Soft Plastic Lure Fishing Hacks 101 With Greg Vinall

Fishing with soft plastic lures can be incredibly rewarding if you know how to use them effectively. With over 25 years of experience, I’ve picked up a range of tips and tricks that can enhance your fishing experience, whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned angler. Here’s a comprehensive guide to get the most out of your soft plastic lures.

The Importance of Straightening Soft Plastic Lures

One of the fundamental steps in preparing your soft plastic lures is to ensure they are straight. Lures often get bent out of shape when stored in tackle boxes or bags, which can affect their swimming action. To fix this, immerse your lures in boiling water for about 30 seconds. Then, lay them flat on a paper towel or a piece of aluminium foil until they cool and regain their original shape. This simple hack can significantly improve the lure’s performance in the water.

Rigging Soft Plastic Lures Correctly

Proper rigging is crucial for the effectiveness of soft plastic lures. Make sure the hook is perfectly centred and the lure is balanced to ensure a natural swimming action. If your lure isn’t straight, it won’t swim correctly, which can deter fish. Pre-rigging your lures before heading out can save you time and ensure each lure is ready for action.

Repairing Damaged Soft Plastic Lures

Don’t throw away damaged lures; they can often be repaired easily. For small tears or rips, use a cigarette lighter to melt the plastic slightly and fuse the pieces together. Alternatively, a drop of super glue can work wonders for reattaching torn sections. This can extend the life of your lures and save you money.

Storing Soft Plastic Lures

Proper storage can prevent your lures from becoming misshapen. Use tackle trays that keep lures flat and separated. Avoid mixing different brands and colours as the plastics can react with each other, causing them to melt or discolour. Plano tackle boxes are a good choice as they are designed to be worm-proof and prevent chemical reactions between different lures.

Weighting Soft Plastic Lures

Adjusting the weight of your soft plastic lures can change their action and make them more attractive to fish. Use tungsten putty to add weight where needed. This putty is non-toxic and mouldable, allowing you to adjust the weight easily. It can be used on hooks or fastened to clips to create custom weighted lures.

Customising Soft Plastic Lures

You can modify your lures to better suit your fishing needs. For example, if the tail of your paddle tail lure isn’t moving enough, use a heated knife to create small grooves on either side of the tail. This increases flexibility and enhances the lure’s action. You can also cut larger paddle tails into smaller ones for faster retrieves.

Creating a Weedless Presentation

Using extra wide gape (EWG) worm hooks can make your lures weedless, allowing you to fish in heavy cover without getting snagged. These hooks keep the point of the hook flush with the lure’s body, making it less likely to catch on weeds. This setup is excellent for fishing in dense vegetation and other challenging environments.

Enhancing Hook Exposure

If your lure doesn’t have a slot on the underside, use a Stanley knife to cut one. This allows the hook to move more freely within the lure, improving your hook-up rate. This simple modification can make a big difference, especially when fishing in conditions where fish are likely to strike aggressively.

Using Super Glue for Rigging

Super glue can be a handy tool for securing your lures to hooks. A small dab between the jig head and the lure can prevent the plastic from sliding down the shank, ensuring that your lure stays in place during casts and retrieves.

Final Thoughts

Fishing with soft plastic lures can be both an art and a science. By following these tips and tricks, you’ll be well on your way to improving your success rate on the water. Remember to experiment with different techniques and adjustments to find what works best for you. Happy fishing!

For more detailed insights and to join our Soft Plastic Lures Bootcamp.

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