If you only learn one retrieve for soft plastics, learn hop and pause.
It’s simple, it’s versatile, and it catches fish because it does two things well:
- keeps your lure near the bottom where a lot of fish feed
- triggers bites on the sink
This guide shows you exactly how to do it and how to know when you’re getting bit.
What is the hop and pause retrieve?
Hop and pause is a retrieve where you:
- let the lure sink to bottom
- lift it (“hop”)
- then pause long enough for it to sink back down naturally
- repeat
You’re basically making your soft plastic look like an easy meal that darts, then settles.
Best soft plastics for hop and pause
This retrieve works with most plastics, but it shines with:
- paddle tails (still thump on short swims)
- grubs (great sink movement)
- prawn profiles (very natural on the drop)
- jerkshads (subtle dart + glide)
How to do hop and pause (step-by-step)
Step 1: Cast and let it sink
After the cast:
- close the bail
- keep a light tension
- watch the line for the “sink stop”
If it stops early or ticks, that can be a bite.
Step 2: Confirm bottom
Bottom usually feels like:
- a little “donk”
- line goes slack unexpectedly
- you suddenly regain control
Step 3: Hop it
Lift your rod tip smoothly (not violently).
You’re trying to move the lure:
- up off the bottom
- forward a little
- then let it glide down
Step 4: Pause (the bite window)
Let it fall back.
This is where a lot of bites happen.
Step 5: Wind slack and repeat
After the pause, wind just enough to take up slack, then hop again.
How long should I pause?
Start with:
- 1–2 seconds in shallow water / active fish
- 3–5 seconds when fish are finicky, water is cold, or you want more sink time
Then adjust based on what you feel.
Important: pausing doesn’t mean total slack and zero connection. You want just enough connection to detect a tick or sideways movement.
What’s a “sink bite” and how do I spot it?
A sink bite is when a fish eats the lure as it falls.
Signs:
- the line ticks
- the line stops early (it should be sinking, but it suddenly doesn’t)
- the line moves sideways
- you feel a soft “weight” instead of bottom
Rule: if something feels “off”, strike. You’ll miss fewer fish by being slightly aggressive here.
Hop and pause soft plastics
The hop-and-pause retrieve is done by letting your soft plastic sink to bottom, lifting the rod tip to hop it up, then pausing long enough for it to sink back naturally. Most bites happen during the pause as the lure falls. Watch your line for ticks, early stops, or sideways movement, then strike.
How to set the hook (without ripping it away)
When you see/feel a bite:
- wind down until you feel weight
- then lift firmly (don’t do a wild baseball swing)
A lot of missed fish come from striking on a totally slack line.
Common problems (and fixes)
Problem: snagging too much
- lighten the jighead a step
- hop higher (don’t drag)
- change angle so you’re working along the edge, not straight into it
Problem: you can’t feel bottom
- go slightly heavier
- fish more downwind/down-current
- keep better line control (less belly)
Problem: bites but no hookups
- slow down (longer pause)
- downsize plastic slightly
- check your rig is straight
- consider hook size mismatch
How long should you pause when fishing soft plastics?
A good starting point is 2–3 seconds in shallow water or when fish are active, and 4–6 seconds when the water is cold, deeper, or the bite is tough. The goal is to let the plastic sink naturally without losing all connection. If you’re not getting bites, pause longer before changing lures.
Do fish bite soft plastics on the drop?
I find a lot of bites happen on the sink during the pause. Watch your line: if it ticks, stops early, or moves sideways, that’s often a fish eating the lure as it falls. When something feels “off”, wind down to feel weight and then lift firmly.
Is hop and pause good for flathead?
Absolutely. Hop and pause is one of the best retrieves for flathead because it keeps the lure near the bottom and gives a natural “dart then settle” action. Flathead often hit right after the hop, as the plastic sinks back down along sand/weed edges and drop-offs.
What jighead weight is best for hop and pause?
Use the lightest jighead that still lets you maintain contact with the bottom and control the sink. If you can’t feel the lure or your line bows badly in wind/current, go heavier. If you’re snagging constantly or crashing down too fast, go lighter.
How do I stop snagging when doing hop and pause?
Most snags come from either too-heavy jigheads or dragging instead of hopping. Go one step lighter, hop a little higher, and pause so the lure sinks rather than ploughs. Also change your casting angle to work along the edge instead of straight into the structure.
Why am I missing bites when hopping soft plastics?
Missed bites usually come from striking on slack line or using the wrong hook/rig. Keep light tension on the pause, watch the line for ticks or sideways movement, wind down until you feel weight, then lift firmly. Also check your plastic is rigged straight because a crooked lure can reduce solid hookups.
How to Rig a Soft Plastic on a Jighead (Step-by-Step)
Jighead Weight Guide for Soft Plastics
Where to Cast Soft Plastics (Structure, Edges, “High-Percentage Water”)