Soft plastic creature baits are becoming more popular with anglers because they are effective at catching fish. These baits mimic the look and movement of different underwater creatures and can be used in various fishing situations. This article covers everything about soft plastic creature baits, including their types, advantages, disadvantages, and effective usage.
What are Soft Plastic Creature Baits?
Soft plastic creature baits imitate the look and movement of underwater creatures such as crawfish, lizards, worms, and insects. These fishing lures are made of soft plastic material that mimics the natural movement of real creatures in the water. They are available in various shapes, sizes, and colors to imitate different types of creatures, and can be rigged differently to enhance their effectiveness.
Types of Creature Baits
There are several types of creature baits, including:
Crawfish Baits
Crawfish baits are designed to mimic the movement and appearance of a real crawfish. They have large claws and a segmented body, and are often used in freshwater fishing for bass and other game fish that feed on crawfish.
Lizard Baits
Lizard baits are designed to mimic the movement and appearance of a real lizard. They have a long, slender body and a curly tail, and are often used in freshwater fishing for bass and other game fish that feed on lizards.
Worm Baits
Worm baits are designed to mimic the movement and appearance of a real worm. They have a soft, slender body and a curly tail, and are often used in both freshwater and saltwater fishing for a variety of game fish.
Insect Baits
Insect baits are designed to mimic the movement and appearance of different types of insects such as grasshoppers, beetles, and crickets. They are often used in freshwater fishing for trout and other game fish that feed on insects.
Advantages of Using Creature Baits
Using creature baits has several advantages, including:
Versatility
Soft plastic baits can be used in a variety of fishing situations, from freshwater to saltwater, and can be rigged in different ways to make them more effective. They can be fished using different techniques such as flipping, pitching, and Texas rigging, and can be used to catch a variety of game fish.
Realistic Movement
Soft plastic baits are designed to mimic the natural movement of underwater creatures, making them more attractive to game fish. They can be rigged in different ways to create different types of movement, such as a crawling motion for crawfish baits or a swimming motion for worm baits.
Cost-Effective
Soft plastic creature baits are relatively inexpensive compared to other types of fishing lures, and can be reused multiple times before needing to be replaced.
Disadvantages of Using Soft Plastic Creature Baits
While soft plastic baits have several advantages, they also have a few disadvantages, including:
Durability
Soft plastic creature baits are not as durable as other types of fishing lures, and can tear or break more easily. They can also be affected by extreme temperatures and sunlight, which can cause the plastic to degrade over time.
Limited Use
While soft plastic creature baits can be used in a variety of fishing situations, they are not always effective in all situations. They may not work as well in clear water or in situations where game fish are not actively feeding on underwater creatures.
How to Rig Soft Plastic Creature Baits
Soft plastic creature baits can be rigged in several ways depending on the type of bait and the fishing situation. The most common rigging techniques include:
Texas Rig
The Texas rig is a popular rigging technique for soft plastic creature baits, and involves sliding the bait onto a hook with a weight attached to the line above the bait. This allows the bait to sink to the bottom and imitate the movement of a real creature.
Carolina Rig
The Carolina rig is similar to the Texas rig, but involves attaching the weight to a leader above the bait instead of directly on the line. This allows the bait to move more freely and mimic the natural movement of a real creature.
Wacky Rig
The wacky rig involves attaching the hook to the center of the bait, which allows it to move more freely in the water and create a more natural movement.
How to Fish with Soft Plastic Creature Baits
Soft plastic creature baits can be fished using a variety of techniques depending on the type of bait and the fishing situation. Some common techniques include:
Flipping and Pitching
Flipping and pitching involves casting the bait a short distance and allowing it to sink to the bottom before slowly reeling it back in. This technique is often used in shallow water and around cover such as weeds or logs.
Carolina Rigging
Carolina rigging involves casting the bait out and allowing it to sink to the bottom before slowly dragging it back in. This technique is often used in deeper water and around structures such as drop-offs or ledges.
Jigging
Jigging involves casting the bait out and allowing it to sink to the bottom before jerking the rod tip up and down to create a hopping motion. This technique is often used in deeper water and around structures such as rocks or submerged trees.
Best Soft Plastic Creature Baits for Different Fish Species
Different soft plastic creature baits are more effective for different types of game fish. Some of the best baits for different fish species include:
Bass
- Crawfish baits
- Lizard baits
- Worm baits
Trout
- Worm baits
- Insect baits
Panfish
- Worm baits
- Insect baits
Saltwater Fish
- Crab baits
- Shrimp baits
Tips for Using Soft Plastic Creature Baits Effectively
To use soft plastic creature baits effectively, it is important to:
- Choose the right type of bait for the fishing situation and target species
- Rig the bait correctly for the fishing technique being used
- Use a slow, natural movement to imitate the movement of a real creature
- Vary the speed and depth of the bait to find the most effective presentation
- Pay attention to the behavior of the game fish and adjust the presentation accordingly
How to Store Soft Plastic Baits
All Soft plastics should be stored in a cool, dry place to prevent them from becoming damaged or degraded. They can be stored in plastic bags or tackle boxes with compartments to keep them organized and prevent them from getting tangled or mixed up with other fishing gear. It is also important to avoid exposing them to extreme temperatures or sunlight, as this can cause the plastic to degrade over time.
FAQs
- Are soft plastic creature baits effective in clear water?
- Creature baits can be effective in clear water, but may not be as effective as other types of fishing lures.
- Can soft plastic creature baits be used for saltwater fishing?
- Yes, there are soft plastics specifically designed for saltwater fishing that can be effective for targeting a variety of saltwater fish species.
- How long do soft plastics last?
- Soft plastic baits can last for several fishing trips if stored properly and not damaged during use.
- Can soft plastic baits be reused after catching a fish?
- Soft creature baits can be reused after catching a fish, but may need to be checked for damage or wear before using them again.
- What is the best way to store soft plastic baits?
- Soft plastic rubber baits should be stored in a cool, dry place away from extreme temperatures and sunlight. They can be stored in plastic bags or tackle boxes with compartments to keep them organized and prevent damage or tangling.