Soft lure: The all-rounder among artificial lures for predatory fish
The rubber fish —or gufi for short—is one of the most popular artificial lures in modern predatory fish fishing . It has proven extremely effective, especially when targeting zander . Its soft rubber construction and realistic movement make it an ideal prey imitation, practically provoking predators.
What is a rubber fish?
A soft lure is a soft, flexible, fish-shaped lure made of rubber or silicone. It is designed to mimic the movements of an injured or tumbling prey fish as realistically as possible. Its shape and variable mounting options make it extremely versatile – whether in still water , rivers , or the sea .
➤ Especially in combination with a jig head or a dropshot rig, the rubber fish unfolds its full potential.
Jig head or dropshot hook? Two methods at a glance
Jig head assembly
In the classic approach, the soft plastic lure is threaded onto a jig head – a hook with a lead weight. Depending on the weight, you can fish at different depths and let the lure "bounce" along the bottom in a controlled manner. This technique is ideal for zander fishing or for perch that stay close to the bottom.
Dropshot rig
An alternative is the dropshot rig . This uses a special dropshot hook that allows the soft plastic lure to float slightly above the bottom. Ideal when predatory fish are close to the bottom or the water is particularly prone to snags.
Action Shad vs. No Action Shad
The rear part of many soft plastic lures is shaped like a paddle tail . This provides additional movement when retrieved – the intensity varies depending on the shad type:
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Action Shad : Produces distinct pressure waves through intense tail movement. Perfect for active predators or murky water.
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No-Action Shad : Moves in a straight line with minimal movement – ideal for cautious or inactive fish.
Both variants have their raison d'être and should be selected depending on the season , water temperature and target fish behavior .
Why do rubber fish create pressure waves?
The pressure waves created by the movement simulate the movements of a stricken fish. The predator perceives these stimuli through its lateral line organ —a highly sensitive sensory channel that reacts to the finest vibrations. This is a decisive advantage over purely visual stimuli, especially in murky water or at dusk.
Fear Hook: Get More Bites
Who hasn't experienced this? The fish bites just barely by the tail – and the hook is unsuccessful. This is where a so-called fear hook comes in: a second small hook attached to the back of the soft plastic lure. It significantly increases the bite rate , especially with cautious predators like zander or in cold water.
Conclusion: The rubber fish should not be missing in any tackle box
The soft plastic lure is an indispensable companion for anyone who wants to target zander , perch , pike , or cod . Its versatility, realistic movement, and customizable adjustment options make it one of the most effective artificial lures available. Whether jigging , dropshotting , or vertical fishing —with the right setup, the Gufi ensures success on the water.