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

Swimbaits and Underspins - All The Info (Winter Fishing)

Underspins and Finesse Swimbaits are both proven baits in Winter. Their fish catching ability is beyond question... but how do you know which one to throw? What makes a finesse swimbait get more bites one day and an underspin work so much better the next? Do you know when to use each style to consistently catch cold water bass? 

Swimbaits do an amazing job of imitating baitfish. Their natural presentation lures bites from cold water and warm water bass alike. When nothing else seems to be working, the swimbait can still get bit. However, its effectiveness is reliant on visibility. Understanding when its time to switch size, color, or abandon it in favor of the underspin is the trick. 

Underspins get their effectiveness from the flash and vibration the blade provides. Its that extra element that helps fish locate the bait in off colored water. It also helps them locate your lure amongst natural baitfish. However, it has its drawbacks. As water color changes its effectiveness can stop in the blink of an eye. Again, the key is knowing when to switch. 

Below is a breakdown of the baits and heads Matt discussed in the video. He included 3 sizes of swimbait head and 3 sizes of underspin as well as a variety of swimbaits. We hope you take the information in this video and fish with confidence the next time you're on the water!

Swimbait Heads... 

-Matt Allen Swimbait Head 1/2 oz: http://bit.ly/29RrTYN

-TacticalBassin Finesse Swimbait Head 3/8 oz: http://bit.ly/2Pqrq3n

-Dirty Jigs Guppy Head 1/8 oz: http://bit.ly/2nyUJRS

Underspins... 

-Blade Runner Spintrix Head 1/2 oz: http://bit.ly/29UVegz

-Hog Farmer War Pig 3/8 oz: http://bit.ly/2pcQnRP

-Cool Baits Down Under 3/16 oz: http://bit.ly/2boS7QA

Swim Jigs…

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

Swimbaits... 

-Keitech Fat Swing Impact: http://bit.ly/2ab7s8v

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

-XZone Lures Swammer: http://bit.ly/2PogV0q

-Jackall Rhythm Wave: http://bit.ly/2m78LM9

Great Finesse Swimbait Combo... 

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

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

Line- Sunline Assassin 10 lb Fluorocarbon: http://bit.ly/2h4LNjm

Budget All-Around Swimbait Combo... 

Rod- Shimano Intenza 7'2" Medium Heavy: http://bit.ly/2QADLTq

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

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

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

3 Tricks To Catch More Fish With Finesse Swimbaits

Finesse swimbaits are awesome! These little paddle tails get bit every month of the year and they catch way bigger bass than most anglers realize. If you aren't using them, you're missing out on some of the easiest bites you can get. Simple adjustments to cadence and head design will make the baits even more effective. Come along as Tim explains exactly how to maximize your time with small swimbaits. 

Tim has a handful of heads he uses to really dial in his finesse swimbaits. He adjusts head selection with the size of the bait, depth he's fishing, and water clarity. (Underspin for muddy water, Okashira for Ultra finesse tactics, and a mix of Guppy and TacticalBassin Finesse swimbait heads for all the standard clear to murky water fishing.) He combines those heads with 3 different cadences that help him maximize his time on the water. By adjusting cadence he is able to keep catching fish on small swimbaits when most anglers have given up. 

The finesse swimbait is truly deadly in Winter. It will work today and will continue to work all the way through the spawn. Below is a breakdown of the baits, heads, and Gear Tim is using to catch bass on finesse swimbaits. 

The Heads... 

-TacticalBassin Finesse Swimbait Heads (3.8 - 4.8 Keitechs): http://bit.ly/2Pqrq3n

-Dirty Jigs Guppy Head 1/0 Hook (2.8 - 3.3 Keitechs): http://bit.ly/2nyUJRS

-Megabass Okashira Head 1/8 oz: http://bit.ly/2EpluSA

-Cool Baits Down Under 3/16 oz: http://bit.ly/2boS7QA

The Baits... 

-keitech Fat Swing Impact: http://bit.ly/2ab7s8v

-Megabass Spark Shad 3": http://bit.ly/2XcLZk4

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

Damiki Armor Shad: http://bit.ly/2KtPDAT

Megabass Dark Sleeper: http://bit.ly/2TyR1GT

Finesse Swimbait Combo... 

Rod- Shimano Expride 7' Medium: http://bit.ly/2osaj3q

Reel- Shimano Stradic FL 2500: http://bit.ly/35Bufnb

Line- 15 lb Power Pro Braid: http://bit.ly/2aFg46b

Leader- 8 lb Sunline Sniper: http://bit.ly/2p7fxju

Budget Finesse Swimbait Combo... 

Rod- Shimano Intenza 7' Medium: http://bit.ly/2s7kaQn

Reel- Shimano Nasci 2500: http://bit.ly/2g278cC

Line- 15 lb Power Pro Braid: http://bit.ly/2aFg46b

Leader- 8 lb Maxima Ultragreen: http://bit.ly/2ae97J9

5 Finesse Fishing Tricks For Early Fall Bass

Early Fall can be awesome bass fishing! The fish are gorging on baitfish as we head toward the cooler months. You can throw all sorts of reaction baits to catch them but what do you do when conditions don't line up and the fishing gets tough? Do you struggle to catch fish when everyone else is talking about how great it is? Today you're going to learn to finesse fish through the tough days and its going to make a huge difference for you!

Tim loves to power fish but when the going gets tough he immediately reaches for finesse tackle. The beauty of Fall is that bass become incredibly predictable. As the grass dies back the fish pull up against hard cover. Dock pilings, lay down trees, rocks, etc... all become easy targets that consistently hold bass. Because fish are pulling to cover you can fish effectively with slow moving baits like dropshot, tube, Neko rig, etc.

We're not suggesting that you stop reaction fishing (Crankbaits, spinnerbaits, swimbaits, etc...) during the Fall. Instead, recognize there are great opportunities for both fishing styles and when the fish stop responding to fast moving baits, immediately slow down. You'll be amazed how many fish you can catch on what would have been a very tough day.

Below is a breakdown of the baits and tackle that Tim shows in the video, including key colors for Fall fishing.

Dropshot Baits...

-Reaction Innovations Flirt 4.95” (Lickety Split, Morning Dawn) : http://bit.ly/2CMB33J

-Damiki Armour Shad 3” (RP Blue Pearl, American Shad) : http://bit.ly/2KtPDAT

-Keitech Swing Impact Fat 2.8 (Electric Shad, Rainbow Shad) : http://bit.ly/2ab7s8v

-Roboworm Straight Tail Worm 4.5” (MMIII, Prism Shad, Aarons Pro Shad) : http://bit.ly/2asZyH3

-Bite Me Small Smasher - (Silver Smoke Blue, Green Pumpkin Purple Flk) : http://bit.ly/2ZpCOCY

-Strike King Dream Shot 4.25” (Brown/Purple, Moon Juice) : http://bit.ly/2KNXuK9

Dropshot Terminal...

-Swagger Tackle Tungsten drop shot weight (3/16th, 1/4oz) : http://bit.ly/2UY7cgx

-Owner Mosquito Light hook size 1 : http://bit.ly/2zQVKx3

-Lazer Trokar Dropshot hook Size 1 : http://bit.ly/2ahxJOr

Shakeyhead Worms and Terminal...

-Dirty Jigs Shakeyhead 3/16th, 1/4oz : http://bit.ly/2aFOs0V

-Reaction Innovations Flirt 4.95” (Lickety Split, Morning Dawn) : http://bit.ly/2CMB33J

-Roboworm Straight Tail Worm 6” : (Aarons Pro Shad, MMIII, Prism Shad) : http://bit.ly/2asZyH3

Neko Rig Terminal, Parts, and Worms...

-G7 Worm Tube Pliers. : http://bit.ly/2PRMNrG

-G7 Worm Protect Tubes Size 6 for 5” Senko : http://bit.ly/2PWEkUs

-Yamamoto 5” Senko (Electric Shad, Natural Shad) : http://bit.ly/2axAmNS

-Z-Man Zinker Z 5” (Smelt, The Deal) : http://bit.ly/2ZVJANs

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

-Swagger Tackle Pagoda Nail Weight 1/16th, 1/32nd : http://bit.ly/2iGNSFW

Tubes and Heads...

-Dry Creek 3.5” Tourney Tube (Old Ugly, Green Pump Purple Copper Flake) : http://bit.ly/2cJwI6r

-Big Bite Baits Tour Tube - (Green Pump Purp Cop Flk, Dark Grn Pumpkin Smoke Purple) : http://bit.ly/32e23VR

-Bite Me Big Dude Tube Head : http://bit.ly/2CV3o7S

-Bite Me Flat Eye Tube Head : http://bit.ly/2diyVXK

Finesse Swimbaits and heads...

-Megabass Dark Sleeper (Donko, Wakasagi) : http://bit.ly/2TyR1GT

-Keitech Easy Shad 3” (Electric Shad, Pro Blue Red Pearl) : http://bit.ly/2bxJK6H

-Keitech Swing Impact Fat 2.8” (Electric Shad, Pro Blue Red Pearl) : http://bit.ly/2ab7s8v

-Damiki Armor Shad Paddle Tail : RP Blue Pearl, American Shad) : http://bit.ly/2KtPDAT

-Dirty Jigs Guppy Head (1/8oz) : http://bit.ly/2nyUJRS

Ned Rig Worms and Heads...

-Swagger Tackle Tungsten Flanders Head (1/8oz) : http://bit.ly/2KcIB6M

-Missile Baits Ned Bomb (Fishalicious, Goby Bite, Super Bug) : http://bit.ly/2XCOGwd

-Roboworm Ned Worm (Hologram Shad, Prism Shad, Desert Craw): http://bit.ly/2j9F0X