Omar Khalid
Bass fishing is a popular sport, and one of the most important things to consider when fishing for bass is the bait. Bass are aggressive fish that will try to eat almost anything, but choosing the right bait can make a big difference in your success rate. Soft plastic baits are a broad and long-standing category of fishing lures, with worms being the most common type. They come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors, and can be used in different ways depending on the conditions and the type of bass you're targeting. Water temperature, water color, and the natural forage of the bass are all factors that can influence the type of soft plastic bait you should use. Additionally, certain types of soft plastic baits may be more effective at certain times of the year or during specific stages of the bass spawn cycle.
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What You'll Learn
Soft plastic worms and their variations
Soft plastic worms are a crucial part of bass fishing, and they come in many varieties. The simple Senko worm, resembling a Bic pen, is a classic choice for bass fishing. It can be wacky-rigged, fished Texas-rigged shallow, or cut in half and used as a Ned rig bait. It also works well on a Carolina rig or a drop-shot, showcasing its versatility. Other popular options include the Zoom Super Fluke, a soft plastic jerkbait, and the Fat Swing Impact, which works well on a weedless hook in shallow water.
When it comes to soft plastic worms, there are various styles to choose from. Straight-tail worms, such as the Zoom Trick Worm, are effective for spotted and largemouth bass. Curly-tail worms, like the Zoom Ol' Monster, provide a different action in the water. Swimming worms, such as the Zoom Ultra Vibe Speed Worm, can be rigged in multiple ways to target bass throughout the water column.
The Ned rig, named after outdoor writer Ned Kehde, utilizes lightweight mushroom-style jigheads with extra-small soft-plastic baits. The Gene Larew Inch Worm and the Ned Dinger are popular choices for this technique. The Stoopid Rig, created by TJ Stallings, employs a red circle hook with a Tru-Turn HitchHiker, allowing the worm to be screwed onto the HitchHiker. This rig is versatile and effective for bass fishing.
The color of soft plastic worms is also important. Basic colors such as watermelon, green pumpkin, black, and blue are essential. In tannic water or tidal fisheries, junebug is a good choice. Water clarity and available forage play a role in selecting the right color. Additionally, water color matters—using dark colors in dark water and light colors in clear water can improve results.
Soft plastic worms can be used with different rigging techniques. The wacky rig, which includes variations like the flick shake rig and neko rig, is a popular choice. The dropshot rig is another effective method, especially in deep, clear lakes. The Carolina rig is a classic setup that works well with soft plastic worms, and the Texas rig is also commonly used.
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Water colour and temperature
Water temperature is a key factor in determining the behaviour of bass and, therefore, the best fishing techniques and bait to use. Bass are cold-blooded, so their body temperature and habits are dictated by the water. The temperature of the water affects how frequently a bass needs to feed. The colder the water, the less a bass needs to eat; the warmer the water, the more it needs to eat.
In winter, water temperatures drop below 48°F, and bass become sluggish. In these conditions, one big meal is more beneficial to a hungry bass than many small ones, so lure selection is crucial. Slow-moving presentations such as jigs with big bulky trailers are good options. In cold water, bass feed on big baitfish, so swimbaits are a great choice. Drop shotting with soft plastic swimbaits is a good way to target bass in shallow to mid-depth to deeper water, keeping the bait suspended off the bottom. Transparent swimbaits help in cooler, clear water.
In spring, the water temperature ranges from 55-70°F, and largemouth bass look for shallow areas to spawn. Soft plastics are a good option during the spawn, such as the RAGE Structure Bug in green pumpkin. Bluegill variations are also a great choice. In spring, bass are also caught using brightly coloured spinnerbaits with chartreuse or yellow skirts or crankbaits in a "fire tiger" pattern.
In summer, bass head to deeper, cooler water during the hot afternoons. Warmer water means active and hungry bass. Water temperatures can reach above 75°F and may even eclipse 90°F. Buzzbaits and pencil-style baits like the Zara Spook are good options. Bass will stick close to shade-providing structures like lily pads, and hollow body frogs are the best option. Presentations that focus on the bottom are also good for landing big bass.
In fall, water temperatures slowly drop into the mid-50s and lower 60s. In the fall, as in the spring, shallow waters become comfortable for bass, and they move closer to the shore. Bank fishing is better, and more techniques work at this time. Moving baits, loud aggressive baits, and finesse baits work well. These are some of the best windows for catching bass because many more fish have moved into likely catchable areas. Shallow cover becomes the prime target.
Water colour is also important to consider when fishing for bass. If the water is clear, bass will hunt by sight, giving them time to inspect your lure. Choose a colour pattern that looks as real as possible. In clear water, it is best to go with softer, more natural colours. White or white/blue spinnerbaits are favourites, as are crankbaits in chrome, bone, and various natural finishes (crawfish, shad, sunfish, etc.). The same principle applies to soft plastic fishing baits – worms, lizards, grubs, and tubes. In dingy or muddy water, fish brightly coloured baits. Colours like chartreuse, yellow, and orange are easier for bass to see.
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Rigging techniques
Rigging soft plastic lures is an art in itself, with dozens of ways to do it. Here are some of the most popular rigging techniques for bass fishing:
Texas Rig
The Texas rig is one of the most versatile and popular rigs for bass fishing. It is also one of the simplest to assemble and use. It is ideal for fishing around any snaggy cover, such as rocks, wood, or vegetation. The basic setup includes a bullet-shaped slip sinker, an offset or straight shank hook, and a soft plastic lure of your choice. The hook is inserted into the nose of the lure, pushed through, and then the hook point is buried in the body. The weight of the sinker can be adjusted to match the fishing conditions and the mood of the fish.
Carolina Rig
The Carolina rig is very similar to the Texas rig but uses a heavier weight placed above a swivel and a hook with the lure attached. This setup allows the lure to float just off the bottom, attracting bass in deeper waters. It is especially useful when fishing in lakes with submerged grass beds or rocky bottoms. It is important to ensure that the bait floats and to avoid heavy thick weed beds when using this rig.
Wacky Rig
The Wacky rig is a simple and visually appealing setup that is perfect for highly pressured bass waters. It involves inserting a thin wire hook through the middle of the soft plastic lure, allowing both ends to dangle free. This creates an unpredictable, enticing motion as the lure falls and shimmies. The hook can also be rigged perpendicular to the lure, with the bait resting in the bend of the hook. O-rings can be used with this rig to help preserve your plastic bait.
Drop Shot Rig
The Drop Shot rig is a finesse technique that is ideal for fishing in areas where bass are more likely to feed on suspended prey. It involves tying a hook above a weight at the end of the line, allowing the lure to hover above the bottom. Lighter line, smaller hooks, and spinning gear are recommended for this setup. The Palomar knot is the most challenging step in this setup, requiring a long tag end of 15"–20".
Donkey Rig (Double Fluke Rig)
The Donkey rig is a more complex setup that uses two hooks, two soft plastic jerkbaits, and two swivels. It is one of the more advanced rigs and can be very effective for catching bass in a wide variety of situations.
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Choosing the right bait
Water Conditions
The colour of the water you're fishing in can impact your choice of bait. In dark or murky water, opt for darker-coloured baits, while in clear or light-coloured water, light or bright baits are more effective. Additionally, consider the water temperature. Bass tend to have a bigger appetite in warmer water, so a larger bait, such as a big plastic worm, can be a perfect offering when the water temperature is above 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
Natural Forage
Matching your bait to the natural forage of the bass is essential. Find out what the bass are feeding on by observing feeding frenzies or checking with your state's fish and wildlife department. This information can help you select a bait that resembles their natural food source.
Fishing Techniques
Consider the fishing technique you plan to use. For flipping and pitching techniques near reeds and grasses, soft plastic baits like worms, tubes, and lizards are ideal. Straight-tail worms, such as the Zoom Swamp Crawler, are excellent for spotted and largemouth bass. If you're using a Carolina rig, a swimming worm like the Zoom Trick Worm can easily glide through the grass. For fishing around docks, hanging chunks like the Zoom Super Chunk Jr. or Big Salty Chunk are good options during winter and before the spawn. After the spawn, when the water warms up, switch to something wiggly like the Zoom Fat Albert Twin Tail Grub.
Bait Characteristics
When choosing a soft plastic worm, consider the colour, action underwater, and type of plastic. Green pumpkin is a classic choice and can catch bass in any colour water and at various depths. Black, light colours, and curly tails are also popular choices. Additionally, scented baits can enhance your chances of attracting bass.
Equipment Considerations
When using larger baits like big plastic worms, consider using heavier equipment, such as a medium-heavy baitcasting rod and reel setup. A 100% fluorocarbon line is recommended, with 14 lbs being a suitable weight to balance effectiveness and bite frequency. Using a light bullet weight with your bait can create subtle movements that attract bass.
Experimenting with different baits, colours, and techniques will help you gain confidence and determine what works best for your specific fishing conditions. Remember, the most important aspect is understanding when to use each bait to maximise your fishing success.
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Lure scents
There are a variety of other lure scents available, including natural formulas like Liquid Mayhem and Smelly Jelly, which are derived from real baitfish. Bang is a popular choice as it comes in an easy-to-use spray can, while Spike-It offers both scent and dye in one product, allowing anglers to add colour to the lure's tail. For anglers concerned about mess, non-liquid options like KVD Fish Sticks are available, applied like lip balm to the bait. Bass Dynasty Craw is another sticky option that doesn't wash off in the water. Anglers can also create their own scent combinations by purchasing multiple products. For example, John Murray is said to use a combination of Power Worms and Yamamoto baits.
While the effectiveness of scents can vary, with some anglers reporting minimal success, many believe that they offer an advantage, especially when fishing in competitive or high-pressure areas. Bass are known to have a strong sense of smell, and studies have shown that fish can be drawn to chemical sources from far away. Additionally, fish biologists have found that some fish species' sense of smell improves as they age. Therefore, using scents can be a worthwhile investment, even if the advantage they provide is marginal in certain situations.
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Frequently asked questions
Soft plastic baits come in many shapes and sizes, but some of the most popular include worms, lizards, crawfish, and swimbaits.
Water colour matters. Use dark colours in dark water and light colours in light or clear water. You can also match the hatch, i.e., make your bait resemble whatever natural forage the bass are eating.
The best time of year to use a big plastic worm is when water temperatures are warmer, usually around the 70-degree mark. This is because warmer water increases a bass's appetite, so they want a bigger meal.
You will need heavier equipment than usual, including a medium-heavy baitcasting rod and reel setup, and a 100% fluorocarbon line.
There are many ways to rig a soft plastic worm, including Texas rig, Carolina rig, drop shot, shaky head, and flipping and pitching techniques.
