Best Soft Plastic Baits for Bass Fishing at Cabela's
Hey there, angling enthusiasts! If you’re as hooked on bass fishing as I am, then you know the importance of having the right lures in your tackle box. When it comes to enticing those elusive bass, soft plastic lures are an angler’s best friend.
In this article, we’ll dive into the world of soft plastics and discover the best rated worms, beavers, creatures, craws, jerkbaits, and swimbaits. For each type, I have personally chosen a the best rated soft plastic baits from Cabela’s and highlighted some of their characteristics, strengths and weaknesses.
So, grab your rod, buckle up, and let’s explore the exciting world of these fantastic lures. We’ll even mention a couple of popular brands like Berkley, Strike King, Yamamoto, and Zoom that have anglers raving. Get ready to level up your bass fishing game!
Table of Contents
Worms
In this section, let’s explore one of bass fishing’s all-time classics—the mighty plastic worm. Now, if there’s one lure that has truly stood the test of time and consistently hooked those elusive bass, it’s the trusty plastic worm. It’s got this uncanny lifelike action that bass just can’t resist!
Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, get ready to discover the top plastic worms available today. We’ll break down their unique features, highlight the advantages, and hey, we’ll even spill the beans on a few potential drawbacks. So, let’s get ready to choose the best rated plastic worm that’ll help you reel in those monster bass on your next fishing adventure!
The category of plastic worms was a difficult one for me. There are lots of companies, shapes, sizes, colors, and other features that challenged me to find the best of each type of plastic worm. However, the list that I chose were chosend for a specific reason and I think you’ll agree with my picks.
Yamamoto Baits 5” Senko
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- Salt-impregnated
- Fished weightless or wacky style
- Highly effective in catching bass
- Versatile in different fishing techniques (wacky style, Texas rig, Ned rig)
- Considered one of the top bass fishing baits on the market, but also consistently catches fish and multiple species
- Easy and efficient to use
- Comes in beautiful colors that contrast nicely and produce bites
- Works well for both small and big fish
- Some anglers say that the Senko baits are expensive
- Durability issues, with some baits breaking in half easily
- Fragile compared to other brands
Zoom Magnum II Worm
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- Salt-impregnated
- Super-soft to the touch
- Decent action on the retrieve
- Can be used in various ways
- Anglers noted that they are more durable than average soft plastic worms and last longer
- Anglers praise the affordable price, especially considering the quantity in each pack
- Variety of colors
- May not be widely available in all stores, making them harder to find
- A few anglers express a preference for the 6" or 8" size over the 9"
Zoom Finesse Worm
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- Salt-impregnated
- Super-soft
- Realistic Appearance
- Highly effective in various fishing techniques, including drop shot, Neko rig, shaky head, and wacky rig
- Performs well in heavily pressured lakes and during high-pressure weather conditions
- Comes in a wide range of colors, allowing anglers to choose according to specific fishing conditions
- Excellent action and attractive movement that entices fish, especially in clear or partially stained water
- Some anglers mentioned that the worms tear up easily, reducing their durability
- Availability of certain colors, such as Cotton Candy, may be inconsistent or discontinued
Creatures
Now, let’s talk about one of the most versatile and enticing categories of soft plastic lures in bass fishing: creatures baits. These little monsters are designed to imitate a wide range of creatures that bass love to prey upon. With their unique shapes, multiple appendages, and lifelike details, creature baits are a go-to choice for enticing strikes from even the most finicky bass.
Whether you’re flipping heavy cover, punching through vegetation, or working submerged structure, creature baits excel at triggering aggressive strikes. Their tantalizing action and realistic profiles make them irresistible to bass, giving you a shot at reeling in the big ones. So, get ready to unleash the beast and see how creature baits can elevate your bass fishing game to a whole new level.
This was a tough category of soft baits for me. There are lots of companies that make all kinds of creatures. I found it very difficult to choose the best baits of their kind, but I feel that this is a solid list of creature baits with great reviews.
Berkley PowerBait Pit Boss
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- Cooked-in flavor holds the bite 18 times longer
- Great tail-waving action
- Versatile and can be rigged in various ways
- Impressive action, motion, and appearance in the water
- Suitable for techniques like punching, flipping, skipping, and swimming
- Good durability with potential for multiple catches
- Reasonable price
- Occasional durability issues with tail flaps getting ripped off
- Limited availability in certain sizes and colors
Zoom Baby Brush Hog
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- Crawfish/lizard/worm hybrid
- Slender body with high-action appendages
- Wholly realistic, super-soft to the touch
- Salt-impregnated
- Great for pitching, flipping or swimming
- Effective in various conditions, including during spawn and in tough fishing situations
- Versatile and can be used with different rigging methods (Texas rig, Carolina rig, shaky head, etc.)
- Good action and appearance in the water, attracting bites
- Durable, lasting through multiple catches
- Wide range of colors available
- Affordable price
- Limited success in winter fishing
- Some concerns about initial quality control (falling apart in the bag) and may tear easily in certain situations
- Not as effective in heavily fished areas with fishing pressure
Strike King Rage Tail Space Monkey Soft Baits
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- Scalloped Rage Tail design
- Elongated legs
- Extra bumps
- Backslit for better hooksets
- Excellent action in the water, attracting fish
- Versatile and can be used in various fishing techniques (flipping, swimming, pitching, Texas rig, etc.)
- Durable and can withstand multiple catches
- Wide range of colors available
- Effective in different water conditions and locations, especially in heavy cover and around structure
- Has produced consistent results for many anglers
- Can attract bites from both bass and other species
- Some concerns about the durability of the appendages, which can be easily torn off by panfish
- Scent may not be appealing to all anglers
- Some anglers have experienced difficulty with fish grabbing only the tail, resulting in quick tearing
- May require frequent replacement due to wear and tear
Yamamoto Baits Kreature
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- Rear paddle spring back and forth
- Tantalizing floating tail
- Versatile and can be used in various fishing techniques (Texas rigged, Carolina rigged, weighted swimbait hook, etc.)
- Good action in the water, mimicking natural prey
- Can be fished in different depths and structures
- Available in a variety of colors to suit different conditions
- Effective in catching big fish
- Can be used for both largemouth and smallmouth bass
- Relatively expensive compared to other baits
- Soft plastic material tears easily, requiring frequent bait replacement
- May slide on offset hooks, requiring adjustments
- Price may not be justified for some anglers, considering the durability and cost per bait
Craws
Get ready to crank up the bass action with the mighty crawfish baits! These little crustacean-inspired lures are a staple in any angler’s tackle box. With their lifelike pinchers, wavy legs, and textured bodies, crawfish baits perfectly mimic the natural movements of these underwater delicacies.
Whether you’re targeting bass in rocky areas, weed beds, or around submerged structures, crawfish baits excel at drawing strikes. Just drag them along the bottom or hop them gently, and watch as bass pounce on these irresistible snacks. So, gear up and let’s dive into the world of crawfish baits, where big bass can’t resist the temptation to feast!
YUM CrawBug
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- Emulates a fleeing crawfish
- Amazingly realistic detail
- Hollow body
- Proven scent attractant
- Effective for both shallow and deep water fishing with a jig head.
- Provides good action and has a realistic appearance that attracts bass.
- Versatile bait that can be used with different rigging techniques like Texas, Carolina, and tube rigs.
- Durable design with claws that stay intact even after multiple uses.
- Works well as a trailer on jigs, especially around rocks and wood.
- Comes in various colors that appeal to different fish species.
- Can be used for fishing smallmouth, walleye, redfish, snapper, and more.
- Stands straight up when rigged, allowing for a bouncing action off the bottom.
- Some anglers prefer larger sizes for more versatility in rigging options.
- May not have as much movement compared to other craw baits.
- Upside-down rolling tendency when Texas rigged.
Zoom Magnum Ultra-Vibe Speed Craw
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- Incredibly versatile
- Can be fished alone or on a rig
- High-action tentacles
- Works well in bass spawn and post-spawn situations
- Versatile bait that catches fish when fished slow or fast
- Good action and fluttering motion that attracts bass
- Suitable for various rigging options, such as Texas rig, Carolina rig, and jig trailer
- Durable and can withstand multiple uses
- Effective in both freshwater and brackish water environments
- Excellent bait for flipping mats, fishing in heavy cover, and pitching into grass
- Attracts both largemouth bass and smallmouth bass
- Available in a wide range of colors to match local baitfish
- Some anglers have reported durability issues, but this is common with similar baits
- New stock colors may differ slightly from the original, which could affect fish response
- May not be as effective for trout fishing
- Works best when fished slowly along the bottom, not ideal for fast retrieval techniques
Strike King Rage Tail Chunk
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- Short, fat body
- Extra-large pincers
- Eye-catching action
- Lots of action
- Effective as a trailer for jigs, great for swim jigs, performs well on football jigs, and suitable for flippin', pitchin', and topwater fishing
- Attracts bass and triggers strikes
- Good color assortment
- Durable for multiple uses
- Works well in rivers, lakes, and ponds
- Excellent for smallmouth bass
- Easy to rig and use
- Impressive claw action
- Lifelike appearance and movement
- Good scent that attracts bass
- Limited color options
- Durability issues with plastic between pincers
- Claws can get torn off by panfish or short strikes
Culprit Incredi-Craw
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- Assumes a classic defensive position upon contact with the bottom
- Realistic legs
- Punches through vegetation
- Versatile bait that can be used for flipping, pitching, Carolina rigging, and as a jig trailer
- Lots of action in the water, enticing hungry bass
- Comes in a variety of great colors
- Slim and compact design allows it to slide through thick cover
- Long tentacles add extra flare to the bait
- Molded body resembles the shell of a crawdad
- The smallest size may appear too big and not lifelike
- Requires sturdy equipment as it is not a small fish bait
Jerkbaits
Are you ready to add some extra finesse and excitement to your bass fishing arsenal? Look no further than soft plastics jerkbaits! These versatile lures are designed to mimic injured baitfish, creating irresistible darting and erratic movements in the water.
Whether you’re fishing in freshwater lakes, rivers, or even saltwater estuaries, soft plastics jerkbaits can be the secret weapon you need to entice aggressive strikes from hungry bass. With their soft, lifelike bodies and realistic finishes, these baits are sure to grab the attention of even the most finicky bass. So, get ready to twitch, pause, and reel in some impressive catches with the help of soft plastics jerkbaits!
The jerkbaits category was a little easier for me to choose the right baits. These are all highly rated and best in their own ways.
Strike King KVD Perfect Plastics Blade Minnow
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- Segmented body
- Slender profile
- Natural lifelike swimming action
- Great action as a jig trailer or weightless soft bait
- Provides excellent bladed jig trailer action for mid water clarity
- Can be used effectively with underspin and naked swim jig
- Tails have nice subtle action and are durable
- Available in different colors, such as bluegill, for attracting fish
- Recommended by professional angler Kevin VanDam
- Item is not flat despite its name
- Tails may rip off easily
Lunker City Slug-Go
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- Erratic injured baitfish action
- Effective in freshwater or saltwater
- Versatile and effective for various fish species, including largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, stripers, trout, pike, perch, crappie, and more
- Great action and natural dying baitfish look
- Can be rigged in multiple ways: weightless, texas rig, wacky rig, jig head, or with a split-shot or belly-weight
- Excellent for finesse fishing and attracting big strikes
- Random and erratic action that entices fish
- Works well in various conditions, depths, and water clarity
- Casts well and covers different areas, including lily pads, weedbeds, rocks, and heavy cover
- Durable construction (except for the top of the bait where the hook is inserted)
- Comes in a variety of colors, allowing for customization and preference
- May not cast far when used weightless
- Tails and body can tear easily with use
- Limited availability of certain colors in stores
- Rigging can be tricky for some anglers
- Some anglers reported difficulty in keeping the hooks in after a few good hits
Berkley PowerBait Minnow
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- Great for jig trailers, spinner rigs, drop-shots
- Split tail design provides subtle finesse presentation
- All sizes are ideal for bass, walleye and trout
- PowerBait advantage—fish bite and won't let go!
- Effective for crappie, bass, trout, walleye, bluegill, and panfish.
- Mimics a minnow well, attracting various fish species.
- Works as a search bait and catches fish in different water conditions.
- Can be used with different jig head sizes.
- Durable and lasts through multiple fish catches.
- Versatile bait for various fishing techniques (jigging, drop shot, spinnerbait, etc.).
- Suitable for both freshwater and saltwater fishing.
- Good alternative to live bait, with comparable or better results.
- Comes in different sizes and colors to match the bait fish in different environments.
- Some anglers have found the current versions to be fragile.
- Not as soft as other brands like Gulp Alive.
- Doesn't have the same scent as Gulp Alive.
- Durability is not as good as previous products from Berkley.
Zoom Magnum Super Fluke
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- Realistic baitfish profile with split-tail action
- Plumper and heavier than its smaller cousins
- Casts longer, sinks faster
- Super-soft, yet durable
- Salt-impregnated to hold the bite
- 7" size is great for trophy hunting
- Has a lot of action and attracts striped bass
- Works well with a slow retrieve, especially for bass
- Considered better than other tested gear
- Effective for catching big bass and larger fish
- Versatile lure for surface fishing and deeper presentations
- Weedless design makes it safe and easy to use
- Can be effective for young anglers and in various fishing environments
- Durable material allows for multiple catches on one bait
- Lure may get torn up easily and require frequent replacement
- Limited color selection, some anglers desired more options
- Fall rate may be slower than desired for certain fishing situations
Swimbaits
Get ready to make a big splash with your bass fishing game! Soft plastics swimbaits are here to take your angling experience to the next level. These lifelike lures are designed to mimic the natural swimming action of baitfish, drawing the attention of hungry bass and triggering aggressive strikes.
Whether you’re targeting trophy largemouth in freshwater lakes or testing your skills against hard-fighting stripers in saltwater, soft plastics swimbaits are the go-to choice for avid bass anglers. With their realistic detailing, vibrant colors, and enticing movement, these baits are sure to lure in the biggest and most elusive bass.
YUM Money Minnow
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- Lifelike finish
- Proven swimming action
- Rigging-friendly design
- Hook-hiding belly slot
- Enables strong hooksets
- Versatile bait for various fishing techniques such as rigging on a jig head, trailer for a spinnerbait, chatterbait, or buzzbaits, and swim jigs.
- Effective for catching bass, walleye, crappie, pike, tigers, catfish, bowfin, pickeral, drum, and other species.
- Realistic and lifelike action that attracts schooling bass and other fish
- Successful in both freshwater and saltwater fishing.
- Some anglers have reported catching large bass, including those over ten pounds, using this bait.
- The slit in the belly helps with hooksets and increases the chances of setting the hook.
- Effective for fishing in various conditions, such as during the shad spawn.
- Some anglers find the price of the bait relatively high, especially considering its durability.
- The durability of the bait is a concern for many, with reports of it getting torn or ripped easily thus may not last for more than a few fish.
- The swimbait may not swim straight consistently and may turn on its side occasionally without proper rigging or weight.
- Limited color pattern options, and some desired colors may not be available in certain sizes.
- Some anglers have experienced issues with the quality, such as the eyes coming off or the swim action not being as expected.
- Not scented like some competing products.
Berkley PowerBait Power Swimmer
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- Extremely versatile, deadly bait
- Realistic minnow profile
- High-action paddle tail
- Cooked-in PowerBait scent and flavor
- Deeply ribbed for more scent attraction
- Highly effective for bass fishing, with many anglers reporting successful catches.
- Versatile bait that can be used as a spinnerbait trailer, underspin lure, or standalone swimbait.
- Durable construction that holds up well even after multiple casts and encounters with weed beds.
- Excellent choice for walleye fishing, producing successful catches of large walleye.
- PowerBait scent adds an attractive element that entices fish to bite.
- Some anglers found the bait to be a bit stiff and preferred to stretch and soften it for a wider wobble.
- Limited feedback from anglers who have not yet used the product, making it difficult to assess its performance in those scenarios.
Creme Reel Scremer Swimbait
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- Sleek, oscillating body
- Stabilizing lateral fins
- Creates an underwater sound that's attractive to fish
- Excellent action and gliding motion in clear water, making it highly effective for bass fishing.
- Durable construction with lateral fins that enhance the bait's action and vibration in the water.
- Versatile swimbait suitable for various fishing applications, including Texas rigging, umbrella rig fishing, swim jigs, and jig heads.
- Can be reeled at faster speeds while remaining stable and running true.
- Recommended by experienced anglers who have caught a wide range of fish species, including smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, crappie, and musky.
- Some anglers reported issues with durability, with largemouth bass easily damaging the baits.
Yamamoto Baits Zako Swimbait
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- Shad-like deep belly design
- Flanged fins
- Accordion-style cut tail
- Molded-in belly slit and back groove
- Natural baitfish profile that works well as a trailer for chatterbait trailer, Texas rigging, and jigs.
- Good swimming action and movement when finesse fished, providing an enticing presentation.
- Effective for catching big bass on main lake points and has produced successful results for some anglers.
- Some anglers have experienced limited movement on the tails, particularly at slower speeds or when used with Alabama rigs.
- Mixed opinions on the effectiveness as a swim jig trailer, with some suggesting alternative options.
- Limited size options, with a desire for larger sizes such as 5 or 6 inches.
Conclusion
There are a lot of good soft plastic baits out there and different companies make them with their own characteristics that stand out from the rest. We’ve explored plastic worms, creature baits, craws, jerkbaits, and swimbaits, comparing the highlighting the pros and cons for several baits in each category. I hope this article has helped you narrow the search and you have found the right bait for you.