Do You Use A Skirt On Your Soft Plastics?

[mattk22]

When, where, and why do you use a skirt with your soft plastics?  Seems like I have been seeing it more, especially on Major League Fishing episodes and got me wondering.  I have never used them.

[BassinB]

I use punch skirts often in situations where I want a bulkier presentation.  It kind of replicates the look of a jig but it comes through the cover more easily.  If it is really stained water or I'm pitching up under lily pads or docks in the shade a larger bulkier lure will sometimes trigger a strike.  Plus fish that see a lot of T-rigged power worms or craw baits often haven't seen something with the strands and movement of a punch skirt.

[A-Jay]

Yes I do - all the time.

 

I use this skirt and plastic rig instead of a jig.  (Pictured below)

What I do like about this rig over a Standard Fixed hook jig:
  ~ First and fore most, the fish eat it.
  ~The hook-up ratio is the same as a standard Jig or maybe even a bit better.
  ~It comes through cover better.
  ~I can modify / customize the rig any way I want. By switching the weight, the skirt color or type, the hook size or type and the plastic trailer of my choosing - the options are endless.

With very little chance of hanging up, I Fish it through lily pad fields, milfoil patches, cabbage patches, stump/log jams, and open water ~ All on One Cast !

So, instead of carrying a ton of different color and size jigs, I can be ready for anything (including punching through the slop) with a hand full of weights, skirts, hooks and a small assortment of plastics. Beavers, Beasts, Grubs, Craws and creature baits have all taken fish. I have even recently re-homed more than half of my standard jigs as they were hardly ever getting wet.

Here's the rig, from the main line to the hook:

-A stopped knot (I use a double uni-knot made from left over braided line)
- A small bead to keep the knot from slipping through the weight.
- A 1/2 oz tungsten weight
- a Boss Punch Hub - this is placed inside the skirt collar
- The skirt of your choice
- A parasite clip (optional, but does help prevent the plastic from sliding down the hook)
- A 5/0 Owner wide gap plus EWG hook (#5139 - very stout, I love this hook)
- Your favorite soft plastic - pictured is a Power Bait Beast

Hope this helps

A-Jay

 

[shootermcbob]

That looks great A-Jay. I have never tried using a punch skirt, but your explanation certainly shows that this is a very versatile lure.

 

Do you use a certain brand of tungsten weight?

[Shane J]

That does look yummy, A-Jay. I would fish that with a whole bunch of bigger craw baits, like a Lobster or Space Monkey. Punch that baby with a 10z tungsten weight through matted lily pads!

[A-Jay]

That does look yummy, A-Jay. I would fish that with a whole bunch of bigger craw baits, like a Lobster or Space Monkey. Punch that baby with a 10z tungsten weight through matted lily pads!

 

Yes Sir - As soon as the Lobster came out, I was on it.

 

The lobster is what I start with now almost exclusively.

 

But there are times especially, early and late season that a "average" craw size bait does better, even on the bigger bass.

 

Something that I'll add - it's important to match the skirt length to the plastic.

Meaning, you do not want the skirt to impede the action of the plastic (especially a craw).

So either use a pre-trimmed shirt or trim it if need be.

When using a "gliding" type trailer, the longer skirt seems to be a good thing . . .

 

A-Jay

[Shane J]

Good stuff, man.

[Snakehead Whisperer]

That's a great looking rig A-Jay.

[Bankbeater]

I don't, but it sounds like something I should try.

[Grizzn N Bassin]

well last night I was having some beers with my friends and talking about fishing.. I said I have so much new stuff to try im not going buy anything this year other than terminal tackle no hard baits  but I'm in love with this rig already and I haven't fished it yet.. great post! THANKS

[Rangerphil]

Been looking into doing a little of this also this year! Thanks ajay for the pics and explanation!

[A-Jay]

That looks great A-Jay. I have never tried using a punch skirt, but your explanation certainly shows that this is a very versatile lure.

 

Do you use a certain brand of tungsten weight?

 

No - not really whatever is available locally and reasonably priced - SK & VMC mostly - I've even started to use jig paint and color coat a few - we'll see how it goes.

 

A-Jay