Soft plastic baits are amongst the most popular baits, and they come in many sizes, colors, and shape. So, how do you pick the right one? Certain plastic worms and tubes are better than other ones for catching fish in specific situations. Find out below the secrets of fishing with soft plastic baits.
Picking Your Baits
Bait Color for Plastic Tubes and Worms
Fish see contrasts in color, so a good tip is to choose a shade of bait that stands out against the background of their environment. If you are unsure which one to go with, a good general rule of thumb is to go for a dark or natural color.
Rigging Plastic Worms
The most popular way to rig a plastic worm is to thread a bullet style weight onto the line and tie it directly to the hook. The hook threads through the worm’s tip then you pull it down to re-insert into the worm, so it won’t get stuck on anything else.
Also often used is the Carolina Rig, which involves threading a heavy barrel onto the line, then a few bearings, then a ball bearing swivel, with a 3ft leader at the end. For deep waters, the Carolina method is a favorite.
Plastic Tubes: How to Rig Them
Typically, anglers use a hook specifically designed for tubes. These hooks usually point up and are best rigged weedless so they can vertically drop without exposing the weight or being caught on anything else. Some anglers use scented sprays on soft tubes to improve the strike potential.
Additional Tips
When fishing with soft plastic baits, the ideal rod is one that is heavy duty so it can give you a sturdy hook set. Also, fish deeper to get more strikes, which you can do by dropping the lure or casting it a short distance and letting it sink in free-spool.
When it reaches the depth you want, immediately start lifting it with short, fast upward sweeps. If the depth is 5-25 feet, less weight is necessary for your lure to reach the sea bottom.