Are swimbaits a joke to throw in NOVA? 2024

NewAngler reply :

I'm not talking your little plastic swimbaits, I'm talkin MattLures swimbaits. Is this realistic or would it be a waste of money on the rod, reel, and lures?

I'm trying to get well-versed in every technique this season, and want to jump on this bandwagon if it seems logical.

ptomacbass reply :

Yeah, the Mattlures Ultimate Bluegills are great baits.

Dan: reply :

Absolutely not! I had some pretty good success using a 2oz, 7.5" MS Slammer this summer. I didn't catch anything huge but I definitely had a few outings where it caught me a bunch of fish.

NewAngler reply :

Dan, any recommendations on a sb rod sub 150?

Bigs reply :

I wouldnt waste money on a swimbait specific setup if thats what ur askin. Seems like its more a west coast thing. I know they work in some places in va but its not gonna be one of ur most productive techniques. I'm sure what Dan says is true tho, u can def catch fish with them around here. You would def need the proper setup tho gear wise to effectively use a huge swimbait.

slomoe reply :

I've caught fish on baby wakes, mission fish, slammer, Matts hard gill, and my personal best last season was on Mike's Bull Shad.

I would go with an Okuma. I have the MH but its a little lighter than I would like. I would go with a heavy or extra heavy.

stratos 375 reply :

ain't no joke, they will catch bass wherever they swim. If'n you just want to "play" with the technique, you don't have to throw them quarter pounders. They make some nice sb's in the smaller weights, around 1.5 oz. +/-. You can get away with throwin them on a flippin stick with a decent reel.That way if you don't have any success with the technique, you haven't spent any $ on specialized gear. If'n by chance you snag a toad on it & feel it's something you want to take further, then you can buy dedicated gear.

Personally, I use them and have never caught any huge bass on them yet, but I'm statistically due for one . Most of the fish you catch on a sb, you could catch with a jerkbait with the right combination of lure weight (s) & line size. Plus, you can throw the jerkbait all day without it wearin you out. Some will disagree.

Part of the sucess of the sb is that as of yet, there a lot of fish in the NE that just haven't seen them before. A lot of guys have probably experimented with them before, but very few put in the time to really learn the lure & where to throw it. I would take the time to really learn it myself, but I'm too busy cathing fish on jerk baits & jigs.

I throw sb's on a 7.5' Fenwick fiberglass flippin stick with a Ambassaduer 6001- 15- 20. lb Trilene big game. It's my go to outfit for sb's, Muskys, Stripers & shiner fishin.

good luck with them

NOVA Angler reply :

I can't say that I know many people fishing big swimbaits on the Potomac, but that doesn't mean that it can't be done and that you can't be successful doing it. I thought about getting a stick last year to throw them, but it's such a big financial committment (for me at least) to get the setup and swimbaits and not be certain that it's going to be productive for me. If I heard of others having a lot of success with them, I would probably bite the bullet and do it, otherwise I'm going to continue to do what seems to work. With that said, I may treat myself to a Mattlures Hardgill before the season starts. Though not ideal, I have a 7'11" Shimano Crucial flipping stick that would probably get the job done.

soccplayer07 reply :

I have a few larger sized swim baits but have not really given them a try yet. I will this year. A buddy of mine does very well with the Mattlures bass.

Dan: reply :

The technique originated in the west but that definitely doesn't mean it won't work here. People around here are just too scared to go big. I've had 1lbers hit my slammer...You'll catch fish on them, even if they aren't huge. I'm glad slomoe posted as I know he's had success with some swimbaits in the past year or so. I've had days when my buddies got skunked while I was crushing fish on swimbaits. I just don't think the fish see them very often around here.

Josh, the rod that Thai posted has received rave reviews from lots of the swimbait guys. I've heard only good things about them. You can get away with going cheap on a swimbait rod. They don't need to be super sensitive like a jig or worm rod because you'll either see the fish hit it (if it's a topwater) or you will have no doubt when you get a bite because they hit them so hard.

If you have a flipping stick try that with some of the lighter swimbaits. If you really want to start throwing the big stuff (2 oz+), check out the Okuma rods.

I've got a Spro shad bait that is small for swimbaits but it's yours if you want it to get you started.

NOVA Angler reply :

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I have a few larger sized swim baits but have not really given them a try yet. I will this year. A buddy of mine does very well with the Mattlures bass.

The soft baby bass or the hard bass?

Dan: reply :

I know slomoe has caught some nice fish on the hard 'gill

soccplayer07 reply :

soft bass.

NewAngler reply :

What about a reel? Ice sewn a lot of Calcuttaaa on sb. Setups, is a high end reel necessary. ? I think I'm all in on swimbaits. Fellas, meet the potomac pioneer of swimbaiting.

Dan: reply :

what's your price range for a reel Josh?

Check out the Cardiff 300 or 400

soccplayer07 reply :

I'm there w/ who. I have two goals this year...swim baits and punching mats.

I think you should use what you have for now (if you have a h action). I can throw up to 2oz on my H setups.

quanjig reply :

Man, you are all about the danger arn't ya!!

NewAngler reply :

I mean... my price range can vary, but id say no more than 2 bills. But I have no h rods, just a bps MH rod that's almost out the door. Cardiff looks legit.

Bigs reply :

If youre gonna be fishing the potomac more so this year then spend the money on a nice setup for punchin mats instead. I bought a powell 766 for that purpose and plan on punchin/flippin alot of heavy matted stuff this summer. Most of the money that was won on the potomac last year was done so punchin mats, alot on frogs too but the majority of the 5-7 pounders were pullled out of the thick stuff punchin. I had a conversation with Teri Olinger who owns warbirds. Since he organizes alot of tourneys he should know where the money is being won. He told me to focus on punchin if I wanted the 5 plus pounders. Thats where I would put that swimbait money instead. Just my 2 cents.

mudkart reply :

Cardiffs are great for heavier baits. IMO, the 200 also has enough line capacity for what you want to do, so don't rule it out (its also a bit lighter than the 300/400). They can be had used on the bay for ~ 50.

Dan: reply :

Or you could get a combo that does both! Some of the Okumas would probably be pretty good at pulling double duty for SBs and Punching

St Croix has a Mojo model that would probably work for both as well.

NOVA Angler reply :

I tend to agree with my bro Steve on this one. If you don't have a flipping setup you should definetly focus on that first. You could throw some swimbaits on it until you're sure you want to go that route.

Dan: reply :

Quote

Cardiffs are great for heavier baits. IMO, the 200 also has enough line capacity for what you want to do, so don't rule it out (its also a bit lighter than the 300/400). They can be had used on the bay for ~ 50.

120yds of 14lb test? Big swimbaits usually involve ~20lb test so that's not gonna give you a lot of line on 200 size. I would go with at least a 300. It's only .3 oz heavier.

mudkart reply :

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Quote

Cardiffs are great for heavier baits. IMO, the 200 also has enough line capacity for what you want to do, so don't rule it out (its also a bit lighter than the 300/400). They can be had used on the bay for ~ 50.

120yds of 14lb test? Big swimbaits usually involve ~20lb test so that's not gonna give you a lot of line on 200 size. I would go with at least a 300. It's only .3 oz heavier.

Big swimbaits yes, although i have no first hand experience w/ anything over 3 oz. He's talking more along the lines of small to medium. The 200 I use w/ 17# pline holds plenty (prob ~ 100yds) to through the matt lures, both hard and soft. YMMV, IMO, etc.

Dan: reply :

Oh I thought we were talking about the big boys when the Okuma stick got involved. I'd agree that a 200 would probably be fine with the smaller baits but I'd want a little more line capacity for bigger baits, especially considering the 300 is only a tad heavier. Most of the Cardiff swimbaiters I've read about chose the 300 for the real swimbaits.

NewAngler reply :

It couldn't hurt going with a 300. I was looking at the okuma big boy rated for 1-6 oz suckers? Could that handle punching too, or is that too much rod?

Sorry about the typos, btw. I'm. On my phone.

XLFISH reply :

New Angler, I am short on time but if you want to shhot me a P.M. I will talk Swimbaits with you tomorrow.

Dan: reply :

XLFISH, if you don't mind I'd like to hear any tips you might have as well (baits, gear, seasonal patterns, location, etc...)

soccplayer07 reply :

NewAngler reply :

Josh starting a revolution!!!

soccplayer07 reply :

revolutions are only started by NoVa members...for the record.

NewAngler reply :

this is where the whole argument of Stafford having now real association with NoVa, ey?

soccplayer07 reply :

just messing w/ you. great post!

quanjig reply :

Chris, anything you can pass on to us about bigger swimbaits would be greatly appreciated!!

NewAngler reply :

"Mid-summer swimbait NoVa (plus stafford) special" a tourny with nothing but swimbaits. genius!

Bigs reply :

Quote
It couldn't hurt going with a 300. I was looking at the okuma big boy rated for 1-6 oz suckers? Could that handle punching too, or is that too much rod?
Sorry about the typos, btw. I'm. On my phone.

Dude I have a shimano teramar inshore series tc4 rod that will work great for punchin. Its a 7 foot medium heavy extra fast but the lure weight is rated up to 1 and a half ounces which is perfect. Its stout and not that heavy either. Its a hundred dollar rod I bought at bass pro last year. You can have it for 50 bux if u want it, its in perfect condition with not very much use. You could also throw small swimbaits with it too. Its actually designed for inshore salt fishing which usually involves big lures. I used it as a frog rod for a month or so after I bought it and then got a flippin stick to replace it.

XLFISH reply :

I gave New Angler my Phone #. The topic of big swimbaits is just too vast to delve into on here or even an email. Several years ago I was going door to door at some tackle stores with big Optimum baits when they were a big hit. I was telling guys that swimbaits were the wave of the future. They basically laughed at me. Well a couple of years after that swimbaits started showing up and rapidly caught on. For once I was on the cutting edge, at least on this coast, and was ridiculed. I digress, swimbaits have come a long way since then and I am still learning as much as I can about them. Mentally it is a different ball game when you commit to throwing big baits. By big baits I mean seven inches and up. You have to forget most of what you have been taught and relearn with a new set of rules. This may sound like some deep Rick Clunn mumbo jumbo, and it basically is. There is a "Zone" assosiated with big baits. For 99% of us it nearly imposible to be "Born agian" and make the committment to change everything we have been taught. The book called The BBZ, the big bass zone touches on some of this. I enjoy throwing baits from five to seven inches but just cant make the move to throw 8 to 12 inch baits YET. I have some and will force my self to test drive them this year. But I can quickly loose confidence in swimbaits and reach for a jig which tells me I am far from being committed. I have probably not come close to answering your question which brings me full circle to saying there is just TOO MUCH TO TELL

Dan: reply :

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I enjoy throwing baits from five to seven inches but just cant make the move to throw 8 to 12 inch baits YET. I have some and will force my self to test drive them this year. But I can quickly loose confidence in swimbaits and reach for a jig which tells me I am far from being committed.

I started throwing bigger baits (7-8 inches) this season and I'm on the fence about getting into the really jumbo sized baits. I know what you mean about switching baits. I always find myself putting down my swimbait rod for my jig rod basically whenever the sun comes up. Most of my good swimbait days have been in low light so I have trouble not switching to the jig once the sun comes up.

quanjig reply :

Thanks for the little peek into the mental side Chris, appreciate it.

RockvilleMDAngler reply :

That book Big Bass Zone by Bill Siemental is an awesome read. I don't throw swimbaits often but that book does more than just tell you how to fish swimbaits, it explains an entirely different outlook on bass fishing that has helped me put bigger fish in the boat. You can pick up a copy at http://www.bass fishin. com/store/big-bass-zone/

XLFISH reply :

You are right R.MD.Angler, the book touches on many different aspects of swimbaits. I have an autographed copy and Bills video. Some of the info in the book must be "tweaked" a little for our waters, but the concept can apply wherever bass live. I dont remeber the book talking about river fishing though, but I have used SPRO"S BBZ-1 smaller swimbaits and they work well in rivers. Years ago I looked at the score and decided that I had caught enough small fish and decided to target big bass. I looked at where I was fishing and elliminated all but 3 or 4 bodies of water. These 3 or 4 bodies of water had the potential to produce fish greater than 8 pounds with consistancy. Which means if there are numerous 8's there are several 10's and and a few bigger. There is an equation for that. I decided to leave those dink factories alone and concentrate on those 3 or 4 lakes. I think that was a step in the right direction. I did gamble last year and fish a couple of old farm ponds and whacked a couple of 7's and 8's but still not the fish I was looking for. No matter what lure you are throwing, if you are after big bass, you are wasting your time fishing waters that do not yield big fish with some regularity. If you are going to gamble, why not put the odds in your favor. You may already be doing the right things, but you are doing then at the wrong places.

Froggin reply :

I love throwing the swimbaits....I'm not throwing the monster baits.... i like the optimum 7 inch line thru baits...if you catch it right you can have an outstanding day on briery creek with the swimbait...

Aluma-Bass reply :

I also throw some large swim baits and know what yall mean about losing confidence but thats where i seem to shine! where guys will fish few hours and not catch anything and put it down and fish something else i will keep throwing it ALL day long and sure enough in most cases it pays off! My theory is stick with it and it will produce! maybe not huge numbers but the ones you do catch will be nice size! Cant wait to get out to briery and sandy this year!! I also love HUGE top water baits!!

shimmy reply :

I wouldn't get started with swimbaits unless you have the money to keep tying on new ones. With the cover that you have in VA, the swimbait will work best hitting structure or cruising in a creek channel. It's a big investment and with as nasty as some of the cover is, your two swimbaits will get snagged before you even learn a pattern with them. Plus, if your going to use the swimmys, i advise taking nothing else with you on your fishing trip. Thats what it takes to pull some with it. A lot of time, patience, and money for losing them. I have lost some just by breaking off on the cast. It's a nightmare. I'm not rich enough to toss em full time

SPEEDBEAD. reply :

Someone get me on the Potomac this year and we can throw swimbaits all day, if you like.

They will catch you fish anywhere in the country, not just SoCal.

Dan is a puss, BTW. ;D

Dan: reply :

Quote
Someone get me on the Potomac this year and we can throw swimbaits all day, if you like.
They will catch you fish anywhere in the country, not just SoCal.

Dan is a puss, BTW. ;D

You supplying the gear and baits?

SPEEDBEAD. reply :

Quote

Quote
Someone get me on the Potomac this year and we can throw swimbaits all day, if you like.
They will catch you fish anywhere in the country, not just SoCal.

Dan is a puss, BTW. ;D

You supplying the gear and baits?

Sure, but you only get to throw floaters. ;D

slomoe reply :

Quote
If youre gonna be fishing the potomac more so this year then spend the money on a nice setup for punchin mats instead.

Or you could punch mats with swimbaits.. ;D

NewAngler reply :

I'm all in. Swimbait rod setup will be ready by spring.

A.Do? reply :

slomoe with a swimbait awhile back...

slomoe reply :

lol. Whats up Andrew. You been back there recently? I hear that place is getting beat up.

A.Do? reply :

sent you an email.

Dan: reply :

Quote

Quote

Quote
Someone get me on the Potomac this year and we can throw swimbaits all day, if you like.
They will catch you fish anywhere in the country, not just SoCal.

Dan is a puss, BTW. ;D

You supplying the gear and baits?

Sure, but you only get to throw floaters. ;D

where's the danger in that? ;D

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Are swimbaits a joke to throw in NOVA? 2024

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