New to soft bait scene need advice

[Big-Dan]

all right I've decided to jump into the soft bait scene, something i haven't done very much of besides the old tube jig with a regular jig head and the swirly tail with jig head, other than that i haven touch swim baits, worms, creature baits, crawfish baits and so on. I've read a lot about senko's and fat ika's and they seem like really nice lures that are great, and would probably work on my rocky and weedy river (Ottawa River, Canada). so i compiled a list of things I've been interested in trying and would like your opinions and if you have other suggestions.

- Gary Yamamoto Senko

- Gary Yamamoto Fat Ika

- Bass magnet paddle tail eye catcher series (canadian made)

- Berkley powerbait or gulp worm, not quite sure which to use

- Berkley tube's not sure which one either

[NinjaFishin]

I'd recommend zoom super flukes aswell in your plastic line up.  Great for targetting bigger fish, but it is somewhat limited.  Flukes dont sink very fast (weightless) and need the user to put some effort into their presentation as well. Still a successful bait however.

Personally however I havent seen much success w/ berkley power baits.  Not saying they wont work, its just they havent produced much for me. :-/

colors I would recommend are white, pumpkin seed and watermelon.  Those seem to be the top producers in my experience.

[Catt]

In the world of soft plastics you'll go nuts with all the choices availably; the 5 you have chosen are excellent starting places.

Master those and then broaden your horizon    

[skillet]

It's REALLY hard for me to get away from them (don't want to)! Haven't fished the baits you mentioned but it sounds like a good start (the Bait Monkey's gonna love you ;D). I like Super Flukes myself and instead of nameing them all, I'll just say most of the Zoom products!!!

                                         As Ever,

                                          skillet

                                                   

[-ebby-]

I have had a lot of luck on a 7in powerworm on a regular jighead, you may want to try this to start because it is very easy to fish

[Shakes]

The important thing, is that you need to experiement with all different brands, shapes, and colors until you find what works for you. Once you do, you'll have more confidence in soft plastics then any other bait in your arsenal.

Another thing that is important is to be PATIENT!

The biggest problem I see in most amatuer fishermen is that they'll tie something on, cast it 5-10 times and change it up. What they need to change up is their return. Be patient with the bait, cast it in alot of different spots before you give up on it.

And remember, one day a bait will just kill it, and the next day you won't feel a thing bitin' on it.

[Big-Dan]

I forgot to add that im a non boater so i fish off of shore, and i was wondering if the techniques are the same for non boaters?

[coolhandlala]

The choices you have said are all the staples of plastics fishing.  If you want to try something a little different try Gambler ugly otter tails they are a creature bait that is impregnated with garlic scent.  I kill large and small mouth on them.  I like the color that looks the most like the craw.  They are great but they stink.  Don't sniff them too hard or you won't want to eat for the rest of the day. (seriously)

[Big-Dan]

i was looking at that last night forgot to mention it on my list, was thinking of rigging it with a jig head with a skirt, similar to foot ball head not sure though.

[PooNug]

my favorite plastic is the Basstrix Flash-Trix.  they come in a variety of colors (my favorites are Blue Smoke and Baby Bass) however they are quite pricey (about $9-$10 for a pack of 10).  i fish mainly from the shore as well and i've found they work great drop shotted or fished like a regular plastic.  when i find a fish and can't get a bite i'll turn to the Flash-Trix usually with a bullet weight and just slowly bounce it off the bottom.

[Rob.Atl]

honeslty you cant go wrong with a 5 inch senko they catch lots of bass and huge bass if you know what to do

i also like the zoom trick worms

[Big-Dan]

hey guys thanks for the info ive placed and order for some of the things you mentioned, so when i recieve them ill take em out and test them and ill come back with some photos of my outing.

thank you all

[roadwarrior]

Start here, weedless and weightless:

http://www.bassresource.com/bass_fishing_forums/YaBB.pl?num=1158577137

8-)