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Soft baits are a versatile and necessary element in any angler’s tackle box. They’re made of soft plastic compounds and with their lifelike action in the water are irresistible to many species of fish. This guide will introduce you to various types of soft baits, how to choose the right ones, soft bait fishing techniques, the best fish that goes with them as well as how to care for them.

What Are Soft Baits?

Soft baits, also referred to as “soft plastics” are flexible lures made of soft plastic or silicone. Available in a variety of shapes, they are intended to simulate the appearance and movement of natural prey such as earthworms, minnows, insects and other critters. With their amazingly lifelike action, soft baits are often irresistible to hungry fish.

Types of Soft Baits

Soft bait types include artificial worms, grubs and craws which are available in different shapes sizes and colors to accommodate different preferences and fishing situations.

Worms

Extremely effective for bass fishing, no tackle box is complete without some soft plastic worms. These include straight-tail, ribbon-tail and curly tail worms among others which are available in different lengths and colors. They are a great choice for catching largemouth and smallmouth bass which naturally feed on worms. The life-like action of soft plastic worms makes them irresistible to hungry bass.

Grubs

Grubs are small soft plastic baits with fat bodies and a curly tail at the end. They are a great choice for catching smallmouth bass, crappie and panfish among others. What makes them attractive to these fish is the grub’s fluttering tail which resembles larvae upon which they like to feed.

Swimbaits

Swimbaits are soft baits that imitate live-fish species such as minnows or other types of fish. They are a great lure to use for catching fish like bass, pike and walleye which feed on smaller fish.

Craws

Craws are designed to look like crayfish and are ideal for bottom dwelling bass. They have legs and a pincer at the front, all of which make them appear more realistic and lifelike as bait. Craws are a great choice for catching largemouth bass and smallmouth bass, which commonly feed on crawfish in their natural habitat.

Creature Baits

Closely related to craws are another type of soft plastic baits called creature baits. Like craws, most have squiggly appendages which entice fish to strike. Creature baits come in many different designs and colors and they can be fished as a Texas rig, Carolina rig, a shaky head rig and in other ways. With their strange shapes and appendages they create irregular water movements that fish like largemouth bass, smallmouth bass find irresistible.

Choosing Soft Baits

The soft baits you select should mimic the natural food or prey of the fish you want to catch.

Colors

For murky water conditions, bright colored baits work best. For clear water, natural colored baits are the best choice.

Soft Bait Rigs

Texas rigs, Carolina rigs, drop shot rigs and jig rigs are all commonly used when fishing soft baits.

Texas Rig

The weedless setup of Texas rigs enables use for fishing in heavy cover without snagging, which maxes Texas rigs ideal for targeting bass hiding in vegetation, brush, or other structures.

Carolina Rig

The Carolina Rig allows the bait to move freely and naturally, making it ideal for covering large areas and fishing various depths. It’s effective for fish that are bottom-dwelling or suspended just above the bottom.

Drop Shot Rig

The hook should be tied onto the line, leaving a long tag end for attaching weights. When nose-hooked, soft bait hangs above bottom, which ensures the bait is visible to surrounding fish.

Jigging

When hopping along the bottom on a jig head soft baits mimic struggling prey that lure predatory fish into striking them.

How to Care for Soft Baits

Soft baits must be stored properly, kept clean, and inspected regularly.

Soft Bait Lure Storage

• Use Tackle Boxes: Arrange your soft baits systematically using tackle boxes that come with adjustable compartments.
• Avoid Mixing: Avoid storing different types and colors of soft baits together since they may bleed their color all over one another.

Cleaning Soft Bait Lures

• After every use, rinse your soft baits in fresh water to remove salt, dirt and debris.
• Dry your soft baits completely before any storage to avoid mildew and mold development.
• Use a soft bait conditioner to keep them pliable and prolong their life span.

Inspect Regularly

• Examine soft lures regularly to detect any damage like wear or tear which means that there is need for replacement.

Soft Bait FAQs

What are soft baits made of?

Soft plastic or silicone is typically used to make them so that they can be flexible and move in a realistic manner.

How do I choose the right color for soft baits?

For clear water, use natural, translucent colors while bright solid colors are better for murky waters as they increase visibility.

Can I reuse soft baits?

Absolutely, as long as they remain intact. Clean them with fresh water after every use and store them properly to maintain their condition.

What is the best way to rig soft baits?

The choice of an appropriate technique depends on fishing situation and target species. These include Texas rig, Carolina rig, drop shot rig, and jigging among others.

How do I maintain my soft baits?

Clean every after using by rinsing them with clean water, keep them in tackle boxes where you can adjust compartments as desired and check regularly for any damaged ones. Also apply a conditioner so that it remains supple which makes it last longer too.

Conclusion

With the wide variety of artificial worms, craws, creature baits and other soft baits which are available in many different colors, anglers have options for virtually every fishing situation.

Need more help?

If you happen to be new to fishing, we suggest you read our West Advisor article Angling 101: Beginners Guide to Fishing. And for more on baits and lures, see our article Ultimate Guide to Freshwater and Saltwater Fishing Lures and Baits.