Florida is a fishing paradise, known for its vast coastline, diverse ecosystems, and abundant fish species. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a beginner, soft plastic fishing lures are an essential part of your tackle box when fly fishing in the Sunshine State. These lures are incredibly versatile, offering lifelike action and a wide range of colors and shapes that attract a variety of fish species found in Florida’s waters. In this review, we’ll explore the best soft plastic fishing lures for fly fishing in Florida, how to use them, and why they are perfect for targeting species like redfish, snook, tarpon, and trout.
1. What Are Soft Plastic Fishing Lures?
A soft plastic fishing lure is a type of artificial bait made from flexible, durable plastic material that is molded to resemble fish, worms, shrimp, or other types of prey. These lures are designed to move naturally in the water, mimicking the behavior of live bait, which makes them irresistible to fish. Soft plastic lures come in a wide range of shapes, colors, and sizes, and they can be used with different fly fishing techniques.
Key Features of Soft Plastic Fishing Lures:
- Material: Made from flexible plastic that gives them a lifelike action in the water.
- Variety of Shapes and Sizes: Available in shapes like worms, shrimp, minnow, and other baitfish imitations.
- Realistic Action: The soft body provides realistic movement, making them effective for attracting fish.
2. Why Soft Plastic Fishing Lures Are Ideal for Fly Fishing in Florida
Fly fishing in Florida presents unique challenges due to the variety of species, diverse environments (saltwater and freshwater), and changing weather conditions. Soft plastic fishing lures are ideal for Florida fly fishing for several reasons:
a. Lifelike Action
Soft plastic lures are known for their realistic action in the water. Whether you’re fishing in the saltwater flats for redfish or casting for freshwater species in Florida’s many lakes, soft plastics mimic the movement of live prey, which is key to enticing fish.
b. Versatility for Various Species
Florida’s waters are home to a wide range of fish species, from saltwater species like snook, tarpon, and redfish to freshwater species like bass and trout. Soft plastic lures come in many different shapes and sizes, making them versatile enough to target different species.
c. Durability
Soft plastic lures are made to withstand repeated casting and strikes from fish. Unlike some other types of lures, soft plastics can endure a lot of wear and tear, making them a durable choice for long fishing trips.
d. Effective in Different Environments
Whether you’re fly fishing in the shallow waters of the Florida Keys, casting in the brackish estuaries, or fishing freshwater lakes, soft plastic lures can be adapted to a variety of fishing conditions. Their lifelike movement and wide range of available colors make them perfect for both clear and murky water.
3. Best Soft Plastic Fishing Lures for Fly Fishing in Florida
There are a wide variety of soft plastic fishing lures available, but some stand out as top choices for fly fishing in Florida. Below are some of the best soft plastic lures that are highly effective in Florida’s waters:
a. Lurebolt Custom Soft Plastic Shrimp
The Lurebolt Custom Soft Plastic Shrimp is designed to replicate the movement and appearance of shrimp, one of the favorite prey items for species like redfish, snook, and trout. This lure is perfect for fishing in shallow flats or estuaries, where shrimp are abundant.
- Size: Available in 2-inch to 4-inch sizes, ideal for targeting smaller to medium-sized fish.
- Material: High-quality, soft plastic that provides a lifelike, realistic action.
- Colors: Available in natural shrimp colors like tan, brown, and green, as well as bright colors for murky water conditions.
b. Gulp! Swimming Mullet
The Gulp! Swimming Mullet is a well-known soft plastic lure that imitates a small baitfish, a staple in the diet of species like redfish, snook, and trout. It’s a highly effective option for fly fishing in both saltwater and brackish water environments in Florida.
- Size: Available in various sizes, with 3-inch and 4-inch options being perfect for most river and flat fishing conditions.
- Material: Soft plastic with a strong scent that attracts fish from a distance.
- Colors: Natural mullet colors such as silver, pearl, and chartreuse.
c. Berkley PowerBait Swimbait
The Berkley PowerBait Swimbait is a versatile and durable soft plastic lure that’s ideal for both saltwater and freshwater fly fishing. Its lifelike swimming action makes it effective in targeting species like bass, snook, and even tarpon in Florida’s waters.
- Size: 3-inch to 5-inch sizes, great for targeting larger fish like bass and snook.
- Material: Soft, durable plastic with PowerBait scent to enhance fish attraction.
- Colors: A variety of colors, including natural baitfish and vibrant options for clear or murky water conditions.
d. Z-Man MinnowZ
The Z-Man MinnowZ is a popular soft plastic minnow-style lure that works well for catching species like trout, redfish, and snook. Its realistic swimming motion and durable construction make it a top choice for fly fishing in Florida.
- Size: Available in 3-inch to 5-inch sizes, perfect for most river and flats fishing.
- Material: Super soft plastic with Z-Man’s ElaZtech technology for durability.
- Colors: Available in a wide range of colors, from natural silver and green to bright fluorescent options.
4. How to Use Soft Plastic Fishing Lures for Fly Fishing in Florida
To get the best results when fly fishing with soft plastic lures in Florida, it’s important to use the right technique. Here are some effective ways to fish with soft plastics in Florida’s rivers and flats:
a. Casting the Soft Plastic Lure
Start by casting the soft plastic lure into the water, targeting areas where fish are likely to be feeding, such as near submerged structures, drop-offs, or vegetation. For species like snook and redfish, focus on casting near mangroves, grass flats, or rocky outcroppings.
b. Retrieving the Lure
Once the lure lands in the water, begin retrieving it slowly and steadily. The key to success with soft plastic lures is to mimic the natural swimming motion of prey. You can vary the speed of your retrieve, or even add short pauses or twitches, to simulate an injured or fleeing baitfish.
- Tip: A slow, steady retrieve works well for mimicking the movement of a wounded baitfish or shrimp. For faster-moving species like snook, try a faster retrieve to mimic fleeing prey.
c. Fishing in Different Water Conditions
Soft plastic lures are highly versatile and can be used in various water conditions. In clear water, use natural colors like silver or brown to match local prey. In murky or brackish water, opt for brighter colors like chartreuse or fluorescent pink to increase visibility.
d. Fishing in Shallow vs. Deep Water
In shallow water, use lighter soft plastics and retrieve them slowly near the bottom. In deeper waters, use heavier lures to reach the right depth and retrieve them more quickly to mimic the swimming action of deeper-dwelling prey.
5. Common Problems with Soft Plastic Fishing Lures and How to Solve Them
a. Lure Not Moving Properly
If your soft plastic lure is not swimming correctly, try adjusting the speed of your retrieve or the angle of your rod. The action of the lure can often be improved by slowing down or speeding up the retrieve, depending on the fish species you’re targeting.
b. Fish Not Biting
If you’re not getting bites, consider changing the color, size, or style of your soft plastic lure. Fish behavior can vary depending on water temperature, time of day, and prey availability, so experimentation is key.
c. Snags and Tangles
Soft plastic lures can sometimes get snagged on underwater structures, especially in areas with dense vegetation. To avoid snags, use a lure with a weedless design or fish in areas with less structure. If you’re fishing in heavy cover, try using a lighter jig head or a different retrieve technique to reduce snags.
6. Conclusion: Maximize Your Florida Fly Fishing with Soft Plastic Lures
Soft plastic fishing lures are a must-have in any Florida fly fisher’s tackle box. Their realistic action, versatility, and durability make them perfect for targeting a wide range of fish species, from redfish and snook to bass and trout. By selecting the right soft plastic lure, learning the best fishing techniques, and adapting to different river and coastal conditions, beginners and experienced anglers alike can enjoy a productive and successful fishing experience in Florida.
For the best selection of high-quality soft plastic fishing lures for fly fishing in Florida, visit Lurebolt.com. Our premium lures are designed to give you the edge you need for a successful fishing trip in Florida’s diverse waters.