Soft plastics are some of the most versatile and effective baits you can use, while choosing the right rig and terminal tackle can make all the difference in how your bait is presented to the fish. Let’s explore three essential soft plastics, the terminal tackle needed to use them, and two popular rigs that every angler should know: the Texas Rig and the Shakey Head Rig.
Soft Plastic Worm
A classic choice for bass fishing, the soft plastic worm is one of the most effective lures available. Its natural movement and ability to mimic a live worm make it irresistible to bass. Worms can be used in many different setups and can be fished year-round in various water conditions.
- When to Use: Soft plastic worms are effective in both clear and stained water. They can be used in shallow or deep water and are particularly great for slow presentations around cover.
- Pro Tip: Try varying the speed of your retrieve to mimic the natural movements of a real worm, especially when fishing around structure like logs, docks, or vegetation.
Soft Brush Hog
The soft brush hog is another soft plastic staple. Its bulky body and flapping appendages make it a go-to bait for flipping, pitching, or dragging through heavy cover. Designed to resemble crawfish or other aquatic creatures, the brush hog creates a lot of underwater movement, which can draw bass out of hiding.
- When to Use: Brush hogs excel in thick cover or when you need a bulkier profile to attract big bass. They work well in both murky and clear water, particularly in shallow areas with lots of structure.
- Pro Tip: Rig a brush hog with a Texas Rig to flip it into heavy cover, where bass often hide during hot weather or low light conditions.
Swimbait
A soft plastic swimbait mimics baitfish, which are a primary food source for bass. The tail design of the swimbait creates a natural swimming action, making it ideal for covering larger areas of water while searching for active fish.
- When to Use: Swimbaits are perfect for targeting suspended bass or when bass are feeding on shad or other baitfish. They can be fished at various depths and are especially useful in clear water where bass rely more on sight to locate prey.
- Pro Tip: Use a steady retrieve with occasional pauses to mimic a swimming baitfish. Swimbaits are great for open water, but you can also fish them around submerged structures.
Terminal Tackle Basics
To fish effectively with soft plastics, you’ll need the right terminal tackle. Here are three essential pieces of terminal tackle that will pair perfectly with your soft plastics:
Worm Hook: This is a key component for rigging soft plastic worms, brush hogs, and other soft baits. A worm hook is designed to allow the bait to be rigged weedless, preventing snags when fishing in thick cover.
Bullet Weight: Often paired with a worm hook for the Texas Rig, the bullet weight helps your bait sink quickly and keeps the presentation streamlined. It’s crucial for getting your bait to the right depth, especially when fishing near the bottom.
Shakey Head Jig Head: The Shakey Head Jig Head is designed for the Shakey Head Rig and gives your bait a natural, upright presentation on the bottom. It’s perfect for finesse fishing when you want to entice bass with a subtle movement.
Texas Rig
The Texas Rig is one of the most versatile and popular rigs for fishing soft plastics, especially in heavy cover. This weedless rigging method allows you to fish through grass, timber, and other dense vegetation without constantly getting snagged.
- How to Rig: Start by threading a bullet weight onto your line, followed by tying on a worm hook. Then, take your soft plastic (such as a worm or brush hog) and insert the hook point into the head of the bait. Slide it up the hook shaft, rotate, and then bury the hook point back into the body of the bait to make it weedless.
- When to Use: The Texas Rig is ideal when you’re fishing in thick vegetation, around brush piles, or along the bottom. It’s perfect for a slower, methodical presentation when bass are holding tight to cover.
Shakey Head Rig
The Shakey Head Rig is a finesse rig that excels when bass are finicky or inactive. This rig gives your soft plastic an upright, natural presentation that mimics a small baitfish or crawfish feeding on the bottom.
- How to Rig: Attach a shakey head jig head to your line, then thread your soft plastic (like a worm) onto the jig head. The weight on the jig head will keep the bait standing upright as you drag or hop it along the bottom.
- When to Use: The Shakey Head Rig is best in clear water or when the bite is tough. It’s perfect for fishing in open water, rocky bottoms, or when you need to entice bass with a subtle, lifelike presentation.
Final Thoughts
Mastering soft plastics, terminal tackle, and rigs is essential for any bass angler. Whether you’re fishing a soft plastic worm on a Texas Rig through heavy cover or using a Shakey Head Rig with a swimbait to finesse bass off the bottom, having the right setup can significantly improve your success on the water. Pair this guide with images of each bait and rig, and you’ll be ready to rig up and start catching more bass!
