Softbaits are among the most versatile lures in sea fishing. In this group you will find shads and paddle tails as well as sand eel imitations and heavy saltwater softbaits. They are fished on a jig head, cast from the shore or worked vertically from a boat.
Shads and paddle tails swim on a steady retrieve, as the tail makes the whole lure vibrate. They work on a jig head both from the shore and from a boat, and they catch pollock, cod and sea trout alike.
Sand eel imitations are long and slender, because sand eels are an important food source for many sea fish. Heavy saltwater softbaits are made for deep water and current, and they are fished close to the bottom on a heavy jig head or pre-weighted.
Choose the jig head weight to suit the depth and current: the lure has to reach the bottom, but a head that is too heavy makes the action stiff. Keep both natural and bright colours in your box, and replace a softbait as soon as the tail or body tears, because a damaged lure does not swim properly.