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

Catch The BIGGEST BASS Of Your Life Right NOW - New PB!

Now is the time to catch a GIANT Bass! This period leading to the full moon in June is a critical time for anyone that fishes for bass. We all dream of catching a new personal best (PB), this is the time to do it! The big post-spawn bass stage in anticipation of a big meal before heading to their Summer patterns and we're going to show you EXACTLY how to CATCH them!

Today's video is broken down into 4 parts. Depending on where you live and what stage your fish are in, you may want to focus on sight fishing for spawning bass, big soft swimbaits for post spawners, hard swimbaits to draw a reaction strike, or a big topwater in search of that aggressive bass looking for a huge meal before heading offshore. No matter which you choose, the next 2 weeks are critical with the bite culminating on the Full Moon on June 5th. 

Below you'll find a breakdown of all the baits Matt discussed in the video. We've included links that go directly to Tackle Warehouse so you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each bait. We've also included color recommendations, hook upgrades, and tuning tips where applicable. 

Sight Fishing... 

Swimbait- Savage Gear Pulse Tail Bluegill: https://bit.ly/2xx1zjH

Swimbait- Savage Gear Weedless Pulse Tail Bluegill: https://bit.ly/2Kd6qct

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

-Colors: Bever Craw, Green Pumpkin Craw, Okeechobee 420

Trailer- NetBait Paca Chunk: http://bit.ly/2d8mIXx

Colors: Green Pumpkin Blue, Magic Craw, Toledo Special

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

Colors: Magic Craw Swirl, Spiked Watermelon, Tramp Stamp

Soft Swimbaits... 

-Mattlures Hammer Tail Shad: http://bit.ly/2vM8cKF

-Savage Gear 4D Trout: http://bit.ly/399bx97

Hard Swimbaits...

-River2Sea S-Waver 200: http://bit.ly/2aiu8Sh

(Rainbow Trout, Light Trout, Warden Hitch)

-Bucca's Bull Gill: http://bit.ly/2f1ASHn

(Bluegill, Dirty Bone)

-Jackall Gantarel: http://bit.ly/2adZI3R

(Ghost Gill, Spawn Gill, Bluegill)

Topwater/Wakebaits... 

-BBZ 8" Floating Swimbait: http://bit.ly/2cU1x5P

(Trout, Silver Fish, Hitch)

-Megabass Mega Dog: http://bit.ly/2VIYoMH

(Live Shiner, MB Gizzard, Rainbow)

-G Ratt Wild Willy: https://bit.ly/2St6ERy

(Gizzard Shad, Hitch, Bone)

***The Wild Willy is very affordable in the big bait category. It will perform better with some minor modifications. We Recommend the following upgrades to the Willy to get the best walk. First, upgrade Split Rings. Second, upgrade the rear treble hook to a larger, heavier hook. If a wider walk is preferred, add 6-8 sticky lead strips on the belly directly in front of the rear hook hanger. These upgrades will give you a phenomenal large walking bait at a very affordable price.***

Wild Willy Upgrades... 

Rear Hook Swap - Owner ST-56 Size 1: http://bit.ly/2cVg7xW

Split Ring Upgrade - Owner Hyperwire Rings Size 5: http://bit.ly/2aTH3f1

Lead Strips- Storm SuspenStrips: https://bit.ly/2YDQNUf

Lead Dots- Storm SuspenDots: https://bit.ly/3d80ez6

High-End Swimbait Combo... 

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

Reel- Shimano Tranx 300 HG: http://bit.ly/2kYsvRw

Line- Power Pro Maxcuatro 80 lb: http://bit.ly/2clBRiQ

Leader- Sunline FC-100 System Leader 35 lb: http://bit.ly/2O4UElB

Budget Swimbait Combo... 

Rod- Dobyns Fury 806H: http://bit.ly/2bGvlVV

Reel- Shimano Cardiff 300A: http://bit.ly/2cvhtMO

Line- Power Pro Maxcuatro 80 lb: http://bit.ly/2clBRiQ

Leader- Maxima Ultragreen 30 lb Mono: http://bit.ly/2ae97J9

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

Spring Swimbait Bite Is On! Big Bass Attacking Glide Baits!

We found the bass! No light rods today, its all swimbaits and heavy tackle! We knew going in that we'd probably catch a bunch of fish on the big bait so instead of throwing our favorite glide bait (S-Waver 200) we decided to mix it up and find out what else they would eat. Let's see if these bass will eat a Baitsanity Explorer, Storm Arashi Glide, or G Ratt Sneaky Pete. (Spoiler Alert: THEY DO!) Spring swimbait fishing with glide baits can be incredible, let us show you how to be successful as we catch some nice Clearlake bass.

Glide Baits have a remarkable ability to trigger a feed response in bass. Learning how to use them to your advantage can change your Spring fishing. These baits naturally draw larger than average bass due to their size (drawing power) but if you don't know what to do when those fish appear, it can be incredibly frustrating! Pay close attention to the guy's hands as they twitch and work the baits to trigger a feed response and convert these bass from casual followers to aggressive biters. 

We're all struggling to adapt during these difficult times. The virus is causing lake closures, fishing bans, and a whole range of difficult circumstances for anglers.  If you're still able to get out on the water and want to maximize your limited time with a shot at a giant bass, the glide bait could be your best bet for success. 

Below is a breakdown of the baits, equipment, and component upgrades the guys used to find success today. Stock hardware on most of these baits is severely lacking, you absolutely want to upgrade both the hooks and split rings to avoid bend outs when you hook the fish of a lifetime. 

The Baits... 

-Storm Arashi Glide (Threadfin Shad): http://bit.ly/2nHdrL1

Other Great Colors- Oikawa Mesu, Bluegill, Rainbow Trout)

-Baitsanity Antidote Slow Sink (Shad): http://bit.ly/2ztUk9z

Other Great Colors- Summer Shad, Killer Shad

-G-Ratt Sneaky Pete 7.5 (Hitch): http://bit.ly/2RYCPFe

Other Great Colors- Green Perch, Baby Trout

-S Waver 200 (Light Trout): http://bit.ly/2aiu8Sh

Other Great Colors- Bluegill, Warden Hitch

Open Water GlideBaits (Not Used Today)... 

-Baitsanity Explorer: http://bit.ly/33bQyxY

-Deps Slide Swimmer 250: http://bit.ly/2AfXQnF

-Gan Craft Jointed Claw 230: http://bit.ly/2fLjSnm

Hardware Upgrades... 

Split Rings- Owner Hyperwire Size 5 or 6: http://bit.ly/2aTH3f1

Hooks- Owner ST-56 (3X Strong) Size 1: http://bit.ly/2cVg7xW

Tim's High-End Combo... 

Rod- Megabass Destroyer 7'11" Onager: http://bit.ly/2wVOSbY

Reel- Shimano Tranx 300 HG: http://bit.ly/2kYsvRw

Line- 80 lb Power Pro Maxcuatro Braid: http://bit.ly/2clBRiQ

Leader- 30 lb Sunline FC100 Fluorocarbon: http://bit.ly/2O4UElB

Matt's Budget Combo... 

Rod- Dobyns Fury 806H: http://bit.ly/2bGvlVV

Reel- Shimano Tranx 300 HG: http://bit.ly/2kYsvRw

Line- 80 lb Power Pro Maxcuatro Braid: http://bit.ly/2clBRiQ

Leader- 35 lb Sunline FC100 Fluorocarbon: http://bit.ly/2O4UElB

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

How To Catch The Biggest Bass In Your Lake - Full Seminar

Want to catch bigger fish? Want to catch the BIGGEST fish?! Targeting big bass requires a different mind set and a special set of skills. You need to set new goals, approach the water, weather, and environmental conditions differently. It might even require a bait or two you're not familiar with. But when you set the hook on the biggest bass you've ever seen, its instantly worth it! Dive in to today's full-length seminar and learn everything you'll need to know to catch the biggest bass in your lake. 

Tim does an extraordinary job of teaching what you'll need to know to be successful. Catching bigger bass starts with a shift in your mindset. You're no longer on the water trying to catch fish, you're there to catch ONE fish. None of the other bass in the lake matter as much as the single fish you're pursuing so stay focused. Fish when the weather and environment are working in your favor, and success will follow. 

While giant swimbaits are a huge part of consistently targeting BIG bass but there are other baits that will also catch these fish. Knowing how to "trigger" a feed response is critical. Baits like jerkbaits, crankbaits, and Alabama Rigs all play a key role in this method. Its also important to understand when conditions simply aren't conducive to big bait fishing and you're better off with a finesse approach. 

Below is a breakdown of the baits and equipment Tim recommends  as you pursue the biggest bass in the lake. 

Swimbaits... 

-Baitsanity Explorer Gen 2: http://bit.ly/33bQyxY

(Rainbow Trout, Shad, Kokanee)

-R2S S Waver 200/168: http://bit.ly/2aiu8Sh

(Light Trout, Rainbow Trout, Bluegill)

-Osprey Inline Heavy 12” Light Hitch: http://bit.ly/2laKeWD

(Light Hitch)

-Savage Gear 4D Pulse Tail 8” and 10”: http://bit.ly/399bx97

(Rainbow, Ghost Rainbow, Hitch)

-6" Osprey Tournament Talon: http://bit.ly/2bqsLS0

(Light Rainbow, Reverse Hitch, Chartreuse Shad)

-Little Creeper 6" Trash Fish: http://bit.ly/2xRdCFP

(Natural Hitch, Chartreuse Shad, Hologram Shad)

Traditional Baits... 

-R2S Tactical DD Crankbait 75: http://bit.ly/37dclbX

(Natural Gill, Mirrored Minnow, Green Pumpkin Craw, Ghost Minnow)

-Hog Farmer BFL HitchHiker A-Rig: http://bit.ly/36EcEuR

-Megabass Vision 110 Jerkbait: http://bit.ly/2j31TKb

(Deadly Black, Mat Pro Blue, GP Pro Blue)

Finesse Baits... 

Neko Worm - Yamamoto 5" Senko: http://bit.ly/2axAmNS

(Baby Bass, Natural Shad, Green Pumpkin Green and Copper Flake)

Dropshot Worm- Big Bite Baits Smallie Smasher: http://bit.ly/2ZpCOCY

(Green Pumpkin Org Blk Purp Prl Bl, Green Pumpkin Purple Flake)

Big Bass Hook and Hardware Upgrades... 

Split Rings- Owner ULTRA 5 and 6: http://bit.ly/3bQgswL

Hooks- Owner ST-56 3X Trebles: http://bit.ly/2cVg7xW

Favorite Rod/Reel Swimbait Combo... 

Rod- G Loomis IMX Pro 966: http://bit.ly/2x9kxuS

Reel- Shimano Tranx 300 HG: http://bit.ly/2kYsvRw

Line- 80 lb Power Pro Maxcuatro: http://bit.ly/2clBRiQ

Leader- 35 lb Sunline FC-100: http://bit.ly/2O4UElB

Alternative Rods... 

High End: Destroyer 7'11" Onager: http://bit.ly/2wVOSbY

Budget: Dobyns Fury 806H: http://bit.ly/2bGvlVV

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