Rigged Shads & Eels 149 products

Soft Plastic Swimbaits

The UK’s Best Selection of Soft Plastic Swimbaits and Rigged Shads

Welcome to Gerry’s Fishing, your expert source for the most effective Soft Plastic Swimbaits and Rigged Shads targeting UK Sea Bass, Pollock, and Wrasse.

These lures—often referred to as ‘boot tails’ or ‘paddle tails’—are the most versatile and essential part of any modern lure angler’s tackle box. Unlike hard baits, the pliable nature of these lures creates a natural, subtle vibration in the water, perfectly mimicking the erratic, wounded action of real baitfish like sandeels and small rockling.

Key Product Details & Versatility

 

Our range includes baits from top brands like Savage Gear, Westin, and Sidewinder, available in both pre-rigged and loose body formats.

• Pre-Rigged Shads: These are perfect for beginners or when you need a fast setup. They come with an internal jig head or wire harness, ensuring a perfectly straight profile and guaranteed realistic swimming action right out of the pack. They are ideal for straight, slow retrieves in deeper water or strong currents.

• Loose Body Swimbaits: For the advanced angler, a loose shad body gives you total control over your presentation. Pair them with a Jig Head for fishing deep structure or use a Weedless Hook (like a weighted wide-gap hook) to bounce them through heavy kelp, rocky gullies, and shallow, snaggy ground where the biggest bass often lurk.

We stock a comprehensive range of sizes, from small 3″ finesse baits for delicate presentations to larger 7″ and 8″ shads for tempting big, predatory fish. Choose pearl white or glitter colours for clear conditions and bright days, and opt for chartreuse or glow-in-the-dark options for low-light or murky water.

Whether you’re fishing from the shore, rocks, or boat, the soft plastic shad is proven to outperform traditional methods, making it a must-have for every serious UK lure fisherman.

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❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Bass Fishing Lures

 

Q: What is the best colour Soft Plastic Shad for UK Bass?

 

A: The most effective colour depends on water clarity and light. Pearl White or Silver Glitter are year-round favourites, mimicking general baitfish like sandeels and sprats, and are excellent in clear water. On dull days or in murky water, switch to highly visible colours like Chartreuse (yellow-green) or Pink to help the bass locate the lure by sight.

Q: What is the optimal retrieve for a Paddle Tail Swimbait?

 

A: Bass often prefer a slow, steady retrieve that keeps the paddle tail thumping rhythmically, mimicking a swimming baitfish. However, the most effective technique is often a “Stop & Go”—retrieving for 3-5 turns, then pausing for 1-2 seconds. The lure flutters or sinks enticingly on the pause, which frequently triggers an aggressive strike from a wary bass.

Q: Should I use pre-rigged or loose soft plastics for bass fishing?

 

A: It depends on the environment. Use pre-rigged soft plastics when fishing deeper, open water or areas with a fast current, as the fixed weight ensures a stable, deep presentation. Use loose soft plastics paired with a weedless hook when fishing very shallow, snaggy, or rocky ground where a fixed jig head would constantly get snagged.

Q: What size lure is best for an average UK Bass?

 

A: Most UK bass anglers rely on shads between 4 inches (100mm) and 6 inches (150mm). This size is large enough to attract a good-sized predator but small enough to be eaten by smaller, more common bass. If you are specifically targeting a trophy fish, you can confidently size up to a 7″ or 8″ swimbait.