Soft Bait Aggravation. 2024
Fishing Cop reply :
As many of you know, soft baits get expensive. I buy Rage Tails and Zoom Speed Craws and others and pay 5-7 dollars a pack at least.
The problem is, I can get a bite or a nibble and when I get the bait back to the boat, the legs, tails, arms etc. are missing. Then I have to throw away the whole bait that I only made a couple cast with. Very aggravating and expensive. I stopped trying to set the hook on most of the nibbles because of this or when I do set the hook, it just rips the tails right off. The baits are expensive but seem cheaply made.
Do yall have this problem?
thunderballs reply :
This may be wrong, or not much help, but I lost the claws on my rage craw trailer I was using yesterday. I kept fishing with it, and still caught fish.
Now I probably wouldn't fish all day with a tore up trailer, but try it for a while and see what happens.
Fishing Cop reply :
I usually try it that way too, but very soon the other claw or tail is missing.
gardnerjigman reply :
Use cheap twin tail grubs as jig trailers and stuff while fun fishing. Break out the rage and other expensive stuff on tournament day.
smalljaw67 reply :
It sounds like you are fishing around schools of bluegill which are notorious for that but it hasn't been that big of a problem. The thing is you need to be careful with how long you let the fish have it, if it is a bass it can end up swallowing it. The best way is if you know they are gills then lift the bait up with a slow steady lifting of the rod from the 3 0'clock position to the noon position, the small fish either let go or if it is a bass it may run or pull with it but it is very hard not to set the hook if you don't know what you are getting bitby.
flyfisher reply :
par for the course. if it bothers you that much fish jigs with no trailer or hard baits. Other than that, you just have to deal with it.
Fishing Cop reply :
i think it is mostly Bream or Perch. I try to ease it away but it still happens. I am still trying to learn to fish a jig. I have never caught a fish on one. Just can't get the swing of it.
PersicoTrotaVA reply :
I've lost tails and pincers before and guess what? It still catches fish without them. Hooked into some of the biggest fish I have ever hooked into with 1 pincer on my rage tail chunk. Also if you are getting bluegill, perch or other smaller species taking your baits apart, put it down and pick up a crankbait and drag it through them, there has to be a bass somewhere around there that wants to eat...
hatrix reply :
They have those elaztech plastics. You could try those. I don't think they will pull that apart. I tried to use craws once but it didn't work out. I spent what seemed like forever trying to get a weighted screw lock in it. I eventually gave up and have never tried them again.
gulfcaptain reply :
Or here is a suggestion, keep all your old baits, buy some Mend-It and repair the ones that can be and use the others that are missing pieces to repair others. The cost of the Mend-It is a lot cheaper then the cost of a couple bags of plastics.
Weld's Largemouth reply :
On 9/8/2014 at 3:35 AM, Fishing Cop said:As many of you know, soft baits get expensive. I buy Rage Tails and Zoom Speed Craws and others and pay 5-7 dollars a pack at least.
The problem is, I can get a bite or a nibble and when I get the bait back to the boat, the legs, tails, arms etc. are missing. Then I have to throw away the whole bait that I only made a couple cast with. Very aggravating and expensive. I stopped trying to set the hook on most of the nibbles because of this or when I do set the hook, it just rips the tails right off. The baits are expensive but seem cheaply made.
Do yall have this problem?
You are fishing in a lake with too many toothy fish
RSM789 reply :
On 9/8/2014 at 7:31 AM, gulfcaptain said:Or here is a suggestion, keep all your old baits, buy some Mend-It and repair the ones that can be and use the others that are missing pieces to repair others. The cost of the Mend-It is a lot cheaper then the cost of a couple bags of plastics.
+1. I keep torn up baits off to the side for the day and toss them in a bag of the same when I get home. Every few weeks, I get them all out & use some Mend-it on them while watching a ballgame. There is some odd sense of satisfaction from catching additional fish on a fixed bait (& I'm not even Scottish!!)
Fishing Rhino reply :
On 9/8/2014 at 7:25 AM, hatrix said:They have those elaztech plastics. You could try those. I don't think they will pull that apart. I tried to use craws once but it didn't work out. I spent what seemed like forever trying to get a weighted screw lock in it. I eventually gave up and have never tried them again.
Here's a simple solution. A candle and a safety pin. Open the safety pin and heat it in the candle. Then melt a hole where you want to insert the bait holder (screw type, barbs or whatever). Then, put a drop of super glue in the hole when you want to rig it. Quickly slide it over the holder, and let the glue set up.
Make sure you have the bait lined up before the glue sets up.
It's hard enough just to push the hook through elaztech baits, and impossible to push or twist the "holders" into the elaztech material.
Arv reply :
On 9/8/2014 at 7:31 AM, gulfcaptain said:Or here is a suggestion, keep all your old baits, buy some Mend-It and repair the ones that can be and use the others that are missing pieces to repair others. The cost of the Mend-It is a lot cheaper then the cost of a couple bags of plastics.
This.
I love Mend-It. Saves a ton of money.
annexation reply :
Yeah, I think this is a problem for everyone who fishes soft plastic, appendage-y baits from time to time. It's bothered me enough to invest in a few aluminum molds so I can melt down and recycle ripped up baits into new ones.
It's not necessarily cost-effective compared to, say, just buying more bags. But it's fun for me to reincarnate old baits - and they catch fish.
Alonerankin2 reply :
To you're point, soft plastics tear, softer plastics tear even worse... I use Rage Craws/ Rage Rigged, other than that it's pit boss or other slightly more durable baits....
Fishing Cop reply :
I guess I need to check out more durable baits.
GoDeep reply :
On 9/8/2014 at 3:35 AM, Fishing Cop said:As many of you know, soft baits get expensive. I buy Rage Tails and Zoom Speed Craws and others and pay 5-7 dollars a pack at least.
The problem is, I can get a bite or a nibble and when I get the bait back to the boat, the legs, tails, arms etc. are missing. Then I have to throw away the whole bait that I only made a couple cast with. Very aggravating and expensive. I stopped trying to set the hook on most of the nibbles because of this or when I do set the hook, it just rips the tails right off. The baits are expensive but seem cheaply made.
Do yall have this problem?
YES! Not bad mouthing Rage Tail baits, but the durability I've found is just not there. They catch fish, but it gets frustrating when they tear so easy. Mend It is making a fortune off of repairing RT's baits. Zoom, Z-Man, and Gene Larew baits I've found are the most durable.
roadwarrior reply :
The cost of soft plastics is such a small part of the price to fish. I want the best possible chance
of catching fish when I have the opportunity to be out on the water. I put a much higher value on
my time than the cost of a bait.
A-Jay reply :
On 9/8/2014 at 5:45 AM, smalljaw67 said:It sounds like you are fishing around schools of bluegill which are notorious for that but it hasn't been that big of a problem. The thing is you need to be careful with how long you let the fish have it, if it is a bass it can end up swallowing it. The best way is if you know they are gills then lift the bait up with a slow steady lifting of the rod from the 3 0'clock position to the noon position, the small fish either let go or if it is a bass it may run or pull with it but it is very hard not to set the hook if you don't know what you are getting bitby.
On 9/8/2014 at 6:21 AM, Fishing Cop said:i think it is mostly Bream or Perch. I try to ease it away but it still happens. I am still trying to learn to fish a jig. I have never caught a fish on one. Just can't get the swing of it.
Let's talk about where you're fishing; the specific spot.
As you're fishing your jig, think about casting "around" and or "near" the bait fish and not necessarily right in them. While casting to different spots, if you find you're feeding trailers to bass food, you probably found a good spot. Try backing off a little of working your bait out & around that area.
We all know they can be anywhere but often times the bass you're looking for is not sitting in the middle of the bait but somewhere on the perimeter just waiting . . . . . . . . .for you jig perhaps.
And as for "getting the swing if it", something that helped me learn to fish one was to lighten up the jig a little. I was fishing too heavy a bait and it was just dredging the bottom. I had no feel. Once I went lighter and the jig was able for fall & swim slow & more naturally, I started getting the rod ripped out of my hand - just something to think about.
Good Luck
A-Jay
Fishing Cop reply :
Thanks A-Jay.
Most of the soft plastics that are getting tore up are coming on a T-Rig, fished close to the bank and under docks, so shallow water usually. It doesn't happen to a jig usually. I can't even get a bite on a jig. It feels so heavy. 1/2 oz with a trailer. I can fish the T Rig and catch fish when they don't rip apart a NEW plastic. But as far as the Jigs are concerned, I am just at a loss.
Brian6428 reply :
On 9/8/2014 at 7:25 AM, hatrix said:They have those elaztech plastics. You could try those. I don't think they will pull that apart. I tried to use craws once but it didn't work out. I spent what seemed like forever trying to get a weighted screw lock in it. I eventually gave up and have never tried them again.
Same here. Elaztech+screw lock= bad time
hatrix reply :
On 9/9/2014 at 5:18 AM, Brian6428 said:Same here. Elaztech+screw lock= bad time
I could of just used a normal weighted hook and been fine I am sure. I was almost force of habit to grab a screw lock and a good majority of my hooks have screw locks any more.
5fishlimit reply :
On 9/9/2014 at 2:05 AM, Fishing Cop said:Thanks A-Jay.
Most of the soft plastics that are getting tore up are coming on a T-Rig, fished close to the bank and under docks, so shallow water usually. It doesn't happen to a jig usually. I can't even get a bite on a jig. It feels so heavy. 1/2 oz with a trailer. I can fish the T Rig and catch fish when they don't rip apart a NEW plastic. But as far as the Jigs are concerned, I am just at a loss.
Go smaller on the jig, 1/4oz + trailer.
The size you're using is better suited for water 10+ feet deep, IMHO.
Fishing Cop reply :
On 9/9/2014 at 8:31 AM, 5fishlimit said:Go smaller on the jig, 1/4oz + trailer.
The size you're using is better suited for water 10+ feet deep, IMHO.
Sometimes I do fish deeper water with a jig. It just seems heavy. Maybe it is suppose to feel that way. Still waiting to catch a fish on a jig though. I just don't have any confidence with a jig, so therefore, I don't fish it too often.
ClackerBuzz reply :
http://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-forums/topic/142538-the-secret-to-not-losing-so-many-senkos-heres-the-solution/
Comfortably Numb reply :
On 9/9/2014 at 11:15 AM, Fishing Cop said:Sometimes I do fish deeper water with a jig. It just seems heavy. Maybe it is suppose to feel that way. Still waiting to catch a fish on a jig though. I just don't have any confidence with a jig, so therefore, I don't fish it too often.
Try a 1/8 jig. It similar to fishing a weightless Senko.
Master Bait'r reply :
OP it sounds like you should get some ozmos. They're creature baits and I swear the bass help me invent new variations by lopping stuff off haha... If it comes back missing something, you just cut off a few other things and make it something new- which actually can help draw another strike IME.
TorqueConverter reply :
Try a space monkey instead of a rage craw as a jig trailer. Its got all the action of business end of a rage craw and durability is fantastic. I've caught dozens of fish per bait.
SirSnookalot reply :
On 9/8/2014 at 10:59 PM, roadwarrior said:The cost of soft plastics is such a small part of the price to fish. I want the best possible chance
of catching fish when I have the opportunity to be out on the water. I put a much higher value on
my time than the cost of a bait.
Absolutely !
As said losing a claw isn't a big deal, I catch many fish on the jig alone. I use a Flappin Shad by Gambler quite a bit, once that paddle tail is bit off that bait is useless, I'm not bothered how many I go thru. This time of the year I can easily lose 10-20 or more hard lures and spoons in a month, the more I lose the better the bite, in the end I catch more fish.
J Francho reply :
Not setting the hook because I'm afraid to lose a 50¢ bait would drive me more nuts than anything else. Maybe try some Z- Man baits instead. Even if they don't work (they do, I use them) it won't matter if you're not setting the hook. Catch my drift? Set the hook man!
FirstnameLastname reply :
Dude, I literally just wrote a post entitled save money on plastics a few under this post.
TorqueConverter reply :
I wish I wasn't addicted to Flappin Hogs. ZERO durability.
SirSnookalot reply :
On 9/10/2014 at 3:19 AM, J Francho said:Not setting the hook because I'm afraid to lose a 50¢ bait would drive me more nuts than anything else. Maybe try some Z- Man baits instead. Even if they don't work (they do, I use them) it won't matter if you're not setting the hook. Catch my drift? Set the hook man!
Both RW & Francho couldn't be more right.
Especially for the recreational fisherman as RW has mentioned a number of times one needs but 3 combos, I don't even carry 3 but that's just me. Given the fact that so many people carry 3-5-10 combos, each one costing hundreds of dollars, then penny pinching on plastics makes little sense sense to me. As far as I'm concerned it's the bait that catches the fish, worrying about the durability is what I call defensive fishing, I take the offense and don't even use wire for toothy critters. I may lose a lot of lures but if I'm catching fish I don't care, lost 4 hard jerkbaits in the last 2 days, not even phased by it.
Fishes in trees reply :
If you try not to think about how much money you spend on soft plastics, you will be better off. What I'd recommend is that every time you get down to the last few baits of any given kind of soft plastic, make a note of it. Then when you get into a tackle store, get 3 bags of whatever you are short of. Do this for a dozen years or so and over time you will accumulate a decent assortment of soft plastic. Also, your investment in each individual bait becomes less, a small portion of your entire stash of baits, so you don't get bent when you tear one up.
Don't ever buy just one bag of any given color or shape, that will guarantee that the bait will catch fish and you will run out of it at an inopportune time.
For instance, I wish I would have bought more 8" power bait lizards when they were available, they are discontinued now. I wish I would have bought more Berkley powerhawg creature baits in the green pumpkin/copper flake color. That color is discontinued now. Those are two of dozens of examples I could recite.
Back to the point, none of these dilemmas would have happened had I been concerned about how much money I was spending on soft plastics. My advice is don't worry about the cost of soft plastics. Use them as necessary. They will make more, most of the time.
TorqueConverter reply :
I can't get my head around this: Most people think that it's OK to spend what amounts to a $1.00 a bite with soft baits, yet it's abhorrent that a similarly priced thin lipped, balsa wood crankbait, that could catch hundreds of fish, will eventually break. It's like people think crankbaits are supposed to be indestructible and soft baits are supposed to melt in your hands.
What's even more mind boggling is that no one in their right mind should expect a thin billed balsa crank to be as durable as plastic crank yet they should expect soft baits with a lot of built in action by design, to be made from a stiffer material than baits will little to no built in action.
Why is everything bassackwards? Is it an emotional decision, because it sure as heck isn't based in any logic? Do people just go "crankbaits are expensive so they should last forever but soft baits are cheap so its ok that they don't last long."
5fishlimit reply :
I'm wondering if those of us that aren't concerned about the costs of soft plastics are more regularly fishing tournaments were we have a potential paycheck looming vs recreational fishermen who don't have the possibility to cover the costs?
Not pointing any fingers. Just curious.
primetime reply :
I would normally keep using the bait without the appendages or just a few. If they panfish are that aggressive then I would imagine all the craws in that area are missing claws and legs as well. Thowing a craw soft bait with all its claws may actually look out of place....
If you are using scent that could be a problem as well, so I usually just go without any extra scent if panfish are tearing them up, and if they are aggressive, I switch from a craw trailer to a swimbait trailer that mimics a bluegill.....Try Flipping the Shellcracker, Ez Swimmer, or a swimbait that mimics a bluegill or perch etc....may work better, you can use trailers on Jigs like spider grubs, swimbaits, worms, any soft bait...Also, Zoom baits at $5 a pack? A little shopping online and you can do much better for speed craws and other beavers etc...
Just my 2cents but areas with alot of aggressive panfish usually have Large Bass in the area and larger swimbaits often work well.
J Francho reply :
If the panfish are so bold to be murdering your plastics, I'd say you might be barking up the wrong tree. When I see comfortable sunnies I'm thinking refuge for small fish, not hunting grounds for lunkers. It doesn't mean it's a bad spot, just that big bass may not be active in that area right then.
Alonerankin2 reply :
Contrary to what many may claim, a fisherman, can be quite successful fishing with a more durable plastic, I am not referring to zman, but a more durable soft plastic, I mean senkos, have only been around a tad over a decade, before that, I caught thousands of fish with tougher plastic baits, that was my only point.... I have several ( too many ) bags of GYCB, as well as Rage Craws.... If it is causing a bit of a sting,then you should have confidence that a cheaper alternative can & will give good, if not excellent results.
SirSnookalot reply :
A recent experience. Bought a pack of flappin shad at DSG couple of weeks ago, really enjoyed using them and they were productive. I stopped in at my local tackle shop which is 90% saltwater, carries some bass baits. Happen to have flappin shads so I bought pack, first thing I noticed it was a different package, this was old stock. I rig up the older flappin shad, the plastic was harder, more difficult to rig and the paddle didn't move as well, the result was no fish. Take it off and rig up the newer one..............fish on !
We have 2 identical baits made by the same company one being durable with an obvious different plastic blend, and the other has little durability but catches fish. I've run the experiment a few times and the results are consistent. For me the choice is an easy one, spend money and catch fish, or save money and catch nothing.
TorqueConverter reply :
It depends in the type of bait but baits will little to no built in action will benefit from an ultra soft plastic where as a bait with a lot of built in action will not. The durability argument is not just a matter of how soft a bait is but how elastic it is too. A bait that wants to stretch before it tears is going to be more durable than one that does not.
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