Fishing in rivers with children is an enriching experience that introduces them to the excitement of angling while fostering a connection to nature. However, selecting the right gear that matches children’s developing skills is essential. Soft plastic fishing lures are the ideal choice—offering realistic movements, durable designs, and ease of use. This guide delves into everything parents and guardians need to know about choosing, rigging, and fishing with the best soft plastic fishing lures for kids, ensuring that their fishing adventures are fun, effective, and safe.
1. Why Soft Plastic Fishing Lures Are Perfect for Kids in Rivers
1.1 Natural Motion with Minimal Effort
Soft plastics, including worms, grubs, and creature baits, create enticing movements effortlessly. Kids can simply reel steadily or give gentle twitches to make the lures flutter and wiggle, attracting fish without needing perfect technique.
1.2 Durable and Cost-Effective
Soft plastics offer remarkable durability, allowing them to withstand the rigors of casting, snags, and bites from fish. They are also economical, typically costing under $2 each, meaning it’s easier for parents to replace lost lures.
1.3 Safety and User-Friendliness
The design of soft plastics, particularly when paired with simple rigs like the Texas rig or jig head, minimizes exposed hooks. Choosing barbless or single-hook setups enhances safety, reducing the risk of injury while ensuring effective hook-ups.
1.4 Versatile Across River Environments
Soft plastics can be used across diverse river conditions, whether in clear springs or murky waters. Kids can utilize various profiles and colors tailored to local fish species and water clarity, ensuring constant engagement.
2. Key Criteria for Selecting Kids’ Soft Plastic Fishing Lures
| Criterion | Importance |
|---|---|
| Profile Size | 2–4” lures facilitate easier casting and match smaller forage. |
| Material Softness | Softer plastic offers enticing action but may tear faster. |
| Color Options | Bright hues perform well in stained water; natural shades excel in clear water. |
| Rig Compatibility | Lures should work well on jig heads and other simple rigs. |
| Safety Hooks | Single or barbless hooks prevent deep hooking and simplify unhooking. |
3. Top 7 Soft Plastic Fishing Lures for Kids in Rivers
Here are our recommended soft plastic lures that combine child-friendly features with proven effectiveness:
| Lure Name | Type | Size | Colors Available | Rig Style | Why Kids Love It |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lurebolt Mini Worm | Straight worm | 3” | Green pumpkin, watermelon | Texas rig | Slim, easy to cast, and offers great wiggle |
| Ripple-Grub Curly Tail | Curly grub | 2.5” | Chartreuse, white | Jig head/drop shot | Crazy tail action, works even on slow retrieves |
| Crawlet Creature Bait | Creature bait | 3.5” | Fire tiger, black/blue | CG rig/Texas rig | Fun shape, easy for small hands to hold |
| Pond Paddle Tail Minnow | Paddle tail | 3” | Pearl shad, neon chartreuse | Jig head | Realistic swimming action, robust material |
| KidSafe Single Hook Shrimp | Shrimp imitation | 2” | Pink, pearl | Pre-rigged single hook | Minimal tangles and no treble hooks |
| Glow Gulp® Grub | Scented grub | 2.75” | Glow chartreuse | Jig head/drop shot | Glows and smells great at dusk |
| Ned Rig Finesse Worm | Finesse worm | 2.5” | Watermelon candy | Ned rig | Slow fall action with easy hook access |
For a full selection of kid-friendly soft baits, check out Lurebolt’s range.
4. Rigging Soft Plastic Fishing Lures for Kids
4.1 Jig Head Rig
- Select a small lead jig head (1/16–1/8 oz) with a wide eye.
- Thread the lure’s nose onto the hook, pushing until the head sits flush against the jig.
- Cast upstream; twitch and pause to let the tail flutter.
4.2 Texas Rig
- Use an offset worm hook (size 2–4) and 1/8–1/4 oz bullet weight.
- Slide the weight onto the line, tie the hook, and thread the lure nose-first onto the hook, keeping the tip hidden.
- This rig allows fishing near obstacles without constant snags.
4.3 Drop Shot Rig
- Tie a 12–18” leader below a lightweight (1/8–1/4 oz) using a drop-shot knot.
- Nose-hook the bait, allowing it to hover.
- Kids can shake the rod for action or hold still and observe.
4.4 Pre-Rigged Single Hook
- Ideal for beginner anglers.
- Lures like the KidSafe Shrimp come pre-rigged for instant action with minimal hardware.
5. Step-by-Step Tutorial: Teaching Kids to Fish with Soft Plastics
Step 1: Teach Basic Casting
Demonstrate how to hold the rod and practice casting techniques on the grass.
Step 2: Show Retrieval Techniques
Encourage a steady retrieve, twitching pauses to simulate vulnerable prey.
Step 3: Winning the Strike
Guide kids on detecting strikes through a gentle lift of the rod, avoiding excessive force.
Step 4: Managing and Landing Fish
Instruct on keeping the rod tip elevated while reeling in, and how to safely land the fish.
6. FAQs
Q1: What size fishing rod is best for kids?
A1: A 5-foot light spinning rod is ideal for young anglers, providing easy handling and control.
Q2: How do I choose the right color soft plastic lure for river fishing?
A2: Use natural colors like green pumpkin and watermelon in clear water. Opt for brighter colors such as chartreuse or pink in murky conditions.
Q3: Is it safe to fish in rivers with children?
A3: Yes, as long as safety precautions are taken, such as wearing life vests, staying together, and maintaining awareness of surroundings.
Q4: What should I do if kids get frustrated while fishing?
A4: Switch to pre-rigged baits for instant results, take breaks, and engage in teaching moments to keep spirits high.
7. Conclusion
Fishing with kids in rivers using soft plastic lures provides immediate action, simplicity, and unforgettable memories. By selecting appropriate lures, mastering basic rigging, and applying straightforward retrieval techniques, families can create positive experiences that foster confidence and a passion for fishing.
Ready to gear up for an enjoyable day on the river? Discover our top-rated soft plastic lures for kids at Lurebolt and make lasting family memories while fishing!
For additional insights into fishing lures, check out our article on High-Quality Popper Fishing Lures for Bass in Lakes Expert Guide and see why poppers are a favorite choice for bass fishing.