Soft Plastic Lures Buyers Guide: How to Choose and Use Soft Plastics

Soft plastic lures are some of the most effective and versatile fishing lures you can use. They're flexible, lifelike and catch a huge range of Australian species in fresh and salt water, and they're a great way to get into lure fishing.

This guide explains what soft plastics are, the main shapes, how to rig soft plastics on a jig head, and how to fish with soft plastics. Browse our full range of soft plastics.

What are soft plastics?

Soft plastics are lures made from soft, flexible material, shaped to look and move like baitfish, prawns, worms and other natural food. They don't have hooks built in, so you rig them on a jig head or hook. Many are infused with scent or flavour, and some anglers use them much like a soft plastic bait.

Materials vary between brands. Z-Man soft plastics, for example, are made from a very stretchy, tough material that lasts a long time. Always check the packaging for storage advice, as some materials shouldn't be stored with other soft plastics.

Types of soft plastic lures

• Paddle tail soft plastics: a paddle-shaped tail that kicks as you wind. Easy to use and a great first choice, as they swim well on a simple steady retrieve.
• Curl tail (grub) plastics: a curly tail that flutters on the drop and the retrieve.
• Jerk shads and stickbaits: slim, straight-tailed plastics that dart side to side when twitched.
• Prawn and creature baits: imitate prawns, crabs and other crustaceans, often fished slowly along the bottom.
• Worms: long, slim plastics, often rigged weedless for fishing around snags and weed.

Choosing a jig head

Most soft plastic fishing lures are rigged on a jig head: a hook with a weighted head.

• Weight: use the lightest jig head that still reaches the bottom or strike zone. Go lighter in shallow water and slow current, and heavier in deep water, wind or strong current.
• Hook size: choose a hook that suits the length of the plastic, so the hook point sits roughly a third to halfway along the body.

How to rig soft plastics

1. Measure first. Hold the jig head against the plastic to see where the hook point should come out.
2. Thread it on. Push the hook point into the centre of the nose and thread the plastic along the hook, keeping it straight.
3. Bring the point out through the top of the plastic at the spot you measured.
4. Check it's straight. Slide the plastic up snug against the jig head. A crooked plastic will spin instead of swimming properly.

For fishing around snags and weed, you can rig plastics weedless on a worm hook instead.

How to use soft plastics

There are plenty of ways to fish soft plastics. These simple techniques are a great place to start:

• Hop and pause: let the plastic sink to the bottom, give the rod a lift or two, then let it sink back. Many bites come as it sinks.
• Slow roll: wind slowly and steadily so the plastic swims just off the bottom. This suits paddle tails.
• Twitch: short, sharp flicks of the rod tip to make jerk shads and stickbaits dart.

Watch your line as the plastic sinks. If it twitches or stops early, wind up and set the hook.

Soft plastics FAQs

Do I need braid to fish soft plastics?

Not always, but braid helps you feel bites and the bottom, and makes casting light plastics easier. It's usually paired with a fluorocarbon leader.

What colour soft plastic should I use?

Natural colours are a good starting point in clear water, and brighter or darker colours often stand out better in dirty water or low light. It pays to carry a few.

Can I add scent to soft plastics?

Yes. Many plastics are already scented, and you can add a fishing scent for extra attraction.

Ready to choose? Browse our full range of soft plastics.