Fishing Soft Plastics

Soft plastics cover a broad spectrum of baits and presentations. Our pro staffers provide helpful pointers on the following topics:

Drop Shot is a technique where soft plastic bait normally 3 to 6 inches is used. The bait is placed on a hook typically size 2, 1, or 1/0 and the weight is below the hook anywhere from 2 inches to 18 inches depending on conditions. The weight is typically a pencil weight or shaped like a tear drop. Here again this technique is versatile year round. The method changes in size of worms used, how fast the bait is moved and how high of a drop you want between the hook and the weight. Basic rules are slower and smaller in the colder months and larger more aggressive in the hotter months. Hear what Mike Folkestad has to say. Recommended rod and reel by Mike Folkestad:

RODS	REELS	COST
TDX610MLFSC (Med Light)	TDA2000A (Advantage)	Low Range
TDFG691MLXS (Med Light)	TDFuego 2000A	Middle Range
STZ701MLFSA (Med Light)	Steez 2508	High Range

Texas Rig is another presentation for your soft plastics. Here a worm 6 inches or longer is attached to the hook Texas style this is where the hook is weedless. A weight is ahead of the hook which can be pegged or left to move on the line depending on the conditions. This is a great technique for dragging the bottom when the weight is free or pitched into cover when the weight is pegged. A Texas rig can be used through out the spring, summer and fall months. This bait can be worked slow or fast making it a versatile pattern. Pro Staffer Tami Curtis shares some useful tips on using the Texas Rig.
Recommended rod and reel by Mike Folkestad:

RODS	REELS	COST
TL6614RB (Light & Tough)	TDZLN100HA (Zillion)	Middle Range
STZ671MHFBA (Steez)	Steez 103HA	Higher Range

Carolina Rig is a method of presenting the bait where it floats up of the bottom. Typical set up is a ½ to ¾ ounce weight positioned ahead of a swivel a leader attached to the swivel between 2 and 3 feet. At the end of the leader attach a hook, size depends upon the size of the bait then attach a large worm or creature bait. Work the bait along the bottom by dragging the bait with your rod tip. This pattern is good for working deeper of shore structure such as breaks or rock piles. Recommended rod and reel by Mike Folkestad:

RODS	REELS	COST
TL7015RB	TDZLN100HA	MiddleRange
STZ701MHFBA	Steez 103HA	High Range

Split Shot is a smaller version of the Carolina Rig. The major difference is this pattern is the depth of which it is fished. This pattern is for working the edge of cover in shallow water. Another difference is the size of the weight typically much smaller like a split shot and the bait is smaller as well. This is common finesse bait. Ed Clarke shares some insight on working the split shot.
Recommended rod and reel by Mike Folkestad:

RODS	REELS	COST
TDFG6101MXS	TDFuego 2000A	Middle Range
	TDA 2000A (Advantage	Low Range

Wacky Style: You have probably heard the term Wacky Rigged; this refers to hooking the bait in the center of your soft plastic or close to the center. This presentation allows the bait to fall with a flutter or shaken in place. A Wacky Rig can be weighted or un-weighted depending on the depth you are fishing. Stick baits are presented in this manner while some use it when rigging their drop shot. A bait fished this way is most affective in open water situations, weed edges, holes or pockets in tulles and weeds. Recommended rod and reel by Mike Folkestad:

RODS	REELS	COST
TL6614RB (Light & Tough)	TDZLN100HA (Zillion)	Middle Range
STZ671MHFBA (Steez)	Steez 103HA	Higher Range

Upcoming Events:

Want to learn how to catch fish on Live Minnows?

Call the store 707-262-1233 and set up a time to come in and have a 1 on 1 with Ed on the basics of Minnow fishing for Bass or Catfish.

We will review the best way to set your rod and reel up, explain when to use a sliding float and when to use a sliding weight system. We will describe the bite and how to set the hook so you know when you are on the water what to expect. Spend a few minutes with us and learn a fun way to catch some fish in the winter months for you and the family.

REMEMBER WE HAVE RENTAL RODS FOR BASS AND CATFISH

Watch for Updates in January!