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

Swimbait Fishing For Bass Made Easy! Full Seminar (Beginner To Advanced)

SWIMBAIT FISHING IS EASY! You only need a few baits to consistently catch fish, no matter where you live! Most anglers act like catching big bass with swimbaits is difficult, but aside from some little tricks, there isn't much you need to know to start catching bass with swimbaits.

Matt breaks swimbaits into basic categories, including bluegill, baitfish, and trout profiles. Based on what bass are primarily eating in your lake, he covers which baits to focus on, and how to fish them effectively. Once you've got the basics it's all about building confidence with those 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. We've also included some great rod and reel combos, as well as some other swimbait videos. All the gear links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.

SIMPLE BAITS…

•Savage Gear LT Gill: https://bit.ly/3pCRab7

Color: Bluegill

•Megabass 6" Magdraft: http://bit.ly/2mc8bfK

Color: White Back Shad

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

Color: Matte Shad

•Big Bite Baits B6 Swimbait: https://bit.ly/3bw7lWR

Colors: Blue Gizzard

•Zman 6" Diezel Minnow: https://bit.ly/3VHVhFi

Colors: Bad Shad

•Zman Diezel Eye Jighead: https://bit.ly/4db6LI2

Size: 3/4 oz

BLUEGILL HARD BAITS...

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

Colors: RT Bluegill

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

Colors: Bluegill

•Bucca Bull Gill: https://bit.ly/2f1ASHn

Colors: Bluegill

•Bucca Brand 3.75" Baby Bull Gill: https://bit.ly/3IBscss

Colors: Violet Brim

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

Colors: GG Gill

SHAD GLIDES...

•Clutch Eco: https://bit.ly/4bsZX9q

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

•Shimano Gravitator: https://bit.ly/43HbYpQ

COVER GLIDES...

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

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

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

OPEN WATER GLIDES...

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

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

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

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

•Savage Gear 8" Glide Swimmer: https://bit.ly/4eGJ5No

MULTI JOINT...

•22nd Century Triple Trout (7"-8"): https://bit.ly/2E8Up5P

•Bucca Bull Shad (6"-7"): https://bit.ly/2eJ8gWM

•Shimano Armajoint SS: https://bit.ly/3RsENjw

WAKEBAITS...

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

•Spro 8" Floater: https://bit.ly/2cU1x5P

•Bucca Wake: https://bit.ly/2yceVRt

SOFT BLUEGILLS...

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

Color: Bluegill, Ghost Gill

•Mattlures Hammertail Gill: https://bit.ly/2FsZhA3

Colors: Male Bluegill

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

Color: Bluegill, Ghost Gill

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

Colors: Gill, Gillkko

SOFT GLIDES...

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

Colors: Albino Purple

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

Colors: TW Shad, Hustler

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

Colors: Gizzard Shad

WEDGE TAILS...

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

Colors: Rainbow Trout

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

Colors: Black Gizzard Shad

•Mattlures 6" Shad: https://bit.ly/2vM8cKF

Colors: Light Gizzard

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

Colors: Blueback Herring, Threadfin Shad

PADDLE TAILS...

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

Colors: Tactical Shad, Tactical Gizzard Shad, Tactical Chartreuse Shad

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

Colors: White Back Shad, Albino Pearl Shad

•Zman Swag LT: https://bit.ly/3Kpz6l3

Colors: Threadfin Shad, Sight Flash

•Big Bite B5: https://bit.ly/3LLU4pm

Colors: Blue Gizzard, Sunny Shad

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

Colors: White Back Shad, Albino Pearl Shad

SWIMBAIT HOOKS...

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

Size: 6/0 Hook

•Owner Beast: https://bit.ly/2ancP66

Size: 8/0

TREBLE HOOKS AND HARDWARE...

•Owner ST–36 Trebles: https://bit.ly/2cWpeyw

•Owner ST–56 Trebles: https://bit.ly/2cVg7xW

•Gamakatsu 2X Big Bait Trebles: https://bit.ly/42ot615

•Owner HyperWire Split Ring: https://bit.ly/2aTH3f1

Sizes: 4-6

•Owner UltraWire Split Ring: https://bit.ly/3bQgswL

Sizes: 3-5

•Single Strand Wire: https://bit.ly/2IwNAiE

Size: 174 lb

•SuspenStrips: https://bit.ly/2YDQNUf

•Zman Rattle Snaker: https://bit.ly/48q8mLp

•Gamakatsu Trigger Nail Weight: https://bit.ly/48EMWtI

STORAGE...

•Plano Flex Box: https://bit.ly/3kngvEG

•Savage Gear Bag: https://bit.ly/4mCGC9x

•Spro Surppa: https://bit.ly/3N3JEo4

SWIMBAIT LINE/LEADER...

•Sufix 832 Braid: https://bit.ly/2ae93Ji

•Sunline Saltimate: https://bit.ly/47MCfkR

•Seaguar Gold Label: https://bit.ly/3UqrUbi

SWIMBAIT RODS...

•Megabass Valkyrie 8' XH: https://bit.ly/3J1gchq

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

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

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

•Shimano Curado 300: https://bit.ly/2HbZ3E4

•Fenwick Elite 7'8" MH: https://bit.ly/3MyC6tb

•Abu Garcia Beast 300: https://bit.ly/3VJM3Zp

•St. Croix Victory 8' H: https://bit.ly/3f4tcEb

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

•Savage Squad 8' H: https://bit.ly/3tT8bS2

•Abu Garcia Beast 300: https://bit.ly/3VJM3Zp

•Dobyns Fury 8' H: https://bit.ly/2bGvlVV

•Daiwa Tatula 200: https://bit.ly/4ig0woA

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

•Cardiff 300 A: https://bit.ly/2cvhtMO

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

If you plan to do any shopping, using these affiliate links before doing your shopping at Tackle Warehouse is the single greatest way to support us! You won't be able to even see a difference but they'll know you're one of us!

Crankbait Retrieves And Other Spring Bass Fishing Tricks!

Come along with Matt for an evening of Spring Bass Fishing! The Tennessee River is a vast fishery, and with only a few hours to catch fish, Matt employs the "pattern method" to locate active fish. Watch he checks likely locations, quickly adapts, and puts a pile of fish in the boat!

This video highlights the benefits of using reaction baits in Spring. Matt employs baits like a Lipless Crankbait, a Squarebill Crankbait, and an Alabama Rig, to quickly locate fish. Once he's found them, he cycles through baits to keep them biting. This fishing method works everywhere, and is one of the best ways to quickly break down water and locate fish.

Below you'll find links to the exact baits and gear Matt used throughout the evening. We've also included the exact colors, hook upgrades, and the rod and reel combos Matt used to consistently land the fish that bit. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.

LIPLESS CRANKBAITS...

•Jackall TN 70 Lipless: https://bit.ly/2lqAwjh

Color: SS Shad

Hook Upgrade: Gamakatsu EWG (Size 4): https://bit.ly/2DCOlmV

•Nomad Swimtrex Max (1/2 oz): https://bit.ly/3SjrDWD

Color: Threadfin Shad

Hook Upgrade: Owner ST-35 (Size 6): https://bit.ly/2g8uCMj

SQUAREBILL CRANKBAIT...

•Bill Lewis ATV 1.5: https://bit.ly/41o3ctj

Color: Red Glitter Craw

GLIDE BAIT...

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

Color: Threadfintastic

MICRO RIG...

•Hog Farmer Tactical Micro Rig (Bladed): https://bit.ly/3RY1wUK

•ZMan Trout Eye Finesse Heads (1/8 oz): https://bit.ly/3C7H1iL

•Damiki 3" Armor Shad: https://bit.ly/2KtPDAT

Color: American Shad

•Crush City 3" Mayor: https://bit.ly/43Uhyli

Color: Gizzard Shad

LIPLESS COMBO #1...

Rod– St. Croix Legend Tournament Carbon Cranker: https://bit.ly/3Iow9KV

Model: 7'2" Medium Heavy Moderate

Reel– Shimano SLX 70 MGL (HG): https://bit.ly/3gIUCgJ

Line– Sufix 131 Braid (40 lb): https://bit.ly/314VoyF

Leader– Sufix Advance Mono (20 lb): https://bit.ly/3GJEUix

LIPLESS COMBO #2...

Rod– G Loomis IMX Pro 855C CBR: https://bit.ly/2FQj6CZ

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

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

Leader– Sufix Advance Mono (20 lb): https://bit.ly/3GJEUix

SQUAREBILL COMBO...

Rod– Megabass Levante Flat Side Special: https://bit.ly/2FdE3YY

Reel– Daiwa Tatula SV TW 70: https://bit.ly/3ZcBbCZ

Line– Seaguar InvizX (12 lb): https://bit.ly/2oVsG2Y

MICRO RIG COMBO...

Rod– Fenwick World Class 7'3" Medium Heavy: https://bit.ly/3qbGEya

Reel– Abu Garcia Premier: https://bit.ly/4e8LPCc

Line– Sufix 832 Braid (40 lb): https://bit.ly/2ae93Ji

Leader– Seaguar Blue Label (12 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 apparel and merch! See it here…

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

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

The Best Hard Baits For Spring Bass Fishing! (Cranks, Topwater, Chatterbait, Spinnerbait)

Welcome back to our Spring Buyer's Guide Series! Today we're covering the best hard baits for Spring bass fishing! Blade baits, crankbaits, swimbaits, jerkbaits, topwater, and wire baits... we're taking all the major Spring categories and showing your our favorite baits! No matter what you face on the water, you can go confidently know exactly what we'd throw in your situation this Spring!

Spring is a great time to learn a new technique. Bass are moving shallow and you can target them with a variety of lures. Whether you're looking to dial in a technique, or you just want to fish with more confidence, these recommendations will save you a lot of time and money. These are our favorite baits from each major category we use in the Spring, so you don't have to second guess your choices when you're out fishing.

Below you'll find links to the exact baits discussed in the video, in the order they appeared. We've even included our favorite sizes and colors. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each.

SHALLOW CRANKBAITS...

•Bill Lewis ATV 1.5: https://bit.ly/41o3ctj

Color: Fire Truck Craw, Red Glitter Craw, Tennessee Shad

•Rapala OG Rocco: https://bit.ly/3PHvNCI

Colors: Classic Craw, Red Crawdad, Bruised Citrus Shad

•Spro Little John: https://bit.ly/2dDfuqt

Colors: Blood Craw, Fire Craw, Matte Shad

MID DIVING CRANKBAITS...

•Megabass Super Z2: https://bit.ly/3fsxn9G

Color: Wild Craw, Gillko, Kasumi Ito

•Spro Rock Crawler: http://bit.ly/2BLmsVN

Color: Red Crawfish, Phantom Green

DEEP DIVING CRANKBAITS...

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

Color: DD Minnow, Metallic Shad, Ghost Minnow

•Rapala DT 16: http://bit.ly/2BL0UYl

Color: Live River Shad, Green Gizzard Shad

LIPLESS CRANKBAIT...

•Bill Lewis Rat L Trap (1/2 oz): http://bit.ly/2gm8CjC

Colors: Rayburn Red Craw, Silver Shad, Diamond Dust

•Jackall TN Series: http://bit.ly/2lqAwjh

Size: TN70 (3/4 oz), TN60 (1/2 oz)

Colors: SS Shad, SG Threadfin, Crawfish

•Nomad Swimtrex Max Series: https://bit.ly/3SjrDWD

Sizes: 1/2 oz, 3/4 oz

Colors: Red Craw, Threadfin Shad, Natural Threadfin

JERKBAIT...

•Megabass Vision 110 Jr +1: https://bit.ly/2LnK389

Colors: Matte Shad, Kasumi Ito, Elegy Bone

•Shimano World Minnow: https://bit.ly/3Fwg9F6

Colors: S Hasu, Clown, Macchiato

•Shimano Zumverno 95 SP: https://bit.ly/3Gbzrmw

Colors: S Hasu, Clown, Macchiato

TOPWATER...

•Evergreen Shower Blows 105: http://bit.ly/2zIkqUH

Colors: Blueback Herring, Full Metal

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

Colors: Megabass Sexy Shad, Wagin Hasu 2

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

Colors: Kasumi Ito, HT Ito Wakasagi, HT Moroko KS

POPPERS...

•Shimano World Pop: https://bit.ly/3sSjJpI

Colors: N Smelt, T Smelt

•Megabass Pop Max: http://bit.ly/2qqfmm1

Colors: Mat Shad, Gill

•Nomad Chug Norris: https://bit.ly/3wn1zRJ

Colors: Shadow Boxer, Holo Ghost Shad

SPY BAITS...

•Duo Realis Spinbait 80 (3/8 oz): https://bit.ly/3QE27YK

Colors: Ghost Minnow, Komochi Wakasagi

•Spro SpinJohn 80: https://bit.ly/3ycTg9o

Colors: Herring Pink, Matte Shad

BLADE BAITS...

•Megabass Dyna Response (1/2 oz): http://bit.ly/2R7FlvL

Color: Ito Hiuo, Jukucho Shad

•Damiki Vault (1/2 oz): http://bit.ly/2rnO7e2

Color: Black Holo, Real Shad

TAIL SPINS...

•Damiki Axe Blade: https://bit.ly/2w2uB9t

Colors: Black Holo, Holo Real Shad

•Jackall Deracoup: http://bit.ly/2p8X4b0

Color: Dera Shad, Clear Shad, Silver

•Savage Gear Fat Tail Spin: https://bit.ly/3vDlzv6

Color: Black and Chrome, Clown

WAKEBAIT...

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

Color: Copper Carp, Hitch, Chrome Gill

BLUEGILL SWIMBAITS...

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

Color: Bluegill, Dark Bluegill

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

Color: RT Bluegill, RT Ghost Gill

GLIDE BAITS...

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

Colors: Threadfintastic, Gizzard Magic, Matte Shad

•SPRO KGB Chad Shad: https://bit.ly/3AqivoQ

Colors: Threadfin Shad, Gizzard Shad

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

Colors: Bone, Gizzard Shad, Hitch

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