Any soft bait made of rubber is classified as a soft plastic bait. They say that it is quite possible now for a skilled soft plastic user to do at least as good as someone who uses an actual bait. In general, this is something that is not possible in the past.
But, why are soft plastic baits the new phenomenon in the fishing world right now? What is it about this new lures? Here are some of their unique characteristics which made it different from any other fishing bait:
Size – The removal of trebles on soft plastic baits is a major thing to consider because most hard-bodied lure manufacturers give their size specifications according to the length of the lure. They usually do not include the treble and the bib length. There’s no problem with this from a salesman’s point of view. But from a fish’s point of view, they no doubt could see the trebles and bibs. They contribute to the overall size perception of the lure.
Silent – The ‘quietness’ of soft plastic baits can play a large role in fishing. A soft plastic bait has the capacity to not create any ruckus on the water surface. But of course, this will still depend on how the lure is casted and retrieved. But fresh water and estuary species are probably an exception to this theory since they feed on a whole host of critters. But fish like kings who primarily eat soft-bodied bait fish and squid are not used to hearing their prey click, rattle or hum. Rings and trebles make more than enough rattle to shy off a noise-sensitive fish.
Soft – The soft-bodied feel of soft plastic baits serves as a major advantage in holding down a fish when it bites. It also gives the angler more time to react. Soft plastic baits are also the closest lure available to the feel and consistency of most fishes’ natural prey. It probably would also be fair to assume that that when a soft plastic bait bounces off a snag or lands at the bottom, it would have made a similar sound or feel to real prey.
Depth Capability – A metal lure’s sink rate and clunky vibe makes it unattractive, compared to soft plastic baits that just look so natural in the water. Plastic baits can be used to keep contact with the bottom, as the plastic bait is bouncing and not just staying close, all the way back to the shore or boat. Hitting the bottom and then taking off again somewhat sends a signal to trigger an aggressive strike response, probably the blow on the mud, or maybe just a natural wounded baitfish characteristic.
Subtlety – A minnow lure rises up to the water surface if you stop cranking. This takes it out of the strike zone and creates an unnatural presentation. A metal lure falls rapidly at the bottom and this will also not create a natural presentation. Soft plastic baits have the ability to add or subtract weight so that it does anything between floating and sinking fast. They can be weighted for natural buoyancy, in other words, they can suspend in mid water. It also holds the lure in the strike zone. A well-weighted plastic can be allowed to sink to the required depth and then work as slowly as you want without it rising or sinking out of the strike zone.
Scent – Soft plastic baits, with their porous skin, optional ‘pockets’ and ability to ‘cook’ additives into the mix, give themselves very well to scenting. Some have a hole right down in the middle so that you can soak a piece of cotton wool in scent and jam it in to create a trail that will sustain for many hours. New technologies make the soft plastic baits smell like the real thing.
Hook Size – The hook sizes of soft plastic baits are always bigger than an equivalent sized treble lure. This means that they are easier to set and they hold better which will contribute to less missed strikes and less pulled hooks. With well-designed bottom bouncing plastics, its upward riding hook size offers better exposure when a fish picks a lure up from the bottom.
Hits on the Fall – Soft plastic baits work before you even turn the reel handle which can often compensate for bad retrieve techniques. This means that you still have a chance no matter how bad your retrieve technique is.
Versatility – The great number of options for combinations found with plastics means that there’s a lure type suitable for everything from bass to billfish, from surface popping to the deepest fishable depths. There is definitely no lure type that can match the versatility of soft plastic baits.
With these in mind, whether you are a pro or an amateur in fishing, soft plastic baits will surely help you have fun in catching those fishes.