Using Soft Plastic Hellgrammite Baits for Bass

Soft plastic hellgrammite lures are a great choice for bass fishing since they mimic a natural prey of bass in many bodies of water. 

These lures are designed to look like the larval stage of a dobsonfly, a common insect found in many ponds, rivers and streams.

Several bait companies produce a version of soft plastic hellgrammites designed to mimic the appearance and movement of real hellgrammites.

Crazy Hick Peach Bugs

Some popular brands of soft plastic hellgrammite-like baits include:

• Crazy Hick Bait Peach Bug
• Case Plastics Hellgrammite
• Berkley Gulp Hellgrammite
• Nikko Hellgrammite
• Mister Twister TwisterMite
• Lunker City Hellgie
• Bass Pro Shops Hellgrammite

One of the benefits of using soft plastic hellgrammite lures is rigging versatility. Hellgrammite baits can be set-up on a variety of rigs, including on a Ned jighead, split shot, drop shot, finesse Neko rig, Carolina rig, or Texas rig. They can also be rigged as a trailer on a finesse jig allowing you to fish them in and around heavier cover where bass may be lurking.

When fishing with soft plastic hellgrammite lures, it's important to use a slow and steady retrieve. This will allow the lure to move in a way that mimics the natural movement of the real insect. You can also try adding some twitches or pauses to your retrieve, which can entice a strike from a curious or less active bass.

It's also worth experimenting with different colors and sizes of soft plastic hellgrammite lures to see what works best in your local waters. Most anglers prefer darker colors like black in stained water and lighter colors (light brown and green) work better in clear water. The size of the lure can also make a difference, as larger lures may attract bigger bass but also scare off finicky bass.

Using soft plastic hellgrammite lures for bass can yield excellent results. With their lifelike appearance and rigging versatility, these lures are sure to become a staple in your tackle box.