Lure Fishing Soft Plastics - The Beginners Guide

Beginners Guide to lure fishing for Bass using Soft Plastics. Soft Plastics are an effective way of catching Bass from the U.Ks saltwater Coastline.
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0:00-1:00 Introduction
1:00- 1:32 What Main Line for Lure fishing soft Plastics
1:32- 2:34 What Length and type of Leader to use for Lure fishing
2:35 -4:55 How to tie an F.G Knot Lighter lines
4:55- 5:20 Mullet come in close while filming
5:29- 6:07 Best way to connect Lures to Line
6:05-7:21 How to tie the RAPAL KNOT
7:33-8:07 Matching the Bait fish to the Lure (examples)
8:50-10:07 Comparing Expensive and cheap Lures
10:08-10:50 Underwater footage of Fiiish Black Minnow
10:52-11:13 DRIFT weedless shad underwater action
12:22-12:57 Sidewinder Bass stick underwater
14:52-15:56 How to rig a Savage gear gravity stick
16:37-15:05 How to fish a SLUG-GO stick underwater action
18:06-19:50 How to rig a Fiiish Black minow
19:50-20:59 How to Rig a Big weedless Soft Plastic The SLUGGO
24:24-25:24 What Lure colour is best
27:14-27:42 How to cast a Lure rod
Ive recommended the tackle i use over on the Saltwater Angler Blog here:
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Any Corrections and errors follow here*
Many thanks to Mark at Manic Fishing for the filming Location on his boat. Mark has his own youtube channel here-‪@ManicFishing‬

[@phillipb72]

Fantastic video. Must have taken you an age to piece together. Really really useful, especially the simplest demo of the FG I've ever seen. I'm surprised that you use such a long leader but makes sense. I did try a long leader some time ago but the knot kept catching on the eyes. Probably because my uni-uni knot was the size of a conker 😂😂😂. Will try with this FG approach 😅

[@SaltwaterAngler]

Thanks mate. Hopefully part 2 out very soon

[@Paratath]

The FG definately casts through the eyelets a lot better than any other joiner knot I've tried. With fine line I often don't even feel it bump on the tip eyelet.

[@PilzE.]

By FAR, the absolute best UK bass video I have ever had the pleasure of viewing!!! If this doesn't send Saltwater Angler's channel through the roof, then every non-sub'd bass anglers deserves a year of blanks! 😋 Seriously, Matt, great job, you nailed it!

[@SaltwaterAngler]

Well great praise indeed , thanks 🙏

[@TheFishLocker]

If Matt could only master than northern accent he’d have it cracked. 😉

[@PilzE.]

@@TheFishLocker And catch a 19lb 13oz bass? 😁

[@robregist]

Going over my bass fishing library -most of what's in there is from Saltwater Angler. Really helpful this. Thanks!

[@SaltwaterAngler]

Yes 🫡

[@keithdouglas9848]

My third time watching this video.its one of the best videos on lure fishing for bass 👍👍👍

[@Kempy_]

Just got a new rod for lure fishing and this is just the video I needed 👌🏼

[@SaltwaterAngler]

Ahh yes 👍 hope it’s a great summer for you

[@ianturner3033]

A canny video. 👏Very educational for anyone lure fishing. 🧑‍🎓When, and if, I get out again, I may try lures.🤔 Thanks for sharing. I look forward to part 2.😀 Take care and stay safe.😷

[@SaltwaterAngler]

Hi again Ian , yea give it a go - a good entry in to this way of fishing is for single lures for mackerel and progress from there

[@richweston6202]

Brilliant video many thanks indeed!

[@SaltwaterAngler]

Cheers Rich

[@philipcurran3467]

Thought I knew my soft plastics until i watched this Matt!! Thanks for the tips🙏

[@SaltwaterAngler]

Thanks always learning here too !

[@Kasero89]

Fantastic video, glad KZbin recommended it

[@SaltwaterAngler]

Thanks for watching 👍

[@jonathanbritton7347]

Really enjoyed watching lure fishing and plastic videos, like wishtower Eastbourne, keep up good work look forward to seeing bass videos .

[@SaltwaterAngler]

Thanks Jonathan , I must fish That area some more this summer.

[@nicholascavie2464]

Great video again Matt very informative. Happy catching from AUSTRALIA Nick

[@SaltwaterAngler]

Hi Mick, Been watching some AUS luring recently too

[@stephenboreham9056]

Excellent video 📹 lernt a lot

[@ironix1]

Nice one Matt. Great information there with some informative photography, nice. You've got more soft plastics varieties than me and I thought I had lost it! 😂

[@SaltwaterAngler]

Yea , don’t forget we need a few of the same versions too if we start landing fish on them ! 👍💰

[@ironix1]

@@SaltwaterAngler Yep, they take their toll

[@chrisr3327]

Informative & helpful as ever. Thanks Matt. 👍

[@SaltwaterAngler]

Cheers chris

[@dayleelliott6343]

Cannot wait for part 2!

[@SaltwaterAngler]

I’m working on it !

[@chriscurtis9243]

Excellent video Matt 👍

[@SaltwaterAngler]

Thanks for watching Chris

[@gregd8880]

Brilliant video 👍

[@SaltwaterAngler]

Cheers Greg

[@JW-wp1qt]

Tou make the FG knot look so easy Matt! PS I used mono instead of fluoro last season for a leader and had my best summer yet! Top class photography and editing 👍

[@SaltwaterAngler]

Thanks for watching- ha yes filed that fg in real time. It’s worth practicing because imagine the big fish swimming around while you rush to change the leader!

[@bbr9707]

Great vid Matt… great trying these form the kayak… like the slug go’s. Tried the prawns in the bit of the vid but only briefly. Looking forward to part 2. Thanks B 🤓

[@SaltwaterAngler]

Thanks for watching mate

[@andygow59]

This will definitely be watched a canny few times as its so informative, can't wait to have a go at the bass

[@SaltwaterAngler]

It’s the best fish to go for !

[@markclohessy1128]

This is the best channel for fishing information. Great stuff

[@SaltwaterAngler]

I appreciate that!

[@neiladams4136]

Excellent work Matt. Thank you. Looking forward to part 2.

[@SaltwaterAngler]

Thanks for the comment- yes shouldn’t be long now

[@ManicFishing]

Great video matt thanks for the mention🙏🙏🙏

[@SaltwaterAngler]

Thanks for the open air studio! We take a look at your lures in episode 2 ! And cheers for your suggestion I break these down in to two separate videos.

[@gregpodmore2850]

Thank you for your time and effort 👌

[@dave1secondago]

brilliant vid and info matt

[@SaltwaterAngler]

Thanks for watching again mate

[@niltonc.7333]

thanks for the video, a tip i use alot on the rapala knot is, always go in/out the overhand loop same way for all passes including the last pass, this way the tag points back to the lure and not out to the side.

[@SaltwaterAngler]

Great tip!

[@danharvey7717]

Thanks Matt, Always a good watch. Nice to watch the fiddly black minnow being done property - takes ages to get a neat fit - well done. Interesting about your length of fluro’ too. I’ll try a longer one this year maybe. But you’re right - think it’s time to get the lures out 👍🏻 hopefully the hot currents from Spain & France will bring in the big Bass this year 🤞🏻🤞🏻🤞🏻

[@SaltwaterAngler]

Yes good comment Dan I think we are primed for a long hot summer and could be catching them in February too . Give the king flouro a go you might see see a small jump in takes

[@danharvey7717]

@@SaltwaterAngler just got to find a job that gives me ‘Sunny days off’ 😄

[@SaltwaterAngler]

@@danharvey7717 work always gets in the way of catching !

[@supafly1982]

I thought your video was well put together. Thank you 😊

[@SaltwaterAngler]

Hope it helps

[@rollwithit2012]

Great vid Matt 👏

[@SaltwaterAngler]

Thanks for that

[@stephenking78]

An absolute brilliant video Matt with loads of tips methods & an easy tutorial to follow for all of us. Can't wait for part 2. Well done you👍

[@SaltwaterAngler]

Cheers Stephen , I’m working on it 🥵😂

[@davetevens5080]

Nice one Matt. Very informative and educational to all 😊

[@SaltwaterAngler]

Appreciate that Dave

[@jonsands1879]

Wow, just WOW!! That is truly the single most enthralling, informative, well put together demonstration of lures (any type) that I've ever seen. Thank you Matt and your entusiasm is infectious. You've inspired me to try out the unweighted weedless plastics in areas that previously I would have stuck with surface lures 👍

[@SaltwaterAngler]

Thanks! My intent is you get out and give it a go. You can really get those through some weedy spots. Also Bass swim in incredibly shallow water - as we will find out on Mondays (25th) sept upload - also cheaper!

[@wetkneehouston6293]

The back minnows have such a unique wobble action in the water, I think that makes a huge difference

[@stiofain4693]

Great video, loved the live feed, subscribed…. Learning every day

[@SaltwaterAngler]

Welcome 🙏

[@glenngrant3592]

Clear insightful information love that 👍

[@SaltwaterAngler]

Thanks for watching bob

[@PilzE.]

Could this be the best, easiest, no fluff tutorial on how to tie an FG knot on the internet? I think so! 🤍 Lost my one only patchinko on a recent session where my poo attempt at an FG gave up the ghost during my cast. 27 quids worth of lure sailed away down the river Fal as my knot pinged! Absolutely wounded. Another great tip Matt added, would the length of leader, mine was at best four foot, so I guess the knot was absorbing all the ferocious power and torque my superior casts create.

[@SaltwaterAngler]

Yea length of leader depends on venue. Worth practicing FG knot eyes closed - seriously try it

[@anthonynagle]

Excellent, brilliant for a beginner like myself. Thank you for your time and effort

[@SaltwaterAngler]

Great 👍 thanks

[@roywalter7173]

Thank you. Excellent video and top info.

[@SaltwaterAngler]

Glad it was helpful!

[@augelar1586]

Great video that’s so much 👍🏻been lure fishing loads lately for bass and caught nothing 😢hopefully soon I’ll get one cheers

[@SaltwaterAngler]

Its a hard way to catch fish but as the Months roll on it gets better right!

[@TR4zest]

I am the same.

[@jamesduffy5019]

Great piece Matt, So many to try! I know the storms take a beating, but still my favourite soft at the moment. Though I’ve got quite a few new additions in the bag to try🤭 Was really hoping to get started early this season, but health has let me down! Urrrr. Looking forward to part 2!👍

[@SaltwaterAngler]

Thanks Mate wishing you well . Storm Lures are great really

[@jimmerlumberjack981]

Thanks Matt, love the videos bud, lots of helpful info learnt 😎👍

[@ivanstreet1201]

Thank you Matt, that was extremely helpful and very informative. I have tended to stick with hard lures until now, partly as I wasn't sure how some of the soft lures connect properly to the jig-head or the hook. The ready assembled lures are fine of course, but what you have just demonstrated opens up a lot more scope. Superb video as always, and I'm looking forward to part two. Top man!

[@SaltwaterAngler]

Nice one Ivan , appreciate you commenting. Yea soft plastics are a bit more cost effective and i prefer them early season

[@fishingstevie8830]

Good video Enjoyed .

[@SaltwaterAngler]

Cheers for that

[@johnrickards1908]

Best tutorial I've ever seen on you tube, thanks.

[@SaltwaterAngler]

Great , as long as folks get at least one thing that helps I’m happy !

[@letswetaline]

Thank you for the video

[@SaltwaterAngler]

Thanks for watching

[@TR4zest]

I think you are on the pontoon where Lady Margaret is berthed? If so, I have the houseboat on the hammer head. I wish I had seen you there as I would have like to say Hi. Thanks for this clip. I am looking forward to Part 2.

[@SaltwaterAngler]

Thats some good detective work there! Yes Mark is my friend and he kindly allowed me the use of the Lady Margaret for filming

[@leoncox2405]

Top stuff mate

[@SaltwaterAngler]

Cheers Leon

[@adriankwok8093]

Great video Matt really helpful tips better start lure fishing this month! Do you think it's ok if I used standard mono line to fish with lures? Would it put me at a really big disadvantage to use mono?

[@SaltwaterAngler]

No not a big disadvantage but there’s more joy and feel in braid and you are in better contact with what’s going on.

[@theamputeeangler]

Great video that Matt 👌🏻

[@SaltwaterAngler]

Thanks, hope you noticed the venue for some of this. They came out to tell me off when I fished in the outer harbour ! Didn’t realise you couldn’t fish there as far as the arms 😂

[@theamputeeangler]

@@SaltwaterAngler I did indeed! It’s a great place to film in there isn’t it I have a few bits to do myself off the boat shortly but weathers been playing ball so been out catching. looking forward to part 2 😀

[@stephenhill3861]

Top man sir 😊

[@SaltwaterAngler]

Hi Stephen 👍cheers

[@BYF1]

Fantastic video Matt, really interesting especially the underwater footage. Did I spy a sidewinder super minnow in red dot and white pattern attached to a Bass? Those slug go's have a really nice natural action, I may have to grab some of those. Looking forward to Part2, although I will be rewatching this one a fair few times.

[@SaltwaterAngler]

Thanks for letting me know- Not sure that was a super minnow there though ? SLUG-GO are quite versatile, let me know how you get on with them

[@BYF1]

​@@SaltwaterAngler Hello again Matt, I put your video into practice last night First every lure caught bass of 61cm and two more of 52cm and 60cm on soft plastics on a jighead and cheb.

[@SaltwaterAngler]

@@BYF1 fantastic

[@skateboardingjesus4006]

Great video. It's always good to have a wide selection like that to match what bait is around. I'm gagging to try out some weedless metals I've been working on. Those flat-head jigs you showed with the crayfish softy at the end is something I was looking at recently. I take it that's part two?

[@SaltwaterAngler]

Yes we take a look at that in the next episode

[@randomdude69343]

never caught on lures for some reason. always catch on floatfished feathers though at no more than 10 ft deep. gullies at full tide are a killer.

[@mnp3713]

very interresting videos thx from Denmark - where bass fishing is a new thing. Our fishing is a bit different and mostly only on our west coast. but we do have a lot of very big bass here because almost no one fish, 7kg is possible. if you ever visit Denmark give me a hit and i will take you fishing.

[@SolentAngler]

'A good time of the year to start lure fishing'. Indeed it is, I opened my account this evening on my local creek. 3 landed, 1 hooked but lost. All small but bass on lures nonetheless!

[@SaltwaterAngler]

Hurray !

[@SolentAngler]

Funny, they were a stamp of fish I would dismiss if bait fishing but got such a buzz catching them on the light lure gear. Great informative video by the way. I'd been trying with soft plastics but these came to a SG seeker in the end.

[@mat_allthegearfishing]

perfect timing, i just bought a load of these and dont know what to do with them lol

[@SaltwaterAngler]

It’s going to be fun finding out !

[@mat_allthegearfishing]

@@SaltwaterAngler oh i cant wait, out tomorrow with them

[@andyhealy3320]

Yet to catch my 1st bass from the sea since moving to Bexhill. My best bass so far was from the docks at Canary Wharf next to London City Airport. 😊

[@SaltwaterAngler]

That’s a mighty catch I’ve often thought about fishing the Thames that far up

[@billstone3629]

A superb video Matt, really useful and so much information to take from it. One question, having done a lot of fly fishing I used a loop to loop connection from fly line to leader which was strong enough to deal with hard fighting rainbow trout. However, no one fishing for bass with lures seems to use this loop to loop connection method? Is there a reason for this?

[@SaltwaterAngler]

Yes it’s as it comes through the rod rings that’s the problem. I suppose one of those braided loops would have some advantages with shorter leaders

[@OldBobFishing]

Fantastic video Matt. Thank you so much for all your time, effort and advice. Question: What are your thoughts on waders for mixed terrain lure fishing, mostly in the North East (sandy beaches and rockier ground)? I am relatively new back to lure fishing and I'm looking to buy a pair of chest waders. So, budget or "quality"? Breathable/ baggy ones or neoprene? Stocking foot or boots? Smooth sole or studs? Help, my head is spinning!🤪

[@SaltwaterAngler]

Ha well I’ve tried everything but actually your budget is what factors in. A pair of quality waders would be a number one choice. Something to be moving in all day. Avoid cheap chest waders for longer sessions. I did spend most of my Irish strand fishing days in terrible green plastic £19:99 ones! I don’t use studs but utilise 3m neoprene socks in throw away trainers with a good chunky sole - 1 size up. As soon as I can I’ll be in board shorts or waterproof shorts as I like getting wet and feeling the water temperature- that is a bit odd for most! And of-course venue dependent. On occasion I’ll use my spearfishing leggings! Again to save money! I’m not up with the latest top notch waders but do dream as I read through the sportsfish catalouge. My friend and KZbin stalwart Nathan @slippylimpets might be able to give you more up to date with quality waders as he has a more in-depth knowledge in this area.plus he was from your area I don’t like wading boots as I personally need to feel the ground a bit more. Order that sportsfish catalogue to see simms g4 for 1k plus plus some sale and budget ones. Let us know what you go for

[@OldBobFishing]

Many, many thanks for this @@SaltwaterAngler, I can't believe how much there is to consider in what I thought would be a simple purchase. CAn't believe how much some of them cost too. The biggest problem I have is large plates of meat, size 11-12. Wader manufactures generally seem to increase the size of the waders with shoe size, consequently to get a pair to fit me I would have to get an XL or XXL. I'm just under 6 foot and 12 1/2 stone, so an XXL would swamp me. After taking your advice and a lot of research I ordered a pair of stocking foot HART 25S spinning waders. I have plenty of pairs of trail shoes with rugged grips that are over sized for running. Hopefully these will see me through the summer on the shore until I can think about wading boots. The reviews of the Hart 25S seem positive. They are said to be hard wearing, and the stocking feet come up quite large on most sets, so I hope to be able to get away (size) large pair and still have plenty of room to move/ layer up. Oh, and I’ve found some great offers on the internet, so hopefully have been able to get a better quality product for my limited budget. Fingers crossed. I’ll let you know the outcome. Thanks again Matt. Bob Wilson

[@mikeharris7712]

Hi matt great video what reel are you using please. First time for me lure fishing.

[@SaltwaterAngler]

Various best bet is to check the vlog in the description

[@mrsniff3676]

Silly question time. How secure is the rapala knot, using braid to lure or should I carry on with the Palomar ?

[@SaltwaterAngler]

I’m running a test - great question actually because I do t know but will report back just setting up a comparison now

[@digzfishing]

👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@SaltwaterAngler]

👍👍👍

[@daviddevine1757]

Does using the fg and a clip ever give ye line twist? Has done me in the past without a swivel clip.

[@SaltwaterAngler]

Hi David, no it hasn’t really.

[@jordanshaw886]

Hi mate irrelevant to the video but does it matter what type/colour line you use when beach fishing with rigs (fish visibility )

[@SaltwaterAngler]

No still a good question. I would say No in terms of fish being put off but I’ve noticed a benefit to being able to see the line or how it’s bowing or sitting in the water after I’ve cast. So if you can see red line from rod tip to water but struggle with clear then use red

[@aydinatesli4733]

👍

[@SaltwaterAngler]

Thank You

[@theoccasionalangler6956]

Hi Matt, enjoyed this video.. I was wondering if you fancied join us for a day bassing, launching from Eastbourne…. I’ve sent you a message on messenger

[@SaltwaterAngler]

Hi thanks very much will check the message and get back to you. Very kind

[@theoccasionalangler6956]

Great, it’s on Monday 26th , I’ve left you a message on messenger. Possibly do a collaboration if your up for it!

[@blasterdotcom]

Like 👍 and sub great work thank you for transmit your knowledge

[@SaltwaterAngler]

Welcome ! Plenty more videos on the channel