Swimbait Rigging: The Truth

This video is going to completely change how you approach stinger hooks! Have you ever heard of a haywire twist? If not you're completely missing the boat and its time to listen to this "tell all" on swimbaits! Swimbait rigging doesn't have to be difficult so forget everything you think you know and come along for the ride. 

In the interest of being fair, Matt explains the advantages and disadvantages of Crimps, 7 strand, braid, mono, etc before blowing them all away with the use of single strand wire. Neither Matt nor Tim has been able to figure out why the industry is virtually silent about single strand wire and the haywire twist. 

Unless you're a saltwater angler we'd be willing to bet "haywire twist" is a new phrase to you. Ironically we shot a video on this very subject more than 5 years ago and despite getting 25,000+ views, its still a virtual secret. Today is the day we set the record straight and explain what we believe to be the hands down, best method for rigging stinger hooks on swimbaits. 

Products Shown In This Video:

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Huddleston Deluxe 8" Swimbait
JSJ 6" Hitch Swimbait
Baitsmith Magnum: Ebay Only
Osprey Tournament Talon
Keitech Fat Swing Impact

Huddleston and Osprey Stinger Hooks...
Owner 3X Treble (Size 1)
Gamakatsu 4X Treble (Size 1 or 1/0)

JSJ Stinger Hooks...
Owner 3x Treble (Size 2)
Gamakatsu 4X Treble (Size 2)
Owner STX-58 Size 4

Baitsmith magnum Hooks...
Gamakatsu 4X Treble (Size 1/0)
Owner 3X Treble (Size 1)

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Stinger Materials:
7 Strand Wire
Crimps
Heavy Monofilament: Amazon
80-100 lb Braid
Single Strand Wire: Amazon 

Matt's Preferred Big Baits Equipment:
Rod- G Loomis 957
Rod- Dobyns 807
Reel- Calcutta 400B
Line- 80 lb Braided

Chatterbait Trailer Tips to Save $$$

Matt gives two quick tips that will help you improve your chatterbait fishing. Bladed swim jig trailer options are endless but these two stand out from the crowd! 

Using paddletail swimbaits as a trailer on a bladed swim jig is no secret. However, running your swimbait upside down or running it with a modified tail will set you aside from all the other anglers. 

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Matt explains how to use each of these methods to maximize the effectiveness of your chatterbait the next time you're on the water. Forget the traditional trailers and put one of these tricks to work for you!  

Baits Shown In this video...

-Chatterbait
-Revenge Bladed Jig
-Keitech 4.8" Fat Swimbait
-Rage Swimmer

Save $$$ By Making Your Own Feathered Trebles!

Feathered trebles are an awesome way to accent your favorite topwaters and jerkbaits but store bought options are very limited. Matt shows a fast and easy way to build your own feathered trebles on the water and the best part is you can do it with any hook you want! 

This quick tip will save you so many headaches! You're no longer limited to 3 sizes and a few colors of feathered trebles. Any size, any color, and any model of hook is fair game as you quickly and easily accent your own trebles. All you need is a hook of your choice, some craft hair or feathers, a small piece of shrink tube, and a lighter. 

Here are Matt's favorite hooks and components for making feathered trebles...

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Gamakatsu Marten's Finesse Treble
Owner 3x Treble
Gamakatsu EWG Bronze
Owner Round Bend

Marabou Feathers
Slinky Craft Fiber
Hackle Feathers

Store Bought Version with Owner Hook

Everything You Need to Know About Swim Jigs!

Bass fishing with Swim jigs has increased in popularity the last few years. This video is full of tips and tricks to make you more effective at fishing a swim jig. Matt breaks down everything you need to know from jighead design, jig colors, jig trailers, swimbaits, etc. 

Most bass fishermen fish a swim jig around shallow grass and cover but there are a lot of other great options. Don't be afraid to bottom crawl the bait in the rocks like a big trout swimbait. Its also an awesome option for night fishing in Summer and Fall!
 
The swim jig can be thrown as a replacement for a spinnerbait, chatterbait, underspin, or squarebill crankbait. You get all the action and fish attracting features of the above baits but with the realism and secondary action that only a swim jig can provide. 

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Finesse swim jigs are great for spotted bass, smallmouth bass, or for largemouth in reservoirs. The standard swim jig is an awesome all around option with a pointed head for coming through grass, tullies, reeds, and wood. 

The California Swim Jig is designed for giant bass. Whether you're in California, Texas, or Florida, if you're targeting big bass this is the swim jig for you! Its designed with the heaviest hook on the market so that no freshwater fish can bend it. 

We hope this video helps you understand the difference between different styles of jigs and when to use each one. There isn't a perfect jig for every situation so stock up on a few different models and you'll be prepared when the swim jig bite turns on.

Products explained in this video:

Jig Styles...

-Finesse Swim Jig
-Skirted Swim Jig
-California Swim Jig
-No Jack Swim Jig

Trailer Options for Baitfish Imitators...

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Keitech Fat Swing Impact Swimbait*
Roboworm EZ Shad
RI Little Dipper
Netbait Spanky Swimbait

*Keitech Fat should be throw in 3.3, 3.8, 4.3, and 4.8 sizes

Trailer Options for Crawdad Imitators...

Strike King Rage Bug
Netbait Paca Chunk

Jig Color Recommendations...

Shad Imitators: Crappie, Tactical Shad
Bluegill Imitators: Alabama Bream, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed Bream
Baitfish Imitators: Light Hitch, Pearl Ghost Shiner, Golden Shiner

Swim Jig Rods...

Finesse Swim Jig Setup:
-Rod- Zodias 7'2" Medium
-Reel- Curado 70
-Line- Maxcuatro 30 lb
-Leader- 12-15 lb Maxima

Standard Swimjig Setup:
-Rod- Champ Extreme 7'8" 4 power
-Reel- Curado 200
-Line- MaxCuatro 50 lb
-Leader-15-20 lb Maxima

California Swim Jig Setup:
-Rod- Zodias 7'5" Heavy
-Reel- Curado 200
-Line- MaxCuatro 65 lb braid
-Leader- 20-25 lb Maxima