SAF PLASTI-X VERTICAL – soft baits for vertical fishing

SAF PLASTI-X VERTICAL represents a branch of our handmade soft bait range that is built mainly for vertical fishing, but it is far from limited to just one technique. Compared to the smelt-style X-RAY profile, this is a lure with a tail that gives a more active rear-end action, a stronger movement signal and a different overall presentation in the water. That is exactly what makes it such an interesting choice whenever you want to offer fish a livelier action while still keeping the honest durability of a handmade lure.

In freshwater fishing, the VERTICAL series makes outstanding sense especially when targeting big zander. And this is exactly where this branch becomes very attractive today. In vertical fishing from the boat, in slower presentations near the bottom and when working fish in the water column, the tailed construction performs very well because it can hold the fish’s attention even with subtle rod movement. VERTICAL is therefore not just another soft bait in the lineup, but a lure for anglers who want to target bigger predators more precisely, more systematically and with a profile that has real presence and life in the water.

One of the special strengths of the VERTICAL series is the tail design itself. In its standard form, the lure is poured with a full rear fin tail, which gives it a clean and stable action. At the same time, a fine perforation is prepared along the edge, allowing the rear section to be trimmed very easily. This turns it into a classic double V-style smelt tail with two fine tapered ends. In practice, the angler gets two working versions in one lure – either a more compact version with the full fin tail or a livelier, finer version with a split tail. And this is exactly what gives the VERTICAL series such strong practical value, because you can tune the lure to your retrieve style, fish activity and the exact situation on the water.

SAF PLASTI-X VERTICAL is equally strong in saltwater fishing in Norway. Here it works in a very similar way to X-RAY, but thanks to the tail it offers a slightly more active action and a stronger rear-end trigger. For pollock, coalfish, cod and other saltwater predators, it is an excellent option whenever you want to combine vertical presentations with a clearly readable movement signal. In saltwater, you get a lure that is universal enough for hard use on the boat, while still being lively enough to give fish a reason to strike even when they are not responding to a completely passive profile.

One of the big advantages of the VERTICAL series is the way it connects two worlds. On one side, it works as a very interesting freshwater weapon for big zander and other predators. On the other, it is a fully capable saltwater soft bait for Norway. So this is not a narrowly specialised lure for one single situation, but a carefully thought-out profile that makes sense anywhere you want to fish vertically, precisely and with a lure that has an active rear section and an honest underwater presence.

Just like the other SAF PLASTI-X branches, VERTICAL is built on hand-poured production, quality material and solid workmanship. These are not anonymous serially made soft baits with no character. They are made to handle hard use, work properly in the water and give the angler confidence that they are holding not just a good-looking piece of plastic, but a real working tool for actual fishing.

If you are looking for a no-tail, more naturally gliding saltwater profile, X-RAY will usually make more sense. But if you want a more active rear-end action, the option to modify the tail and a lure that works from vertical zander fishing all the way to saltwater fishing in Norway, then SAF PLASTI-X VERTICAL is exactly the branch that brings all of that together in one concept.

If you are looking for other lure profiles or more specialised alternatives, also check Charlie, Bravo, Zulu and X-RAY.