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The Hidden Gem of Summertime Bass Fishing: Pirate Bait Company Floating Soft Plastic Craws Are a Game Changer!
Hey y'all! Tim K. here, owner of Pirate Bait Company. Today, I'm gonna share one of my not-so-secret secrets for landing those big ol' bass: floating soft plastic craws. Now, I've been fishing for a good while, and let me tell you, these baits have become a staple in my tackle box. So sit back, pour yourself a glass of sweet tea, and let's dive into why these hidden gems of summertime bass fishing can make a world of difference in your bass fishing adventures.
What Are Floating Soft Plastic Craws?
Before we get into the nitty-gritty of how to use these babies, let’s first understand what they are. Floating soft plastic craws are essentially artificial lures designed to mimic the natural movement of crawfish in the water, but with an added twist—they float. This slight buoyancy sets them apart from other soft baits, making them ideal for a more lifelike presentation. At the Pirate Bait Company, we’ve formulated our soft plastic craws, creature baits and worms with a slight buoyancy for lifelike action.
Versatility in Design
Pirate Bait Company’s floating craws come in various shapes, sizes, and colors. Whether you’re fishing in clear water or murky conditions, there’s a floating soft plastic craw that will suit your needs. The floating nature also means that these baits sit just above the bottom, perfectly mimicking a defensive crawfish posture—an irresistible sight for any hungry bass.
Why Choose Floating Soft Plastic Craws?
Now, why should you choose floating soft plastic craws over, say, traditional soft plastics or live bait? Let's break it down.
Realistic Presentation
One summer day, I was out on Smith Mountain Lake here in Virginia, and I remember vividly watching and testing the action of floating craws. I cast out, and as soon as it hit the water, the bait just sat there, hovering slightly off the bottom, claws up in a lifelike defense mode. Within moments, I saw a bass swim out from under a dock, felt the tug—and landed a nice 5-pound bass. The realistic floating action is key here. Most bass are used to seeing craws on the bottom. The floating action makes them think these are live prey.
Versatility and Flexibility
These baits are versatile. I've used floating craws successfully in lakes, ponds, rivers, and even in weedy areas where bass love to hide. One fall afternoon, fishing in a heavily weeded cove, I couldn't get a bite using my usual lures. Switched to a floating soft plastic craw, and within minutes, I was back in action. The ability to keep the bait in the grass, but just above the bottom is a true hidden gem of summertime bass fishing.
How to Rig Floating Soft Plastic Craws
Alright, let's talk rigging. The way you rig your floating craw can make a big difference in your catch rate. Here are a few tried-and-true methods:
Texas Rig
The Texas rig is a classic and for good reason. It's perfect for fishing in heavy cover and allows for a weedless presentation.
A Texas-rigged floating craw can work wonders in areas with heavy vegetation. I often leave about an inch of space between the bobber stop and the bullet weight to ensure the craw maintains a life-like action.
Carolina Rig
For deeper waters, a Carolina rig can be your best friend. This involves:
The Carolina rig allows the bait to float freely behind the sinker, covering more area and making it irresistible to deep-water bass.
Drop Shot Rig
When you need to finesse fish or when bass are finicky, the drop shot rig can save the day. This technique is especially effective in clear water and high-pressure situations. I’ve also used it very effectively in heavy cover on a flippin stick….Yes, a flippin stick!
The floating action combined with the drop shot rig's subtle movements can entice even the most reluctant bass.
When and Where to Use Floating Soft Plastic Craws
Timing and location can make or break your fishing experience with floating soft plastic craws.
Seasonal Use
Spring and Summer: During these warmer months, bass are more active and tend to hang around shallow waters. Floating craws are ideal for hitting those transition zones between shallow and deep waters.
Fall: Bass start moving back to shallow areas. Focus on using floating craws near drop-offs and ledges where bass can ambush their prey.
Winter: This can be a tougher time of year, but not impossible. Bass move to deeper waters where the temperature is more stable. Use a Carolina or drop shot rig to reach them.
Best Locations
Lakes and Ponds: Look for structures like submerged logs, rocks, and weed beds. These are the prime spots where bass hunt for crawfish.
Rivers: Focus on eddies, current breaks, and undercut banks. Craws get swept into these areas, making them hotspots for bass.
Weedy Areas and Heavy Cover: This is where floating soft plastic craws shine. The buoyancy keeps them just above the vegetation, making them highly visible to lurking bass.
Pro Tips for Maximizing Success with Floating Soft Plastic Craws
Color and Size
Choosing the right color and size can be crucial. In clear water with high visibility, go for natural colors like green pumpkin or watermelon. In murkier waters, brighter colors like chartreuse or junebug can attract more attention. Adjust the size based on the local baitfish and the bass you are targeting.
Adding Scent
Pirate Bait Company craws, creature baits and worms are infused with scent attractant that will tip the scales in your favor. The added scent helps mask human orders and gives the bait a familiar scent and make the bait more enticing. It’s these little tweaks that can make a big difference.
Presentation Tips
When fishing with Pirate Bait Company floating soft plastic craws, the presentation is everything. Vary your retrieval speeds; sometimes a slow, steady presentation works best, while other times, quick twitches can trigger aggressive strikes. Always pay attention to how bass respond and adapt your technique.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even seasoned anglers can make mistakes. Here are a few pitfalls to steer clear of:
Over-Rigging
Over-rigging can kill the natural action of the floating craw. Make sure the bait is rigged to move freely and naturally….remember the one inch between the boober stop and the bullet weight I mentioned previously?!
Wrong Tackle
Using the wrong line or rod can mess up the presentation. For Texas and Carolina rigs, I recommend a medium-heavy rod with fluorocarbon line for better sensitivity. For drop shot and wacky rigs, a medium rod with lighter line can offer better control.
Ignoring Conditions
Ignoring water conditions and bass behavior can lead to missed opportunities. Always observe and adapt based on the environment.
Conclusion
So there you have it, folks. Pirate Bait Company floating soft plastic craws are indeed the hidden gem of summertime bass fishing. Their realistic presentation, versatility, and ability to catch bass in various conditions make them a must-have in your tackle box. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different rigging techniques, colors, and scents. With a little practice and patience, they might just become your go-to bait for landing those big bass.
Final Thoughts
Remember, fishing is about enjoying the experience, sharing stories, and always learning. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or just getting started, floating soft plastic craws can add a new dimension to your fishing adventures. Tight lines, and happy fishing!
I’d love to hear from you
I'd love to hear your stories and tips using floating soft plastic craws. Feel free to share your experiences in the comments below. Don’t forget to subscribe to my blog for more fishing tips and stay connected with fellow anglers. Please also remember to visit www.piratebaitcompany for all of your soft plastic needs. See you on the water!
