
Soft plastic baits have been a staple in every angler’s tackle box for years. Thanks to their versatility and natural underwater action which often proves irresistible to fish. However, you might find yourself in a situation where you’d like to alter the bait’s presentation or action to enhance its effectiveness further. In these instances, knowing how to modify your soft plastic lures can provide you with a significant advantage in enticing more bites. We will look at some bait modifications you can make.
One of the joys of bass fishing is the endless opportunities for experimentation and customization with your tackle. By making slight alterations to your soft plastic baits, you can tailor their performance to different conditions. You can target species, or specific fishing techniques. These bait modifications can range from simple cuts or nips with a pair of scissors. Or, to more complex adjustments, such as adding weight or changing the lure’s profile.
In the following paragraphs, we’ll provide you with some easy-to-follow methods for modifying your soft plastic lures. This can help you understand when and how to implement these adjustments. With just a few tweaks, you can enhance the action or alter the fall rate of your favorite soft plastic baits. Thus increasing their appeal and possibly turning a slow day on the water into a memorable one.
Types of Soft Plastic Baits
In this section, you will learn about different types of soft plastic baits that are commonly used for bass fishing. We will cover three main types: Worms, Shads, and Soft Plastics.
Worms
Worms are one of the most versatile and popular soft plastic baits for bass fishing. They come in various sizes, shapes, and colors that mimic the natural prey of bass. Senkos are a favorite among bass fishermen. They can be rigged in many ways such as Texas rigs, wacky rigs, or drop shots. This makes bait modifications easier too.
There are many styles and profiles of soft plastic worms to choose from, including:
- Ribbon tail worms with a long, thin tail that provides enticing movement
- Straight tail worms, which give a more subtle presentation
- Curly tail worms, which create a spiraling action that can attract fish
In summary, worms offer a versatile and effective option when fishing for bass. They allow you to adapt your rig according to the situation and target species. Even the smallest bait modification can have a big impact. My favorite here.
Shad
Shad soft plastic baits imitate small baitfish. This makes them an excellent choice for bass and other predatory fish that prey on schools of shad or similar species. These lures are typically rigged on jigheads and fished with an erratic swimming action enticing bites.
Some popular shad-style soft plastic baits include:
- Paddle tail shads, which have a wide, flat tail that produces a lot of vibrations and lifelike swimming action
- Slender shads, which offer a slimmer profile but still create similar action in the water
- Split tail or V-tail shads, which provide a more subtle approach that can work better in clear or pressured waters
Experimenting with different shad baits can help you find the most effective combination for your particular fishing conditions.
Soft Plastics
The term “soft plastics” can encompass a wide variety of baits used for bass fishing, including grubs, tubes, craws, and swimbaits. These are usually made from elastomer materials, providing a flexible and flesh-like texture that entices fish.
Some popular types of soft plastic baits include:
- Grubs, which have a round body and a curly tail, providing a simple yet effective presentation
- Tubes, hollow cylindrical baits that can be rigged with a jighead or hook, imitating crustaceans or invertebrates
- Craws, which mimic crawfish, a favorite food source of bass
- Swimbaits, which can range from small to large sizes, designed to imitate baitfish and often provide a very lifelike appearance
By exploring these different types of soft plastic baits, you can expand your arsenal. You might also increase your chances of success in various fishing scenarios.
Bait Modification Techniques
Color Dye and Glitter
Adding color dye and glitter to your soft plastic baits can make them more attractive to fish. You can use various dyes specifically made for bait modification, or create your own custom colors. Consider adding glitter to your bait to reflect light and catch the attention of fish. Experiment with different color and glitter combinations to find the one that works best for you.
Adding Rattles for Bait Modification
Incorporating rattles into your soft plastic baits can help make them more appealing to fish by adding extra noise and vibration in the water. You can buy rattles separately and insert them into your baits, or purchase baits with built-in rattles. Test different rattle placements and types to see which one provides the best results for your fishing style and target species.
Nail Weights
Using nail weights is an effective technique to modify the fall rate and angle of your soft plastic baits. Inserting a nail weight in the head or tail of your bait can create a subtle change that causes fish to bite. Experiment with different weights and locations to achieve the desired action from your bait.
Mold Options for Customization
Aluminum Molds
Aluminum molds are a popular choice for soft plastic bait customization due to their durability and precision. These can be quite expensive, especially for custom bait designs, but they provide excellent results. A high-quality aluminum mold allows you to create individual baits tailored to your own specifications of design, color, and finish. Some companies like Ultra Molds LLC offer a range of aluminum bait molds and injection systems to choose from.
Silicone Molds
Silicone molds are a more affordable alternative to aluminum molds for custom bait designs. While they may not offer the same level of precision and durability, you can still achieve great results with silicone molds. You can create your own silicone bait molds using products from companies like Smooth-on and Alumilite. These molds are easy to work with and cost-effective. This makes them ideal for hobbyist anglers looking to create their own unique soft plastic baits.
Open-Pour Molds
Open-pour molds offer yet another option for customizing your soft plastic baits. These molds are the simplest to use and made from a variety of materials. Open-pour molds require no special equipment such as a hand injector, which makes them attractive for those just starting out with bait customization. They are also well-suited for small-scale lurecraft projects and experimenting with different lure designs.
However, keep in mind that open-pour molds may not produce the same level of detail and precision as aluminum or silicone molds. But with practice and a little creativity, you can still create a wide range of unique and effective soft plastic baits using this molding method.
Choosing Bait Size and Color Based on Conditions
Stained Water
In stained water, it’s essential to select soft plastic baits in dark colors and larger sizes to increase visibility and attract bass. Opting for prairie purple or black-colored soft plastics can help draw fish from nearby cover. When targeting bigger fish, choose a soft plastic bait size of at least 4 to 6 inches to grab their attention.
Remember that murky water makes it challenging for fish to see your bait, so consider using bulky baits that create vibrations or produce noise. Along with adjusting color and size, these bait modifications can improve your chances of catching bass in stained water.
Some effective soft plastic bait colors for stained water include:
- Black
- Dark purple
- Junebug
- Black and blue
Open Water
In clear, open water situations, you want to mimic the natural prey of bass. Choose soft plastic baits in natural or translucent colors, such as green pumpkin, watermelon, and other natural baitfish shades and patterns. Bass are more likely to be selective in clear water, so ensuring your bait resembles their typical food sources can make a difference in your success. Minot bait modifications can make a big difference.
Also, when fishing in open water, you may want to use smaller, more subtle soft plastics to make your presentation less threatening to bass. Consider soft plastic baits between 2-4 inches to effectively attract smaller fish or larger fish that may be more cautious.
Some effective soft plastic bait colors for open water include:
- Green pumpkin
- Watermelon
- Ghost shad
- Natural baitfish patterns
Lure Modifications for Different Fish Species
When it comes to soft plastic bait modifications, adjusting your lures to target specific fish species is essential. In this section, we’ll discuss how to modify your lures to increase your chances of catching bass.
Bass
Bass are known for being aggressive predators, so when modifying your soft plastic lures, it’s crucial to make them as enticing and realistic as possible. Here are some effective modifications to help you catch more bass:
-
Action Enhancement Bait Modification: You can improve the action of your soft plastic lures by removing a small circular chunk of plastic from the inside turn of the appendage. This can be done using a .22 casing and is particularly effective on baits with tight-turning flapping appendages.
-
Color Customization Bait Modification: Bass can be attracted to a variety of colors and combinations, so experiment with different hues to find what works best for your target waters. Permanent markers are an easy way to quickly add color to both hard and soft baits. Use them to mimic the patterns of prey species or make your lure stand out in murky water.
-
Weight Adjustments Bait Modification: Adding or reducing weight on your soft plastic lures can alter their swimming action and fall rate. Experiment with inserting nail weights, tungsten putty, or using weighted hooks to find the ideal balance for enticing bass in your fishing area.
Remember, the key to successful soft plastic bait modification is to be creative and adaptable. By experimenting with different modifications and paying attention to the preferences of the bass in your target waters, you can optimize your lures and improve your overall catch rate.
Adding Blades and Spoons to Soft Plastic Baits
Adding blades or spoons to your soft plastic baits can greatly increase your chances of attracting bass, especially in murky waters where visibility is low. When incorporated correctly, these modifications can add flash and vibration, making your bait more appealing to fish.
To add a blade to your soft plastic bait, choose from willow, Colorado, or Indiana-style blades. You can attach the blade to the tail or belly of your bait using a split ring or a small piece of wire. This will ensure that the blade stays in place while creating a fluttering action as you retrieve it through the water.
Spoons can also be added to soft plastic baits to create a different kind of action. You may want to attach a small spoon to the tail or bend the spoon to create a curved, fluttering motion. This can be especially effective when fishing in water with lots of vegetation, as the spoon’s motion can help your bait navigate through the plants without getting snagged.
Here are a few tips when adding blades and spoons to soft plastic baits as a bait modification:
- Select the appropriate blade or spoon size according to your bait’s size and the desired action you want to achieve.
- Make sure your blade or spoon securely attaches to the bait with a split ring or wire preventing it from detaching during a cast or retrieve.
- Experiment with different blade styles, sizes, and attachment methods to find the most effective combination that works for the specific conditions and target species in your area.
- Keep in mind that adding a blade or spoon to your soft plastic bait may affect its movement through the water, so practice casting and retrieving to become familiar with the modified bait’s action.
By incorporating blades and spoons into your soft plastic baits, you can create a more enticing presentation for bass and potentially increase your catch rate. Remember to continually experiment with these modifications and find the right balance of action and flash for the specific fishing conditions you encounter. Bait modifications can also be fun. Use your imagination.