river plastics

What do you guys throw as far as soft plastic baits in the river? Obviously, plastic worms and such work just the same as they do in lakes in backwater areas, but what about current areas? I often go with tubes or 4″ grubs, but seem to lose some control as compared to a crankbait or spinnerbait. What weights and baits work in the river? I’d like to try throwing them more this summer as I attribute some of last summer’s poor fishing to too much “power bait fishing.” I need to get deeper and finesse ’em more this summer.

Greg,
I like throwing a texas rigged tube with a 1/4 oz. weight and a 3/0 Extra Wide Gap hook. This works well on rock and wood that has current on them. Senko type baits are becoming more and more popular. Here is an article about fishing the RC Tackle Senk In worm http://www.fishtheriver.com/articles/sinkn.html . Another good bait is a Salt Craw on a texas rigged. If you have any other questions don’t be afraid to ask. There are alot of people on this site that can answer them!!

When I’m not throwing a 4.5″ tube or pig n’ jig, I will pitch a 7″ Powerworm rigged with a weight somewhere between 1/8 oz and 3/8 oz depending on the strength or lack there of the current. I’ve also been known to use a 10″ Powerworm from time to time. Texas rigged creature baits work extremely well also.

Thanks for the posts, guys. Sometimes I get too caught up in “smallmouth” or “largemouth” baits. For example, I often associate plastic worms with weeds and lakes…I guess I’m trying to expand my horizons here! LOL Anyway, does the 1/4 oz. seem to provide the ideal weight as far as bait control?

Greg,
I like using a 1/4 oz. in current and a 3/16 oz. in the backwaters where the current is less.