Underwater Swimbait Footage! Best Swimbaits And Paddletails Compared!

14 of the top swimbaits compared underwater! Come below the surface into crystal clear water and watch how these popular swimbaits and paddle tails swim. You'll be amazed how different they really are! Some are ultra subtle, some vibrate wildly, and others have wide wobbling tails. Which are your favorites? Which are our favorites? Let's find out!

When it comes to picking a swimbait most anglers just listen to what's popular. Let's set popular aside for a minute and look at how the baits actually move. Which ones jump out at you? Are you attracted to the baits that run true with a wide kick? Perhaps you like the baits with heavy body rock with the hook flopping wildly from side to side? The beauty of this underwater footage is you can compare the baits and know exactly what they're doing the next time you head to the lake!

Below you'll find links to the exact gear used in the video. We've linked both heads (Tactical Finesse and Guppy) along with all the swimbaits. The swimbaits are listed in the order they appeared in the video. We've also included our favorite colors for each. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item. 

Swimbait Hooks Used... 

-Tactical Finesse Swimbait Head (3/8 oz): http://bit.ly/2Pqrq3n

-Dirty Jigs Guppy Head (1/4 oz): http://bit.ly/2nyUJRS

Swimbaits In Order Of Appearance... 

-Keitech Swing Impact Fat 4.8": http://bit.ly/2ab7s8v

Color Shown: Gizzard Shad

Favorite Colors: Electric Shad, Pro Blue Red Pearl, TW Ghost Shad

-Big Bite Baits Pro Swimmer 4.8": https://bit.ly/3AeQsaS

Color Shown: Albino Shad

Favorite Colors: Pro Blue Red Pearl, Albino Shad

-Strike King Rage Swimmer 4.75": http://bit.ly/2evZF8j

Color Shown: Green Pumpkin Pearl Belly

Favorite Colors: Ghost Shad, Green Gizzard Shad

-Damiki Armor Shad 4": http://bit.ly/2KtPDAT

Color Shown: RP Blue Pearl

Favorite Colors: Flash Shad, PB Silver

-Megabass Spark Shad 4": http://bit.ly/2XcLZk4

Color Shown: Lemon Shad

Favorite Colors: Hiuo, Neon Pepper, Real

-River2Sea D Walker 120: http://bit.ly/2NwqBmz

Color Shown: Silver Side

Favorite Colors: PB Red, Shamrock Shad

-13 Fishing Pleasure Shad 5.5": https://bit.ly/3A4F4hx

Color Shown: Glitter Bomb

Favorite Colors: Boss Nugget, Glitter Bomb

-Big Bite Baits Finesse Swimmer 4.4": http://bit.ly/3bdZjgv

Color Shown: Pro Blue Red Flake

Favorite Colors: Disco Glitter Silver, Tennessee Shad

-Storm 360 GT Search Bait: https://bit.ly/3gWCqmz

Color Shown: Smokin' Shad

Favorite Colors: Smelt, Volunteer

-Storm Largo Shad 3": https://bit.ly/3vxP0NB

Color Shown: Tennessee Shad

Favorite Colors: Pro Blue Red Pearl, Sexy Shad, Albino Shad

-Keitech Easy Shiner 4": http://bit.ly/2bxJK6H

Color Shown: Sun Gill

Favorite Colors: Electric Shad, TW Ghost Shad

-13 Fishing Churro 4.25": https://bit.ly/2LLeRA6

Color Shown: Blue Collar

Favorite Colors: Moonlight Clan, Purple Rain

-XZone Swammer 4": http://bit.ly/2PogV0q

Color Shown: Perch

Favorite Colors: Bream, 309, 210

-Gambler Little EZ 3.75": https://bit.ly/3jmeYgM

Color Shown: Ghost Shad

Favorite Colors: Tennessee Shad, Alewife, New Shad

Favorite Combo For Tactical Finesse Head... 

Rod- G Loomis IMX Pro 863C SBR: http://bit.ly/2x9kxuS

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

Line- Power Pro Maxcuatro 30 lb Braid: http://bit.ly/2clBRiQ

Leader- Sunline Super FC 12 lb Flurocarbon: http://bit.ly/2p7fxju

High-End Guppy Head Combo... 

Rod- G Loomis NRX+ 902S SJR: https://bit.ly/2RB0oJP

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

Line- Sunline SX1 12 lb Braid: http://bit.ly/2tn8EzQ

Leader- Sunline Super FC 7 lb Fluorocarbon: http://bit.ly/2p7fxju

Budget Guppy Finesse Swimbait Combo... 

Rod- Shimano Intenza 7'6" Light: http://bit.ly/2s7kaQn

Reel- Shimano Sahara FI 2500: http://bit.ly/2XhhM43

Line- Sunline Super FC Fluorocarbon 8 lb: http://bit.ly/2p7fxju

Want TacticalBassin Gear?  

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

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

BEST FISHING EVER! Bites On EVERY Cast!

They're biting EVERY cast! Come along for some of the most insane bass fishing ever!! This is the day we all dream about and today, the camera is running full time while the BIG bass are biting! Come along for the full day on an epic bite and see exactly what we're using, where we're fishing, and how we adapt to keep catching the fish! 

We love catching smallmouth because of their amazing power. Battling big smallmouth on light line is an incredible experience. Doing it in crystal clear water is even better! We knew this day was going to be special when Matt's first smallmouth of the day was over 5 1/2 lbs, but we couldn't have imagined the chaos would go on for hours!

Below you'll find links to the exact baits and gear Matt was using throughout the day. Below that you'll find cut points so you can jump between the high points of the video. All the gear links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item. 

Dark Sleeper... 

-Megabass Dark Sleeper 3": http://bit.ly/2TyR1GT

Color: Wakasagi

Preferred Weights: 1/2 - 3/4 oz

Tube Bait... 

Bait- Netbait STH 2.5" Tube: https://bit.ly/3aU0oeU

Color: Juvenile Goby

Head- Blade Runner Inhaler (1/8 oz): https://bit.ly/2NX7nYr

Jerkbait... 

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

Color: Mat Skeleton Shad

Hook Upgrade- Gamakatsu Finesse Nano Treble (Size 5): http://bit.ly/2dWWAut

Larger Keitech... 

Bait- Keitech 3.8" Fat Swing Impact: http://bit.ly/2ab7s8v

Color: Smallmouth Magic

Head- Tactical Finesse Swimbait (3/8 oz): http://bit.ly/2Pqrq3n

Finesse Keitech... 

Bait- Keitech 2.8" Fat Swing Impact: http://bit.ly/2ab7s8v

Color: TW Ghost Shad

Head- Dirty Jigs Guppy Head 1/0 Hook (1/8 oz): http://bit.ly/2nyUJRS

Hair Jig... 

Bait- Outkast Tackle Feider Fly: http://bit.ly/2G7TBwj

Color: Black

Tube Fishing Combo... 

Rod- St. Croix Legend Elite 7'6" Medium: http://bit.ly/2pjJWMA

Reel- Shimano Vanford 2500: https://bit.ly/2PDlKlB

Line- Sunline SX1 Braid (12 lb): http://bit.ly/2tn8EzQ

Leader- Sunline Super FC (6 lb): http://bit.ly/2p7fxju

Dark Sleeper Combo... 

Rod- Megabass P5 "Dark Sleeper": https://bit.ly/30GcHqb

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

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

Jerkbait Combo... 

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

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

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

Finesse Keitech Combo... 

Rod- G Loomis NRX+ 821S NNR: https://bit.ly/2RB0oJP

Reel- Shimano Twin Power FD 2500: https://bit.ly/3df3hX5

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

Leader- Leader- Sunline Super FC (6 lb): http://bit.ly/2p7fxju

Cut Points... 

5:25 - Matt catches a GIANT on the Dark Sleeper!

11:30 - Boat Runs Over Matt's line!!

27:45 - Matt catches a GIANT on the tube!

40:45 - First fish on the jerkbait

47:30 - Another boater gets WAYYYY too close!!

57:15 - Matt goes off about boat traffic!

01:04:50 - Matt catches BIG one on Dark Sleeper

01:06:40 - Dark Sleeper: The exact details

01:33:00 - Insanely hard hookset and Tube Fishing tips!

01:38:40 - First fish on the Keitech

01:48:25 - Trick for fishing clear water

01:56:40 - Matt's trick with finesse swimbaits

02:03:00 - Arriving at 2nd Spot

02:11:35 - First fish on new spot

02:22:15 - Watching a big one chase and eat the bait!

02:26:20 - Birds eye view of fish swimming in CRYSTAL CLEAR water!

02:30:40 - Matt uses a bait switch to sight cast this BIG ONE!!

03:27:45 - Arrive at 4th spot

03:44:44 - Arrive at 5th spot, catch one first cast!

04:07:28 - Matt catches a big one on the jerkbait!

04:13:18 - BIG fish catches the Dark Sleeper on the fall!!

04:28:55 - Matt shows each bait and the exact rods and reels he used

Want TacticalBassin Gear?  

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

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

Underspin Tricks For Post Spawn Bass Fishing

Underspins have exploded in recent years! There used to be a handful of light wire options, but these days you can get everything from a 12/0 weedless Beast hook to a tiny 1/8 oz finesse head. The rise of the underspin is directly tied to its effectiveness, and there is no better time to throw them than the prespawn. Could that little blade make that much of a difference? Let's find out... 

As the bass wrap up the spawn, shad and other baitfish begin spawning in the shallows. These baitfish congregate in schools and without fail, the bass take full advantage of the opportunity. The underspin allows you to choose your depth as you probe the edges of these bait balls in search of the biggest bass in the school. Yes, you could do this with a bare swimbait, but you'll never know what you've been missing until you try it with an underspin and experience the incredible drawing power created by the addition of a small blade below your bait. 

Fishing an underspin is simple, in most cases its an easy cast and retrieve presentation. Beyond that its a matter of matching the bait (willow leaf vs Colorado blade) to the baitfish and choosing the appropriate size. After that its just a matter of choosing a weedless presentation or an exposed hook. Narrowing down these selections is very simple. Below you'll find links to our favorite heads for each of these applications, as well as some of our favorite baits in each size category. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item. 

Weedless Heads... 

-Owner Flashy Swimmer (Silver Willow Leaf): http://bit.ly/2e8O4Y7

-Owner Flashy Swimmer (Gold Colorado Blade): http://bit.ly/2e8O4Y7

-Owner Flashy BEAST (For Big Swimbaits): http://bit.ly/2gx3A54

Favorite Swimbaits For Weedless Heads... 

-Keitech 3.3 - 4.8" Fat Swing Impact: http://bit.ly/2ab7s8v

Colors- Electric Shad, TW Ghost Shad

-Megabass Spark Shad 4": http://bit.ly/2XcLZk4

Traditional Heads (Largest To Smallest)... 

Overall Favorite- Blade Runner Screw Lock Spintrix (3/8 - 3/4 oz): http://bit.ly/2oocg0a

Best In Current- Hog Farmer War Pig (1/4 - 3/4 oz): http://bit.ly/2pcQnRP

Best Finesse Bait- Cool Baits Down Under (1/8 - 3/16 oz): http://bit.ly/2boS7QA

Favorite Swimbaits For Traditional Heads... 

-River2Sea D Walker 120: http://bit.ly/2NwqBmz

Colors- PB Red, Shamrock Shad, Silver Side

-Keitech 2.8" - 4.8" Fat Swing Impact: http://bit.ly/2ab7s8v

Colors- Electric Shad, TW Ghost Shad

Non-Traditional Head... 

-Megabass Okashira Screw Head: http://bit.ly/2EpluSA

Favorite Small Swimbaits For Okashira and CoolBaits... 

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

Colors: Real, Albino, Baby Bass

-Keitech Easy Shiner 3" and 4": http://bit.ly/2bxJK6H

Colors: Electric Shad, TW Pro Blue

-Damiki Armor Shad 3": http://bit.ly/2KtPDAT

Colors: RP Blue Pearl, American Shad, Baby Bass

Keitech Sizing For Flashy Swimmer/Beast Hooks... 

1/0 Hook- Keitech 3.3

3/0 Hook- Keitech 4.3

5/0 Hook- Keitech 4.8

8/0 Hook- Keitech 6.8

Favorite All-Around Underspin Combo... 

Rod- Shimano Expride 7'6" Medium Heavy: http://bit.ly/2nTq9FL

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

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

Leader- Sunline FC100 16 lb Shock Leader: http://bit.ly/2O4UElB

Tim's Finesse Underspin Spinning Combo... 

Rod- G Loomis NRX+ 852S JWR: https://bit.ly/3y0Ss5m

Reel- Shimano Exsence A 3000: https://bit.ly/3hNG96T

Line- Sunline SX1 Braid 12 lb: http://bit.ly/2tn8EzQ

Leader- Sunline Fluorocarbon 7 lb: http://bit.ly/2p7fxju

Budget Underspin Spinning Combo...

Rod- St. Croix Bass X 7'1" Medium: http://bit.ly/2r69Sj6

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

Line- Sunline Fluorocarbon 8 lb: http://bit.ly/2p7fxju

Want TacticalBassin Gear?  

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

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

Finesse Swimbaits For BIG Smallmouth! (Fishing With Matt's Dad)

Come along as we explore a new clear water lake in Michigan! Its full of prespawn Smallmouth and Northern Largemouth. They're feeding in schools along the edges of shallow flats and we're casting a variety of finesse swimbaits and hair jigs to catch them. If you've wondered what fishing is like in the North, its on fire!

Its been a while since we've had Matt's dad on the boat. In true form, he set the pace with a bunch of quality fish, leaving Matt and CC with a lot of ground to make up. Each member of the team settled on a different swimbait and all produced quality fish throughout the day. At the end Matt picked up a black hair jig and stuck some nice bonus fish as well. 

Smallmouth pull incredibly hard for their size. If you've never targeted them on finesse tackle, you need to give it a try! Below you'll find links to the exact baits we were using as well as the gear we trusted to get these fish in the boat. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item. 

Matt's Dad's Swimbait... 

Head- Dirty Jigs Guppy 1/8 oz with 1/0 Hook: http://bit.ly/2nyUJRS

Bait- Keitech 3.3" Fat Swing Impact: http://bit.ly/2ab7s8v

Colors: Electric Shad, Electric Bluegill

CC's Swimbait... 

Bait- Megabass Dark Sleeper 3" (1/2 oz): http://bit.ly/2TyR1GT

Color: Wakasagi

Matt's Swimbait... 

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

Bait- Keitech 3.8" Fat Swing Impact: http://bit.ly/2ab7s8v

Color: Smallmouth Magic

Matt's Hair Jig... 

Bait- Andy's Maribou Pro Series Fly (1/8 oz): https://bit.ly/3uYqDsw

Color: Black

Matt's Casting Swimbait Combo... 

Rod- Megabass P5 "Dark Sleeper": https://bit.ly/30GcHqb

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

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

Matt's Dad's Spinning Combo... 

Rod- G Loomis NRX+ 852S JWR (Pre-Order): https://bit.ly/3y0Ss5m

Reel- Shimano Exsence 3000: https://bit.ly/3hNG96T

Line- Sunline SX1 12 lb Braid: http://bit.ly/2tn8EzQ

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

Matt's Hair Jig Combo... 

Rod- Megabass P5 "Baby Plugging": https://bit.ly/31Pt839

Reel- Shimano Vanford 1000: https://bit.ly/2PDlKlB

Line- Sunline Super FC 5 lb Fluorocarbon: http://bit.ly/2p7fxju

Want TacticalBassin Gear?  

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

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