2025 BUYER'S GUIDE: The Best Swimbaits For Bass Fishing! (Glide Baits, Soft Baits, Hard Baits)

Don't be intimidated by swimbaits! Swimbait fishing is easy! Today we're diving into the world of swimbaits. We're showing you the best glide baits, soft baits, and hard baits for bass fishing. Forget the hype, forget the high dollar price tags, we're showing you affordable baits that outperform nearly all of the pricey options on the market!

Whether you like line thru baits, glides, wakes, or bluegill imitators, there is a bait here for you! We're also covering the best swimbait rods and swimbait reels! In our travels around the country we've had the unique opportunity to dial in which baits are most effective across a variety of conditions. We've let the niche baits fall away and focused all our attention on the core baits that will catch fish for you regardless of where you live.

Below you'll find links to the exact baits and equipment discussed int he video. We've included our favorite colors for each, as well as any specific components you need to fish them properly. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.

FULL SWIMBAIT SEMINAR: https://youtu.be/mAuslfbxtBk

TOPWATER...

•River2Sea Tactical Wake 210: https://bit.ly/3aV6peA

Colors: Chrome Gill, Copper Carp

COVER GLIDE BAITS...

•Clutch Eco Glide: https://bit.ly/4bsZX9q

Colors: Gizzard, Threadfin

•Savage Gear 6.5" Glide Swimmer: https://bit.ly/4eGJ5No

Colors: Ghost Trout, Ghost Bone, Dirty Silver Flash

SHAD GLIDES...

•Spro Chad Shad: https://bit.ly/3AqivoQ

Color: Threadfin Shad, Gizzard Shad

•Bucca Brand 6" Trick Shad: https://bit.ly/4hFD5Go

Color: Gizzard Magic, Threadfintastic, Matte Shad

OPEN WATER GLIDES...

•Baitsanity Explorer Trout: https://bit.ly/33bQyxY

Colors: TW Steelhead, Kokanee, Hatchery Trout

•Baitsanity 11.5" Chimera Shad: https://bit.ly/3U1em4P

Colors: Ghost Gizzard Shad, Gizzard Shad

•Savage Gear Scandal 250: https://bit.ly/48q7MNJ

Colors: Rainbow Trout, Hitch, Ghost Bone

BLUEGILL HARD BAITS...

•Jackall Gantarel: https://bit.ly/2adZI3R

Colors: RT Bluegill, RT Ghost Gill

•Baitsanity Explorer Gill: https://bit.ly/3F65FxK

Colors: Female Bluegill, Bluegill

BOOT TAIL SOFT BAITS...

•Megabass Magdraft Swimbait: https://bit.ly/2mc8bfK

Preferred Sizes: 6" and 8"

Colors: White Back Shad, Nude Rainbow, Albino Pearl Shad

Bacca Burrito Swimbaits (Fast Sink): https://bit.ly/3p5SkiW

Sizes: 5" and 6"

Colors: Tactical Shad, Tactical Gizzard Shad, Tactical Chart Shad

•Zman Swag LT: https://bit.ly/3Kpz6l3

Colors: Threadfin Shad, Sight Flash

WEEDLESS SWIMBAIT...

•Megabass Magdraft Freestyle: https://bit.ly/3bRG3Wi

Colors: White Back Shad, Albino Pearl Shad

Jighead– ZMan Diezel Eye: https://bit.ly/4db6LI2

Size: 6/0 Hook

Hook– Owner 8/0 Beast: https://bit.ly/2ancP66

Size: 1/2 oz or 3/4 oz

BLUEGILL SOFT BAITS...

•Megabass Sleeper Gill: https://bit.ly/3HPvgMT

Colors: Gill, Gillkko

•Savage Gear RTF Bluegill: https://bit.ly/2xx1zjH

Colors: Bluegill, Ghost Bluegill

•Savage Gear Line Thru Bluegill: https://bit.ly/3pCRab7

Colors: Bluegill, Ghost Bluegill

SOFT WEDGE TAILS...

•Huddleston 8" Trout (ROF 12): https://bit.ly/2UVHiuQ

Colors: Rainbow Trout

•ZMan 6" ShadTron LT: https://bit.ly/46oXNoG

Colors: Blueback Herring, Threadfin Shad

SOFT GLIDE BAITS...

•Savage Gear Soft Shine Glide: https://bit.ly/3WE2eIP

Colors: Gizzard Shad

•Raid Osakana Slide: https://bit.ly/417QgrV

Colors: TW Shad, Hustler

•Grow Design Flag 170: https://bit.ly/46LrrVS

Colors: Albino Purple

SWIMBAIT RODS...

•Dobyns Fury Swimbait: https://bit.ly/2bGvlVV

Model: 806 Heavy

•St. Croix Victory: https://bit.ly/3f4tcEb

Model: 7'10" Heavy (SB Ranger)

•Shimano Outlier: https://bit.ly/3EuHPiT

Models: 7'9" MH, 7'11" H

•Megabass Valkyrie World Expedition: https://bit.ly/3J1gchq

Model: 7'11" XH

SWIMBAIT REELS...

•Shimano Tranx 300 B (HG): https://bit.ly/40QzQ7b

•Shimano Conquest MD: https://bit.ly/3ZBEK5p

PREVIOUS BUYER'S GUIDES...

•Best Spinnerbaits/A Rigs– https://youtu.be/ipLAgQwf_t0

•Best Entry Level Combos– https://youtu.be/4O2ewrZzuJw

•Best Budget Baller Combos– https://youtu.be/sTtrvJ6xPYE

•Best "Affordable" Combos– https://youtu.be/HU5KG3rENDA

•High End Combos– https://youtu.be/7tj_awFmJLM

•Best "Enthusiast" Rods And Reels– https://youtu.be/J7ikDrkx6fU

•Spinning Reels– https://youtu.be/vie_pr69cdI

•Casting Reels– https://youtu.be/QLsdeEaVLJg

WANT TACTICALBASSIN GEAR??

We have a variety of custom lure designs and apparel available! Everything from Swimbaits and crankbaits, to apparel and merch! See it here…

•TacticalBassin Apparel and Merch: https://bit.ly/3ZxEI0z

•TacticalBassin Lure Designs: http://bit.ly/38YpPIz

Post Spawn Fishing With A 9 lber On A Bluegill Swimbait!

Matt catches a post spawn 9 lber! Come along for an incredible day of fishing! The fish are in the shallows and they're eating everything Matt throws their way. From big swimbaits to bait finesse and topwater, this is one of those special days! Listen closely as Matt explains his theory behind bass behavior this time of year.

These bass are ambushing bluegill and Matt takes advantage of it with a bluegill swimbait and a topwater. He also discovers fish suspending in laydowns and prowling the shallows, and builds awesome patterns flipping cover and fishing a Karashi around the edges. He explains his thought process every step of the way, and shows how you can use this time of year to build confidence in new techniques.

Below you'll find links to all the baits and gear Matt used throughout the day. We've included the exact colors and sizes for each, along with the rod and reel combos he was fishing. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.

SWIMBAITS...

•Savage Gear Line Thru Bluegill: https://bit.ly/3pCRab7

Color: Bluegill – Moderate Sink

•Raid Osakana Slide: https://bit.ly/417QgrV

Color: Hustler

BFS CRAW...

Bait– Xzone Stealth Finesse Craw: https://bit.ly/4ckYPmX

Color: Green Pumpkin/Black Blue

Hook– ZMan Finesse Bulletz: https://bit.ly/4cHyEsv

Size: 1/10th oz

KARASHI...

•Megabass Karashi: https://bit.ly/3LwMGS7

Colors: HT Ito Wakasagi KS

TEXAS RIGGED CREATURE...

Bait– Xzone 4.25" Adrenaline Craw: https://bit.ly/3ebTO5h

Color: Tilapia

Weight– Xzone 3/8 oz Tungsten: https://bit.ly/3c28mks

Hook– Gamakatsu 4/0 Superline EWG: https://bit.ly/3AmFDnK

SENKO...

Bait– Yamamoto 5" Senko: https://bit.ly/2axAmNS

Color: Green Pumpkin Blue Flake

Hook– Gamakatsu 2/0 Superline EWG Hook: https://bit.ly/3AmFDnK

TOPWATER...

•Megabass Giant Dog X: https://bit.ly/2yU84eE

Color: Megabass Sexy Shad

BLUEGILL SWIMBAIT COMBO...

Rod– Shimano Outlier 7'9" Medium Heavy: https://bit.ly/3EuHPiT

Reel– Shimano Tranx 300 B (HG): https://bit.ly/40QzQ7b

Line– Sufix 832 Braid (65 lb): https://bit.ly/2ae93Ji

Leader– Sunline Tunageat (30 lb): https://bit.ly/47MCfkR

KARASHI COMBO...

Rod– Cashion Icon 7' Light: https://bit.ly/3mLIIes

Reel– Shimano Curado BFS: https://bit.ly/2QGRVF2

Line– Daiwa Hidden FC (7 lb): https://bit.ly/3ILKXH0

TEXAS RIG COMBO...

Rod– Shimano Expride 6'10" Medium Heavy: https://bit.ly/2nTq9FL

Reel– Shimano Curado 70 MGL (HG): https://bit.ly/2apmDJt

Line– Power Pro Maxcuatro (50 lb): https://bit.ly/2clBRiQ

Leader– Sufix Advance Mono (15 lb): https://bit.ly/3GJEUix

TOPWATER COMBO...

Rod– Dobyns Xtasy 7'2" Medium Heavy: https://bit.ly/36fIHCg

Model: DRX 723 C

Reel– Abu Garcia Zenon MG–X: https://bit.ly/4dv7WT0

Line– Sufix 832 Braid (30 lb): https://bit.ly/2ae93Ji

Leader– Sufix Advance Mono (12 lb): https://bit.ly/3GJEUix

TACTICALBASSIN LURE DESIGNS (AND APPAREL)

We have a variety of custom lure designs and apparel available! Everything from Swimbaits and crankbaits, to apparel and merch! See it here…

•TacticalBassin Apparel and Merch: https://bit.ly/3ZxEI0z

•TacticalBassin Lure Designs: http://bit.ly/38YpPIz

The Best Swimbaits For Spring Bass Fishing!

SWIMBAIT FISHING IS EASY! These are the best baits for Spring swimbait fishing! Most anglers want you to believe it's difficult but besides a few little tricks, there isn't much to throwing a swimbait. Understanding which baits work in different situations is all you need to know, to start fishing these baits effectively.

Today Matt breaks down the differences between lure designs and actions, and how they fit different conditions. Once you've got the basics it's all about building confidence in a couple key baits. You can catch a giant swimbait fish this year, all you have to do is commit to it.

Below you'll find links to the exact baits discussed in the video. We've included our favorite sizes, sink rates, and colors where applicable. We've also included some great rod and reel combos to help you land that trophy fish. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.

RELATED SWIMBAIT VIDEOS...

Swimbait Fishing – Full Seminar: https://youtu.be/_Ql6yo5iQWc

Swimbait Buyer's Guide – Best Hard Baits: https://youtu.be/g314S4ZyT6g

BOOT TAIL SWIMBAITS...

•Megabass Magdraft Swimbait: https://bit.ly/2mc8bfK

6" Colors: Borealis Shad, Ghost Shad Solid

8" Colors: White Back Shad, Albino Pearl Shad, MB Shad

•Bacca Burrito Swimbait: https://bit.ly/3p5SkiW

•Bacca Burrito Medium Sink Swimbait: https://bit.ly/3AFcV1t

New Colors: Tactical Gizzard Shad, Tactical Chartreuse Shad

Main Color: Tactical Shad

•JSJ Loose Caboose: https://bit.ly/43hpeyl

Colors: Purple Back Shad, Grey Ghost, Tennessee Shad

WEDGE TAIL SWIMBAIT...

•Savage Gear 8" RTF Trout: https://bit.ly/33GROg1

Speed: Fast Sink

Color: Dirty Silver, Kokanee

BLUEGILL BAITS...

•Savage Gear Line Thru Bluegill: https://bit.ly/3pCRab7

Colors: Bluegill, Ghost Gill

•Baitsanity Explorer Gill: https://bit.ly/3F65FxK

Colors: Bluegill, Dark Bluegill

•Jackall Gantarel: https://bit.ly/2adZI3R

Colors: RT Bluegill, RT Ghost Gill

TOPWATER...

•River2Sea Tactical Wake 210: https://bit.ly/3aV6peA

Colors: Copper Carp, Golden Shiner, Chrome Gill

GLIDE BAITS...

•River2Sea S Waver 168: https://bit.ly/2aiu8Sh

Colors: TW Cali Shad, TW Lit Shad, Lite Trout

•Spro Chad Shad: https://bit.ly/3AqivoQ

Colors: Threadfin Shad, Gizzard Shad, Bone

•Baitsanity Chimera Shad: https://bit.ly/44XiYvW

Colors: Threadfin Shad, Gizzard Shad

DEDICATED 8" MAGDRAFT COMBO...

Rod– Shimano Zodias 7'9" Extra Heavy: https://bit.ly/2cgmMAe

Reel– Shimano Tranx 300 (HG): https://bit.ly/2kYsvRw

Line– Sufix 832 Braid (65 lb): https://bit.ly/2ae93Ji

Leader– Sunline Saltimate Tunageat (30 lb): https://bit.ly/47MCfkR

FAVORITE ALL AROUND SWIMBAIT COMBO...

Rod– G Loomis 966C SWBR: https://bit.ly/3ktZFnF

Reel– Shimano Tranx 300 (HG): https://bit.ly/2kYsvRw

Line– Maxcuatro (80 lb): https://bit.ly/2clBRiQ

Leader– Saltimate FC (35 lb): https://bit.ly/3oT1oq2

FAVORITE WAKE BAIT COMBO...

Rod– St. Croix 7'10" Heavy SB Ranger: https://bit.ly/3f4tcEb

Reel– Daiwa Lexa 300 HG: https://bit.ly/46kTZnA

Line– Power Pro Maxcuatro (65 lb): https://bit.ly/2clBRiQ

Leader– Sunline Saltimate Mono (30 lb): https://bit.ly/3WqDIJp

BUDGET ALL AROUND SWIMBAIT COMBO...

Rod– Shimano SLX 7'8" Heavy: https://bit.ly/3QbMjvs

Reel– Shimano Cardiff A 300: https://bit.ly/2cvhtMO

Line– Sufix 832 Braid (65 lb): https://bit.ly/2ae93Ji

Leader– Seaguar Blue Label (30 lb): https://bit.ly/48EP2Hz

TACTICALBASSIN LURE DESIGNS (AND APPAREL)

We have a variety of custom lure designs and apparel available! Everything from Swimbaits and crankbaits, to hats and hoodies! Its all available direct through Tackle Warehouse with fast shipping. See it here... 

TacticalBassin Lure Designs: http://bit.ly/38YpPIz

Swimbait Tips For Early Spring Bass Fishing!

SWIMBAIT FISHING IS EASY! If you've ever wanted to give it a try, we're going to show you everything you need to know. Most anglers want you to believe its difficult but besides a few little tricks, there isn't much to it. Understanding when and where to fish these baits, as well as which baits to throw in different situations, will make it even easier to catch a giant bass!

Today Tim breaks down the differences between lure designs and actions, and how they fit different conditions. Once you've got the basics it really does come down to just going fishing. You can catch a giant swimbait fish this year if you commit to it! 

Below you'll find links to the exact baits discussed in the video. We've included our favorite sizes, sink rates, and colors where applicable. We've also included some great rod and reel combos to help you land that trophy fish. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item. 

RELATED SWIMBAIT VIDEOS...

•Matt's Full Swimbait Seminar: https://youtu.be/2CKYzINfDuI

•Underwater Swimbaits Compared: https://youtu.be/S3KLFqZ-2_k

SOFT TROUT AND KOKANEE BAITS...

•Savage Gear 8" RTF Trout (Fast Sink): https://bit.ly/33GROg1

Color: Dirty Silver, Trout

•Huddleston Deluxe 8" (ROF 12): http://bit.ly/2azFTon

Color: Trout, Holdover

•Huddleston 68 (ROF 12): http://bit.ly/2dj5apG

Color: Black Gizzard, Green Gizzard

•Hawg Hunter Magnum Trout: https://bit.ly/3WuwJ0P

Colors: TW Gizzard, TW Hatchery

BIG TROUT AND KOKANEE GLIDES...

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

Colors: TW Steelhead, Kokanee, Shad

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

Colors: Light Trout, Rainbow Trout

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

Colors: TW Mirror Trout, Butch Brown Phantom Shad

BAITFISH PROFILE SOFT BAITS...

•Megabass Magdraft (6" and 8"): http://bit.ly/2mc8bfK

Colors: White Back Shad, Albino Pearl Shad

•Bacca Burrito (5" and 6"): https://bit.ly/3p5SkiW

Color: Tactical Shad, Who Dat

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

Color: Light Gizzard, Green Threadfin

•Osprey Line Through: http://bit.ly/2laKeWD

Colors: TW Shad, Chartreuse Shad, Light Hitch

WEEDLESS SOFT BAITS...

•Megabass Magdraft Freestyle: http://bit.ly/3bRG3Wi

Color: White Back Shad, Albino Pearl Shad

Hook: Owner Beast 8/0 (1/2 oz): http://bit.ly/2ancP66

•Scottsboro Tackle 6" Line Through: http://bit.ly/2Oy7CKH

Color: Natural Light, Ol Smokey

Hook: Owner Beast 8/0 (3/4 oz): http://bit.ly/2ancP66

•All American Fatty Trash Fish: http://bit.ly/2ixaEw2

Color: Chartreuse Shad, Just Shad

Hook: Owner Beast 8/0 (1/2 oz): http://bit.ly/2ancP66

BLUEGILL SOFT BAITS...

•Savage Gear 4" Pulse Tail RTF: https://bit.ly/2xx1zjH

Colors: Bluegill, Ghost Gill

•Matt Lures Hammer Tail: http://bit.ly/2FsZhA3

Color: Male Bluegill, TW Bluegill

•Megabass Sleeper Gill: https://bit.ly/3HPvgMT

Colors: Gill, Gillkko

•Little Creeper Sunfish: http://bit.ly/2ahBNOT

Colors: Female Bluegill, Male Bluegill

SMALL PROFILE SWIMBAITS...

•X Zone Mega Swammer: http://bit.ly/2PogV0q

Colors: Sexy Shad, Green Pumpkin Blue Flake

COVER GLIDE BAITS...

•River2Sea S Waver 168: http://bit.ly/2aiu8Sh

Color: Bluegill, Light Trout

•G Ratt Sneaky Pete: http://bit.ly/2RYCPFe

Color: Gizzard Shad, Hitch, GP Hitch

HARD BLUEGILL BAITS...

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

Colors: RT Bluegill, RT Spawn Gill, RT Ghost Gill

•Baitsanity Gill Explorer: https://bit.ly/3F65FxK

Colors: Bluegill, Dark Bluegill

•Megabass Vatalion: http://bit.ly/367AOxD

Colors: GG Gill, Ito Cichlid, Ito Wild Gill

FAVORITE SWIMBAIT COMBO...

Rod– G Loomis IMX Pro 966 SWBR: https://bit.ly/3ktZFnF

Reel– Shimano Tranx 300 (HG): http://bit.ly/2kYsvRw

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

Leader– Sunline Saltimate Fluoro 35 lb: https://bit.ly/3oT1oq2

GREAT SWIMBAIT RODS (BUDGET TO MID PRICED)

•Shimano SLX 7'8" Heavy: https://bit.ly/3QbMjvs

•13 Fishing Omen Black 8’ Heavy: https://bit.ly/390GC01

•St Croix Bass X 7'10" Heavy Fast: https://bit.ly/2r0xWAs

•St Croix Victory 7'10" Heavy Fast: https://bit.ly/3f4tcEb

•Dobyns Fury 795 and 806: http://bit.ly/2bGvlVV

TACTICALBASSIN LURE DESIGNS (AND APPAREL)

We have a variety of custom lure designs and apparel available! Everything from Swimbaits and crankbaits, to hats and hoodies! Its all available direct through Tackle Warehouse with fast shipping. See it here... 

TacticalBassin Lure Designs: http://bit.ly/38YpPIz