Plastisol is the liquid plastic that becomes a soft plastic fishing bait. It is a PVC-based liquid that stays runny at room temperature and turns into a soft, flexible, rubbery bait once you heat it to just over 350°F. Choosing the right plastisol comes down to one main property, durometer (firmness), plus whether you want a floating or sinking plastic.
Here is what plastisol is, how durometer works, the types you will see, and how to pick the right one for the baits you fish.
What is plastisol, exactly?
Plastisol is a suspension of PVC particles in a liquid plasticizer. Cold, it looks like a milky liquid. When you heat it past roughly 350°F it goes through a reaction called fusion and converts into a solid, stretchy plastic. That is the material most soft plastic bait is made from, worms, swimbaits, craws, and more.
Because it is liquid before and after heating, you can add color, glitter, salt, and scent, then pour or inject it into a mold to make any shape you want. Once it cools, the bait holds that shape and stays soft and flexible.
What is durometer?
Durometer is the measure of how firm the finished plastic is. The higher the durometer, the firmer and more durable the bait. The lower the durometer, the softer and more action-rich the bait, though softer plastic also tears off the hook faster.
Most bait makers start with a medium durometer because it balances action and durability, then adjust from there with additives.
Soft, medium, and hard: the main types
- Soft (low durometer): maximum tail action and wiggle. Best for ribbon tail worms, finesse worms, and anything where movement matters most.
- Medium: the all-around starting point. Great action with reasonable durability. Ideal for most swimbaits and general use.
- Hard / firm (high durometer): the most durable. Best for tubes, flipping baits, and anything that takes abuse.
You will also choose between floating and sinking plastisol. Floating plastic slows a bait's fall and helps a tail stand up; sinking plastic drops faster for bottom-contact techniques.
Additives: softener, hardener, and heat stabilizer
You can fine-tune any plastisol:
- Softener lowers the durometer for more action.
- Hardener raises the durometer for more durability.
- Heat stabilizer lets you reheat the plastic more times before it scorches or yellows, which matters in long pouring sessions.
How to choose plastisol for your baits
Match the plastic to the bait and the way you fish it:
- Ribbon tail, finesse worms, and Stick baits: soft to medium.
- General soft plastics: medium.
- Swimbaits: medium to medium-firm depending on size.
- Tubes and flipping baits: firm.
When in doubt, start with a medium and a smaller quantity, then dial in your preference before buying in bulk.
How much plastisol do I need?
A single gallon goes a long way. As a benchmark, one gallon makes roughly 415 five-inch stick baits. Buying a smaller quantity while you experiment keeps waste down. Once you know your favorite recipe, buying by the gallon is the most economical.
Frequently asked questions
What is plastisol made of?
Plastisol is PVC (polyvinyl chloride) particles suspended in a liquid plasticizer. Heating it fuses the particles into a soft, flexible solid.
What temperature does plastisol need to reach on the first heat?
Over 350°F. Below that it will not fully convert and your baits will be gummy or weak. Use a probe or infrared thermometer to be sure.
What durometer plastisol should a beginner use?
Medium. It gives good action and holds up well, and you can add softener or hardener later to fine-tune it.
What is the difference between floating and sinking plastisol?
Floating plastic slows the fall and helps tails stand up; sinking plastic falls faster for fishing on or near the bottom.
Can you reheat plastisol?
Yes, several times, especially with heat stabilizer added. Reheat in short bursts and stir to avoid scorching.
Ready to start pouring?
The easiest way to get quality plastisol along with everything else you need is an all-in-one kit. The Angling A.i. Premium Injection Starter Kit includes plastisol, a mold, an injector, and supplies. New to this? Start with our complete beginner's guide to making soft plastic baits or browse molds by category.
By the Angling A.i. team