Fishing in Canada offers some of the best freshwater fishing experiences in the world, with its abundance of lakes, rivers, and ponds teeming with a variety of fish species. Whether you’re a novice or just starting your fishing journey, selecting the right fishing gear is crucial for success. One of the most versatile and effective types of fishing lures for beginners are soft plastic fishing lures. These lures are easy to use, come in a variety of shapes and colors, and are highly effective in attracting fish like bass, pike, walleye, and trout.
In this review, we’ll explore the benefits of using soft plastic fishing lures, why they are perfect for beginners, and highlight some of the best options available. We will also provide practical tips, techniques, and the top recommendations to help you choose the right fishing lures for your fishing adventures in Canada.
What Are Soft Plastic Fishing Lures?
Soft plastic fishing lures are artificial baits made from soft, flexible materials, typically PVC or rubber, designed to imitate the movement and appearance of live bait. These lures are often used to mimic the natural movements of small aquatic creatures, such as minnows, worms, crawfish, and other prey species that predatory fish are naturally inclined to hunt.
The flexibility of soft plastic lures allows them to have a natural, lifelike movement in the water, making them particularly effective in enticing fish. Their durability means they can last through multiple strikes, making them an excellent choice for both beginners and experienced anglers alike. Whether you’re fishing in freshwater lakes or rivers, soft plastic lures can be an incredibly versatile tool.
Why Are Soft Plastic Fishing Lures Perfect for Beginners?
When it comes to fishing lures, soft plastics are among the easiest to use, especially for beginners. Here’s why:
- Lifelike Action: Soft plastic lures naturally mimic the movements of real prey. This lifelike action makes them irresistible to predatory fish. Beginners don’t need to be experts at retrieving techniques to make these lures work; their natural movement in the water does much of the work for you.
- Easy to Use: Soft plastic lures are straightforward to use, making them ideal for new anglers. All you need to do is cast your line, reel in at a steady pace, and wait for a fish to bite. No complicated techniques are necessary, and even novice anglers can start catching fish almost immediately.
- Versatility: Soft plastic lures come in various shapes, sizes, and colors, allowing them to be effective in a range of fishing conditions. From bass and walleye to trout and pike, these lures work for many fish species found in Canadian waters.
- Cost-Effective: Unlike live bait, which must be replaced regularly, soft plastic lures are durable and reusable. A single lure can last through several fishing trips, providing value for money.
- Wide Availability: Soft plastic lures are widely available in stores and online, with many options to choose from, so beginners have no trouble finding the right lures for their needs.
Types of Soft Plastic Fishing Lures for Beginners
Soft plastic lures come in many shapes and sizes, each designed to target specific species or types of fishing conditions. Here are some of the most popular types of soft plastic fishing lures for beginners:
1. Soft Plastic Worms
Soft plastic worms are among the most popular and versatile lures used in fishing. These lures mimic the natural wriggling motion of worms, a primary food source for many freshwater fish, including bass and walleye.
- Best for: Bass, walleye, trout, and panfish.
- How to Use: Rig a soft plastic worm on a hook and cast it into the water. Slowly retrieve the worm using a steady or intermittent motion to simulate the natural movement of a worm.
- Pro Tip: Use darker colors in murky water and natural colors (green, brown) in clear water to match local prey.
2. Soft Plastic Grubs
Grubs are small, chunky lures that resemble insect larvae or small baitfish. Their tail produces a lot of action in the water, making them irresistible to fish.
- Best for: Bass, panfish, and walleye.
- How to Use: Grubs are often fished on a jig head. Cast and retrieve them slowly or use a vertical jigging technique to let the grub’s tail wiggle and attract fish.
- Pro Tip: Grubs work especially well when fishing near the bottom, as their natural movement closely mimics a struggling insect or prey.
3. Soft Plastic Minnows
Soft plastic minnows are designed to replicate small fish, which are a favorite food of many predatory fish like bass and pike. Their realistic swimming action in the water is perfect for enticing fish to strike.
- Best for: Bass, pike, trout, and walleye.
- How to Use: Minnows can be rigged with a jig head or on a weighted hook. Use a steady retrieve or try the stop-and-go technique to mimic the swimming motion of a real baitfish.
- Pro Tip: Experiment with different colors to match the local baitfish species and fishing conditions.
4. Soft Plastic Crawfish
Crawfish are another essential food source for bass and pike. Soft plastic crawfish lures are designed to mimic the natural movements of these crustaceans.
- Best for: Bass, pike, and walleye.
- How to Use: Fish crawfish lures slowly along the bottom, letting the claws and tail create natural movement. Crawfish lures work best in areas with submerged structures, such as rocks or fallen trees, where fish are hiding.
- Pro Tip: Crawfish lures are ideal for fishing in rocky or weedy areas, as they closely resemble the natural movement of crawfish.
5. Soft Plastic Tubes
Tube lures are hollow and have a unique action that attracts fish. Their segmented body creates a natural, erratic movement that is especially effective for larger fish species like bass.
- Best for: Bass and walleye.
- How to Use: Tube lures are usually rigged on a jig head. Cast and retrieve them in a slow, steady motion, or try the hopping technique to make the tube look like an injured fish or crawfish.
- Pro Tip: Tubes are perfect for cold-water fishing when fish are more sluggish.
How to Choose the Right Soft Plastic Fishing Lures for Beginners
Selecting the right fishing lures can be challenging, but several factors can help guide your decision:
- Water Conditions: If you’re fishing in murky water, use brightly colored lures like chartreuse, orange, or pink. In clear water, go for natural colors like green, brown, and silver to match local prey species.
- Species You Are Targeting: Consider the type of fish you’re targeting. Bass, for example, are often attracted to worms, grubs, and crawfish, while pike and walleye may prefer minnows.
- Size of the Lure: Choose the lure size based on the size of the fish you’re targeting. Smaller lures work well for panfish and smaller bass, while larger lures are better suited for bigger bass, pike, and walleye.
- Fishing Technique: Different lures are better suited for different techniques. Soft plastic worms are great for slow, bottom-fishing techniques, while minnows and grubs work well for more active retrieves or jigging.
Techniques for Using Soft Plastic Fishing Lures
Here are some essential techniques for fishing with soft plastic lures:
- Texas Rig: This popular rigging method involves threading a soft plastic worm or creature lure onto a hook, making it weedless. It’s great for fishing in heavy cover or near the bottom.
- Carolina Rig: This rigging technique involves a weight, swivel, and hook to allow the soft plastic lure to move freely along the bottom. It’s perfect for fishing deeper waters.
- Jigging: Use a jig head with your soft plastic lure to make it bounce along the bottom. This is effective for attracting fish that feed near the substrate.
- Drop Shotting: This technique keeps the lure suspended above the bottom, perfect for catching fish that are actively hunting prey near the lake’s bottom.
- Slow Retrieve: For a more natural presentation, use a slow and steady retrieve to let the soft plastic lure mimic the motion of live bait.
Conclusion
Soft plastic fishing lures are a fantastic choice for beginners in Canada, offering versatility, ease of use, and a high likelihood of attracting fish. With various designs such as worms, grubs, minnows, crawfish, and tubes, these lures are suitable for a wide range of fish species, including bass, walleye, pike, and trout.
Whether you’re fishing in a calm pond or a fast-moving river, soft plastic lures are effective and easy to use. By selecting the right lure for the conditions and applying the right fishing techniques, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a successful angler in Canada.
At Lurebolt.com, we offer a wide selection of high-quality fishing lures, including soft plastics, to help you catch more fish. Visit us today at lurebolt.com and explore our collection to find the perfect fishing lures for your next fishing adventure!