What Are Some Cheaper Plastics That Are Effective For You? 2024

GaryCrankbait reply :

I am a big fan of gary yamamoto's plastic worms creatures etc. Seems like I cost myself an arm and a leg everytime I go to cash out (but i know they are worth the money) Just curious what kind of cheaper plastics (lizards, creatures, worms, etc) work effective for you as a bass fisherman. Trying to explore a little more with different brands this year.

dtruesdell24 reply :

Bass Pro Shops stick-os are a good alternative to Yamamoto senkos. They cost a few dollars less and you get 2x as much. You also can go wrong with Zoom stuff. I also like Berkeley Havoc craws and pit chunks. They cost $2.99 a pack and work well. I can't say much else about the other Havoc series lures though.

Choporoz reply :

I'm super cheap myself and REALLY wanted to love Stick-O's and Cabela's. I don't. Maybe just a mental/confidence thing, but I will swear that I get better than twice the action on Senkos than on either of the two mentioned. I hate that...but can't deny it.

frogflogger reply :

stik-o's and trick worms - two bargains that get bit

fishguy613 reply :

Almost everything zoom makes is worth a try and their baits are inexpensive, flukes, horny toads, tubes, chunks, craws, worms, etc. theres more but thats all ive tried from them so far

roadwarrior reply :

We have a section pinned at the top of the page for Senko. The "just as good as" argument

has been beat to death. Use what you like, the Real Deal or knockoffs. There are plenty to

choose from.

As far as other company soft plastics, you will find a HUGE following on this website for Rage

Tail products. Try a couple and see what you think. This might be a selection to start with:

Rage Tail Craw, Menace, Lizard, Space Monkey and Cut-R.

ww2farmer reply :

The Berkley Havoc stuff works pretty good, and is easy on the wallet.

fishva reply :

I like the Zoom lizards and brush hogs. I haven't tried a ton of their other products yet, but I really do like those two a lot.

Also, most of the BPS plastics I've tried have been good, they're just a little inconsistent sometimes. I'm assuming it's a quality control thing. One pack of worms will be noticeably stiffer than another pack, for example. I don't know how much of a difference it makes in the end, it's just something I've noticed. Or maybe I got a bad batch.

Edit: I forgot to mention the rage craws.

MarkH024 reply :

Havoc and Zoom. If you buy a bottle of Mend-it, you'll triple the life in just about all the plastics you own.

geo g reply :

The BPS plastics and zoom products are as good as they get. I have used senkos and find them over priced and the results are the same as the cheaper varieties. Don't over pay for the same results.

FrogFreak reply :

I'm a huge Rage Tail fan. They catch fish and they sponsor my favorite forum!

Tugmaster reply :

Check out Power Team Lures. You will not be disappointed.

Maxximus Redneckus reply :

Renegades at walmart and luck e strike

Volboy reply :

The best knock off senko type bait I've found is the netbait version. It's just about as heavy as the GY one, but not nearly as soft, so they don't tear up as easily.

As far as charter plastics go, the Havok series is great, and of course Zoom has a huge line up of shapes and sizes / colors for reasonable prices.

Big Bite has also really come on with some good new designs at a fair price.

tholmes reply :

http://www.barlowstackle.com/Soft-Plastic-Lures-C7.aspx

Been buying from here for years. Great price and quality.

Tom

mnbassman23 reply :

On 3/27/2014 at 3:40 AM, MarkH024 said:
Havoc and Zoom. If you buy a bottle of Mend-it, you'll triple the life in just about all the plastics you own.

Ratherbfishing reply :

I like Slurpies dip-stick worms by Northland.

Avalonjohn44 reply :

Havoc has some great baits. Gander Mountain's line of baits is excellent and made by Big Bite Bait Co I believe... Something that I have resorted to in order to save money on plastics is to buy Mend It. It costs are $14 for a bottle, but saves me literally dozens of bags of plastics a year. At around $4 a pop for a bag, the expenditure on the Mend it makes perfect sense.

Avalonjohn44 reply :

On 3/27/2014 at 3:40 AM, MarkH024 said:
Havoc and Zoom. If you buy a bottle of Mend-it, you'll triple the life in just about all the plastics you own.

Didn't see this before I posted. But yeah, what he said. :)

tommiller76 reply :

In the senkos style baits I find that the strike king shimmy sticks work just as well, Zoon has a wide variety of plastics that will cover every single type of soft plastics fishing you will need. I also like Havoc, Big Bite Baits, and Net baits. Most of the baits I've listed here don't have the scents that some of the high end plastics have but most will salt impregnated in them. Another idea to keep in mind is that most tackle stores and big name stores usually have some sort of plastics on sale so you can always save some money that way too.

Good luck and be safe...

CWB reply :

Berkley Havoc and Big Bite Baits.

Lots to choose from at decent prices.

0119 reply :

Gambler and Producto are two companies I swear by. Producto is more a regional thing. They are cheaper than most national brands but not as much variety. I prefer to buy from a smaller company. Charlie's worms too. Charlie Brewers Original Slider brand also.

Bankbeater reply :

BPS Stik-o and anything by Zoom.

atpns1234 reply :

7.5 culprit fire n ice

Blues19 reply :

On 3/27/2014 at 5:28 AM, tommiller76 said:

In the senkos style baits I find that the strike king shimmy sticks work just as well, Zoon has a wide variety of plastics that will cover every single type of soft plastics fishing you will need. I also like Havoc, Big Bite Baits, and Net baits. Most of the baits I've listed here don't have the scents that some of the high end plastics have but most will salt impregnated in them. Another idea to keep in mind is that most tackle stores and big name stores usually have some sort of plastics on sale so you can always save some money that way too.

Good luck and be safe...

I really like the Strike King Shimmy Sticks too.

I always look for things on clearance. The Bass Pro Outlet store has helped me stock up on A LOT of cheap plastics!

motodmast reply :

zoom, Havoc, and Missile baits all very good

tbirds00 reply :

As a lot of other people have said zoom, havoc, missile baits, BPS just to name a few that are cheap but work good for me.

fishinthedacks reply :

Bass bustin baits pumpkin lizards 2.99 a 10 pack at my local bait shop. Got my 2 personal bests on those.

mjseverson24 reply :

Havoc/Netbait/bigbites

Mitch

ThurmanMerman reply :

In my experience, Zoom flukes are durable and affordable. I caught three 2lb bass and still was able to use the same fluke. They were pounding the snot out of that fluke.

HLNichols reply :

I am a big fan of Zoom baits due to their effectiveness and low price. I have recently started to use NetBaits as well. They are uber cheap and have tons of scent in them. I think I got several bags at Tackle Warehouse for $2.89. They come with 20 worms in each bag (for the finesse worms, anyway). Definitely good baits in both cases.

jeff25 reply :

The yum dingers are just like a senko but half the price

Pz3 reply :

I loved Bitters baits. Heard they were going out of business though

kcdinkerz reply :

^{The only time I use yama senkos are when I texas rig they just have that nice wiggle on the drop, for wacky big bit baits makes some pretty nice stick worms 25 pack for 5.99 and cant beat price on that.}

Djman72 reply :

Zoom and Havoc, all you need!

I have a pack or two of senko's when the fishing is tough but i try to only use them when the bite is dead.

SpencerLittle reply :

I figured there would be more love for Missile baits on this subject. At 3.99 a pack and good quanities per pack for high quality products they are hard to beat. I think everything in there line up is a fish catcher. .. I really like the havoc crawls as well.

SoMinnBass reply :

I love Big Bite Baits for their Trick Sticks and Swimming Craws. They are cheap, and I even find them on sale quite often at Gander Mountain and other sporting goods stores.

bigbill reply :

For senko similair baits I use;

BPS STIK O

GAMBLER ACE

MISTER TWISTER COMIDA

These last longer than the senko's do. The senko is one senko per fish.

SirSnookalot reply :

I use zoom flukes quite a bit, seldom use senkos or trailers for jigs. I make these up for my jig fishing, used in both fresh and saltwater.

wisconsin heat reply :

I like most Havoc baits. I think Zman plastics are a really good deal since they last so long. I bought a bunch of bags of chunks online,they look good and float, only downside was that they are a little big for my jigs, but that's okay. They also make a ton of shapes, Im going to try out a bunch more this season I think.

WIGuide reply :

On 3/27/2014 at 3:02 AM, Choporoz said:
I'm super cheap myself and REALLY wanted to love Stick-O's and Cabela's. I don't. Maybe just a mental/confidence thing, but I will swear that I get better than twice the action on Senkos than on either of the two mentioned. I hate that...but can't deny it.

You should give Yum Dingers or the Big Bite Bait version. A little more than the house brands but still cheaper than a YCB.

The brands I like are Yum, Big Bite, Berkley Havoc, and Missile Baits.

Jaderose reply :

No love for Bearpaws Hippie Sticks? Small make in New York. Free shipping and they will do custom colors and densities at no extra charge. They also come loaded with MegaStrike. 10 for $5.00 not shipping charge. I will tell you that their website is VERY outdated, though. They will get back to you if you leave them a message

Alonerankin2 reply :

I got a few bags of Havoc pit bosses at 1.50$ a bag... Generally I use rage craws... But when other plastics are slashed... I grab-em up. I often can get power bait for .99 cents a bag.. Just thrifty shop...

Lazz reply :

On 3/27/2014 at 3:02 AM, Choporoz said:
I'm super cheap myself and REALLY wanted to love Stick-O's and Cabela's. I don't. Maybe just a mental/confidence thing, but I will swear that I get better than twice the action on Senkos than on either of the two mentioned. I hate that...but can't deny it.

Fully agree....sucks. I wanna love'm so bad....

I honestly think Nothing is as good as a real Senko...just other stuff that do other things...if that makes any sense!

Although I will be using them again this season do to buying the 104 piece Stik-O kit with 360 tackle box when it was on sale for less than two bags a senkos...I figured a ton guys here love'm worth a shot for that price...but hey maybe this year Ill love'm.

Just picked up a bunch of NetBaits stuff last night at bps...they look killer, i hope there good

I had no luck with all the Havoc stuff i picked up last season so....

I regularly use Yum Dingers an a Ton of Zoom stuff that I Love....horny toads, Ol' Monster, trick worms, Salty Super Fluke, lizards...just few

Love Zoom

NWBasslover reply :

I'm a big fan of Kalin's brand grubs. Last a long time for only $2 a bag, good colors, have caught me a lot of fish!

herruberraschen reply :

Zoom trick worms. Available at every Walmart I've been to. Watermelon red for clearer water and black for darker water. Weightless, T-rig, shaky head, wacky, carolina... Fish it any way and catch fish. Always recommend to beginners.

Bluebasser86 reply :

Havoc's lineup is the way to go for good, inexpensive plastics.

5fishlimit reply :

Anything with Zoom written on the package.

frogflogger reply :

Although they aren't particularly cheap initially Zman plastics are extemely durable - some of their worms have caught 30 - 50 fish without changing baits. That's pretty cheap - and they are very effective.

RoLo reply :

Zoom 5" Finesse Worms

Zoom 6.5" Trick Worms

Roger

The Commodore reply :

On 3/27/2014 at 10:01 AM, Pz3 said:
I loved Bitters baits. Heard they were going out of business though

Where did you hear this? I was in their store just last week. I hope you are mistaken.

JaxBasser reply :

Zoom.

Trick worms, speed craws, speed worms, flukes, and baby brush hogs probably catch 3/4 of all of my fish.

I really like the Havoc and Big bite brands also. Pit Boss, Juice Worms, and Cane Thumpers especially.

dtruesdell24 reply :

Bass Pro has a lot of lures on sale right now including Yamamotos and Zoom if you need to stock up

bassfisher12123 reply :

Havoc and roboworms

Jacob044 reply :

Does any body find a soft plastic that catches bass as good as the rage craw??? I get great results on the rage craw BUT they are awful flimsy. It only takes a couple of fish to destroy them. Most times if a bass doesn't inhale them, they just rip the claws right off. Good bait but way too soft.

JaxBasser reply :

The Zoom Speed Craws work really well for me. I use both and they both catch a ton of fish.

MacP reply :

On 3/31/2014 at 10:45 PM, Jacob044 said:
Does any body find a soft plastic that catches bass as good as the rage craw??? I get great results on the rage craw BUT they are awful flimsy. It only takes a couple of fish to destroy them. Most times if a bass doesn't inhale them, they just rip the claws right off. Good bait but way too soft.

Netbait Craws.

Zoom, Netbait, Havoc.

Dicks routinely has Flukes for like $2.30. Paca Craws are that price and I can get Subwoofers for $1.99.

roadwarrior reply :

On 3/31/2014 at 10:45 PM, Jacob044 said:
Does any body find a soft plastic that catches bass as good as the rage craw??? I get great results on the rage craw BUT they are awful flimsy. It only takes a couple of fish to destroy them. Most times if a bass doesn't inhale them, they just rip the claws right off. Good bait but way too soft.

No.

First of all, bass seem to prefer a softer plastic, i.e. Rage Tail and GYCB.

Second, besides the precise profile, the patented ridge makes Rage Tail unique.

This particular feature seperates these baits from all others.

Wbeadlescomb reply :

It's zoom for most of my Texas rig shakey head stuff but netbait makes some good baits. For flipping and pitching it's reaction innovations. Something about the beaver/kinky beaver that the other brands can't replicate. I will say I used the biffle bug a little yesterday and it shows promise

MNBassFisher reply :

I don't like paying that much for stick baits so I usually buy the big value packs from Gander Mtn or I always seem to find a good sale on Big Bite Baits and I'll load up on those.

Hattrick7 reply :

Big Bites stick worms in green pumpkin. I got a bag of 25 for 5-6 bucks on TW. They have a little slit where your hook comes through so you don't have to skin hook it.

Basshammer reply :

Bass Pro has the stick 0 worms which are fairly chep compared to yamamotos and yum has there version of yum dingers which are great, Strike King has a ocho worm i think. Try these out and see if they fit your fishing technique.

FishinDaddy reply :

On 3/27/2014 at 10:01 AM, Pz3 said:
I loved Bitters baits. Heard they were going out of business though

On 3/30/2014 at 5:05 PM, The Commodore said:
Where did you hear this? I was in their store just last week. I hope you are mistaken.

They are absolutely NOT going out of business. I called myself last week just to make sure. The guy I talked to asked me to tell people to STOP spreading that rumor.

To the OP.

Bitters is by far the most economical plastic out there. Not only is the price lower, their plastic is much more durable than most. I use the Swimmer and Vibe and IMO, the action is superior to the originals.

Arv reply :

Another for trick worms and stick o's.

Lendiesel22 reply :

Check out my boys in MD http://www.bustembaits.com

Grizzn N Bassin reply :

On 4/4/2014 at 8:33 PM, FishinDaddy said:
They are absolutely NOT going out of business. I called myself last week just to make sure. The guy I talked to asked me to tell people to STOP spreading rumors.
Thank goodness i love there baits,i stocked up on baits from them. And will continue to do so.

Grizzn N Bassin reply :

Big bite baits are a great bany for your buck

Lendiesel22 reply :

I just got a few Big Bites as well.....they look ok

basscatcher8 reply :

I've given up on alot of brands and buy them sparingly but if you want the best bang for your buck check out ebay. I use ebay and a couple forums for sale sections to find awesome deals. I was buying 100 packs of 4 inch and 5 inch grubs for 20 bucks a bag. Alot of these guys that are pouring their own are just as good as the brands and they are just trying to keep the hobby going and not to worried about making a profit. Plus you find color combos you dont see everywhere.

fishnfreak410 reply :

Big Bite Baits-

Dean Rojas Cane Sticks

Super Sticks

Trick Sticks

Wacky Sticks

I use several of their products

cbass12 reply :

Netbait. Their finesse worms are cheaper than zoom and they thread onto a screw lok a little easier because of the flat head.

SENKOSAM reply :

Once I got past set up cost, pouring my own is way cheaper than buying. Rage Tails - 70 cents each; my poured craw - less than a dime each if the plastic is fresh and not a remelt. I have molds for 30 soft plastic designs in different sizes.

No reason to ever use Senkos again since I own a bunch of Yum sticks in a few favorite colors, but again, can pour my own with a buoyancy and softness of choice.

Tubes I buy by the 50 pack on-line from someone I hooked up with on Ebay. 20 cents each for a 3.5" tube in a thicker diameter. That's where I've bought and replace most of my weighted hooks.

Brian6428 reply :

Berkley Havoc and Netbait are my two main plastic brands. I love them both and they're dirt cheap. I also use stik-o's but don't use any other BPS plastics.

primetime reply :

mister twister curly tail worms, exude flukes, grubs, and they have a new craw bait that is actually really good, it has a sponge feel and releases air bubbles. I also like their color patterns and swimming a grub or on a darter jig is a great way to catch fish and a mr. twister grub is as good as any.....Sassy shads as well

FishinDaddy reply :

On 4/5/2014 at 9:19 PM, cbass12 said:
Netbait. Their finesse worms are cheaper than zoom and they thread onto a screw lok a little easier because of the flat head.

I use the netbait baby paca craw and paca punch.

Trek reply :

I'm a little cheap myself at times. I got to figuring out what plastic was costing me every year and decided to start making my own. Your going to have some cost up front but it's very easy to do. Once you have the stuff you can make your plastics for pennies. I bought a Gary Yamamoto Senko mold from CCM that is the exact worm. Not a knock off. I now make them so cheap and it's the same thing. When they break I put them in a bag and remelt them into new ones.

Teal reply :

Cheap plastics that fish well = Bitters Baits.

Do a google search. Great stuff very inexpensive. They have more colors than most of the leading brands

Jr.Bassmaster77 reply :

Cant go wrong with "Big Bite Baits" senkos!

Texasangler14 reply :

I really disliked the BPS stik-o's. I thought they were not durable at all. I wanted to like them because they have big sizes. Havoc baits are good but i have found Gander Mountain plastics to be the best alternative. Just solid baits. The pro packs are 10 bucks and offer great value. I have so much money in plastics its ridiculous. I also really like grande bass rattlesnakes.

primetime reply :

alot of plastic companies share baits, ever look at the bass pro humpin toad and the charlies frog? I know that several baits that are beloved are also available in a few smaller companies bag without the magic stamp, or maybe they change the gold flake to copper...Learned about that when I would go to the factory and see it all go down.....Amazing and glad they are still making them in the USA.

I do Love the Big BIte Sticks, Rage tail and any coffee smelling bait works, and Zoom, Culprit, Mister Twister....Every company makes good baits, some better than others, and if you believe that brand A is better than Brand B, then it is true regardless of price.Confidence matters most for me, and I am a fanatic about detail and action, and I have dropped alot of sticks in my pool over the years, and GYB/Kinami?........... ...... do have a shimmy that is tough to beat. They pulsate like no other. The Net bait Salt Lick is interesting with the pork, I find it to be a very good bait and usually if I only get 1 fish out of the bait, then it usually means it will have a nice action on the drop.

I have purchased worms from companies charging a premium as I like to try new stuff, and have watched the worm fall like a rock and the color looked great, but worms were junk. I bet they are durable however, but I wouldnt know, once I fell behind 2-0 to my buddy, I was grabbing for one of my favorites and I like a Dinger, GYB, Gambler, Salt Lick, and Love some Chompers and Venom.

redux reply :

On 4/4/2014 at 9:54 PM, Grizzn N Bassin said:
Big bite baits are a great bany for your buck

+1 for sure! High quality, USA, local, hardcore fishing.

Alonerankin2 reply :

Also give the zoom Fluke stick a try..... It's my new fave over GYCB....25percent off right now

At BPS.... Making 10 per bag at 3.25$ and it's

A very, very good bait... Still keeping a couple

Bags of Senko around... For dire straits !!

RipSomeLips reply :

I myself have found some real nice $1.49 Buzzbaits at academy. They also have big bite baits for $1.49 per 5 pack of senko which is a great price. I have had pretty good luck with the jumbo soft bait pack I bought from bps.

pennix5 reply :

Berkley havoc

BasshunterJGH reply :

Anything zoom, or gitzit tubes

papajoe222 reply :

NetBait puts out some decent,affordable products. The only downside is their color selection is very limited.

Creekcrappie reply :

Zoom and havoc.

Zoom I own all the styles and sizes in at least two colors each. I have as many as 19 colors in one style (6" lizard) . I still prefer Go 2 Baits products though.

Havoc, some are great, some are horrible. I will tell about the ones I have tried.

Pit boss- Great flapping action, durable, great color choices. I like them.

Rocket craw- Great action, good color choices. Reminds me of a zoom uv speed craw, just not as bulky.

Bottom Hopper and Bottom Hopper jr.- Good finesse worm. I don't fish them on a shaky because I fish Go 2s. Reminds me of a trick worm that floats.

Grass Pig- Great action. My favorite cheap swimbait. Notice I said cheap

Juice worm- Good worm. More durable than a zoom ribbon tail worm. Wish they made them in the 10-11 inch range too.

Hawk hawg- Great action. More action than a brush hog. It "glides" better that a brush hog. In between a baby brush hog size and a brush hog size. I like them on a carolina rig because they float and they have that gliding action.

Wide load- Don't buy it. It have absolutely no action, it was terrible. Don't know why they still have that bait still in the havoc line.

kadas reply :

On 3/27/2014 at 3:02 AM, Choporoz said:
I'm super cheap myself and REALLY wanted to love Stick-O's and Cabela's. I don't. Maybe just a mental/confidence thing, but I will swear that I get better than twice the action on Senkos than on either of the two mentioned. I hate that...but can't deny it.

X2--have also tried to deny it but I do think it is a confidence thing because of past success I know I will get bites with GY products and yes they are expensive but when I am fishing and catching price is not such a factor--JMO

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