Fishing Plastics

[aaron otto]

Anyone here have any advice/thoughts on fishing plastics? Not been successful with plastics in the past. Would really like to understand how they can be used effectively. The hype around the interweb, and on the videos is hard for me to buy into. Not that a doubt some folks who know what they're doing can fish these well, just seems the amount of hype versus the actual guys I know fishing them doesn't weigh up. I won't raise the question of the machine driving the product, but would rather take the discussion to - if folks care to provide input - are regular guys fishing plastics and having as much or more than success then natural presentations?

Any thoughts, advice, or input is appreciated.

[Bernie Keefe]

I am a big fan of plastics, out here in Colorado we do have some artificial only lakes. This forced me to fish outside my comfort zone. When you are on a good bite try various plastics.The results will come then the confidence will come also. All the reading is great but time on the water is the big teacher.

[aaron otto]

Thanks Bernie. Going to give it a shot tomorrow. Figure if I commit to it all day, and look to see if I can figure out how to trigger the bite with them..I may just learn something .

Thank you for your input. ao

[Chad Peterson]

I am a big fan of plastics, out here in Colorado we do have some artificial only lakes. This forced me to fish outside my comfort zone. When you are on a good bite try various plastics.The results will come then the confidence will come also. All the reading is great but time on the water is the big teacher.

Great point Bernie. Fishing plastics is something I was scared to death of, but for the past 7 years that is all I use.Time on the water and understand what the fish are telling you will help alot. Not going to push product, but there is some very good plastics on the market and would get some different products to try.

The other thing that you might want to do is have 3 different setups with 3 different sizes and colors to see what size of presentation for the type of fish your targeting.

Good Luck, and a good topic.

[Kevan Paul]

Have confidence and use a camera so you can see how the fish react to the movements you are making with it.

[Crappyfisherman]

Aaron think of plastics as if they are flies.

[Pat_Rodger]

Plastics are a go to for me in both hard water and open water fishing.

Most important advise giving so far is getting the confidence needed to use them more often. A camara is a great tool but if it is not available to you here is what I would do.

One of the most important rules to me is threading my plastic on as straight as I can on my lure of choice.

Pairing plastics to lures is also important.

What I have done and still do today is practice, with every sport practice for the big game is important. Take the time at home threading different baits to different lures. Than what i have done is to take a five gallon pail of water and worked those lures and the different presentations. This method should help you eliminate the not so real looking pair ups, if you are correctly applying the plastics and most important you will see how they reacte to your rod movement(s).

Colors are important as is types. You here this alot "match the hatch." This is just as important on hard water as it is during open water. There are so many types on the market its hard to pick just one off the shelf. I start with the color red than go to white, black and so on. Glow colors work great in stained and dirty water.

If at all possible try to figure out what the fish you are targeting are feeding on. This will help narrow down your choices of color and style.

Size of your plastics could keep the small fish off your line. I like to go large to keep the small fish off your line. This method works at times when your in a crowd of mixed sizes. The small fish will attack your bait without being able to hook up, this activity gets the larger fish more excited to investigate your offerings.

Once you get comfortable using plastics it has many advantages that will help you catch more fish, less time rebaiting, not having to worry about your bait after that last miss and just gettin back down to those red lines on your Vexilar.

Take your time and learn your lures and plastics together. there are pre paired lures and plastics on the market that may help you get started. Just don't give up on them once you get comfortable using them you just might be the envy of your fishing Buddy's

[aaron otto]

Thanks for all the advice ( thanks Dan - that hit home for me).

[Crappyfisherman]

Lets fish some plastics when you get back,don't care where we go. Could be fun.

[aaron otto]

I'm in Dan!

[Crappyfisherman]

Wednesday or Thursday ok? Going with the Crappie Queen on Friday.

[aaron otto]

Wed sounds perfect Dan.

PS Dan can we run up to Thorne's and help me pick out the starter kit for plastics? Want to support the local.

[Jim Uran]

Plastics have their time and place, I like to use them on aggressive fish mostly, Ill also experiment with them on negative fish but usually have meat on my hook on neutral to negative fish. Without a doubt they are an important part of my arsenal.

[aaron otto]

Jim you have keyed in on my concern. Do fish eat them in any other situation than when they're "Aggressive?".

If they eat meat all times and it's a fraction of the cost.......

Main concern for me- am I missing out on a bite sans-plastic? Can you convert a fish with plastic that passes by the natural?

[Jim Uran]

Yes you can and I have caught those negative fish on plastics, after they passed up on a meaty offering. I believe having a few different shapes/sizes/colors in your bag or box is a must though. They are pretty inexpensive and have earned a place in my rod bag.

[aaron otto]

Thanks Jim. Will stick w/ it then.

[Crappyfisherman]

Why don't you try some of mine to see what you like.

[aaron otto]

Sounds good Dan- thanks for the offer.

[Crappyfisherman]

Where would you like to go Wed.? I'm open to anything.

[aaron otto]

Shot you a note Dan. Check the email. ao

[Crappyfisherman]

Aaron,if you don't mind bringing you shack I was thinking of taking my 1 man.It's easier for me to hole hop with. I think you can take a seat out of yours to save weight,or if you want bring Hudson. Maybe he could give us some pointers.Let me know what you think,Dan

[aaron otto]

np Dan.Will bring mine.

[slipperybob]

A big part of plastics for me is how it behaves when jigging. Some require only subtle jig movements while other will work for big lifts of the rod. Do it with the wrong set up and the fish will ignore it. Plus getting it rigged on correctly to prevent lure spins is a big part.

With live bait, well sometimes none of that really matters. Only cold hands when messing around with minnows. Then again, I will get cold hands from scooping fish out of the ice hole.

[VexilarView]

Aaron:

I have been fishing plastics of all types for a number of years and like others, it took some time to make the change from live bait. I have taken the next step and have started producing my own plastics with the aid of my son and brother (CNA machinist and machinist maintenance man), respectfully. I design the molds and they build them. We have a small scale assembly line and play around with a number of designs and ideas.

As others have added, the type and placement of the plastics on the jig is vital and will positively / negatively effect the presentation. I have used very large plastics as an attractent. Utilizing horizontal or vertical jigs, placing a large plastic wedge or tail on the hook can be used effectively to draw curious specices into the bite zone. If they are not agressive with the plastic, then it is quick to reel it up and present another offering that is rigged and standing by.

Also consider pairing a plastic tail (cut and trimmed to fit the jig) and add a spike, waxworm, or goldenrod gall worm to entice the presentation. If fish are negative to the just the plastic, then many times I will trim that plastic down and add a single spike and that will seal the deal in many cases. It presents a nice contrasting bait, with the subtle movement of the plastic and the natural movement of the live bait, that at times is hard for the fish to resist.

In the area where I live and do most of my ice fishing we use the plastics on all species: Lake Trout, Crappies, Bluegills, Perch, Walleyes, Bass, and even Catfish.

Be patience and give it time. When you get the configuration and presentation dialed in I think you will agree it is a good tool to have in the rod bag.

[aaron otto]

Thanks for all the feedback folks. One of these days I will figure them out. Spent a solid couple hours yesterday with them. Caught some tiny Perch. Guessing it's a matter of time spent with the product that is holding me back from the plunge.

thanks again - ao