Our Favourite Bass Rods For Soft Plastics

Bass fishing in the UK is one of the most popular forms of angling. With an abundance of bass species found in UK waters, it’s no wonder that many anglers prefer this type of fishing. However, one of the most critical factors that can determine your success in catching bass is the type of lure rod you use, specifically when fishing with soft plastics.

Soft plastics are a popular choice when it comes to bass fishing, and they come in many different shapes, sizes, and colors. These lures are designed to mimic a variety of prey, including worms, fish, and eels. Soft plastics work by mimicking the movement of these prey, drawing the attention of the bass and enticing them to strike.

When choosing a soft plastic lure, there are different types available, such as jerkbaits, grubs, and shads, and they all have different properties that make them effective in different conditions. Jerkbaits often have a darting action when you work them, while grubs tend to have a more swimming action. Shads mimic the baitfish of the area by having a lifelike tail action; these are perfect for areas where baitfish are abundant.

Understanding the venue you are fishing is critical when it comes to choosing the right soft plastic lure. Factors such as tide run, water clarity, bait fish in the area, and depth are all crucial to consider. Knowing these conditions will help you choose the right soft plastic lure that will mimic the natural prey of the bass effectively.

However, one of the most critical factors in catching bass with soft plastic lures is choosing the right lure rod. There are several key factors to consider when choosing a lure rod for bass fishing using soft plastics.

Length

The length of the rod is an essential factor in choosing a lure rod for bass fishing. Typically, the best length for a soft plastic lure rod is between 8 and 10 feet. This length provides the right amount of casting accuracy, sensitivity, and power that is necessary when fishing with soft plastics.

Tip Design

The tip design of the rod is another important factor to consider when choosing a lure rod for bass fishing using soft plastics. A soft tip action allows for an excellent action of the soft plastic lure. On the other hand, a stiffer tip action is preferable in areas where it’s windy. This tip design helps keep the line tight when casting into the wind.

Rod Action

The rod action of a lure rod is yet another important factor when choosing a rod for bass fishing using soft plastics. Fast action rods are more sensitive and provide excellent hooksets, making them suitable for techniques such as jerkbaiting. However, these rods are not ideal for softer presentation techniques, such as using grubs and worms. Thus, when fishing with soft plastics, a medium or medium-fast action is preferable. It allows for sensitivity and efficient hooksets while ensuring enough power to handle the fight from the fish.

Guides

Finally, the guides on a lure rod are essential when it comes to casting accuracy and sensitivity. Most modern lure rods are equipped with high-quality Fuji guides as they offer superior casting accuracy and excellent sensitivity. Furthermore, the configuration and number of guides play a significant role in maximizing the rods casting capabilities.

In conclusion, choosing the correct lure rod to use soft plastic lures on is crucial for successful bass fishing. When selecting the correct soft plastic lure, understanding the venue where you are fishing, including water conditions such as tide run, depth, and clarity, as well as the baitfish in the area are important factors to consider. When choosing a lure rod, selecting a rod with a length of between 8 and 10 feet, a medium to medium-fast rod action, and a soft tip design is essential. The right combination of these factors will provide the necessary casting accuracy, sensitivity, and power required for successful soft plastic lure bass fishing in the UK’s varied and prime angling locations.