When the water warms up soft plastic baits start to become a favourite amongst anglers. The soft texture allows for natural and improved action from the baits as well as the ability to add scents! Larger soft plastic baits like those for Northern Pike & Muskie are not as cheap as those others for smaller panfish. These baits are typically pre-rigged and can easily be destroyed by just a few fish! Making these baits last as long as possible will help save your wallet as well as put more fish in the boat; especially if you don't have any more spares!
Luckily, in order to repair these baits all one needs is a butter knife and a lighter! I have personally repaired dozens of baits where the rigging inserted in the bait was completely ripped out by fish shaking or thrashing in the net.
The first step is to plan out where you will be able to squeeze the plastic so that you can make a good seal around the rigging. Once you have this location decided on heat up the tip of the knife using the lighter.
While the knife is hot place it between the points so that you can squeeze the plastic on both side of the knife together. Once the plastic heats up you should be able to see / smell it melt. At this point remove the knife while continuing to push the plastic pieces together.
Hold for a few seconds until the plastic cools down and then release. Repeat as many times as needed to complete the full repair and you should end up with a bait that is good for at least one more fish!
To watch a live tutorial see the link below
To learn more about how to select between lures and when certain lures will be more effective than others be sure to check out our "How To Fish Series" at the link below:
www.newwavefishingacademy.com/how-to-fish
