California Swim Jig Alternatives! 2025
skeletor6 reply :
So,
I know many of you have heard of the "California Swim Jig", where one uses a 3/4oz Dirty Jig Flipping JIg and a Roboworm EZ Shad as a trailer. Well that may work fine in California, but I am not in California and I prefer to by my jigs from Siebert Outdoors and NSCB. So, I figure I could use the Flip n Swim Jig from northstar, or the grass jig from Siebert, but I am stuck as to what swimbait trailer to buy?
My whole concept here is that the bait is just flat out too big to catch fish at the lakes I am at. Fish do not grow as big here and I want to see if I can catch a decent number of fish with this rig. I like the idea of it.. I was wondering if there are any swimbaits that would perform similarly to the EZ Shad? The smaller profile the better! Do you guys have any opinions or ideas?
Thank you!
senko_77 reply :
Hey Skeletor,
I think the Keitech Swing Impact might be something you would like. It's got a real slender profile but it really puts out a thump.
skeletor6 reply :
On 10/14/2012 at 3:39 PM, senko_77 said:Hey Skeletor,
I think the Keitech Swing Impact might be something you would like. It's got a real slender profile but it really puts out a thump.
Thanks Senko,
That is a Clever idea! Have you fished the California Swim Jig before, or the smaller version you recommended?
What size of the Keitech Swing Impact do you think would work best and what weight jig would be the best in your opinion. Going smaller profile obviously.
deep reply :
On 10/14/2012 at 3:24 PM, skeletor6 said:My whole concept here is that the bait is just flat out too big to catch fish at the lakes I am at.
I have a finesse version of that setup I use on spinning gear- 1/4 oz swim/ grass jig and a RI skinny/ big dipper. The deal is to have a trailer big enough so that it overpowers the jig head, if I understood Mr. Allen correctly.
MarkH024 reply :
On 10/14/2012 at 3:24 PM, skeletor6 said:So,
I know many of you have heard of the "California Swim Jig", where one uses a 3/4oz Dirty Jig Flipping JIg and a Roboworm EZ Shad as a trailer. Well that may work fine in California, but I am not in California and I prefer to by my jigs from Siebert Outdoors and NSCB. So, I figure I could use the Flip n Swim Jig from northstar, or the grass jig from Siebert, but I am stuck as to what swimbait trailer to buy?
My whole concept here is that the bait is just flat out too big to catch fish at the lakes I am at. Fish do not grow as big here and I want to see if I can catch a decent number of fish with this rig. I like the idea of it.. I was wondering if there are any swimbaits that would perform similarly to the EZ Shad? The smaller profile the better! Do you guys have any opinions or ideas?
Thank you!
Bigger baits will produce bigger fish. Don't underestimate the size of lure when bass fishing. A 16" lmb can eat a fish 10" in length.
For trailers I like using a Berkley Chigger Craw, Rage Craw, or any paddle tail swimbait/hopper. I always try to match skirt color.
Quillback reply :
Another fan of the Keitech Swing Impact, or Swing Impact Fat, as a swim jig trailer. They are soft, so I recommend supergluing them to the jig. Choose a size to match the hatch in the lake you are fishing.
Greed reply :
I only fish gravel ponds in the arid region that I live. As soon as I switched from a spinnerbait/crankbait to a swimjig the size of my average catch went up a good pound. I usually use 3" Big Hammer Swimbait trailers but I recently made an order to test out the 4" version on a 3/4oz Dirty Jigs jig. Most of this year I've been using the 1/2 BooYah Swimjig. It even caught me my kicker fish and a couple striper on the only tournament I've been too.
I made the discovery last year when I only brought jigs with me to the lake and no topwater. The conditions were excellent for topwater, post-spawn, surface activity, the perfect storm for a good wakebait bite. Out of frustration I made a cast with my jig as far as I could down the shoreline and burned it back as fast as I could. Right on cue a 2 1/2-3# hit it with authority. Fastforward to this year and all I throw are Swimbaits, Swimjigs, and Jigs in that order.
skeletor6 reply :
On 10/14/2012 at 7:28 PM, deep said:
I have a finesse version of that setup I use on spinning gear- 1/4 oz swim/ grass jig and a RI skinny/ big dipper. The deal is to have a trailer big enough so that it overpowers the jig head, if I understood Mr. Allen correctly.
Yeah that is what I am talking about. Uttilizing the same exact ideology of Mr. Allen but downsizing the whole rig. He referred to the swim bait as being the primary action and the skirt of the bait being the secondary action.
A good swim bait that is just smaller would be perfect.
On 10/14/2012 at 8:22 PM, MarkH024 said:Bigger baits will produce bigger fish. Don't underestimate the size of lure when bass fishing. A 16" lmb can eat a fish 10" in length.
For trailers I like using a Berkley Chigger Craw, Rage Craw, or any paddle tail swimbait/hopper. I always try to match skirt color.
I understand that concept I have the larger version of this rig and have larger baits. Also I have all the trailers you mentioned, tons of rage draws, baby craws, chunks, paca craws chunks, single tail and double tail grubs, sweet beavers etc.
I am looking for a swim bait to go as my trailer but having it be a smaller profile overall so I can catch a larger quantity of fish overall. Where I fish the bass don't get too bi, I would catch more fish with a smaller profile setup of the California swim jig.
Thanks everybody for your responses thus far!
Greed reply :
A white 1/8-1/4 bitsy bug on a little dipper, bam!
WRB reply :
On 10/14/2012 at 3:24 PM, skeletor6 said:So,
I know many of you have heard of the "California Swim Jig", where one uses a 3/4oz Dirty Jig Flipping JIg and a Roboworm EZ Shad as a trailer. Well that may work fine in California, but I am not in California and I prefer to by my jigs from Siebert Outdoors and NSCB. So, I figure I could use the Flip n Swim Jig from northstar, or the grass jig from Siebert, but I am stuck as to what swimbait trailer to buy?
My whole concept here is that the bait is just flat out too big to catch fish at the lakes I am at. Fish do not grow as big here and I want to see if I can catch a decent number of fish with this rig. I like the idea of it.. I was wondering if there are any swimbaits that would perform similarly to the EZ Shad? The smaller profile the better! Do you guys have any opinions or ideas?
Thank you!
Not sure why you think the 5" Roboworms EZ Shad swimbait is too big, 3 lb bass will eat this anywhere. If you want a smaller profile, don't use a bulky jig, Roboworms also makes a 4.25" minnow and Little Crippers 4" Trash fish in a color that works in your area would be ideal with a smaller jig.
You should also consider using a Scrounger jig with a soft plastic jerk bait trailer, slimmer profile and very effective combination when the bass want a faster moving lure.
Tom
Vinny Chase reply :
I haven't fished the California Swim Jig, but I like to throw the Big Hammer swimbaits on my NorthStar Flip & Swim jigs. This is a perfect size combo for catching numbers and quality fish.
Jake P reply :
Berkley havoc subwoofer has been working for me when I'm not using a rage product. Give em a look.
hookset on 3 reply :
Try the ZMan line of soft plastics. they are indestructable.Zman makes the Strike King Elaztec products, which are the same thing.
Anyway, they make the 3" swimbait called the MinnowZ.
comes in about 25 different colors.
iabass8 reply :
B-fish-n tackle pulse-r is a good swimming jig trailer. Can work it incredibly slow and the tail moves a lot.
senko_77 reply :
On 10/14/2012 at 4:02 PM, skeletor6 said:Thanks Senko,
That is a Clever idea! Have you fished the California Swim Jig before, or the smaller version you recommended?
What size of the Keitech Swing Impact do you think would work best and what weight jig would be the best in your opinion. Going smaller profile obviously.
Skeletor, the I've never thrown a swimjig heavier than 1/2oz. The Cali swim jig is 3/4oz, correct?
As for the Swing Impact, I think all 3 sizes of the Impact would work but the the 4" and 3.5" size would be my first choices. The thing I think you would like about the Impact is that the body of the bait is skinnier than most of the other paddletails on the market.
My favorite jig to swim is the Jewel Swim-It. I like the hook keeper a lot and I also like the head design. I'm planning on trying those SK Bitsy Bugs like Greed suggested.
skeletor6 reply :
On 10/15/2012 at 2:35 AM, WRB said:Not sure why you think the 5" Roboworms EZ Shad swimbait is too big, 3 lb bass will eat this anywhere. If you want a smaller profile, don't use a bulky jig, Roboworms also makes a 4.25" minnow and Little Crippers 4" Trash fish in a color that works in your area would be ideal with a smaller jig.
You should also consider using a Scrounger jig with a soft plastic jerk bait trailer, slimmer profile and very effective combination when the bass want a faster moving lure.
Tom
I don't think Mr. Allen's rig is too big or bad in any way. I just feel that I would get catch a lot more fishing using his idea and just downsizing it. The problem is fish just aren't as big in the lakes I fish. If I catch a legit 3lber I am happy, that's a large fish for the lakes I fish. So I would rather downsize it, catch a greater # of fish, and maybe hook on a big one too. I will check out those other products since I do like the action of their EZ SHAD.
On 10/15/2012 at 3:27 AM, Vinny Chase said:I haven't fished the California Swim Jig, but I like to throw the Big Hammer swimbaits on my NorthStar Flip & Swim jigs. This is a perfect size combo for catching numbers and quality fish.
The big hammer's look nice and are priced well. What size flipnswim have you used and what do you think is best to imitate a bluegill and sunfish? What length big hammer would you consider using and would imitate a bluegill and sunfish best?
On 10/15/2012 at 10:06 AM, iabass8 said:B-fish-n tackle pulse-r is a good swimming jig trailer. Can work it incredibly slow and the tail moves a lot.
Never seen a bait like that. Look's interesting I think I'll give one a shot. I like the idea of being able to work it slow and still have a lot of action. That can be helpful in using different techniques, since there is many ways that this rig can be fished. Or so says Mr. Allen lol Thank you.
On 10/15/2012 at 12:18 PM, senko_77 said:Skeletor, the I've never thrown a swimjig heavier than 1/2oz. The Cali swim jig is 3/4oz, correct?
As for the Swing Impact, I think all 3 sizes of the Impact would work but the the 4" and 3.5" size would be my first choices. The thing I think you would like about the Impact is that the body of the bait is skinnier than most of the other paddletails on the market.
My favorite jig to swim is the Jewel Swim-It. I like the hook keeper a lot and I also like the head design. I'm planning on trying those SK Bitsy Bugs like Greed suggested.
Yes, how Mr. Allen describes he says he uses a 3/4oz Dirty Jig made specifically for this technique. I have not decided on the weight I will downsize too, but will be less than a 1/2 oz for sure. He said he chose 3/4 ounce so he could fish it through grass very well....etc. etc. I am thinking a Northstar flip and swim, or a siebert grass jig would work just as well, A lot of it depends on how the hook presents the swimbait. That I can compare through testing since I actually have the "California Swim Jig"
The thinner body would be helpful for creating a smaller overall presentation. I will try out the sizes you mentioned. Plus the big hammer looks like it could do the job as well. I'll just buy a few different types from what everyone has mentioned and experiment with different weights and lengths to see if I can create a "Mini California SwimJig".
Primus reply :
I usually use 1/4 or 3/8 oz swim jigs with a 5" grub, I have put a lot of fish in the boat with this set-up. I fish in the SW part of the state.
skeletor6 reply :
On 10/15/2012 at 7:20 PM, Primus said:I usually use 1/4 or 3/8 oz swim jigs with a 5" grub, I have put a lot of fish in the boat with this set-up. I fish in the SW part of the state.
Interesting, It's nice to see someone that is not so far away. I go to battle creek often actually.
I have grub trailers and twin tail grubs and other swimming trailers. What I am looking for specifically is a swimbait style trailer to use on a jig. Those weights were in the ranges I was considering and going to test out.
Thank you
1234567 reply :
I use a swimjig with a stout hook at least 5/0 size, I prefer 6/0 though. I pair it with a 316 lure company little booger and I secure it with a small tie wrap near the head. This area is pretty concealed by the skirt and will alow you multiple fish without any damage to the swimbait. In all it makes a nice small presentation that is also fairly weedless or for bottom presentations. Weight of the jig is up to you to determine depending on how you fish it. I use 3/8 up to 1 ounce. That little booger really has an enticing wiggle to it and it gets bit like crazy.
Vinny Chase reply :
On 10/15/2012 at 12:37 PM, skeletor6 said:I don't think Mr. Allen's rig is too big or bad in any way. I just feel that I would get catch a lot more fishing using his idea and just downsizing it. The problem is fish just aren't as big in the lakes I fish. If I catch a legit 3lber I am happy, that's a large fish for the lakes I fish. So I would rather downsize it, catch a greater # of fish, and maybe hook on a big one too. I will check out those other products since I do like the action of their EZ SHAD.
The big hammer's look nice and are priced well. What size flipnswim have you used and what do you think is best to imitate a bluegill and sunfish? What length big hammer would you consider using and would imitate a bluegill and sunfish best?
I like to use 1/2 or 3/4 oz in the flip & swim depending on the depth I am fishing. I like the throw these in heavy cover up shallow or swimming them in deeper water (12-20 ft.). In my opinion, it doesn't get much better "new gill."
http://www.northstar...376/8883282.htm
skeletor6 reply :
On 10/16/2012 at 7:06 AM, 1234567 said:I use a swimjig with a stout hook at least 5/0 size, I prefer 6/0 though. I pair it with a 316 lure company little booger and I secure it with a small tie wrap near the head. This area is pretty concealed by the skirt and will alow you multiple fish without any damage to the swimbait. In all it makes a nice small presentation that is also fairly weedless or for bottom presentations. Weight of the jig is up to you to determine depending on how you fish it. I use 3/8 up to 1 ounce. That little booger really has an enticing wiggle to it and it gets bit like crazy.
I'll have to look into those, do they offer them in 3'' to 4'' range? How big a profile is this swimjig you are using?
On 10/16/2012 at 10:47 AM, Vinny Chase said:I like to use 1/2 or 3/4 oz in the flip & swim depending on the depth I am fishing. I like the throw these in heavy cover up shallow or swimming them in deeper water (12-20 ft.). In my opinion, it doesn't get much better "new gill".
http://www.northstar...376/8883282.htm
That's very convenient since I already have a 1/2oz flip n swim and 3/4 ounce flip n swim newgill. I got a 3/8oz on the way when you guys get the skirts back in stock.
What color big hammer are you matching it with Mr. Chase?
Vinny Chase reply :
On 10/16/2012 at 12:14 PM, skeletor6 said:That's very convenient since I already have a 1/2oz flip n swim and 3/4 ounce flip n swim newgill. I got a 3/8oz on the way when you guys get the skirts back in stock.
What color big hammer are you matching it with Mr. Chase?
I have been meaning to put another order in for the Senorita color...I think that would be a great match.
This year I threw the Pierces Perch color.
Skeet22 reply :
We gonna see how that 1/2oz Northstar "New Gill" flip and swim with a Alabama Craw Rage Craw trailer works flipped and swam arouns shallow isolated wood in back of the creeks on Ohkissa Lake next weekend for a change up to the shad pattern. I will also have a 1/4 oz silver shad swim jig paired with a pearl zoom fat albert grub to swim around while the shad bite is on. Northstar jigs are very hard to beat IMO.
skeletor6 reply :
Just got in my 3rd New gill flip n swim and a pumpkinseed. These look very familiar besides the head color and also 2 new gill colored spinnerbaits. I guess we will find out if the bass think they are sunnies/bluegill!
I'm going to experiement with different swimbait trailers and see what sizes work the best for the lakes. The hook on the Dirty Jig and the Flip N Swim look similar enough to accomplish the same task. The only difference is the color scheme that Mr. Allen uses is lighter than the one I am using. I dont think that will be a problem though.
Would I be correct in assuming that the trailer (swimbait in this case) is what bass key in on the most in any jig? Or is it the skirt that makes entirces them? I am thinking that either 3.5 inch or 4 inch is going to be the right size I feel if I go smaller then I will have to trim down the jig strands. I will post back with results. Maybe I'll rig one rod up with the original california swim jig and one with the smaller version and see what kind of results I get. I dont know how many people regularly use swimbaits as trailers on jigs regularly, but the idea sounds fun anyways since I do not have much confidence in just swimbait fishing and I love jig fishing.
Siebert Outdoors reply :
I typically use a grub for a swim jig trailer. That 5" Robo ez shad looks like it would be a great bait also.
Skeet22 reply :
I use swimbaits sometimes but I don't know what it is about a single tail grub that drives fish nuts. I think it looks more baitfish like than swimbait the way it flutters through the water. What I usually do is on 1/4 swim jigs I use a grub almost always and when I go to 3/8 and up I will use a swimbait which in this case im usually fishing through grass and not around and on top of it like I do with the lighter swim jig.
River Rat316 reply :
If the fish are chasing and looking for a bigger meal (like fall) swim bait is the way to go, other wise its grub or action craw.
G3Steve reply :
I went out on a trip with Matt Allen a couple of weeks ago to practice for our TOC, and he said that he's now using the Keitech Swing Impact Fat for 3/8 and 1/2 oz swim jigs.
He still uses the ~5" version (4.8), but my guess would be that the smaller versions would work well on the lighter jigs for a smaller profile. You might be sacrificing the thump of a bigger bait, but that would be my recommendation for a good, smaller sized swimbait.
skeletor6 reply :
On 10/17/2012 at 10:48 PM, Skeet22 said:I use swimbaits sometimes but I don't know what it is about a single tail grub that drives fish nuts. I think it looks more baitfish like than swimbait the way it flutters through the water. What I usually do is on 1/4 swim jigs I use a grub almost always and when I go to 3/8 and up I will use a swimbait which in this case im usually fishing through grass and not around and on top of it like I do with the lighter swim jig.
On 10/18/2012 at 4:28 AM, River Rat316 said:If the fish are chasing and looking for a bigger meal (like fall) swim bait is the way to go, other wise its grub or action craw.
I like what both of you guys are saying! That seems like a good implementation of this strategy and ideology that could be easily applied. The single tailed grubs I used have had success as well as the twin tailed, but the rage tailed craws kinda act like those as well and have a ton of those rage tails right now. I also use the single tail grub on a spinnerbait which has worked well, but now I find myself using a hyperworm and a zoom split tail. I used to use 3/8oz spinnerbaits now I find myself using the heavier 5/8 and 3/4 oz bought a few from northstar (new gill, white, and white/chartreuse).
I am digressing, I will go with the grub on 1/4 oz and some 3/8 and the other 3/8 and heavier will get a swimbait and see how well I do. Just when I am swimming them though. Otherwise it is Baby and Regular rage craw and paca craws/chunks for other techniques.
Thank you both for the idea it is simplifying things for me.
On 10/19/2012 at 2:14 PM, G3Steve said:I went out on a trip with Matt Allen a couple of weeks ago to practice for our TOC, and he said that he's now using the Keitech Swing Impact Fat for 3/8 and 1/2 oz swim jigs.
He still uses the ~5" version (4.8), but my guess would be that the smaller versions would work well on the lighter jigs for a smaller profile. You might be sacrificing the thump of a bigger bait, but that would be my recommendation for a good, smaller sized swimbait.
Now that is what I call direct information right there.Thank you so much, that is pretty envious that you got the chance to fish with Mr. Allen himself! If he, Glenn, or Big-O wanted to go fishing with me I'd be there. Especially Glenn have you seen his vids? He's got game. Once again I am digressing.
I appreciate you sharing that information with me. it is his invented technique as far as I know and if he is using the keitech for lighter weights I could see myself downsizing with that swimbait as well. Can't thank you enough, I really appreciate it Steve.
G3Steve reply :
On 10/20/2012 at 1:09 PM, skeletor6 said:I appreciate you sharing that information with me. it is his invented technique as far as I know and if he is using the keitech for lighter weights I could see myself downsizing with that swimbait as well. Can't thank you enough, I really appreciate it Steve.
No problem. Matt is a great guy and an awesome guide. If you really want to learn and not just get on fish, then he is the man to hire. One of the things that impressed me was that he doesn't fish unless he's experimenting with a new bait or technique. He won't use the same bait as you off the front of the boat and hog prime spots like another guide I've hired. If you ever come out to Cali you should give him a call. Surprisingly, many of his clients are from out of town. We just hired him to help us with our tourneys at Clear Lake and we plan to hire him again next year to help my partner and I learn more about our local waters.
On another note, two of the fish in my avatar were caught on the Cali Swim Jig at the lake where they were conceived, Clear Lake, CA. Matt says that he catches fish as small as 1-2 pounds on the bait, but I've never caught anything smaller than 3.5lbs on it!
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