the movements of salamanders or other freshwater amphibians, making them an attractive target for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, and spotted bass.
When using a Texas rig with soft plastic lizards, anglers can employ a light unpegged setup to allow the lizard to penetrate cover areas without getting buried in grass or mud. This rig can be used in various ways, such as shaking it on the bottom, dropping it vertically around edges, or dragging it across the bottom. A longer, medium-heavy rod with a fluorocarbon line is recommended for this technique to facilitate solid hooksets and accurate pitches.
For offshore bass fishing, the Carolina rig is a great option. This rig allows the hook to resurface along the plastic, creating a small gap. Soft plastic lizards rigged in this manner can be used effectively on wood piles or grass, providing enticing action that attracts bass. Additionally, weightless rigging through the nose, similar to a weightless Texas rig, can be effective for topwater bait in shallow vegetative areas.
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Soft plastic jerkbaits
When rigging soft plastic jerkbaits, one popular method is to use a weightless rig with an exposed hook. This approach adds creativity to the fishing experience and can be highly effective in catching largemouth bass. The rig is set up by threading the hook through the middle of the bait, with the tip of the hook exposed, and using a straight-shank worm hook to hold the bait in place.
Another rigging option for soft plastic jerkbaits is the Texas rig, which is commonly used for Senko worms and creature baits. The Texas rig helps to avoid getting stuck in vegetation thanks to its weedless design. To set it up, the hook is threaded through the bait, with the sharp tip barely protruding. A sinker can also be added before the lure to increase weight and create a more natural presentation.
Overall, soft plastic jerkbaits offer a versatile and creative option for anglers, providing an effective way to imitate wounded prey and attract a variety of fish species in both freshwater and saltwater environments. With the ability to customize baits and experiment with different rigging techniques, soft plastic jerkbaits add a fun and rewarding dimension to the fishing experience.
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Soft plastic lures
There are many different types of soft plastic lures, each with its own unique characteristics and effectiveness in different fishing situations. Senko worms, for example, resemble real worms and are effective when jerked to attract species like bass. Grubs have curly tails that spin and create a lively appearance, attracting fish such as walleye. Tube baits are small, hollow lures with tentacle-like legs that mimic moving bait, luring in bass and bluegill.
Paddle tails are another popular type of soft plastic lure. They are long lures with a flappy tail that can be reeled in quickly or jerked around the bottom to entice species like snook, redfish, and sea trout. Flukes are similar to paddle tails and are known for their chaotic action, imitating the movement of baitfish and attracting nearby game species. Jerkbaits, on the other hand, create a side-to-side jerking motion that mimics wounded prey, making them effective for saltwater species such as tarpon and striped bass.
The Texas rig is a common method for rigging soft plastic lures. This technique involves threading the hook through the bait so that the sharp tip barely sticks out, helping to avoid getting stuck in vegetation. Another popular rig is the Carolina rig, where the hook resurfaces along the plastic, creating a small gap. The swimbait rig is also similar, but the hook fully emerges after the curve, ensuring a strong hookset.
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Making your own soft plastic bait
Soft plastic lures are used in both freshwater and saltwater fishing. They are helpful when saltwater fish are not biting on live bait. They can be retrieved quickly or slowly, bounced off the bottom, jerked around, or even trolled.
Materials and Equipment:
- Soft plastic bait
- Molds (hard resin or RTV rubber)
- Microwave or a hot plate with a thin saucepan
- Probe or radiant thermometer
- Scissors
- Exacto blade
- Heat-resistant glitter
- Food colouring
- Silicone
- Lego baseplate
Steps:
- Choose a plastic that fits the style of fishing you prefer. A medium durometer plastic is a good starting point, and you can adjust its softness or hardness as needed.
- Prepare your mold. You can create your own mold by placing the bait you are recreating on a Lego baseplate and building layers of Lego pieces around it. Make 2-3 layers, depending on the size of your bait.
- Remove the bait from the mold and make a slit in the middle, running down the length of the mold. This will be where you pour in the melted plastic.
- Carefully remove the Lego pieces that make up the border of your mold.
- Measure out the desired amount of plastic. For microwaving, use a Pyrex glass measuring cup. Shake the plastic well to mix it.
- Melt your plastic. If using a microwave, heat in 30-second increments. Alternatively, you can use a hot plate with a saucepan and constantly stir the plastic until it melts.
- Once melted, add any desired additives such as salt, glitter, or colouring.
- Pour the melted plastic into your mold. Have someone hold the mold open to ensure it doesn't spill.
- Allow the plastic to dry. This can take around 10 minutes, but it's best to let it sit for 24-48 hours to fully cure and retain its shape.
- Remove the bait from the mold and trim off any excess plastic.
- (Optional) Inject or soak the bait in a scent of your choice to make it more enticing to fish.
Experiment with different colours, glitter sizes and shapes, and scents to create unique and effective soft plastic baits.
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Frequently asked questions
Soft plastic baits come in a variety of shapes and sizes, including worms, tubes, lizards, grubs, baitfish, and frogs. Some popular examples include the Zoom Trick Worm, Zoom Ol' Monster, and Zoom Ultravibe Speed Worm.
Soft plastic lures are versatile and can be used in both freshwater and saltwater conditions. They are particularly useful when fishing in areas with vegetation, as they can be rigged to avoid getting stuck. Soft plastics can also be worked in different ways, such as being retrieved quickly or slowly, bounced off the bottom, or jerked around, allowing anglers to experiment with different techniques.
There are several ways to rig soft plastic baits, including the Texas rig, swimbait rig, and Carolina rig. The Texas rig is one of the most common methods, especially for Senko worms and creature baits, as it helps to avoid getting stuck in vegetation. To set it up, thread the hook through the bait so that the sharp tip barely sticks out, and consider adding a sinker for more weight.
