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SOFT PLASTIC BAITS Plastics include a wide variety of different lures, and can be used to target many sport fi sh. Plastics are popular with anglers because they feel more natural in a fi sh's mouth than a hard plastic lure like a crankbait. Hard plastics require that the fi sh is hooked quickly before it drops the lure, but soft plastics can allow for more time to set the hook. The classic soft plastic bait is the worm. These baits are created by pouring liquid plastic into a mold and adding dyes, metallic fl akes, or even scent. They can resemble worms, crayfi sh, lizards or frogs. The legs, tails, etc. undulate as they move through the water. The soft plastic bodies of these lures encourage fi sh to hold on to them a little longer before they spit them out, giving the angler a better chance to set the hook. How to fi sh with plastics: For the worm, a popular technique is the Texas Rig. Use a bullet weight above the hook, and insert the hook through the top of the worm's head, then bury the point into the body of the worm to make it "weedless" (so it will not get hung up on underwater vegetation.) Cast and let it fall to the bottom. Twitch the rod tip a few times and retrieve in short twitchy hops. A fi sh bite is detected when a fi sh picks up the bait and swims away and is noticeable through line movement or a gentle pull. Allow the fi sh a few seconds before fi rmly setting the hook. Texas rig Plastic frog PREPARED BAITS Doughbaits are often used to attract catfi sh. Many catfi sh anglers have closely guarded secret recipes for doughbaits that combine a variety of tastes and scents. Livers, hot dogs, frozen shrimp, cut pieces of fi sh, and other food items that will disperse a scent in the water are all good catfi sh attractants. Canned corn can be a very effective bluegill bait. Treble hooks are often used to hold prepared baits. THE TACKLE BOX Hard-sided tackle boxes are not as common as they once were. Most tackle "box" choices are now more like bags that hold a variety of boxes designed to carry all types of lures and equipment. These small component boxes are a great choice for new anglers to start and build a collection. As you develop more specifi c fi shing interests, you can expand to larger, more complex containers and bigger tackle bags. Your boxes should have enough trays to organize your lures so they can be stored separately and won't tangle together. Plan to buy a tackle bag that is slightly larger than what you need right now. A little extra space allows you to carry non-tackle items (like your cell phone and sunscreen) and gives you room to expand your collection. FILLING YOUR TACKLE BOX In addition to a variety of hooks, weights, bobbers and baits, consider the following for your tackle box. Fishing Guide: Your current Nebraska Fishing Guide will help you decide where to fi sh in public waters of Nebraska, list the species OX d to ures hese boxes are a ew anglers to ollection. As you develop ll 14 14 14 14 14 14 14 14 14 14 14 14 14 14 14 14 14 14 14 14 14 14 14 14 CHAPTER 2 ● EQUIPMENT