The 5 Best Soft Plastics for Inshore Saltwater Fishing

When it comes to saltwater fishing, soft plastic lures are the top choice. Not only are they more fun to use, but they also offer the angler some serious advantages when fishing inshore. In this blog, we'll go over the five best soft plastic lures for saltwater fishing and explain their benefits in detail. So whether you're a trout fanatic looking for the perfect jig hook bait, or a redfish hunter who relies on lures that imitate live prey, you're sure to find the right lure for your needs on this list. Happy fishing!

What is a soft plastic lure?

Saltwater fishing is all about casting big baits deep and fishing tight to the bottom. Soft plastic lures offer anglers a lure option that is available in a range of different options, making them the perfect choice for targeting most inshore species in many circumstances. There are a variety of soft plastics to choose from, each designed for a different fishing scenario. For instance, surface plugs can be fished near the bottom as deep divers, while jigs can be used in deeper water to fish around structures. Use soft plastics size-for-size with hard baits to increase your chances of catching fish! As with any fishing tackle, make sure to use the right bait, hook it correctly, and cast it correctly to catch the fish of your dreams.

What are the benefits of using soft plastics for saltwater fishing?

Saltwater fishing is a great way to enjoy the great outdoors and catch some fish in the process. Soft plastics are a great option for this type of fishing, as they can be utilized in various fishing situations. They come in a multitude of different shapes, sizes, and colors, making them ideal for inshore saltwater fishing. Plus, they have a low profile, making them easier to see and fish with most fishing rod setups. Furthermore, soft plastics are easy to handle, so you won't have to struggle with them while casting. So, whether you're fishing for redfish, speckled trout, or snook, soft plastics are a great choice for the inshore saltwater fisherman.

5 Best Soft Plastic Lures for Inshore Saltwater Fishing

Are you looking for some great soft plastic lures for inshore saltwater fishing? Look no further! These five lures are some of the best options out there for anglers fishing in warm water environments.

1. Gulp! Mantis Shrimp

Many soft plastics have tail-only or body-only designs that resemble shrimp. Some are more impressionistic than realistic. Others are designed for rigging with a jig head, while some are weighted and rigged with a single or treble hook. This soft-plastic and jig combo darts unpredictably during a quick retrieve, eliciting strikes and the attention of predators. In order to allow for movement and added motion, this combination operates best when tied to the line with a loop knot.

The most common sizes of soft-plastic shrimp are 3 to 6 inches in length and come in the following colors: glow, chartreuse, red and white, chartreuse and pink, silver flake, black, and chartreuse, and red shad. The more vibrant colors typically work better in murky or discolored water.

2. Z-Man Trout Trick

These mimic baitfish like shad, mullet, and menhaden. They can be fished on the surface, slightly below, or allowed to sink deep. They have a circular tail that produces action with a slow, steady retrieve. They can be rigged with either a jig head or a wide-gap hook that is keel-weighted. Utilizing crimp-on weights to regulate the sink rate is one smart method.

Swim baits function best on a continuous retrieve and are frequently the best choice when there is a lot of baitfish present, but when fish are not actively feeding, a stop-and-go movement frequently results in bites. For inshore game fish weighing two to five pounds, three inches is the most common size.

3. Gulp! Jerk Shad

The most successful and innovative artificial bait is this saltwater Gulp jerk shad bait. It's intended to catch fish that are hanging or holding in vertical cover. Ideal for weed lines, timber, docks, and dams. It is entirely degradable. Jerk Shad swims and appears to be alive. For the inshore angler, Berkley created this saltwater recipe that has been field- and lab-tested.

4. Z-Man Paddle Tail

Paddle tails catch a lot of fish even though they may not be used as frequently as other soft plastics. Gamefish find them difficult to resist their combination of vibration and bright finish, which are both designed to stimulate lots of motion like the curly tails. Bright colors work best in murky or discolored water, whereas the best color combinations for clear water are red and white, white and pink, and roach and chartreuse.

5. VUDU Shrimp

You might not be shocked to learn that shrimp lures are one of the most widely used saltwater artificial baits since shrimp are a favorite crustacean food source for several types of inshore game fish.

A red drum or a snook might not be attracted to small shrimp lures as much as they might be by giant saltwater shrimp lures, which are harder for a mangrove snapper or sheepshead to bite. You must use heavier shrimp fishing lures that sink closer to the water's bottom if you want to catch fish in deeper pockets or holes. In any case, it's a good idea to maintain a selection of artificial shrimp in your tackle box in case you come find a new species or decide to swap fishing locations.

Please note: Be aware of where you're casting your lure - reefs, mangroves, and oyster beds can be dangerous places for throwing soft plastic lures! Have fun out there this year using these lures for inshore saltwater fishing!

How to choose the right soft plastic lure for your fishing situation

Soft plastic lures are a great way to catch fish, and there are many different types to choose from. When choosing the right lure for your fishing situation, be sure to consider the weight and size of bait, the location you'll be fishing, and the type of fishing you're doing. Jigging or sight-casting? Still water or moving water? You get the picture. Once you've made your choice, be prepared to fish the fish out!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some of the best soft plastics for inshore saltwater fishing?

There is no definitive answer to this question as it depends on the specific fishing conditions and needs of the angler. However, some popular soft plastics that are often used for inshore saltwater fishing include jig heads, crank baits, swim baits, and paddle tails. It is important to select a plastic that will blend smoothly with the water and be sensitive to the fish's bite.

What are some common mistakes that anglers make when using soft plastics in saltwater fishing?

Fishing with soft plastics in saltwater fishing can be very effective, but there are some common mistakes that anglers make. One common mistake is using the wrong plastic type for the fish or water conditions. In addition, fishing with soft plastics too often in one spot can damage the baitfish's teeth and gill covers, making it difficult for the fish to catch and eat the bait.

Conclusion

Soft plastics are a great lure choice for saltwater fishing, as they offer a variety of benefits for the angler. From being soft and flexible to being able to swim and dive, soft plastics are the perfect lure for saltwater fishing. To find the best soft plastic lure for your fishing situation, read the reviews of the five best soft plastic lures and make your purchase!