Discover the secrets to enhancing your soft plastics fishing experience with these 10 expert tips. At Lustrous Hub, we are passionate about soft plastics fishing and believe it to be one of the most exciting and rewarding styles of fishing. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just starting out, these tips will help you catch more fish and improve your skills. From selecting the right gear to mastering the techniques, our tips are based on our own personal experience and have been instrumental in our success on the water. So, join us on this fishing journey and let's improve your soft plastics fishing together!
Tip 1: Fish Lighter for Better Results
Maximize your fishing success with the power of lighter gear. At Lustrous Hub, we understand the importance of being properly equipped for every fishing situation. Fishing lighter may mean losing the occasional fish, but it can greatly improve your catch rates and the volume of fish you bring in. By carefully selecting high-quality, thin-diameter braid and fluorocarbon leaders, you can increase your casting distance, accuracy, and overall fishing success. In the video above, we demonstrate the effectiveness of fishing with a 6lb line and 6lb fluorocarbon leader while targeting pinkies between 30 and 50cm. Remember, don't panic and play the fish without putting too much strain on your gear to enjoy a more exciting and successful fishing experience.
Tip 2: Mastering Soft Plastics for Local Species
Maximize your chances of success by understanding the preferred techniques of local fish species. At Lustrous Hub, we know that different fish species have unique preferences when it comes to soft plastics fishing. Species like salmon, snook, and bass may prefer a fast retrieval, while others like snapper, flathead, whiting, redfin, yellow belly and more typically like to take the soft plastic on the bottom. To ensure you're giving the fish enough time and opportunity to take the bait, work your soft plastic slowly and make sure it's close to or resting on the bottom. Most soft plastics are made from buoyant material and will naturally tilt upright and flutter in the water, even without being worked. Avoid the mistake of working the plastic too quickly and taking it away from the fish just as it's building up the confidence to strike. Slow and steady wins the fishing race, so work your soft plastics with patience and precision.
Tip 3: The Right Amount of Scent for Soft Plastics Fishing
Add an extra element of attraction with scents, but use moderation for optimal results. At Lustrous Hub, we believe that scents can make a big difference in attracting fish to your soft plastic bait. While some soft plastic brands like Berkley, Keitech, and Daiwa Bait Junkies come pre-scented, you can also use products like S-Factor and ProCure to enhance your soft plastics. Just be careful not to use too much as this can actually detract fish. Instead, we recommend smearing a small amount into the tail every 5-10 casts for best results. With the right amount of scent, you can improve your chances of attracting more fish and increasing your catch rates.
Tip 4: Choosing the Right Rod for Soft Plastics Fishing
Maximize your fishing experience with technique-specific rods. Did you know that different fishing techniques require different types of rods? For example, moderate spin rods with whippy rod tips are perfect for bibbed or trebled lures, while flexible whippy fiberglass rods are ideal for bait fishing. When it comes to soft plastics, it's essential to use a graphite or carbon fiber rod with a fast action and a stiff rod tip. This design will help with casting distance, accuracy, and sensitivity to feel the nibbles. The lightweight and sensitive blank will also enable you to quickly set the hook with a single hook jig head. Invest in the right rod and you'll see improved results and a more enjoyable experience while fishing with soft plastics.
Tip 5: The Importance of Rigging Soft Plastics Straight
Avoid a common mistake by rigging the soft plastic straight. It may seem like an obvious tip, but many anglers still make this mistake. If the soft plastic is not rigged straight, it will negatively impact its swimming action. To ensure you're using it correctly, take the time to rig it straight, even if it means starting over if it's not right. With years of experience fishing with soft plastics, the author still doesn't always get it right, but they never hesitate to start over for the best results.
Tip 6: Setting Drift Lines with Marine Electronics for Better Results
Maximizing the potential of your marine electronics is key to successful fishing. With a good understanding of the features and capabilities of your sounder, you can pinpoint the exact location of fish and stay on top of them. By utilizing features like sideview to identify the bottom, split screens, setting waypoints when marking fish, and enabling the plotter to set drift lines, you can have a much more productive and successful day on the water.
Tip 7: Expanding Your Soft Plastic Fishing Skills through Experimentation
Step out of your comfort zone and experiment with your soft plastic fishing techniques. Try new profiles, sizes, colors, and retrieval methods to constantly improve your skills and increase your catch rates. Whether it's a 2.5-inch motor oil grub for bream or a 4-inch nuclear chicken paddle tail for snapper, having a diverse soft plastic arsenal will give you an advantage in various fishing situations. Embrace the opportunity to grow and gain experience through experimentation and you'll be amazed at what you can achieve.
Tip 8: Smart Jig Head Selection for Optimal Fishing Results
Choosing the right jig head for your fishing needs is a crucial step in optimizing your chances of catching fish. By matching the jig head size to the soft plastic size, you can ensure the right presentation of your bait to the targeted species. Different types of jig heads work better in different conditions, so it's important to understand the right weight and size to use. To maximize catch rates, choose a jig head that will sink slowly to the bottom, so as to take advantage of the natural action of the soft plastic. This can help attract fish as they feed on the drop.
When fishing in deeper waters, such as 4 meters, you may target pinkies using a 1/12-ounce jig head and a 1-0 jig head gauge size. In shallower flats, you might choose an HWS jig head in 1/20 ounce for bream. When targeting snapper in 12 meters deep waters with a 5-inch jerk shad, consider using a ¼ ounce jig head in 5-0 gauge. Factors such as depth, current, and species being targeted, should be considered when selecting the right jig head for your fishing needs. By being mindful of these factors, you can improve your chances of success and maximize your fishing experience.
Tip 9: Using Fluorocarbon Leaders for Improved Fishing Results
Using fluorocarbon leaders can be a game changer for your fishing experience. With its smaller diameter and low visibility in water, fluorocarbon is harder for fish to see, making it a better option for stealthy fishing. Additionally, fluorocarbon's abrasion resistance makes it a durable choice compared to braid. It also provides some stretch, which is important for shock absorption and reduces the risk of breaking your line.
Joining fluorocarbon leaders to your braid line is a straightforward process and can be done using an FJ knot or a double uni knot. The choice of the knot depends on the thickness of the guides on your fishing rod. Whether you're fishing in clear or murky water, incorporating fluorocarbon leaders into your setup can enhance your fishing experience and increase your catch rates.
Don't Give Up - The Key to Success in Fishing
Improve your fishing skills and experience the satisfaction of catching more fish with just one rod, one reel, and some soft plastics. Stay committed, and positive and the results will come. Overcoming self-doubt and building confidence is key in fishing, which is a sport that relies heavily on mental strength. Don't let a security blanket hold you back. Instead, let your experiences and consistent catches boost your confidence and elevate your fishing game. Experiment and have fun with this addictive style of fishing and never give up on your journey to become a better angler.
