Swimbaits...which Do You Use, How Do You Rig? 2024
shootermcbob reply :
Which swimbaits do you guys prefer?
How do rig them?
How and where do you fish them?
Does anyone have experience with optimum baby line thru swimbaits?
Thanks in advance for the help, ideas, and suggestions.
Knightiac reply :
I love the Storm Wild Eye Shad series. They have a nice small 3" version and a bigger 5". I honestly don't do anything different with them rigging wise. Either an improved clinch or Palomar knot. I've never had an issue with either.
I fish them anywhere I see baitfish. Match the hatch and you're off. I'll cast past weeds or cattails and bounce them off or through them. There are some ponds I fish here that have a sewer - the bait fish school up on top of them. So ill fish them anywhere in that area; swim them off the sewer, down the slope leading to the sewer, anything that seems realistic. The baits I recommend are VERY soft but last a long time - with some great action.
A little tip: keep a plastics bag that you'd usually throw away and store these bad boys in there. Then spray some YUM F2 shad spray in there. Will give them a little scent plus soften them a little more and helps slide through cover.
ww2farmer reply :
I have tried a bunch, zoom swiming super flukes, berkley hollow bellies, havoc grass pig, and more that I have forgot. I have settled on the Netbait BK swimbait as the one I like best. Tail has action at a much slower speed that the rest, it comes in a package that keeps them from getting bent/deformed which is a must for these type of baits IMHO, and they are pretty easy on the wallet. I like them in the spring as soon as the water gets in the low to mid 50's all the way till the fall untill the water dips into the mid/low 40's. I like to rig them on a Gamakatsu EWG weighted springlock swimbait hook ( 1/4oz 5/0 for the 4" and 1/4 oz, 6/0 for the 5") for swimming over grass of submerged cover. I will peg a 1/16 or 1/8 the oz tungsten sinker to the nose of them and fish on a 5/0 EWG super line hook , rig the bait weedless, and fish right through and over thick shallow to mid depth grass as well.
WRB reply :
Been fishing swimbaits since the mid 80's for giant bass in SoCal. The original swimbaits were salt water calico bass lures like Worm King and Kelp critters in custom rainbow trout colors because of planted hatuary trout .
Swimbait range from 6" hollow bodies to 12" dynasors soft plastic boot tails, soft and hard body hybrids and multiple jointed hard bodies.
The optimum swimbait was originally Eagle Ospry and rigged with Gamakatsu or Owners Stinger black nicklee treble hook, size depending on the lure size. A small craft magnet glued to the belly to keep the hook attached to the swimbait during casting or a rubber coated paper clip cut to make a tempary push in hook hanger.
Today I mostly use Huddleston Deluze 8" or 68 series, 8" Triple trout and Little Creapers Trash Fish, 6" Basstrix paddle tail, Matt's 5" bluegill or crappie.
The key to being successful with a swimbait is learning to retrieve slowly and covering a lot of water. This takes a lot of time and dedication. You don't pound the shore line and cover water, you fish several high % spots.
Tom
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 12/18/2012 at 6:13 AM, shootermcbob said:Which swimbaits do you guys prefer?
How do rig them?
How and where do you fish them?
Does anyone have experience with optimum baby line thru swimbaits?
Thanks in advance for the help, ideas, and suggestions.
Our fish average pretty small here so I fish a lot of smaller swimbaits. The Havoc grass pig is probably one of the best economy swimbaits I use. I mainly rig it on a homemade football or casting jig head and stroke it around drops or weeds. I also fish Huddlestons weedless shad and the 6" Hudd, both weedless and regular. The Decoy Hydratail is another bait I fish quite a bit along with an ABT Banshee. Like WRB said, you don't really pound the banks with them but fish them thoroughly in high percentage areas. The smaller baits you can pound the banks with because just like a crankbait or spinnerbait, it doesn't take a big fish to eat them. I do have some of the Optimum BLT's and have had pretty good success with them. I use a 4" version rigged with a #2 or #1 VMC treble.
bronzebackhuntr reply :
I fish mainly basstrix and some customs that my buddy pours. 6" almost exclusively. On 1/8-1/2 oz jigheads with open hook.
shootermcbob reply :
Anyone else have experience with the optimum baby line thru swimbaits? They are intriguing to me, but would like to hear more?
Also, do you guys throw one color mostly, or do you try to "match the hatch" ?
bassh8er reply :
Threw one a couple of times, but it was hard to keep down. I was probably reeling too fast, but it's hard to slow down much more than that for me, so i went back to my dependable Yum Money Minnow.
LgMouthGambler reply :
Gambler EZ swimmer in bright copper. Rig them on a swim hook with molded on weight on the shank, usually a 6/0. My best producers for monstr LM.
webertime reply :
Floating 6" Spro's (obviously just tie on)
Hudds (6", 6" weedless, and 68's, work good looking spots slowly... long casts help too.)
A certain Japanese soft swimbait rigged on a 5/0 1/4 oz screw lock hook worked slowly over rocks or weeds. Rig on a football or biffle head and grind/drag on the rocks.
Take a "tube-style" paddle tail and insert a Mojo Carolina rig weight (use megastrike as lube) and abbra cadaberra...! A line through bait that you can run very deep. I can get a 5/8oz mojo in a 5" Paddle tail and use a size 1 treble to SLOWLY work in deep areas above weed beds (16-20 fow). Try it...
WRB reply :
The shorter a swimbait is the more difficult it is to get good swimming action at slow speeds. It may take trial of several baby swimbaits to find 1 that bass will strike. There are tricks that cn help like boiling the swimbaitand stretching the tail section about 1/2" so the tail swims at slower speeds. A size 1 Owner stinger treble hook should be OK for the baby Optimum, although I haven't used it.
Tom
hatrix reply :
Any more a good majority of my fishing is swimbaits. We don't have the biggest fish so I stick with smaller ones. Hiddlestons 6" weedless and regular versions, weedless shads and some times grass minnows. Although personally I think the shad catches bigger fish. Hollow bodies basstrix and shadalicious are ok. For jig heads big hammers are the deal 3" and 5". I almost forgot ospreys are great also for a big boot tail.
gobig reply :
The optimum line of swimbaits are good swimbaits. The line through works good in open water. It is a good middle/upper of the water column swimbait. If you think you are going to crawl it on the bottom you will loose it with the quickness. What is drawing you to this particular swimbait? And what kind of water are you fishing? Murky, clear, a lot of weeds etc... Choosing the wrong bait can get expensive or be frustrating. I will also mention that I own only few swimbaits that are under six inches. The smaller baits have a time and a place but 95% of the time I am throwing baits that are six inches or larger.
As for swimbaits I prefer, I'll just give you my top ten from this year in no particular order.
8in Hudd ROF5 (Butch Brown rigging)
8in Triple Trout
Trashfish with a 8/0 beast (refer to little creeper website for rigging)
Hudd 68 ROF 5
MS Slammer (owner st36 hooks with hyperwire split rings)
8in BBZ floater
Keitech swing impact fat 5.8 (A-rig or on a jig head)
6in slow sink BBZ1
Osprey tournament talon
Original Black Dog Shell Cracker Floater ( I have never thrown Matts hard gills but I hear good things)
flipin4bass reply :
Don't forget the hard bodied swimbaits. I'm impressed with the action of the LC 125 and have caught a few decent bass on the Nishiki (red head). They make a version without a lip, but I don't like the action. The one with the lip can be worked like a pointer or a steady retrieve.
retiredbosn reply :
Recommendations on the hard body swimbait types, just doing some looking today and see that there are a bunch in this category. So does anyone fish the hardbody types. The Jackall, Castics, Lucky Crafts, etc?
A-Jay reply :
On 12/20/2012 at 2:07 AM, retiredbosn said:Recommendations on the hard body swimbait types, just doing some looking today and see that there are a bunch in this category. So does anyone fish the hardbody types. The Jackall, Castics, Lucky Crafts, etc?
Check out the Bull Shad - the 5" & 6" are solid producers
Also recommend looking up the Custom painted versions by Dwain Batey at Bait Werks Custom Bait Shop
I fish these two - he does good work - and these baits catch.
A-Jay
retiredbosn reply :
wow those look amazing
hookset on 3 reply :
On 12/20/2012 at 2:26 AM, A-Jay said:Check out the Bull Shad - the 5" & 6" are solid producers
Also recommend looking up the Custom painted versions by Dwain Batey at Bait Werks Custom Bait Shop
I fish these two - he does good work - and these baits catch.
A-Jay
Oh Man, A-Jay! They're Sick all right. That's what I'd be, if I lost one of those custom hot rods!
deep reply :
On 12/20/2012 at 2:07 AM, retiredbosn said:So does anyone fish the hardbody types
Hardgill, Strongbass, Rago Tools, Slammers, Punkers, PB rat, OG wood castaic. All great baits.
shootermcbob reply :
I tend to use soft plastic swimbaits most.
Brands I have had the most success with so far is ...by far...Lake fork live magic shad in 3.5 and 4.5 inch versions
I also have had success with the live magic shad on spinnerbaits w/out the skirt, on chatterbaits with skirt still attached, and on swim jigs.
Next I have had some success with bass magic/strike king shadalicious paddletails....fished the same ways as above, but not with same success.
As far as Hardbody...I have had some luck with the strike king sexy swimmer and the sebile magic swimmer. I have a couple of cabelas knock-off of the spro bbz and while they swim and look awesome, I have never caught anything on them.
I have purchased some of the roboworm EZ shad for next season, but have no experience with them as to date.
Anyone else have rigging secrets or tips?
Anyone else fish them differently than what has been mentioned?
Anyone do any "modifications" to any swimbaits that would help?
J Francho reply :
On 12/20/2012 at 2:07 AM, retiredbosn said:Recommendations on the hard body swimbait types, just doing some looking today and see that there are a bunch in this category. So does anyone fish the hardbody types. The Jackall, Castics, Lucky Crafts, etc?
Get yourself an MS Mini Slammer as a start. And a tube of Megastrike. Lube that bait up good, and try different retrieves. Some of my best Slammer fish have come on the dead stick. It's a very versatile, and ugly looking, bait that simply gets bit. It's big, but not to big, and doesn't require special gear. Once you gain confidence, and learn where to throw it, and how to sell it to the big bass you can branch out to other hard baits.
SPEEDBEAD. reply :
On 12/20/2012 at 10:44 AM, deep said:Hardgill, Strongbass, Rago Tools, Slammers, Punkers, PB rat, OG wood castaic. All great baits.
I've been known to throw a PB Rat or three. LOL
fowlskies reply :
The best producing swimbait I have used is the Sebile Magic Swimmer (hardbait). My second choice would be the Yum Money Minnow.
I've used and own the hard Storm Kickin Stick (works good but not as good as the Magic Swimmer), a variety of Storm's soft plastic swimbaits and Berekleys and Yum's version of the grass pig.
They have all produced good results but by far the best was the Magic Swimmer followed by the Money Minnow and third place to the Grass pig style swimmers (U can throw those in some knarly spots with good results).
shootermcbob reply :
Anybody else have tips, secrets, suggestions?
A-Jay reply :
Initially sent as a pm - and now posted here ~
OK – so swim baits – The thing I wanted to pass on was fishing hollow body and solid body swim baits on a jig head. Really a super effective way to catch brown and green bass as well as walleye and pike.
I first read about this method/presentation which was written by In-Fisherman editor Doug Stange who is a fanatic about this presentation. I think it started back in the Oct/Nov 2003 issue. He has written several articles about it and I’m certain if you google it, you’d find quite a bit to read. If you subscribe to the magazine then you might already know all of this.
Since 2007 I've been really doing very well with this and there are a few times a year when fish will tear these baits up.
The rig is simple and there are several baits you can use but the two I’ve had the most success on are the Berkley hollow body swim bait (4,5 and 6 inch size) and the Berkley Power Bait Flatback Shad. The jig head of choice is an Owner Saltwater Bullet in ½ & ¾ ounce. The hook is good and these baits fit this jig head well. Others might work also. The baits are always rigged “flat” or sideways rather than the standard method. The baits have more action this way. Don’t worry how it looks – as long as it’s rigged straight you’ll be happy.
Tackle is nothing special – any med to med-hvy casting or spinning tackle will work. The line choice is whatever you like but these baits are a bit beefy so keep that in mind. I use 20lb braid on a spinner and 30lb braid on casting tackle. 6ft – 7 ft rods seem OK.
How to fish it; Cast it let it go to the bottom and reel it in – fish it like a crank bait. Strikes come on the move and on the drop. An occasional pause is good. It will allow you to stay in contact with the bottom and will often times induce a strike. The 1/2 oz is good down to 15 ft or so and anything deeper the 3/4oz bait works well as it will stay deep and still allow you to keep the bait moving.
As for where to throw this rig; It really excels as a search bait. So search; along the inside and/or outside of a submerged weed line, down a drop off, up a drop off (my personal favorite) and across a deep or shallow flat. Once you find some fish you can repeat what you did to get bit and maybe zero right in on them.
There is no mistaking the strike – fish eat these baits so you’ll know when to set the hook. And this is not necessarily a Big Fish method; you’ll get into different classes of bass but very few real dinks.
And so there you have it – hope this helps you get on some fish.
A-Jay
shootermcbob reply :
Thanks for the post A-Jay.
I have had success this last year fishing the white live magic shad simply rigged on a 1/4 ounce roundball jighead with the hook exposed.
I have tried many different sizes/colors/rigging options and for some unknown reason...this particular setup just catches them...at least on my home lake.
I fish them much the same way as A-Jay mentions above. I try to fish them so they are just above or barely bouncing of the rip rap and/rocks. Not much grass on my home lake, so can't comment on that.
With the exposed hook, you will lose some baits if you fish from the bank as I do, but the rig is fairly inexpensive.
I have tried fishing the live magic shad at Roadwarrior's suggestion on a swarming hornet, but I didn't purchase any till pretty late in the year and have not given it a fair chance to evaluate yet.
Thanks again to all who posted.
WRB reply :
There are basically 2 groups of swimbaits; those that are under an 1 1/2 and larger or heavier swimbait the exceed 1 1/2 up to 7 oz or more. The smaller or lighter swimbaits that are used as fish head jig trailers can be fished standard med/hvvy to heavy jig rods. This category work well for adult size bass generally between 4 to 6 lbs with an occasional bigger bass. Technically this are soft swimbaits or swimming jigs.
The other group include trophy bass swimbits, they are too heavy for standard bass tackle and require specific swimbait rods and reels that larger diameter spools with line capacity of 200+ yards of 20 lb monofilament line. The larger lures appeal to the biggest bass in the lake.
So really depends on what your goal is; catching good size bass or catching trophy size bass.
Tom
shootermcbob reply :
I am mainly throwing stuff in the under 1 1/2 ounce category. I am interested in trying some the other types of swimbaits....hudds, Rago, etc, but will wait till I have a boat for that . The thought of hanging up and losing a 25 dollar swimbait already makes me nauseous...and I don't even own any...yet.
SirSnookalot reply :
I guess everyone has their own thoughts. I'm not a trophy hunter and the chances of me catching a 15# bass is slim, however I have caught many 8#+. I'm doing just fine using lighter plastic swimbaits, not only am I not spending $20, 30 or more on a lure, I don't have to use a heavy rod for an 8# fish, which suits my fishing style.
shootermcbob reply :
Good points Snook. I am not ready to make the committment to the heavier type swimbaits....living in Ohio a 5-6 lb. largemouth is a really, really good bass, and I have caught a few in that 4-5 lb category.
However, as I get older, I am looking forward to a move to a warmer climate...where the chances to land a 10 lb plus fish are much greater.
SPEEDBEAD. reply :
The one in my avatar was caught in Pennsylvania last year on a 10 inch, 3.5 oz bait.
Don't let geographic location dictate how big a fish will eat a swimbait. Bass have large mouths (lol, hence their name) and even the 2-3lb fish will easily eat a full sized swimbait. In the end, they will help up your chances of catching larger than average fish.
shootermcbob reply :
On 12/29/2012 at 12:42 AM, SPEEDBEAD. said:The one in my avatar was caught in Pennsylvania last year on a 10 inch, 3.5 oz bait.
Don't let geographic location dictate how big a fish will eat a swimbait. Bass have large mouths (lol, hence their name) and even the 2-3lb fish will easily eat a full sized swimbait. In the end, they will help up your chances of catching larger than average fish.
Good point... and nice fish!
SirSnookalot reply :
On 12/29/2012 at 12:42 AM, SPEEDBEAD. said:The one in my avatar was caught in Pennsylvania last year on a 10 inch, 3.5 oz bait.
Don't let geographic location dictate how big a fish will eat a swimbait. Bass have large mouths (lol, hence their name) and even the 2-3lb fish will easily eat a full sized swimbait. In the end, they will help up your chances of catching larger than average fish.
Not that the fish in the avatar isn't a beauty, but this only amplifies my opinion of not wanting to use a rod heavy enough to handle a 3.5 oz lure for a fish that size.
SPEEDBEAD. reply :
On 12/29/2012 at 4:17 PM, SirSnookalot said:Not that the fish in the avatar isn't a beauty, but this only amplifies my opinion of not wanting to use a rod heavy enough to handle a 3.5 oz lure for a fish that size.
Well, once age catches up to me I may see it the same way. Until then, I'll swing the big stick. Thanks.
SirSnookalot reply :
I was only saying I wouldn't use a big stick for a little guy that, but if you need it......go for it.
Take a whole 30-40 seconds to land it, that's impressive.
When ages catches up to and you can catch a Cobia like this on a little rod, that's graduation time.
gobig reply :
I understand the thrill of light tackle and I am not trying to convince anyone to change. I just want to clarify a few things, there seem to be some misconceptions out there. Throwing a 3.5oz bait with the right gear and technique is no more labor intensive than throwing a crankbait all day. Secondly over the course of time I spend far less on swimbaits then I do on plastics. I have quite a few baits that I have had since I started actively throwing swimbaits 4 years ago. For instance one of them is an MS Slammer. I payed about 30 bucks for it. I spent far more than that on sweet beavers over the last year alone.
shootermcbob reply :
Guys, I didn't want this to end up a contest between what is right, who fishes what, etc. I am simply trying to expand my arsenal, learn from what other's have already learned, and engage in some enlighting discussion so that I ...and others...can learn from the many fine fishermen and women on this board. We all know there are many ways to "skin a cat". Let's keep things moving forward, please.
Any others have swimbait secrets, rigging tips, potions, or any other ideas/suggestions to share?
Goose21 reply :
If I had to choose only one swimbait setup in my arsenal right now I would go with the Basstrix paddle tail swimbait rigged on a 1/8 oz 4/0 keel weighted owner twist-lock hook. I texpose and fish a variety of colors but chartreuse shad is my favorite.
deep reply :
On 1/1/2013 at 9:40 AM, shootermcbob said:Any others have swimbait secrets, rigging tips, potions, or any other ideas/suggestions to share?
I have a suggestion. Choose a couple of *proven* baits (one is even better), learn where the big fish hang out (skip this step if you already know it), and then fish the said bait(s) slow until you stick a big fish, or your arms fall off, or you get tired of it.
Happy New Year to the BR family.
J Francho reply :
On 1/1/2013 at 9:40 AM, shootermcbob said:Guys, I didn't want this to end up a contest between what is right, who fishes what, etc. I am simply trying to expand my arsenal, learn from what other's have already learned, and engage in some enlighting discussion so that I ...and others...can learn from the many fine fishermen and women on this board. We all know there are many ways to "skin a cat". Let's keep things moving forward, please.
Any others have swimbait secrets, rigging tips, potions, or any other ideas/suggestions to share?
Yep, this thread is for those that WANT to try swimbaits, not whether you think they're effective or for you. Any debate along that line is irrelevant.
Secret tips? Smear your swimbaits with Megastrike. Use good Hooks. I like Owner Stinger ST-41 with the Cutting Point. Contrary to most methods, start slow, and stay slow. Sometimes speed is the key, but often it's lack of speed.
shootermcbob reply :
And which ones are you guys using? Brands, sizes, colors????
deep, JFrancho, others?
So far, my swimbait arsenal consists of hollow body swimbaits, lake fork live magic shad, and the storm swimshads.
I am not yet equipped to throw 2-5 ounce swimbaits, but have a real fascination with them. I am not sure this is not a case of the lure catching the fisherman, but they are very intriguing to me.
Thanks for all the tips and ideas guys.
deep reply :
On 1/1/2013 at 11:55 PM, shootermcbob said:And which ones are you guys using? Brands, sizes, colors????
deep
8" huddleston ROF5 in rainbow trout modified butch brown rigged, Mattlures Gen2 Hardgill slow-sink in albino are the two I have the most confidence in. Pick up other colors if you think they might work better for you!
There are very many good/ proven baits out there, and at least an equal number of junks, but these two would be a good starting point (in my opinion of course).
The hardgill- the way I fish it anyway- has turned out to be a good numbers bait while still giving me a shot at a big fish, and may be more suitable for folks who like catching over fishing (who doesn't lol)
http://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-forums/topic/108349-the-dinks-and-the-skunk/
The huddleston is 4.2 ozs and will need specialized swimbait gear, the hardgill at only 1.75 ozs may not.
J Francho reply :
6" Hudds, Hudd 68, Matlures Hard Gill, MS Mini Slammer, American Trash Fish, and a custom built High Power Herring are my rotating staples.
Diggy reply :
On 12/18/2012 at 8:08 AM, Knightiac said:I love the Storm Wild Eye Shad series. They have a nice small 3" version and a bigger 5".
Those storm shad always swim on their side for me...am I doing something wrong? Others never do.
SPEEDBEAD. reply :
Some good replies there from a couple fellas that can catch BASS.
shootermcbob reply :
On 1/2/2013 at 1:07 AM, Diggy said:Those storm shad always swim on their side for me...am I doing something wrong? Others never do.
No, I don't think so. You can try maybe slowing down your retrieve, but I think it is somewhat hit, or miss with these baits. I buy a couple packs, and usually 1 out of 3 doesn't swim right.
I have had a little luck bending the hook eye (like tuning a crankbait), but it has only worked on maybe 2 outta 5 lures??? maybe.
J Francho reply :
Try boiling some water, and dipping the tail, briefly, to correct a bent bait.
SPEEDBEAD. reply :
Here's another suggestion to try if you enjoy fishing the upper water column. It will swim, pop and do all kinds of little tricks. Not so heavy that you need specialized gear either. Smallmouth love 'em.
http://www.316lurecompany.com/baits/booger.html
roadwarrior reply :
Small swimbaits for smallmouth?
http://www.bassmaster.com/news/hite-hits-new-high-eighth-win
"Every fish he weighed in was caught on a berkley Hollow Belly"
J Francho reply :
6" Spro Trout has accounted for a few smallies up here...
webertime reply :
I between my partner and I we put 34lbs (20lbs and 14lbs respectively) of smallies in the boat (10 fish) this fall on 6" Lunker Punkers, 5" Keitechs and Saltwater Spooks... IN driving wind and rains with lots of chop. Check Matt Stevens (Southern Trout Eaters) youtube clip on swimbaiting Champlain. A Smallie will hit obnoxiously large baits.
SPEEDBEAD. reply :
On 1/4/2013 at 2:42 AM, webertime said:I between my partner and I we put 34lbs (20lbs and 14lbs respectively) of smallies in the boat (10 fish) this fall on 6" Lunker Punkers, 5" Keitechs and Saltwater Spooks... IN driving wind and rains with lots of chop. Check Matt Stevens (Southern Trout Eaters) youtube clip on swimbaiting Champlain. A Smallie will hit obnoxiously large baits.
Matt Peters, website is Southernswimbait.com and STE on Facebook.
I never could get into a punker bite. Seen lots of guys catch a lot of fish but just can't seem to get into it. I walked the hell out of those things when I had 'em too. LOL
shootermcbob reply :
I just ordered 5 of the optimum line thru 5 inch swimbaits from Cabelas...at 3.88 per.
Hopefully, I will have some good success with them. Figured for that price, couldn't go wrong.
Anyone have any experience with lures?
tylerwyp reply :
Zoom super fluke (pearl white, watermelon red, baby bass, Arkansas shiner) rigged with a 5/0 twist lock hook. Throw it anywhere and reel slowing while twitching
Primus reply :
On 1/2/2013 at 1:07 AM, Diggy said:Those storm shad always swim on their side for me...am I doing something wrong? Others never do.
Try the River to Sea Live Eye Bottom Walker, they are much more consistent and come in a variety of sizes. Just like the Storm they are very affordable. The only thing I don't like about them is that the eyes are prone to popping out which is why I put a couple of coats of 316 softbait glue over them B4 I take them fishing.
shootermcbob reply :
I had looked at the River2Sea a few times, and never "pulled the trigger". I will have to pick up a pack or two this spring and give them a shot. Thanks for the input.
gobig reply :
QuoteI just ordered 5 of the optimum line thru 5 inch swimbaits from Cabelas...at 3.88 per.
Optimum makes good swimbaits. They are fish catchers. The line thru baits are great for fishing the upper, middle and lower middle of the water column. They will hang up if you try to fish them on the bottom.
jerzeeD reply :
For cover/vegetation I use Huddleston Weedless shads and Grass minnows.
I also started using a Live Target Blueback Herring in fast sinking for a hard bodied open water type swimbait. Have yet to catch anything on the Live Target, but I have barely used it yet. The Huddlestons produce well though.
shootermcbob reply :
On 1/7/2013 at 3:35 AM, jerzeeD said:For cover/vegetation I use Huddleston Weedless shads and Grass minnows.I also started using a Live Target Blueback Herring in fast sinking for a hard bodied open water type swimbait. Have yet to catch anything on the Live Target, but I have barely used it yet. The Huddlestons produce well though.
I checked out the Huddleston weedless shads. How do they hold up for you?
I too have some "hard-bodied" swimbaits...a couple sebile magic swimmers and a strike king sexy swimmer, but have not had any real luck with either. I have had a couple hits one the strike king.
jerzeeD reply :
They hold up pretty good. I have even caught a few pickeral on them and they continued to work without gluing them. If you can avoid toothy critters, they hold up for a fairly good number of catches
SPEEDBEAD. reply :
Not actually a swimbait, but definitely swimbait related...
Get yourself some good glue. I prefer the 3:16 glue but have used Mend It as well.
Not a fan of Pro's Glue as it makes the bait crispy when dry. Also don't like the Huddlebond due to the container it comes in.
shootermcbob reply :
Speedbead, why do you like the 3:16 glue better than Mend-it???
SPEEDBEAD. reply :
I had the Mend It before it came in a glass jar and it evaporated on me. The newer mend it product comes in a jar now.
I like the fact that 3:16 glue comes in a glass jar, has an applicator brush and only costs 5 bucks.
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