Although shads are among the most widely used soft lures for sea bass fishing, in certain conditions a finesse soft plastic lure can clearly make the difference. Here, Fred explains why, when and how to target European sea bass using a finesse soft bait.
ZAND Finess: A Great Soft Plastic Lure for Sea Bass Fishing
ZAND’FINESS
has been a real game changer for my sea bass fishing this season. Once I found the right retrieve technique, it quickly became obvious just how effective this finesse lure can be.
I use this saltwater soft plastic lure from April through October in depths ranging from 3 to 25 meters. While the 13cm version is my go-to size, I’ve also had excellent results catching bigger sea bass with the 18cm model.
Choosing the right jig head weight:
Matching the jig head weight to the depth and current is essential to keep your lure swimming naturally and staying effective in the strike zone.
Action and Swimming Performance
The ZAND’FINESS is a slim-profile soft bait with no paddle tail, featuring a very thin V-shaped tail. Its flexibility allows it to move with the slightest rod action while remaining highly durable, even after repeated catches.
Retrieve Techniques and Sea Bass Fishing Gear
On our rocky coastal spots in Normandy, the key retrieve consists of casting against the current. Let the lure sink, make contact with the bottom, then work it with two or three sharp lifts followed by a pause. Very often, sea bass strike during the slow falling phase as the lure glides naturally through the water column.
Best Colors for Sea Bass Fishing
My preference clearly goes to natural lure colors for this type of soft plastic bait, especially in clear water conditions:
386 – Natural Stella
385 – Natural Green
384 – Natural Pink UV
The Zand Finess is the perfect alternative when traditional shads stop producing. Its subtle gliding action and erratic movement make it a deadly weapon for targeting pressured and cautious sea bass.
