A Guide to Our Additional Soft Plastic Selection
In the world of soft plastics, there is no such thing as a "one size fits all" lure. Every manufacturer uses a slightly different plastic formula, scent infusion, and mould design. This category is where we house the brands that might not have a dedicated sub-category on our site, but still earn their place on our pegs through consistent results. This guide explains how to navigate this variety to find the right models for your next session, including our selection of individual pre-rigged lures and traditional packets.
A Note From Our Local Experts
"In the shop, I have customers ask which soft plastics are the best, as I stock so many different 'odds and ends' brands. The answer is buy a variety: Changing it up can make a difference when fishing. Sometimes the big names don't have that one specific profile that the local flathead might be vibing on, or they don't offer a specific tail shape that might create a better action for local conditions.
I’ve learned over 20 years in the trade that some of the most effective lures in my own kit are the ones tucked away in these smaller brand ranges. I stock them because they fill the gaps. When the fish in Lake Illawarra or the Shoalhaven are being fussy, having a different plastic density or a unique pattern to show them is often a great way to get a result. Don't overlook these 'other' brands; they are often the underrated choice of the locals."
- Ben Czulowski, Owner, Fishing Tackle Shop (Ocean Storm)
How to Choose Between 'Other' Brands
When browsing these different labels, look past the brand name and focus on the technical attributes of the lure. This is how you find the right match for your target species.
- Plastic Suppleness: Some of these brands use an exceptionally soft plastic. These lures have incredible action even at a dead-slow crawl, making them perfect for "finesse" fishing for bream and whiting. Other brands use a slightly firmer plastic, which provides a more aggressive 'thump' and better durability against toothy "pickers."
- Scent & Salt Infusion: Many of the brands in this section come pre-scented or salt-infused. Salt changes the density of the plastic, often helping the lure sink more naturally, while the scent encourages the fish to hold on for that vital extra second.
- Extensive Variety: This category is fantastic for finding unique shapes—like specific shrimp imitations, worm profiles, or hybrid "creature" baits—that the major brands might not produce. We also stock pre-rigged models in this section, featuring lures already fitted with internal weights or treble hooks, ready to fish straight out of the packet.
Technical Focus: Managing Different Materials
Because this section contains lures from many different manufacturers, it’s important to identify what they are made of before you rig or store them.
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Identify the Base Material: Most of these lures are PVC-based. They are easy to rig on standard
jig heads and are very stable. However, always check the packet to see if they are a "Super-Stretch" or TPE material.
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Storage Warning: The #1 rule for this miscellaneous category is to keep them in their original packets. Because different brands use different chemical formulas, mixing them together in a single tackle tray can lead to the plastics reacting and melting into a sticky mess.
Pro-Tip: Rigging for Maximum Action
For many of these "alternative" brands, the action is quite subtle. To get the most out of them, we recommend using a loop knot (like the Lefty's Loop) rather than a tight cinching knot. This allows the lure to pivot freely at the jig head or tow point, ensuring the tail can vibrate and the body can roll exactly as the designer intended.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I try a brand I haven't heard of before?
The main advantage is offering the fish something they haven't seen a thousand times before. In heavily fished areas, fish can become "conditioned" to the vibrations and scents of the most popular brands. A different brand offers a different shape and a different frequency of vibration, which can often trigger a strike when the "famous" lures are being ignored.
Are these other brands as good quality as the big names?
We only stock brands that meet our standards for quality and catchability. While they might not have the same level of global marketing, the manufacturing quality, hook retention, and fish-catching colours are often just as good—and sometimes even more specialised for Australian conditions—than the major labels.
