Bass fishing in the ocean is a thrilling and rewarding experience that many anglers seek to master. Whether you’re targeting stripers or other saltwater bass species, having the right fishing lures is essential. Among the many types of lures available, handmade soft plastic fishing lures stand out for their ability to imitate natural prey with lifelike movements and exceptional durability.
In this review, we’ll explore the benefits of using handmade soft plastic fishing lures for ocean bass fishing, highlighting their features, advantages, and how they perform in different ocean conditions. We’ll also provide tips and expert advice to help you get the most out of your lures. If you’re serious about catching bass in the ocean, this guide is for you.
Why Choose Handmade Soft Plastic Fishing Lures for Bass in the Ocean?
When it comes to ocean bass fishing, choosing the right lure can significantly impact your success. Soft plastic lures are among the most effective options for targeting bass due to their versatility and lifelike action in the water. Let’s dive into why handmade soft plastic lures should be your go-to option.
1. Lifelike Movement
Handmade soft plastic lures are designed to mimic the natural movement of real baitfish, which is essential when trying to catch predatory fish like bass. The flexibility and texture of these lures create realistic motions in the water, especially when retrieved with the right technique.
For example, the tail of a soft plastic lure often produces a subtle, yet enticing, vibration when moved through the water. This movement triggers predatory instincts in bass, making them more likely to strike.
2. Customization and Precision
One of the major advantages of handmade soft plastic lures is the level of customization that goes into their creation. Unlike mass-produced lures, handmade lures are crafted with meticulous attention to detail. This includes choosing the right color patterns, shapes, and sizes that match the local prey species bass are feeding on.
Handmade lures can be tailored to match specific conditions, such as water clarity, temperature, and the type of bass you are targeting. This precision gives handmade lures a significant edge in attracting fish compared to generic, factory-made alternatives.
3. Durability
Soft plastic fishing lures are made from high-quality materials that can withstand the challenges of saltwater fishing. Ocean conditions can be harsh on fishing lures, with exposure to saltwater and the potential for rough handling. Handmade lures, however, are often crafted from stronger, more resilient plastics, ensuring they last longer and maintain their performance even after repeated strikes.
Many handmade lures also feature reinforced areas where the lure is most likely to wear, such as the tail or hook areas. This added durability means that your investment in handmade lures will pay off in the long run.
4. Realistic Appearance
The design of handmade lures often focuses on achieving the most realistic appearance possible. From the scale-like texture of the body to the realistic color patterns, these lures can closely resemble the natural prey species of bass, such as small fish, shrimp, or crabs. This realistic presentation increases the likelihood of bass being attracted to the lure, as they are more likely to strike at prey that closely resembles their natural food source.
5. Effective for Various Techniques
Handmade soft plastic lures are versatile, meaning they can be used for a variety of fishing techniques. Whether you’re casting, trolling, or jigging, soft plastic lures can be adapted to suit any fishing style. This flexibility is crucial when fishing for bass, as you can change up your approach based on the fish’s behavior and the water conditions.
Top Handmade Soft Plastic Fishing Lures for Ocean Bass Fishing
There are several handmade soft plastic lures on the market designed specifically for bass fishing in the ocean. Let’s take a look at some of the best options available.
1. Handmade Swimbait Lures
Description:
Swimbait lures are a popular choice for bass fishing due to their lifelike swimming action. Handmade swimbaits are crafted with a detailed body shape and natural coloring that mimics the movement of baitfish swimming through the water. These lures are effective in both shallow and deeper waters, making them suitable for a variety of ocean bass fishing scenarios.
Why It’s Effective:
Swimbaits are excellent for mimicking a real fish’s swimming behavior. The tail of the swimbait produces an enticing wobble, making it irresistible to bass. They are particularly useful in areas where bass are actively hunting for schools of small fish.
How to Use:
Cast the swimbait near schools of baitfish or around structures like reefs, drop-offs, and rocks. Retrieve it with a slow to moderate pace to create a natural swimming motion. You can also use a stop-and-go retrieve to simulate an injured fish.
2. Handmade Paddle Tail Lures
Description:
Paddle tail lures are designed with a tail that creates a powerful thumping action in the water. This movement is ideal for attracting bass, as it mimics the swimming of smaller baitfish or other prey. Handmade paddle tail lures are often custom-tailored with unique shapes and colors to match specific ocean conditions.
Why It’s Effective:
The thumping action of the paddle tail is highly effective in attracting bass, especially in murky or deeper waters where fish rely on vibration to detect prey. Handmade versions often feature softer plastics and more realistic tail movements, giving them an edge over mass-produced versions.
How to Use:
Paddle tail lures are best used with a steady retrieve. Try casting them near rocky points, drop-offs, or in deeper water where bass tend to lurk. For additional effectiveness, use a jig head or weighted hook to get the lure to the right depth.
3. Handmade Creature Lures
Description:
Creature lures are designed to imitate the appearance of small crustaceans, such as crabs or shrimp, which are a favorite food of bass in many ocean environments. Handmade creature lures are often detailed with appendages and textured bodies that mimic the natural movement of these prey species.
Why It’s Effective:
Creature lures work well in areas with abundant structure, such as rocky bottoms or weedy areas where bass often hunt. The realistic action and appearance of these lures make them effective at enticing bass that are actively foraging for crustaceans.
How to Use:
Use a slow, steady retrieve or jigging technique to simulate the movement of a small crustacean. Creature lures are particularly effective when fished near structures or along the bottom of the ocean floor, where bass are likely to feed.
4. Handmade Jerkbaits
Description:
Jerkbaits are long, slender lures designed to imitate injured baitfish. Handmade jerkbaits are often crafted with extra detail and precision, offering natural-looking colors and actions that attract bass. They are particularly useful when bass are feeding near the surface or in midwater.
Why It’s Effective:
Jerkbaits are highly effective at triggering reaction strikes from bass. Their erratic action when jerked through the water closely resembles an injured fish, which bass find irresistible.
How to Use:
Jerk the bait with short, sharp movements to simulate an injured fish struggling to swim. You can use a stop-and-go retrieve to let the lure pause briefly between jerks. This technique is especially effective in areas where bass are actively hunting near the surface.
Tips for Using Handmade Soft Plastic Fishing Lures
Here are some additional tips to help you get the most out of your handmade soft plastic fishing lures:
Match the Hatch:
Always choose lures that closely resemble the local prey species bass are feeding on. This increases the chances of attracting the fish and triggering a strike.Vary Your Retrieval Speed:
Experiment with different retrieval speeds to see what works best for the conditions. Sometimes a slow, steady retrieve works well, while other times a faster, more aggressive approach is needed.Use the Right Hook and Rigging:
Ensure that your lures are rigged correctly for maximum effectiveness. Use a jig head or weighted hook to ensure the lure gets to the right depth, and always ensure the hook size matches the size of the lure.Fish Around Structures:
Bass tend to congregate around underwater structures such as reefs, drop-offs, and rocks. Cast your lure near these areas for the best chances of attracting bass.
Conclusion
Handmade soft plastic fishing lures are an excellent choice for ocean bass fishing. Their lifelike movement, durability, and customizable features make them a top-tier option for anglers targeting bass in the ocean. Whether you prefer swimbaits, paddle tail lures, or jerkbaits, handmade lures offer a unique advantage over mass-produced alternatives.
By choosing the right handmade soft plastic lures and applying the proper techniques, you can enhance your fishing experience and increase your chances of success. For top-quality handmade lures designed to perform in saltwater conditions, visit lurebolt.com.