Swim Jigs and Swimbaits - Beginner To Advanced Tricks To Catch More Bass!

Come learn the secrets that fishermen use to consistently catch fish with swimbaits and swim jigs! Learn when its time to set the swimbait down and upsize to a swim jig. Watch as Matt explains the differences between swim jig trailers and how some create secondary action while others are virtually dead in the water. He’s giving up all the tricks from small finesse Swimbaits for clear water that will still get bit on the worst days, all the way to heavy swim jigs with huge hooks for busting hydrilla beds in search of giant largemouth!  

Finesse swimbaits are an incredible tool in every angler’s arsenal. The small keitechs have taken the industry by storm in recent years because of their incredible fish catching ability. Matt shows when to use the different styles and sizes and even shows how he and Tim rig the baits with micro hooks to maximize their bites on days when fish don’t want to bite. Color selection is key with these swimbaits as well so below in the description we’ve included color recommendations for every bait. 

Swim jigs are a huge category by themselves. We could go on for hours about how to pair trailers, modify skirts, and use each hook style to your advantage. But if you’re going to take away one piece of information its that for every weight/style of swim jig, there is a perfect trailer to make that bait rock and shimmy in the water. No matter what bait you choose, do not settle until you’ve found the perfect trailer that creates secondary action for you. 

Below are a breakdown of the baits, hooks, and even equipment we use when fishing swimbaits and swim jigs. The links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed descriptions and up close photos of each item. Matt has even included his favorite rods and reels for each bait category so you can really dial in your technique. 

Swimbaits… 

-Keitech Fat Swing Impact (3.8, 4.3, 4.8): http://bit.ly/2ab7s8v

Colors: Pro Blue Red Pearl, Electric Shad, TW Ghost Shad

-Keitech Easy Shiner 4”: http://bit.ly/2bxJK6H 

Colors: Silver Flash Minnow, TW Ghost Shad, TW Pro Blue

Swimbait Heads… 

-TacticalBassin Finesse Head: http://bit.ly/2Pqrq3n 

-Matt Allen Swimbait Head: http://bit.ly/29RrTYN 

-Dirty Jigs Guppy Head 1/0 Hook: http://bit.ly/2nyUJRS 

Weedless Rigging and Bladed Heads… 

-Owner Flashy Swimmer: http://bit.ly/2e8O4Y7 

-Megabass Okashira Screw Head: http://bit.ly/2EpluSA 

-Coolbaits Down Under Underspin: http://bit.ly/2boS7QA 

Swim Jigs (Lightest Wire Hook To Heaviest)… 

-Finesse Swim Jigs: http://bit.ly/2dr2933 

Colors: Tactical Shad, Bluegill, Threadfin Shad

-Dirty Jigs Swim Jig: http://bit.ly/2dIVUMd

Colors: Chartreuse Shad, Dirty Shad, Bluegill

-No Jack Swim Jig: http://bit.ly/2d8qUCv 

Colors: Dirty Shad, Tactical Shad, Warmouth

-California Swim Jig: http://bit.ly/2auXfmx 

Colors: Alabama Bream, Citrus Shad, Tactical Shad

Swim Jig Trailers… 

Finesse- XZone Swammer 3.5: http://bit.ly/2PogV0q

Mid Size- River2Sea D Walker 100: http://bit.ly/2NwqBmz 

California- D Walker 120: http://bit.ly/2NwqBmz 

Lazy Method- Keitech 4.3” Fat Swing Impact: http://bit.ly/2ab7s8v 

Matt’s Favorite Tiny Swimbait Combo… 

Rod- Expride Spinning 6’10” Medium Light: http://bit.ly/2osaj3q 

Reel- Stradic CI4+ 2500: http://bit.ly/2gu84t7 

Line- Power Pro Moss Green Braid 10 lb: http://bit.ly/2aFg46b 

Leader- Sunline Assassin 8 lb Fluorocarbon: http://bit.ly/2h4LNjm 

All-Around Swim Jig Combo… 

Rod- G Loomis GLX 844C MBR 7’ Heavy: http://bit.ly/2gqziwT 

Reel- Shimano Curado 150 DC HG: http://bit.ly/2yHtsp4 

Line- Power Pro Maxcuatro 50 lb Braid: http://bit.ly/2clBRiQ 

Leader- Maxima Ultragreen 15 lb Mono: http://bit.ly/2ae97J9 

Budget All-Around Swim Jig Combo… 

Rod- Shimano Intenza 7’4” Heavy: http://bit.ly/2QADLTq

Reel- Shimano SLX 150 DC: http://bit.ly/2LWzw2Q 

Line- Sunline Assassin 17 lb fluorocarbon: http://bit.ly/2h4LNjm

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How Fish React To Different Jigs!!! Amazing Underwater Bite Footage!!

The strikes are violent! We headed underwater with a variety of jigs to see how different bass would react. Largemouth and Smallmouth both aggressively attack a jig with tenacity rarely seen with other lures. Depending on how you rig it, a jig can imitate a crawdad, a bluegill, or a variety of other prey species. Watch how these different fish attack everything from a large pitchin' jig down to the smallest of finesse football jigs.

Do you fish a jig? Some anglers love them, others struggle to find consistent success. After watching how these fish react, its clear that a jig should have a permanent place in your arsenal! Two keys to a jig's effectiveness are its adaptability and its weedless characteristics. With a handful of different head designs a jig can be adapted virtually any circumstance. 

Pay close attention to which jigs and trailers these fish were most aggressive with. Also pay attention to which retrieves/hops triggered the most aggressive bites. Below is a breakdown of all the baits and trailers used in the video (In order of appearance), along with color recommendations for each. The links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see close up photos of each item.

Jig #1... 

-Dirty Jigs Finesse Football Jig 1/2 oz: http://bit.ly/2d2apsm

Color Shown: Magic Craw)

Also Recommend: Go To, Okeechobee 420

-Big Bite Baits Finesse Double Tail Grub: http://bit.ly/2qS1YtE

Color Shown: Tilapia

Also Recommend: Green Pumpkin, Watermelon Red Flake

Jig #2... 

-Bass Patrol Round Rubber Football Jig 3/8 oz: http://bit.ly/2Hbyf5x

Color Shown: Brown Orange Silicon

Also Recommend: Brown Green Pumpkin Silicon, Brown/Purple

-Z Man TRD CrawZ: http://bit.ly/2U9vx6P

Color Shown: Green Pumpkin Orange

Also Recommend: Canada Craw, Molting Craw

-Z Man TRD BugZ: http://bit.ly/2oiavEE

Color Shown: Mud Bug

Also Recommend: Green Pumpkin, Canada Craw

Jig #3... 

-Dirty Jigs Finesse Jig 7/16 oz: http://bit.ly/2eJinXo

Color Shown: Go To

Also Recommend: Magic Craw Swirl, Green Pumpkin Craw

-Yamamoto Double Tail Grub 4": http://bit.ly/2db9w1p

Color Shown: Green Pumpkin/Black Flake

Also Recommend: Green Pump Purple and Copper, Smoke Black and Purple

Jig #4... 

-Dirty Jigs Pitchin Jig 1/2 oz: http://bit.ly/2amL3of

Color Shown: Magic Craw

Also Recommend: Bluegill 2, Bever Craw

-Reaction Innovations Sweet Beaver: http://bit.ly/29W3RZW

Color Shown: Magic Craw Swirl

Also Recommend: Payback, Spiked Watermelon, Tramp Stamp

Jig #5... 

-Keitech Tungsten Football Jig 3/8 oz: http://bit.ly/2FDQ3o1

Color Shown: Green Pumpkin Blue

Also Recommend: Green Pumpkin Black, Green Pumpkin Chartreuse

-Z-Man TRD BugZ: http://bit.ly/2oiavEE

Color Shown: Sprayed Grass

Also Recommend: Hot Snakes, Green Pumpkin

Favorite Finesse/Football jig Rod... 

Rod- G Loomis GLX 844C MBR: http://bit.ly/2gqziwT

Reel- Shimano Aldebaran MGL HG: http://bit.ly/2fdX1Uy

Line- 30 lb Power Pro Maxcuatro: http://bit.ly/2clBRiQ

Leader- 12 lb Sunline Assassin: http://bit.ly/2h4LNjm

All-Around Jig Combo... 

Rod- Shimano Zodias 7'5" Medium Heavy: http://bit.ly/2cgmMAe

Reel- Shimano Curado 150 DC HG: http://bit.ly/2yHtsp4

Line- 50 lb Power Pro Maxcuatro: http://bit.ly/2clBRiQ

Leader- Maxima Ultragreen 15 lb: http://bit.ly/2ae97J9

Budget Combo... 

Rod- St. Croix Bass-X 7'1" Medium Heavy: http://bit.ly/2r0xWAs

Reel- Shimano SLX 150 HG: http://bit.ly/2NfdOnk

Line- Sunline Assassin Fluorocarbon 15 lb: http://bit.ly/2h4LNjm

NEW Tactical Bassin Apparel... 

TacticalBassin Reaper Hoodie: http://bit.ly/2TwBWs7

TacticalBassin Shadow Hoodie: http://bit.ly/2FVD9Rs

TacticalBassin Sun Shirt: http://bit.ly/2TvFMBD

TacticalBassin Hooded Sun Shirt: http://bit.ly/38cVi9G

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5 Jig Fishing Tips To Catch Bigger Bass This Spring!

Want to catch bigger bass this Spring? Tired of the same old results when you go to the lake? On average, a jig catches bigger bass than most other lures. Some anglers shy away from jigs because they believe they get less bites. Understanding how to apply the jig to your fishing is critical! Not all jigs are created equal, they came in all sorts of shapes, sizes, and colors and each has a purpose. Today Matt explains the best jig styles for spring bass fishing and how to adapt your trailers and colors to get more bites from big bass this Spring. 

Choosing the right jig for a clear water lake is completely different than choosing one for murky water. Choosing one for big largemouth is different than choosing an offering for smallmouth. Come along as we teach the subtle differences that will seriously increase your catch rates! Jig fishing is one of the most fun ways to catch a bass. They catch both numbers and BIG bass once you’ve find tuned your method. 

Today’s video is all about simplification and building confidence. Identify the type of lake you’re fishing then focus on the right style of jigs for that environment. Below is a breakdown of our favorite jigs for different conditions along with our favorite colors, trailers, and jig fishing gear. 

Best All Around Jig… 

-Dirty Jigs Pitchin’ 1/2 oz (Go To): http://bit.ly/2amL3of

-Reaction Innovations Sweet Beaver (Green Pumpkin Red): http://bit.ly/29W3RZW

Best All Around Finesse Jig… 

-Dirty Jigs Finesse Football 3/8 oz (Supermatt Brown): http://bit.ly/2d2apsm

-Yamamoto Double Tail 5” Grub (Cinnamon/Purple): http://bit.ly/2db9w1p

Muddy Water Jigs… 

-No-Jack Flippin Jig 1/2 oz: http://bit.ly/2fx8YBI

(Hematoma, Black/Blue, Blackend Blue)

-California Swim Jig 1/2 oz: http://bit.ly/2auXfmx

(Citrus Shad, Crappie, Tactical Shad)

Muddy Water Trailers... 

-Reaction Innovations Kinky Beaver: http://bit.ly/2XQ1kJ1

(Low Blow, Hematoma)

-River2Sea D Walker 120: http://bit.ly/2NwqBmz

(PB Red, Ice White, Pearl)

Clear Water Jigs... 

-Dirty Jigs Finesse Football: http://bit.ly/2d2apsm

(Supermatt Brown, Go To, Green Pumpkin Craw)

-Dirty Jigs Finesse Jig: http://bit.ly/2eJinXo

(Supermatt Brown, Go To, Green Pumpkin Craw)

-Bass Patrol Round Rubber Football: http://bit.ly/2Hbyf5x

(Brown/Purple, Brown/Orange, Brown/Green Pumpkin)

-Keitech Tungsten Football Jig: http://bit.ly/2FDQ3o1

(Green Pumpkin Blue,  Brown Purple, Dark Green Pumpkin)

Clear Water Trailers... 

-Yamamoto Double Tail Grub (4" and 5"): http://bit.ly/2db9w1p

(Cinnamon Blk Purple, Smoke Black and Purple, Green Pump Purple and Copper)

-Z Man BugZ: http://bit.ly/2oiavEE

(Green Pumpkin, Sprayed Grass, Mud Bug)

The BEST Spring Color (Magic Craw Swirl) and matching components... 

-Pitchin' Jig (Magic Craw): http://bit.ly/2amL3of

-Reaction Innovations Sweet Beaver (Magic Craw Swirl: http://bit.ly/29W3RZW

-Finesse Jig (Magic Craw Swirl): http://bit.ly/2eJinXo

-Big Bite Baits 5" Grub (Tilapia): http://bit.ly/2qS1YtE

Favorite Finesse Jig Rod... 

Rod- G Loomis GLX 843C MBR: http://bit.ly/2gqziwT

Reel- Shimano Chronarch MGL HG: http://bit.ly/2n8DghB

Line- 40 lb Power Pro Maxcuatro: http://bit.ly/2clBRiQ

Leader- 12 lb Sunline Assassin: http://bit.ly/2h4LNjm

Great All-Around Jig Rods... 

-Megabass Orochi XX Braillist: http://bit.ly/2OSVNwH

-G Loomis Conquest 7'6" XH 905C MBR: http://bit.ly/2iL1PAY

-G Loomis IMX Pro Mag Bass 7'6" Heavy: http://bit.ly/2lVATTC

Budget Jig Rod... 

Rod- Shimano SLX 7'5" Heavy: http://bit.ly/2L3wppO

Reel- Shimano SLX DC HG: http://bit.ly/2LWzw2Q

Line- 15 lb Sunline Assassin: http://bit.ly/2h4LNjm

NEW Tactical Bassin Apparel... 

TacticalBassin Reaper Hoodie: http://bit.ly/2TwBWs7

TacticalBassin Shadow Hoodie: http://bit.ly/2FVD9Rs

TacticalBassin Sun Shirt: http://bit.ly/2TvFMBD

TacticalBassin Hooded Sun Shirt: http://bit.ly/38cVi9G

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Jig Fishing Buyer's Guide: Jigs, Colors, and Trailers For Every Season

Let's talk jigs for bass! Small finesse jigs, giant flipping jigs and everywhere in between! If you want to catch bigger bass this year, the jig is a great way to do it. Matt simplifies the whole process by narrowing it down to 6 jigs, 3 trailers, and a few rods that will work every month of the year. Don't let Winter get you down, you can take this information to the lake tomorrow and start catching fish.

The jig is known for producing larger-than-average bites throughout the year. You can use it to replace a worm, creature bait, or small swimbait and instantly upsize your catch. The trouble is there are dozens of styles and hundreds of colors. Its enough to overwhelm even a seasoned angler! Matt's goal with today's video is to help you understand what each style is for but also to eliminate all the overlap between models. You can go through the entire year with a small handful of baits in a few key colors. 

When selecting jig color always start with natural tones. We typically only turn to dark or bright colors when water clarity is compromised (muddy) by rising water, wind, or algae blooms. Day in and day out a natural Green Pumpkin or Brown jig will catch bass across the country. Your rod selection is also a critical aspect of jig fishing. Finding a proper jig rod is very difficult but we did the ground work for you and will recommend some of our favorites. Below is a breakdown of the jigs, color, trailers, and gear we recommend. Each item includes a link direct to the product on Tackle Warehouse where you can see up close pictures, detailed descriptions, and color selection. 

The Jigs... 

-Dirty Jigs Finesse Football jig: http://bit.ly/2d2apsm

(Brown Craw, Canterbury Crunch, Supermatt Brown, Go To)

-Yamamoto 4" Hula Grub: http://bit.ly/2d7SpgG

(Green Pump/Black Flake, Cinnamon/Black and Purple Flake)

-Hula Grub Head- Owner Ultra Football: http://bit.ly/2t1bY4y

--Dirty Jigs Finesse Jig: http://bit.ly/2eJinXo

(Brown Craw, Supermatt Brown, Go To)

-Dirty Jigs Pitchin Jig: http://bit.ly/2amL3of

(Go To, Green Pumpkin Craw) **Magic Craw for Spring Bass**

-Dirty Jigs No-Jack Flippin Jig: http://bit.ly/2fx8YBI

(Hematoma, Go To)

-California Swim Jig 1/2 oz: http://bit.ly/2auXfmx

(Crappie, Tactical Shad, Citrus Shad)

The Trailers... 

-Yamamoto Double Tail 5" Grub: http://bit.ly/2db9w1p

(Cinnamon Black and Purple Flake, Green Pumpkin Purple and Copper Flake)

-Big Bite Baits 5" Grub: http://bit.ly/2qS1YtE

(Tilapia, Green Pumpkin)

-Reaction Innovations Sweet Beaver: http://bit.ly/29W3RZW

(Green Pumpkin Red, Delicious, Tramp Stamp) **Magic Craw Swirl For Spring Bass**

-Strike King Rage Craw: http://bit.ly/2uoqsLJ

(Blue Craw, Dirty Craw, TW Green Pumpkin)

-River2Sea D Walker 120: http://bit.ly/2NwqBmz

(PB Red, Ice White, Shamrock Shad)

Matt's Favorite Finesse Jig Rod... 

Rod- G Loomis GLX 844 MBR: http://bit.ly/2gqziwT

Reel- Shimano Chronarch MGL HG: http://bit.ly/2n8DghB

Line- 40 lb Power Pro Maxcuatro: http://bit.ly/2clBRiQ

Leader- 12 lb Maxima Ultragreen: http://bit.ly/2ae97J9

Matt's Favorite All-Around Jig Rod... 

Rod- Megabass Orochi XX Braillist: http://bit.ly/2OSVNwH

Reel- Shimano Curado 200K HG: http://bit.ly/2tHewEh

Line- 65 lb Power Pro Maxcuatro: http://bit.ly/2clBRiQ

Leader- 16 lb Sunline FC-100: http://bit.ly/2O4UElB

Matt's Favorite Flippin' Stick... 

Rod- Shimano Expride 7'11" Extra Heavy: http://bit.ly/2nTq9FL

Reel- Shimano Metanium MGL HG: http://bit.ly/2ezIBfB

Line- 65 lb Power Pro Maxcuatro: http://bit.ly/2clBRiQ

Budget-Friendly Jig Rod... 

Rod- Shimano SLX 7'5" Medium Heavy: http://bit.ly/2L3wppO

Reel- Shimano SLX 150: http://bit.ly/2NfdOnk

Line- Sunline Assassin 15 lb Fluorocarbon: http://bit.ly/2h4LNjm

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