Is One Soft Plastic Brand better than any other? 2024
airborne_angler reply :
I recently bought a large lot of assorted soft plastics. In this lot there are many many different brands of worms.
I put many different brands of worms side by side and all I saw different was the color on alot of them.
Its just like trying to reinvent the wheel. I dont think any one might be better than the other.
I got a bunch of lizards too. Theres really no way to make a lizard "different" I cant say anyone of these will be a better fish catcher than the other.
Grubs...Dont get me started on those. Every maker has their version and they are mostly ALL identical to everyone elses.
Why are there so many soft plastics companies out there,when all they do is make a bait(worm,lizard or grub) that looks just like the next guys product.?
OHIO reply :
It's just business.
If a company has a good product, other companies are going to try to make similar products.
Shoe companies for example. A lot of the shoes and boots on the market are very similar to each other, but there are still a lot of companies.
I could care less if I had Nikes or Adidas on, it's just a matter of which is cheaper and which advertises better.
It's all preference when it comes to similar products. Some people may like Nike and others may like Adidas.
The same goes for soft plastics. Someone may like Zoom while another person may prefer Berkley.
They all have similar designs, but they will have different ways of advertising and pricing, which will entice a buyer.
Skeet22 reply :
I think its like alot of other things, there are plenty brands out there that are on the same level and all work but there are small things that you may prefer over the other which does not always mean the fish will care but give the angler more confidence. I prefer to fish zoom almost exclusively because of their variety of baits and colors and they are one of the most valued priced plastics out there. I think some of the plastic manufactures have really over priced their products and have become a little "gimmicky". There is only so much you can get out of a soft plastic bait in my opinion.The only one bait I can think of that is in a class of its own is the original senko anything else just use what you have confidence in and can afford.
I think this applies to most of your straight tail, curly tail worms which are no or limited action baits. Craws and frogs are where some manufactures seperate them self a bit from the competition.
Captain Obvious reply :
Find one you like a stick with it. No bait is better than another the amount of confidence you have in it is what makes a difference.
David P reply :
I personally have found out that hand pours give me much more confidence then throwing mass produced baits. I started fishing Dichoso Baits, and I can pick the stiffness of the plastic, colors, and color of the flake. Just gives me confidence knowing no one is throwing the exact thing I am.
NorcalBassin reply :
Yamamotos get the nod in my book, but then I find myself questioning whether or not they're worth it when I can pick up other brands that seem to produce for less than 1/2 the price.
K_Mac reply :
QuoteFind one you like a stick with it. No bait is better than another the amount of confidence you have in it is what makes a difference.
Confidence is the key. It is what enables you to keep that bait in the water. I used to have dozens of different brands, color, styles, lengths, etc. What I ended up with was pounds of plastics I never used and a hand full (or two :
) of stuff I used all the time. I still carry a lot of plastics, but it is in large part stuff I use regularly. Zoom, Netbait, and BPS plastics are what I use most of the time. Throw in a few RI Sweet beavers and a SK Rage bait or three and I'm about done. Well maybe a Kalin grub or two...I still may have some trimming to do... :-[
BobP reply :
Softer plastics like "hand pours" have more natural action and many guys prefer them. Downside is they're easier to tear and usually cost more. I don't think there's a plastics brand that's better than another, per se, but various companies sell baits that are "best in class" (in my opinion). Zoom Ultravibe craws, worms and lizards; Reaction Innovations Beavers, Roboworm finesse worms, Gary Yamamoto Senkos, Netbait Paca Chunks are some of my favorites. Other guys have their own list and you'll develop yours based on experience.
MMan16 reply :
I think out of all the major plastic companies they all have there appeal. There isn't one that totally outshines the others. Some may be better priced some may have a bigger color selection or size selection. In my bag I probably have at least one bag of plastic from each company. Just my opinion.
SoFlaBassAddict reply :
QuoteI personally have found out that hand pours give me much more confidence then throwing mass produced baits. I started fishing Dichoso Baits, and I can pick the stiffness of the plastic, colors, and color of the flake. Just gives me confidence knowing no one is throwing the exact thing I am.
Romeo makes some fantastic baits. And it is a no BS custom order. He makes it however you want it to be made. Even custom labels the packaging for you when you don't buy a standard color.
roadwarrior reply :
Hmm...
I totally disagree with those who think "they're all the same".
Soft plastics vary dramatically. If you don't think there's
anything "new", you haven't tried Rage Tail soft plastics or
some of MegaStrikes new offerings.
8-)
Ima Bass Ninja reply :
Look up the different companies plastics online and watch the action of each. There's a difference. It's which one you like best that will produce the most for you.
Tin reply :
I have discovered a select few companies who make plastics that out produce the same style and color bait in another brands. All I can attribute the catch differences to is scent. So yes, there are a select two plastic companies I try to stick to.
Grey Wolf reply :
Short version , yes there are better brands out there.
Primus reply :
I don't agree there all the same, however there are many good brands to choose from. So far I haven't seen a Lizard that matches the action of a Zoom Lizard though with all the dozens of brands out there it's impossible and too cost prohibitive to try them all.
Though some may disagree there is the Yamamoto Senko and then there is everyone else though I think the Yum Dinger offers a similiar action with a slower drop speed and I'll use that one on occasion.
I use a mix of soft plastics from app 7-8 brands and then on occasion will purchase a hand pour. Speaking of hand pours I recently picked up an order from Dichoso baits, very good quality and excellent service.
One bait recently has overtaken a staple in my Tackle box is the Strike King Rodent, I now prefer this one over the R.I. Sweet Beaver.
Shane J reply :
There's a huge difference. A Rage Lizard's action, compared to a Zoom lizard, is night and day. Same thing with the Craws. Then throw in differences of softness, and scent, and you have a whole new world open up.
Captain Obvious reply :
Of course not all plastics are created equal. The one you like is always going to be better than the ones you don't.
Every soft plastic has its pros and cons. When you buy a pack of senkos the pros are that it is has the best salt formula and is as soft as they come in the market.
But are you willing to pay $6-8 for a pack of baits that will last at the most 2 fish if your lucky?
You determine which baits fit you and that bait is your best bait.
Bass_Fanatic reply :
I dont think that there is one dominate brand, but I find that different brands succeed at different baits. For instance, Zoom Brush Hogs, there is nothing out there that can even compare. SK Rage Tails are absolutely ridiculous, especially the craw. Yamamoto Senkos are as good as they come. I HATE berkley chigger craws, but some people swear by them.
Each brand has their staple products, its just finding out which brands product matches what u are looking for.
Owasco reply :
Well, I have to say that with the excepetion of the Zoom Trick worm (Drop Shot) and the Stanley Ribbit (Keel weighted frog hook), I throw RageTail products almost exclusively these days (when it comes to soft plastics).
I have never seen action comparable to what the RageTail baits generate from any other soft plastic. In addition, I have never caught fish as consistently with any other BAIT for that matter.
I swear by these things. I'm sure my confidence level with these baits is disallowing me to give some others a chance, but it works for me, and I recommend these baits to everyone I know. As a matter of fact my two closest fishing buddies (One is my brother in law) were strictly live bait fishermen until they saw me consistently out-fishing them in the same waters during the same period of time. Well needless to say, they rarely stop at the bait shop on the way out to the water anymore.
Unfortunately my supply of RageTails has significantly dwindled since they made the leap :'(
They gotta start keeping there own supply up! :
senile1 reply :
There are differences in density, buoyancy, and action. Find what makes you happy and use it. I also think David P has a good point. On busy lakes the bass see every lure known to man numerous times. Less common hand-pours may be the ticket to more fish on these pressured lakes.
Nick reply :
As far as consistency in catching, anything Zoom makes with salt gets mine and the basses nod. Be careful when buying tail colored Super Flukes. They don't have salt so they don't sink enough, and they even tear easier. Even though the package may say "salty," beware! Fish hold on to salty baits longer and eat them better.
piscicidal reply :
In general, I don't think one brand is necessarily best at producing all styles of baits. I do think some brands excel at different types of baits.
Some of my favorites..
Worms: Zoom (ol monster, dead ringer), Rage (10" thumper), Lake Fork 10"
Lizards: Zoom lizard, Gambler (Loco Lizard)
Swimbaits: RI (Skinny Dipper), Gambler (Big Ez), Lake Fork (Magic Shad)
Frogs: Zoom (Horny Toad), Gambler (Cane Toad)
Flippin/pitchin: RI (Sweet Beaver), Gambler (Ugly Otter), Rage (Space Monkey)
Stick: Yamamoto Senko (others do not compare)
Jerkbaits: Zoom (Fluke), Manns (Shadow)
I have hundreds (no exaggeration) of packs of plastics in the garage. To be honest, if I ONLY had the products above, I'd be just fine. I love trying new baits though...Part of the fun of bass fishing (for me) is all the different baits/techniques.
CWB reply :
QuoteThere's a huge difference. A Rage Lizard's action, compared to a Zoom lizard, is night and day. Same thing with the Craws. Then throw in differences of softness, and scent, and you have a whole new world open up.
Beat me to it with the Rage Lizard. Best by far.
I'm a sucker for anything new and usually give anything that looks interesting a try. If it works, I buy more. If not it ends up in my "Tackle Shop"
NY_ANGLERS reply :
Berkley Power bait is number 1 for me....
scattergun2570 reply :
QuoteI recently bought a large lot of assorted soft plastics. In this lot there are many many different brands of worms.I put many different brands of worms side by side and all I saw different was the color on alot of them.
Its just like trying to reinvent the wheel. I dont think any one might be better than the other.
I got a bunch of lizards too. Theres really no way to make a lizard "different" I cant say anyone of these will be a better fish catcher than the other.
Grubs...Dont get me started on those. Every maker has their version and they are mostly ALL identical to everyone elses.
Why are there so many soft plastics companies out there,when all they do is make a bait(worm,lizard or grub) that looks just like the next guys product.?
Some are absolutely more durable than others. Yamamoto Senko's are absolutley fish catchers,,but they rip very easily..Yum Dingers Hold Together much better..Wackyworm also. There are definitely differences.
Steve_IA reply :
QuoteBerkley Power bait is number 1 for me....
What is that written across the front of your shirt??? I can't quite read it because of that large bass hanging in front of you!!!
steve ;D
Juggernoob reply :
QuoteWhat is that written across the front of your shirt??? I can't quite read it because of that large bass hanging in front of you!!!
steve ;D
What you can't see is the tattoo on the bass that reads "Berkley Power bait is number 1 for me". 
Fishes in trees reply :
Yes, one soft plastic brand is better than any other. The caveat is the brand varies from day to day and you never have any advance info about which brand that will be. I've given this question alot of thought. The best solution is to purchase as many different brands and styles of soft plastics as you can. Then on a day when you are privileged enough to actually go fishing, only take as many different soft plastics as will reasonably fit into the boat.
farmpond1 reply :
QuoteBerkley Power bait is number 1 for me....
I agree. I was fishing with a good buddy and I knew that powerbaits were picking up lots of bass (from a previous trip). He experiemented by trying "non-powerbait" equivalents and scarcely picked up a fish. Then he switched and began catching fish.
Also, when the bass aren't aggressively hitting and you have to watch the line for movement or feel the weight of the bass on the other end, I believe the bass hold on to powerbaits longer so the hookset "window" is longer. I'm convinced they work better than the average soft plastic.
The Bassinator reply :
I like Zoom because they offer plastic baits at a good price and I don't have to tell you that they catch fish. I could buy Ragetails or GYCB or even some type of custom handpours but it just seems to me that if I'm getting bit and I can save some money why change? Then again I havent tried other plastics so I can't really compare but right now I like Zoom
evrgladesbasser reply :
Many baits look alike but perform differently.
IMO there is no substitution for the original senko.
Rage tail craws are by far and away the best I have ever used.
When it comes to trick worms, nothing matches the action of the zoom.
So is one better than another, Yes. However what I perceive to be the best will differ from others based on preference, fishing style, and a variety of other reasons.
scrutch reply :
QuoteThere are differences in density, buoyancy, and action. Find what makes you happy and use it. I also think David P has a good point. On busy lakes the bass see every lure known to man numerous times. Less common hand-pours may be the ticket to more fish on these pressured lakes.
IMHO this is key to setting yourself apart from the crowd. I think throwing something new on pressured waters can be a huge factor, among many other small factors, that you have to get right in order to catch fish.
I recently "introduced" a Rage Tail Space Monkey to a 10 acre private lake that I fish exclusively with 10 other guys. I arrived one day last week to find four of them already there. They'd been there for four hours and were almost skunked (2 dinks). All these guys fish this lake frequently and I would consider two of the four of them to be more skilled fishermen than me. It didn't take me long to figure out that this was a day that would require a slow presentation and I switched to a t-rigged RT Space Monkey. I was there just about one hour and had 4 fish with the largest being 5.5 lbs.
I'm convinced it was the "new" presentation that day as all four guys told me they'd never used any Rage Tail products before...that's since changed I'm sure.
I'm considering getting some hand pours from someone, or pouring my own someday soon to add to my arsenal.
scrutch reply :
QuoteQuoteWhat is that written across the front of your shirt??? I can't quite read it because of that large bass hanging in front of you!!!
steve ;D
What you can't see is the tattoo on the bass that reads "Berkley Power bait is number 1 for me".
;D ;D I'd never get a Berkley tattoo, especially on my "bass"!
philsoreel reply :
Yes! Yes! Mine are the best! Call 1-800-RIP-OFFF and leave bank account number. We call back in six to twenty-two months. Wait by phone.
This is a joke.
Siebert Outdoors reply :
Not all plastics are the same. You will have to find the one that fits your fishing style the best.
Typically the more action a bait gives the softer and less durable the bait will be.
David P reply :
QuoteThere are differences in density, buoyancy, and action. Find what makes you happy and use it. I also think David P has a good point. On busy lakes the bass see every lure known to man numerous times. Less common hand-pours may be the ticket to more fish on these pressured lakes.
Exactly, out here on some clear water lakes, I have personally seen the advantages. I've fished Dichoso Baits custom pours behind guys on the front of the boat fishing different baits, and they far out performed a handful of mass produced baits.
Might not make a difference EVERYWHERE, but sure does give that added confidence.
Primus reply :
What are some of your favorite profiles out of Dichoso baits if you don't mind me asking ?
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