Amazing 5 Must Have Soft Plastic Lures

Getting To Grips With Soft Plastic Lures

5 Must-Have Soft Plastic Lures – Lure Fishing: In this guide, we show you some of the hottest weedless soft plastic lures to that are slaying that bass in the UK. There is a multitude of soft plastic lures on the market at the moment we guide you through our top 5. They are:

• Fiiish Minnow
• Savage Gear Eel
• Skerries Eel
• Albie Snax
• Gary Yamamoto (Senko)

5 Must-Have Soft Plastic Lures for Saltwater Bass Fishing in the UK

When it comes to saltwater bass fishing in the UK, having the right soft plastic lures in your tackle box can make all the difference between a successful trip and a frustrating one. Soft plastic lures are versatile, lifelike, and effective in a variety of coastal environments, making them a top choice for targeting sea bass. Whether you’re casting from the shore or fishing from a boat, these five must-have soft plastic lures are essential to help you land that elusive bass.

Let’s explore these key soft plastics and why they should always be part of your saltwater bass fishing setup.

1. The Soft Plastic Minnow – A Sea Bass Classic

Soft plastic minnows are a go-to lure for saltwater bass fishing in the UK, and for good reason. Their design perfectly mimics the small baitfish that bass feed on in coastal waters. Whether you’re fishing in rocky inlets, estuaries, or open water, the soft plastic minnow will get results.

Why It Works: The natural swimming action of a soft plastic minnow makes it irresistible to sea bass. These lures often come pre-rigged with a jig head, allowing you to easily fish them straight out of the packet. The wobbling, darting action of a minnow lure as it moves through the water mimics injured or panicked baitfish, triggering predatory strikes from bass.

When to Use It:

• Ideal for fishing near rocky shorelines or kelp beds where baitfish are abundant
• Use in estuaries where sea bass hunt for prey in the current
• Effective during tidal movements when bass are actively feeding

Best Rigging Techniques:

• Jig Head: Simply cast and retrieve, allowing the natural swimming action to do the work
• Weighted Texas Rig: For more control in deeper water or around submerged structures

Opt for natural colours like silver, pearl, or mackerel patterns to match the local baitfish. This lure is a must-have, especially when the bass are feeding on small fish in shallow water.

2. The Soft Plastic Sandeel – Perfect for UK Waters

The sandeel is a staple in the diet of UK sea bass, making soft plastic sandeel imitations a highly effective lure. These long, slender lures mimic the natural movement of sandeels, which are found in abundance around the UK coastline. Sea bass are known to actively hunt these baitfish, especially around sandy beaches and offshore structures.

Why It Works: Soft plastic sandeels are highly lifelike and can be fished in a range of conditions. Their slender profile and subtle tail action make them appear like a sandeel swimming through the water, enticing bass to strike. Sea bass often patrol sandy areas looking for sandeels, and these lures can mimic them perfectly.

When to Use It:

• Excellent for fishing over sandy beaches, estuaries, or around sandbanks
• Ideal during summer months when sandeels are more active and abundant
• Works well in clear water conditions when bass are hunting by sight

Best Rigging Techniques:

• Jig Head: Cast and slowly retrieve to mimic the natural swimming action of a sandeel
• Drop Shot Rig: For fishing near the bottom or in deeper water where bass may be holding

Colours like olive, silver, and natural sandeel patterns are highly effective. The soft plastic sandeel is a proven winner in UK saltwater fishing and should be a key part of your tackle box.

3. The Soft Plastic Shrimp – Ideal for Inshore Bass Fishing

Shrimp may not be the first bait that comes to mind for saltwater bass fishing, but these crustaceans are a popular food source for sea bass, particularly in inshore waters. A soft plastic shrimp is an underrated but highly effective lure for targeting bass, especially in estuaries or near rocky outcrops where shrimp are common.

Why It Works: The soft plastic shrimp lure is designed to imitate the natural movement of a shrimp, particularly when fished along the seabed. Bass can’t resist the sight of a shrimp darting or crawling along the bottom. This lure works well in areas with minimal tidal flow, where shrimp are likely to be present.

When to Use It:

• Ideal for inshore fishing, especially around rocky shorelines or estuary mouths
• Effective during the spring and summer months when shrimp are more active
• Best used in calm waters with less tidal movement

Best Rigging Techniques:

• Jig Head: Bounce it along the bottom to mimic a shrimp crawling or darting away
• Weightless: Use in shallow waters or calm areas where subtle movements will attract bass

Shrimp-coloured or natural brown patterns work well, and this lure can be surprisingly effective in areas where bass are feeding on crustaceans.

4. Paddle Tail Lures – Versatile and Lifelike

Paddle tail lures are highly versatile and can be used in a wide variety of conditions when targeting sea bass. Their realistic swimming action, thanks to the paddle-shaped tail, makes them a top choice for anglers. These lures can be worked at different depths, making them ideal for both shore and boat fishing.

Why It Works: The paddle tail produces a vibrating motion that sea bass find irresistible. These lures can mimic various prey, from baitfish to juvenile flatfish, and their action works well in both calm and choppy water. Whether you’re fishing in clear or slightly murky conditions, paddle tails are a reliable option.

When to Use It:

• Great for fishing in rougher seas or when there is a bit of tidal movement
• Effective in rocky areas, estuaries, and over sandbanks
• Can be used year-round, making them versatile for all seasons

Best Rigging Techniques:

• Jig Head: Simple cast-and-retrieve, adjusting your speed based on the conditions
• Texas Rig: For targeting bass in areas with more structure like rocks or kelp

Paddle tails come in various sizes and colours. Silver, white, and blue work well, particularly when fishing in UK waters where bass are hunting baitfish like mackerel or sprats.

5. Creature Baits – For Aggressive Sea Bass

Though more commonly associated with freshwater fishing, creature baits have found their place in saltwater bass fishing, especially when targeting more aggressive sea bass. These lures come with multiple appendages, giving them a unique, erratic action in the water, which can trigger a strike from hungry bass.

Why It Works: The unpredictable action of a creature bait can imitate a range of prey, from crabs and shrimp to small fish. The added movement of the appendages makes these lures stand out in the water, especially when fished in areas with high competition for food.

When to Use It:

• Great for fishing in areas with strong tidal flow or wave action
• Works well in deeper waters or around submerged structures
• Best used when bass are feeding aggressively, such as in the early morning or late afternoon

Best Rigging Techniques:

• Texas Rig: Ideal for fishing around rocky outcrops or kelp beds
• Carolina Rig: For fishing deeper water with a slow, dragging presentation

Choose darker colours like black or brown for murkier water and natural colours like green and blue for clearer conditions.

Conclusion: Essential Soft Plastics for UK Saltwater Bass Fishing

Saltwater bass fishing in the UK can be highly rewarding, especially if you’re equipped with the right soft plastic lures. Whether you’re fishing from the shore or out on a boat, these five must-have lures will improve your chances of landing more bass.

From the reliable soft plastic minnow to the lesser-known creature baits, each of these lures brings something unique to the table. They mimic the natural prey found in UK waters and can be fished in a range of conditions. Make sure to experiment with different colours and rigging techniques to find what works best in the specific environment you’re fishing in.

So, next time you’re heading out for a bass fishing session, be sure to stock up on these essential soft plastic lures. They’re proven to work, and you’ll be glad you have them when the bass are biting!

Tight lines and good luck out there!

5 Must have soft plastic lures