Maya Ellison
Soft plastic lures are a type of elastomer-based fishing lure known for their flexible, flesh-like texture. They are designed to mimic the appearance and movement of live baitfish, insects, or other prey, making them a versatile and effective tool for anglers targeting various fish species in both freshwater and saltwater environments. While soft plastic lures have become a standard article of modern fishing tackle, their history dates back to the 1950s and earlier. The first soft plastic worm, the Creme Wiggle Worm, was invented in 1949 by Nick and Cosma Creme, but it was in the 1950s that Nick Creme revolutionized the market by adding scent to soft plastic lures. The Wiggle Worm, with its fish-attracting scent, became an overnight sensation and paved the way for the widespread use of scented soft plastic lures today. Since then, soft plastic lures have continued to evolve, with new designs, colours, sizes, and shapes being introduced to cater to the specific needs of anglers targeting different fish species in various environments.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Origins | Late 1950s and early 1960s |
| First soft plastic worm | Invented by Nick and Cosma Creme in 1949 |
| First scented soft plastic lure | Creme's "Wiggle Worm", introduced by Nick Creme in the 1950s |
| First soft plastic worm with modern qualities | Creme Scoundrel Worm, introduced in 1967 |
| First Curly Tail lure | Patented by Mister Twister in 1972 |
| First Touchdown Lure | Created by Tom Moore in 1974 |
| First soft plastic jerk bait | Slug-Go, introduced by Lunker City Lure in the 1980s |
| First scented soft plastic bait with long-lasting scent | Berkley Powerbait, introduced in 1987 |
| First biodegradable scented soft plastic lure | Berkley Gulp, introduced in 2003 |
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What You'll Learn
The first soft plastic lures
Soft plastic lures, also known as soft lures, plastic bait, worm lures, or worms, are designed to imitate bait fish or other aquatic invertebrates that are commonly eaten by carnivorous or omnivorous fish. They are typically made of elastomer and are available in a wide range of colours, sizes, and shapes. The first soft plastic lures were developed in the late 1950s and early 1960s, although these early lures lacked the flexibility and effectiveness of modern soft plastics.
The first soft plastic worm that possessed the soft and flexible qualities of modern lures was invented by Nick and Cosma Creme in 1949. They named it the Creme Wiggle Worm, and it was rigged with 3 hooks, beads, and a propeller, similar to how live worms were rigged. The Creme Wiggle Worm was made using a combination of vinyl, oils, and pigments, and it represented a significant step forward in the development of soft plastic lures.
In the 1960s, surfcasters often used the Felmlee Eel, one of the first soft plastic lures, which was manufactured in Lewiston, PA. During this time, casters would affix a Felmlee or Ultimus eel to a wobblehead, and surf legends Al Reinfelder and Lou Palma created the Alou Eel, an artificial eel that was popular among young anglers. These early soft plastic lures helped pave the way for the development of more advanced and realistic lures.
In 1967, Tom Mann introduced the Jelly Worm, which added a fruity scent to the soft plastic lure. The Jelly Worm came in colours like Grape and Strawberry and featured a matching scent. In 1972, Mister Twister, a lure manufacturer, patented the Curly Tail concept, utilising silicone-based plastic to create a rubber lure with improved lifelike action and fish-catching effectiveness. This innovation further advanced the design of soft plastic lures, making them even more attractive to fish.
The development of the first soft plastic lures in the 1950s and 1960s laid the foundation for the modern soft plastic lures that are commonly used today. Over time, advancements in technology and materials have led to the creation of more realistic, versatile, and effective lures that have become a standard article of modern fishing tackle.
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Scented soft plastic lures
Soft plastic lures were first introduced in the late 1950s and early 1960s, with the Creme Wiggle Worm, invented by Nick and Cosma Creme, being the first soft plastic worm to have the soft and flexible qualities of modern lures. However, it wasn't until the 1980s that scented soft plastic lures became popular. The use of scent in fishing lures can be traced back to ancient times when fishermen used natural baits such as worms, fish guts, and even cheese to attract fish. However, it was Nick Creme who revolutionized the market by adding scent to soft plastic lures in the 1950s.
The Wiggle Worm, Creme's first scented soft plastic lure, was infused with a fish-attracting scent, making it highly enticing to fish. The Wiggle Worm became an instant success and paved the way for the widespread use of scented soft plastic lures today. In the 1980s, Berkley introduced a new line of soft plastic lures that further revolutionized the market. Berkley's Powerbait, first sold in 1987, was a soft plastic bait infused with a long-lasting fish-attracting scent that quickly became a favorite among anglers.
The success of Powerbait led to the introduction of Berkley Gulp in 2003, a line of biodegradable soft plastic lures that released a natural scent mimicking live bait. Gulp also became a hit among fishermen, and its success further cemented the effectiveness of scented soft plastic lures. Today, scented soft plastic lures are commonly infused with fragrances such as garlic, shrimp, anise, and crawfish to attract different types of fish. The use of scents in soft plastic lures has been shown to boost bite rates and increase the amount of time fish cling to the bait, ultimately leading to more successful captures.
The diversity of soft plastic lures has led to their widespread use in fishing. They can be used in various configurations, rigs, and techniques, and their realistic textures and shapes mimic natural bait fishes and invertebrates. Soft plastic lures are also economical and simple to produce, and they eliminate the need for handling live baits and keeping baits fresh. The many rigging options available for soft plastic lures, such as the Texas rig and Carolina rig, make them a versatile and effective choice for targeting game fish in both freshwater and saltwater environments.
Overall, the development of scented soft plastic lures has revolutionized fishing, providing anglers with a flexible, effective, and realistic lure option that has changed the way fishing is done.
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Soft plastic lures in the 1980s
Soft plastic lures have come a long way since their origins in the late 1950s and early 1960s. The 1980s were a significant decade for the evolution of soft plastic lures, with several key developments and innovations taking place.
One notable advancement in the 1980s was the introduction of the Slug-Go, created by Herb Reed in his Connecticut garage. This marked the first transition from spinner baits and rubber jigs to plastic jerk baits. The soft stick-bait design was inspired by Reed's observations of largemouth feeding behaviour. The erratic, jerky motion of the Slug-Go resembled the natural movements of game fish, making it an effective lure. This innovation led to the release of the split-tail Fin-S Fish by Lunker City, further expanding the range of soft plastic lure options.
During the 1980s, Mister Twister, a well-known lure manufacturer, experienced high sales volumes of their soft plastic lures. This prompted a surge of new entrants into the market, resulting in increased competition and a broader selection of soft plastic lures for anglers. Mister Twister's Curly Tail concept, patented in 1972, revolutionised the industry by utilising silicone-based plastic to create a more lifelike and effective lure.
The decade also witnessed the introduction of Berkley's new line of soft plastic lures, which included scented options that attracted fish and proved to be a significant advancement. Berkley continued to innovate with the release of Powerbait in 1987, a soft plastic bait infused with a long-lasting fish-attracting scent. This product quickly gained popularity among anglers and remains a favourite even today.
Additionally, Tom Moore's Touchdown Lure, created in 1974, gained traction in the 1980s. This lure featured two hooks with weedless weed guards and a 12-inch leader with swivels and a sinker. The Touchdown Lure showcased the versatility of soft plastic baits, allowing for various configurations, rigs, and techniques.
The 1980s were a pivotal period for the soft plastic lure industry, with advancements in lure design, materials, and scent technology. These innovations not only expanded the range of options available to anglers but also contributed to the effectiveness and popularity of soft plastic lures in fishing.
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Soft plastic lures for specific fish
Soft plastic lures are popular because they can be made to look like real critters such as frogs, bugs, worms, and fish. They are also versatile and economical, and free anglers from the hassle of handling live baits and keeping them fresh.
The first soft plastic worm with the flexible qualities of modern lures was invented in 1949 by Nick and Cosma Creme. They called it the Creme Wiggle Worm. In 1967, Tom Mann introduced the Jelly Worm, which came in fruit-inspired colours and scents. In 1972, Mister Twister patented the Curly Tail concept, creating a rubber lure with a more lifelike action and vastly improved fish-catching effectiveness.
Today, soft plastic lures come in many forms and hybrids. They can be used to catch a variety of fish, depending on the rigging technique used. Here are some examples of rigging techniques and the types of fish they are used to catch:
- The Texas rig is one of the easiest and most common methods to rig your soft plastic. It is commonly used for Senko worms and creature baits and helps anglers avoid getting stuck in vegetation thanks to its weedless design.
- The swimbait rig involves threading the hook through the swimbait lure. The hook fully emerges after the curve, ensuring a strong hookset.
- The Carolina rig is another popular option for soft plastic lures. The hook is threaded through the lure and resurfaces along the plastic, creating a small gap.
- The Touchdown Lure, created in 1974, features two hooks with naturally weedless weed guards and a 12-inch leader with swivels and a sinker.
- The Tandem Rig is designed to avoid losing fish that "short strike" the bait.
- The Deep Darter Head is a variation of the traditional Jig Head that provides a subsurface "walk the dog" action on the soft plastic lure.
- Tube baits are small, hollow lures with tentacle-like legs that mimic moving bait, attracting Bass and Bluegill.
- Paddle tails are long soft plastic lures with a flappy tail. They can be reeled in quickly to create fast-moving bait or jerked around the bottom to entice species like Snook, Redfish, and Sea Trout.
- Flukes mimic the chaotic action of baitfish, attracting nearby game species.
- Jerkbaits create a side-to-side jerking motion, often imitating wounded prey. This is effective for saltwater species such as Tarpon and Striped Bass.
- Plastic shrimp, crabs, and baitfish are effective at creating realistic and moving bait. Gulp shrimp is a well-known saltwater plastic bait known for its intense smell.
- The Tsunami weighted Holographic Sand Eels are known for their authentic detail and realism.
- The Hogy Lure Company, founded in 2004, specializes in making bigger baits for inshore and offshore games, mimicking larger baits like bunker, herring, or mackerel.
Soft plastic lures can be used in various conditions, but calmer, warmer waters are ideal. They can be used during the morning and evening bites, especially near banks or around vegetation and structure. During the day, they can be thrown into deeper parts of ponds, lakes, or canals to attract fish escaping from the heat. Anglers can experiment with different rigging techniques and retrieval speeds to target specific fish species.
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Making your own soft plastic lures
Soft plastic lures have been around for several decades, with the first ones appearing in the 1950s. These lures revolutionized fishing, offering a more affordable and effective alternative to traditional hard lures. Over time, anglers realized the benefits of soft plastic lures, which led to their widespread adoption and an increase in popularity. Today, these lures are a staple in any fisherman's tackle box. If you want to take your fishing game to the next level, you can even make your own soft plastic lures at home! Here's a step-by-step guide to help you get started:
Gather Your Materials and Tools:
To make soft plastic lures, you'll need a few key ingredients and some basic tools. The main material you'll be using is plastic, and there are a few options to choose from. Many anglers prefer to use plastisol, a liquid plastic that cures and hardens when heated, for their lures. You can purchase plastisol specifically designed for lure-making, ensuring it has the right properties for your needs. Another option is using silicone, which is softer and more flexible but may not be as durable as plastisol.
Additionally, you'll need molds to shape your lures. You can buy ready-made lure molds, or if you're feeling creative, you can make your own custom molds. Other tools you'll need include a heating source such as a stove or hot plate, pots for melting the plastic, stirring tools, and dye or paint to add color to your lures.
Design and Prepare Your Molds:
The mold is what gives your lure its shape, so it's important to take time to design and prepare them properly. If you're using store-bought molds, ensure they are clean and free of any debris. For custom molds, you can use materials like aluminum, wood, or silicone. Consider the type of lure you want to create and design your mold accordingly. You can even add details like scales or fins to your mold for a more realistic finish.
Once your mold is ready, you'll need to prepare it for pouring the plastic. Apply a mold release agent, such as a thin layer of vaseline or a commercial release spray, to ensure the plastic doesn't stick to the mold. This step is crucial to ensure your lure comes out cleanly and maintains its shape.
Mix and Melt Your Plastic:
It's now time to work with the plastic itself. Start by cutting your chosen plastic into small pieces to make it easier to melt. Place the plastic into your pot and heat it gently, stirring continuously. The plastic will gradually melt, and you can add any desired colors or glitter at this stage. Continue stirring until the color is evenly distributed and the plastic is fully melted. Take care not to overheat the plastic, as it can burn and ruin your lure.
Pour and Cure Your Lures:
Carefully pour the melted plastic into your prepared molds, taking care not to spill. Fill the molds to the brim and ensure there are no air bubbles trapped inside. If you're using a two-part mold, carefully align and close the mold before setting it aside to cool. The curing time will depend on the type of plastic you use and the thickness of your lures. Generally, thicker lures will take longer to cure. Refer to the instructions for your chosen plastic to get an accurate curing time.
Final Steps and Storage:
Once your lures have cured, it's time to remove them from the molds. Gently flex the mold or use a hook to carefully remove the lure, taking care not to damage the soft plastic. Trim away any excess plastic or flashing from the lure using scissors or a knife. You can now add any additional details, such as painting the eyes or adding a protective coating. Store your homemade soft plastic lures in a cool, dry place, and they'll be ready for your next fishing trip!
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Frequently asked questions
Soft plastic lures were introduced in the 1950s.
Nick and Cosma Creme invented the first soft plastic worm in 1949. They called it the Creme Wiggle Worm.
Soft plastic lures are made from elastomer-based materials such as rubber or silicone.
Soft plastic lures are versatile, realistic, and effective for both freshwater and saltwater fishing. They are also cheaper than hard baits.
