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 To Fish BIG Plastic Worms | Rigging Tricks For Summer Bass Fishing

Do you like fishing worms for Summer bass? Do you want to catch bigger bass? Its time to try BIG worms! Fishing a big worm is easy and can usually be done with gear you already own. In today's video Tim covers his favorite baits, favorite hooks and rigging options, and explains when and where to throw each style. If you're ready to target bigger bass, its time to give this a try! 

Big worms come in all shapes and sizes. They can be Texas-rigged, Carolina-rigged, Wacky rigged, or thrown on a big shaky head. There is a time for a straight tail worm and a time for a curly tail worm. Color is a whole different topic by itself! The whole thing can seem overwhelming when you're looking down a wall of soft plastics in the tackle shop! Today Tim is going to make it much simpler. 

Below you'll find links to our favorite worms from all the different brands. We've included color recommendations for each worm and favorite rigging options as well. The links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item. We've also included links to our favorite rod/reel combos at different budgets for throwing these bigger worms. 

Our Favorite "Standard" Worm... 

-NetBait T-Mac 6.5" Worm: http://bit.ly/2jndwj9

Colors- Bama Bug, Green Pumpkin, Kentucky Special

Rigging-Canterbury Shaky Head 3/16 oz: http://bit.ly/2aFOs0V

Favorite "Larger" Straight Tail Worms...

-Zoom Magnum Trick Worm: http://bit.ly/2iwZAyo

Colors- Green Pumpkin, Junebug, Watermelon Red

-Strike King 8" Bull Worm: http://bit.ly/2Iqhy3w

Colors- TW Green Pumpkin, Bama Bug, JuneBug

-Big Bite Baits 8" Finesse Worm: https://bit.ly/384mIjl

Colors- Blue Fleck, Plum Apple, Watermelon Red

Rigging- Dirty Jigs Magnum Stand Up Head 1/4 oz: http://bit.ly/2apouhn

Favorite BIG Straight Tails... 

-Yum Mighty Worm: https://bit.ly/2Yajojh

Colors- Green Pumpkin, Junebug, Blue Fleck

-Strike King 10" Bull Worm: http://bit.ly/2IVzvuS

Colors- Black Blue Swirl, Green Pumpkin Candy, Tequila Sunrise

Favorite BIG Wacky Worms... 

Magnum Baits 10" Soft Stick Bait: http://bit.ly/2KBhPWU

Colors- Black Blue, Green Pumpkin, Delta Dark Purple

Rigging- Frenzy Wack-A-Sack Wacky Hook: http://bit.ly/2oFduEq

Favorite BIG Curly Tails... 

-Zoom Ol Monster 10.5": http://bit.ly/2adPtjs

Colors: Black Red Flake, Candy Bug, Watermelon Red

-Zoom Ol Monster 12.5": http://bit.ly/2P5QZbq

Colors: Blue Fleck, Green Pumpkin

-Big Bite Baits B2 10": https://bit.ly/2BfL51p

Colors: Green Pumpkin Junebug, Junebug, Watermelon Red

Magnum Shaky Heads... 

-Hog Farmer Magnum Shaky Head: https://bit.ly/2Ylm79I

-Dirty Jigs Magnum Horseshoe Head: https://bit.ly/3gcYsyn

-Owner Magnum Shaky Football Head: https://bit.ly/2VlgJBA

Texas Rigging Components... 

Weight- 3/4 oz Swagger Vader Tungsten Worm Weight: https://bit.ly/3c28mks

Hook- 11/0 Owner Oversize Worm: http://bit.ly/2C1EZ4s

Hook- 7/0 Owner Jungle Wide Gap: http://bit.ly/2sBsR1Z

Peg- 6th Sense Peg X: http://bit.ly/2bHjowk

High-End Combo... 

Rod- Dobyns Xtasy 7'5" Heavy: http://bit.ly/36fIHCg

Reel- Shimano Metanium MGL 150 B: https://bit.ly/34HlAAk

Line- Sunline FX2 60 lb: http://bit.ly/31u57xA

Leader- Maxima Ultragreen 20 lb Mono: http://bit.ly/2ae97J9

Our Favorite Big Worm Combo... 

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

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

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

Leader- Maxima Ultragreen 20 lb Mono: http://bit.ly/2ae97J9

Budget Big Worm Combo... 

Shimano Intenza 7'4" Heavy: http://bit.ly/2QADLTq

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

Line- Power Pro 50 lb Braid: http://bit.ly/2aFg46b

Leader- Maxima Ultragreen 20 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

Finesse Swimbaits For GIANT Summer Bass! (Michigan Road Trip)

Come along for a day of fishing for BIG bass with little swimbaits. The guys face brutal conditions (post front and COLD wind in the middle of Summer) but the fish don't care. The giants start biting right away and with some exploring and fine tuning the guys are able to catch an incredible bag of Summer time Smallmouth!

The guys are out on the road exploring new water. Today they dropped in on unfamiliar lake with a goal of locating big summertime bass. It took no time at all to catch two giant bass but the duo didn't stop there, they continued to adapt and explore new areas making sure they maximize their time on the water. They used a variety of unique baits and colors to continue getting bit through the wind and changing conditions. 

Below is a breakdown of the baits the guys were using. We included sizes, weights, and colors since they differed from some of our typical offerings. We've found on multiple occasions that these brighter, bolder colors work exceptionally well on smallmouth, especially in the wind. In addition to the baits we've included links to the exact gear as well as a few budget offerings. The links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item. 

Primary Swimbait... 

-TacticalBassin Finesse Swimbait Head 1/2 oz (Tennessee Shad): http://bit.ly/2Pqrq3n

-Keitech 3.8 and 4.3" Fat Swing Impact (SunGill): http://bit.ly/2ab7s8v

Other Bold Colors: Electric Bluegill, Chartreuse/Blue, Male Perch

Tim's Big Fish Swimbait... 

-Megabass Dark Sleeper 3.8" (Wakasagi) 3/4 oz: http://bit.ly/2TyR1GT

Senko... 

-Yamamoto 5" Senko (Green Flash): http://bit.ly/2axAmNS

-Owner Sniper Finesse Neko Hook (Size 1): http://bit.ly/2kfdv37

Matt's Swimbait Combo... 

Rod- Shimano Expride 6'10" Medium: http://bit.ly/2nTq9FL

Reel- Shimano Aldebaran MGL 50 HG: http://bit.ly/2uQ4oH8

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

Tim's Senko Combo... 

Rod- G Loomis NRX 852S JWR: http://bit.ly/2dX9zjv

Reel- Shimano Exsence 3000: http://bit.ly/2iMtscV

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

Leader- Sunline Sniper 6 lb Fluorocarbon: http://bit.ly/2p7fxju

Budget Finesse Swimbait Combo... 

Rod- Shimano SLX 6'10" Medium: http://bit.ly/2L3wppO

Reel- Shimano SLX 150 XT XG: http://bit.ly/2BRTYL8

Line- Sunline Assassin Fluorocarbon 12 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

Mullett Web.jpg

Summer Crankbait Fishing: Best Baits, Modifications, and Colors (GIANT Fish Hooked!!)

Summer bass fishing with crankbaits can be incredible! Today the guys locate a school of hungry fish and start getting bit on every cast! The feeding frenzy is intense and seems like it will never end. When the bite finally slows Matt pulls out his crankbait boxes and shows his favorite baits, how to tune them, adjust hardware, and choose color but is interrupted when Coop sets the hook on a GIANT!

While today's target species were hard to come by (the passing thunderheads mixed with sweltering periods of bluebird skies were not helping), the crankbait fishing for White Bass was intense! We'll never know what Coop was tied into as his drag was screaming but it goes to show the drawing power and excitement that can be had with a deep crankbait during the Summer months. If you haven't tried throwing a crankbait, the time has come. This pattern will work all the way through Fall and anyone can do it. 

Below is a list of the baits Matt showed in the video (including color recommendations) along with the hooks and equipment the guys were using. Additionally Matt has included a budget rod/reel combo option for those that want to dabble with the technique without buying expensive equipment. The links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.

Today's Cranks That Caught Fish... 

Matt- Tactical DD 75 Crankbait (Metallic Shad): http://bit.ly/37dclbX

Coop- Strike King 6XD (Powder Blue/Chartreuse): http://bit.ly/2ery44M

The Baits In Matt's Crankbait Boxes... 

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

Favorites: Metallic Shad, Mirrored Minnow, DD Minnow

-Strike King 6XD: http://bit.ly/2ery44M

Favorites: Powder Blue/Chartreuse, Chartreuse Sexy Shad

-Strike King 10XD: http://bit.ly/2gHT4F0

Favorites: Sexy Blue Back Herring, Powder Blue Back Chart

-Megabass Big M 7.5: https://bit.ly/2yHmm4R

Favorites: Blue Back Chart, Yuzu Shad

-Azuma Z Boss 22 and 25: http://bit.ly/2poLKUC

Favorites: Hot Mess, Grand Shad

-Spro Little John Super DD: https://bit.ly/2yGt62O

Favorites: Natural Herring, Chart Blue, Spooky Nasty

-6th Sense Cloud 9 C25: http://bit.ly/2BQ4uDs

Favorites: Blue-Treuse Shad, Sexified Chartreuse Shad

Hook and Split Ring Upgrades... 

-Owner Hyperwire Split Rings(Size 4 or 5): http://bit.ly/2v8ArBX

-Owner ST-36 Trebles (Size 1/0): http://bit.ly/2cWpeyw

-Owner ST-56 Trebles (Sizes 4,2,1): http://bit.ly/2cVg7xW

-Gamakatsu EWG (Size 4, 2): http://bit.ly/2cZrsbY

Matt's Crankbait Combo... 

Rod- G Loomis IMX Pro 968 CBR Heavy: http://bit.ly/2og0BmK

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

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

Coop's Crankbait Combo... 

Rod- Shimano Zodias 7'6" Medium Heavy Glass: http://bit.ly/2cgmMAe

Reel- Shimano Tranx 200 HG: http://bit.ly/2Tv0yCy

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

Budget All-Around Crankbait Combo... 

Rod- Dobyns Fury 7' MH Crank: http://bit.ly/2bGvlVV

Reel- Shimano SLX 150 XT HG: http://bit.ly/2BRTYL8

Line- Sunline Assassin 15 lb Fluorocarbon: 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

crankbait web.jpg