Soft Baits

Soft baits are best when fish need a slower, more natural presentation. The soft body feels like real food, so fish hold on longer and you get more time to set the hook. They also rig weedless, which lets you fish heavy cover, docks and rock piles that would snag a treble-hook lure.

Use the lightest jig head that keeps you in contact with the bottom. A 1/8 to 1/4 oz head handles most bass and walleye fishing shallower than about 15 feet. Go heavier for deeper water, wind or current, and lighter for a slower fall in shallow, clear water.

• Creature Baits: Include a combination of features from various baits, such as a lizard body with crayfish-styled pinchers and double twister-tail, offering a unique design for high pressure waters.
• Soft Plastic Jerkbaits: Known for mimicking injured baitfish, with the Zoom Super Fluke being a notable example that can be twitched or jerked for erratic action​​​​.
• Swimbaits: The Keitech Fat Swing Impact is highlighted for its realistic swimming action, made more appealing by a two-tone injection process and impregnated with squid scent to attract fish​​​​.
• Ribbon Tail Worms: These worms, like the Berkley PowerBait Power Worm, are celebrated for their effectiveness in various fishing conditions, offering versatility and attractiveness through motion and scent​​​​.

The rigging method often depends on the bait type and the targeted fishing scenario. For example, soft plastic jerkbaits like the Zoom Super Fluke can be rigged weightless for surface twitching, while swimbaits like the Keitech Fat Swing Impact work well on jig heads for deeper water.

Scents and salt impregnation in soft baits, such as those used in Zoom and Keitech baits, are crucial for attracting fish and encouraging them to hold onto the bait longer, increasing the chances of a successful hook-up​.

The choice of colour and size for soft baits should be influenced by the water conditions and the type of fish targeted. Natural, muted colours work well in clear water, while brighter colours can be more effective in stained or dirty water. Size selection should match the forage size that fish are feeding on in the area being fished​.