Hey there, fellow anglers! There are so many soft plastic lures on the market and many serve a completely different purpose. This can get confusing and overwhelming for sure, at least it did for me when I was first getting started. Over time, I have experimented with all sorts of soft plastics and have come to realize how to choose the right soft plastic for a variety of scenarios. In fact, soft plastic baits have become my go-to option due to their versatility and effectiveness. In this article, we’ll explore the ins and outs of selecting the ideal soft plastic bait, catering to anglers of all levels. So, let’s get started and hopefully you will learn some valuable tips! As always, fishing education and conservation are our priorities here at The Angler’s Line. Feel free to sign up for our free newsletter to join our community and stay up to date!
Table of Contents:
- Understanding Soft Plastic Baits
- Factors To Consider
- Soft Plastics For The Bottom
- Soft Plastics For Suspended Fish
- Tips For Fishing Soft Plastic Baits
- Storing Soft Plastics
- Conservation
Understanding Soft Plastic Baits: What Makes Them Stand Out
Soft plastic baits are exactly what they sound like: artificial lures made of soft, pliable material. These baits come in various shapes, sizes, and colors, mimicking different types of prey fish. Soft plastic lures have come a very long way since they first came out. Now you can find them with incredible action and in extremely realistic color schemes. Another added bonus is that soft plastics are effective for a wide range of fish species. Whether you’re targeting bass, walleye, panfish, or many other species, soft plastic baits have got you covered.
The Advantages of Using Soft Plastic Baits: Versatility and More
Soft plastic baits offer several advantages that make them a favorite among anglers. Their versatility is unmatched. They can be rigged in multiple ways to adapt to different fishing conditions and techniques. These baits come with any different color options most of the time as well. This allows you to easily experiment on the water and hone in your presentation to exactly what the fish want. Finally, soft plastic baits tend to be more durable than live baits. This allows for multiple uses and saving you money in the long run, let alone getting rid of the need to deal with live bait.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Soft Plastic Baits: The Key Considerations
When it comes to choosing the right soft plastic bait, several factors come into play. Let’s dive into the things you should think about the next time you are on the water.
Targeted Fish Species and Habitat: Understanding the Preferences
To start, it’s essential to understand the fish species you’re targeting. Different species have varying preferences when it comes to bait size, shape, and color. For example, if you’re after walleye, they tend to prefer slender profile baits. On the other hand, largemouth bass are often attracted to larger, bulkier baits with vibrant hues. The best way to think about this is to be aware of the forage base of your targeted species. Walleye often feed on baitfish, leeches, and crawlers which is why they may prefer more slender soft plastics. Meanwhile, largemouth bass like to target panfish which have a bulkier profile. Consider the habitat of your target species as well, as it can influence their feeding patterns and preferences.
Water Conditions and Depth: Adjusting to the Environment
Water conditions play a crucial role in determining the visibility and effectiveness of your soft plastic baits. In clear water, choose natural and translucent colors that mimic the local forage. In murky or stained water, brighter colors can help draw attention and trigger strikes. Orange is one of my favorite colors for dirty water. Additionally, consider the depth at which you’re fishing. Deeper waters may require heavier baits or those with additional weight to reach the desired depth and target the fish effectively.
Soft Plastic Fishing Techniques and Presentations: Matching the Method
Different fishing techniques call for different types of soft plastic baits. If you’re flipping and pitching around heavy cover, consider using creature baits or craws. When finesse fishing in tough conditions, finesse baits like drop shot worms or small grubs can be highly effective in enticing bites. Experiment with different techniques and presentations until you have located the fish and figured out what they are feeding on.
Color Selection and Soft Plastic Profile: Making the Right Impression
The color of your soft plastic bait and profile can make a significant difference in enticing fish to strike. As a general rule, start with natural colors in clear water and adjust accordingly based on the fish’s response. Bright and bold colors work better in low-light conditions or dirty water. Pay attention to the lure’s profile as well. What are you trying to imitate? Matching the hatch is key when fishing with soft plastic baits.
Best Soft Plastic Baits For Bottom Fishing : Target the Bottom Feeders
When your target species is related to the bottom, it is important to select a soft plastic that is meant for the job.
- Worms: The worm is a staple in any angler’s tackle box. They come in various sizes and styles, such as straight tail, curly tail, and ribbon tail worms.
- Craws and Creature Baits: Adding Action to Your Presentation Craws and creature baits are designed to imitate crawfish. They generally have multiple appendages and create a lot of movement in the water. Rig them on Texas rig, or as a trailer on a jig for added action and to create a bulkier presentation.
- Tubes: Tubes have been around for quite awhile. Tubes don’t look quite like anything, but imitate pretty much everything if that makes sense. Rig them with an internal jig head to maximize their action on the bottom.
Bottom Rigging Options:
- Texas Rig: The Texas rig is a versatile and weedless setup that works well with various soft plastic baits. It involves sliding a bullet weight onto the line, followed by a hook, and then rigging the soft plastic so that the hook point is imbedded. This rig allows for snag-free presentations in heavy cover and is an excellent choice for beginners.
- Carolina Rig: The Carolina rig is another popular choice for beginners. It involves using a bead, a bullet weight, a swivel, a leader, and a hook. This setup is excellent for fishing deep water and hard bottom. The Carolina rig can be game-changer at certain times since it presents the soft plastic bait in a more subtle and natural manner.
- Ned Rig: The Ned rig involves using a small, mushroom-shaped jig head paired with a finesse worm or stick bait. This finesse presentation has gained popularity for its simplicity and effectiveness in tough conditions. The subtle action and natural look of the Ned rig works for fish of all sizes.
- Neko Rig: The Neko rig is a variation of the wacky rig that adds a nail weight to the head of the soft plastic bait. This rig creates a unique action as it subtly glides to the bottom. I like switching to the Neko rig in lakes where a lot of people use senkos and wacky rigs. The Neko rig creates a slightly different action that can make all the difference on pressured bodies of water.
Soft Plastic Baits For Suspended Fish: Options for Suspended Fish
If you start to notice fish suspending off of the bottom on your electronics, choose a soft plastic lure that effectively targets these fish.
- Swimbait and Paddle Tail Baits: Swimbaits and paddle tail baits mimic baitfish with their realistic swimming action. They are excellent for attracting larger predatory fish. Rig them on a weighted swimbait hook or a jig head. Choose the weight according to the depth you are fishing as well as the size of soft plastic you are using.
- Senkos: Senkos are stick baits with a simple design but proven fish-catching ability. They have a subtle action and can be rigged weightless, wacky style, or on a Texas rig. Senkos are a favorite among anglers due to their versatility and effectiveness. Senkos are also very beginner friendly and there really is no wrong way to fish them.
- Grubs: Grubs are small, soft plastic baits with a tapered body and a curly tail. They are one of my favorite soft plastic baits for multi-species. Rig them on a jig head or as a trailer on spinnerbaits or swim jigs. Their simplicity makes them perfect for beginners as well.
- Soft Jerkbaits: Soft jerkbaits have a baitfish profile with a straight tail. Soft jerkbaits are meant to be fished erratically to mimic a dying baitfish. Use a twitch and pause retrieve and fish them high in the water column to trigger strikes from aggressive fish.
Suspended Rigging Options:
- Wacky Rig: The wacky rig is a simple yet effective setup. It involves hooking the soft plastic bait in the middle and is generally used with a senko style soft plastic. This rig produces a slow fall and wobbling action that can entice even the most finicky fish. The slower the better with a wacky rig. Let the bait do all the work.
- Drop Shot Rig: The drop shot rig is a finesse technique that suspends the soft plastic bait above the bottom. It consists of tying a hook above a sinker, allowing the bait to hang freely. This setup is ideal for targeting fish suspended in the water column, especially in deeper waters. Adjust the distance between your hook and sinker to the depth that you are seeing fish suspend at. For example, tie a 1 foot leader if the fish are 1 foot off bottom.
- Jig Head: The jig head is one of the most versatile rigging styles when it comes to fishing soft plastics. Jig heads work great for suspended fish since you can adjust the weight to the depth you are fishing. Count your presentation down to the desired depth and retrieve the lure while keeping it within the strike zone.
Tips for Maximizing Soft Plastic Bait Success: Unlocking the Potential
To increase your chances of success with soft plastic baits, here are some valuable tips to keep in mind:
Proper Presentation and Retrieve Techniques:
Experiment with different retrieval speeds and cadences to find what works best on a given day. Keep in mind the specific soft plastic bait you are using and what it is imitating. For example, a hopping action along bottom is best for crawfish style soft plastics. A steady retrieve may work best for baitfish imitators. Sometimes, aggressively snap jigging plastics is a good way to trigger a bite. Pay attention to the fish’s response and adjust accordingly. You’ll know when you have it right!
Experimenting with Colors and Sizes:
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different colors and sizes of soft plastic baits. Sometimes, I have found that going to the “extremes” can make all the difference when fishing soft plastics. What I mean by this is that either choose an extremely small soft plastic or an extremely large one. This gives the fish something they have most likely never seen before which can be the ticket. The same applies with color. Keep a variety of colors in your tackle box and switch it up until you find what the fish prefer on that particular day.
Adjusting Rigging and Weight for Different Conditions:
Pay attention to water conditions and adjust your rigging and weight accordingly. In windier conditions or stronger currents, you may need to increase the weight to maintain control and keep your bait in the strike zone. Conversely, in calmer waters or when fish seem finicky, opting for the lightest weight you can get away with may be the difference between getting no bites and getting a few.
Observing Fish Behavior and Making Adaptations:
Be observant of fish behavior and make adaptations as needed. The best way to do this is to pay attention to your depth finder. Are you marking fish right on the bottom or are the suspended half way down the water column? As we previously discussed, different styles of soft plastic lures target different depths. Choose your soft plastic lure accordingly based on what you see on the water.
Storing and Maintaining Soft Plastic Baits: Keeping Them in Great Shape
Proper storage and maintenance of your soft plastic baits are essential to ensure their longevity. Here are some tips to keep them in great shape:
Preserving Soft Plastic Baits for Extended Lifespan
To preserve your soft plastic baits, avoid exposing them to extreme heat or direct sunlight. If this happens you’ll have a melted mess on your hands. Keep them in a shaded, dry place, preferably in tackle trays or plastic bags to prevent them from sticking and melting together.
Organizational Tips for Tackle Management
Organizing your soft plastic baits can save you time and frustration on the water. I recommend using ziplocs or soft plastic bags to seperate out your soft plastics. A lot of the time it is a good idea to keep your soft plastics in its original packaging. This is especially true if it comes with a plastic mold to prevent the baits from getting kinked up and damaged. Labeling or color-coding your bags makes it much easier to find the specific bait you’re looking for when you need it.
Conservation and Ethical Fishing Practices
As responsible anglers, it’s crucial to prioritize conservation and practice ethical fishing. Adhere to catch-and-release guidelines whenever possible to preserve fish populations for future generations. Handle fish with care, use barbless hooks to minimize injury, and return them to the water as quickly and gently as possible. Respect fish and wildlife habitats by minimizing your impact and leaving the environment as pristine as you found it.
Choosing the Right Soft Plastic Bait for Fishing Success
Congratulations, anglers! Thanks for reading The Angler’s Line article about how to choose the right soft plastic bait. You’ve gained valuable insights into the factors you should consider before choosing which soft plastic to fish with. By understanding this and constantly experimenting with different options, you can increase your chances of success on the water. So, gear up, grab a variety of soft plastic baits, and get ready to put your newfound knowledge to the test. Tight lines and happy fishing!