The Next Big Trend In Swimbait Fishing For Bass! (Soft Glide Baits)

Soft glide baits are the hottest trend in swimbait fishing! These baits catch giant bass, are cost effective, and widely available. If you haven't started throwing soft glidebaits, you're missing a huge opportunity! The swimbait community needed these baits, and now they're here.

We've been throwing big baits for decades. We've seen trends come and go, shifts in bait popularity, and the rise and fall of many swimbait anglers. Through it all, we've learned to spot trends that are going to matter. The soft glide bait solves real world problems for swimbait anglers. These baits are very natural and will get bit in conditions when traditional glide baits often fail.

Below you'll find links to the baits discussed in the video. We've included our favorite colors and sizes for each, along with some of the rod and reel combos we use to fish them effectively. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.

WANT TACTICALBASSIN MERCH??

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

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

GROW DESIGN WORKS...

•Grow Designs Flag 255: https://bit.ly/3YYjHMK

Favorite Colors: Real Rainbow Trout, Albino Purple Shad

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

Favorite Colors: Phantom, Frost

BERKLEY SWIMBAITS...

•Berkley Chop Block: https://bit.ly/44MelaG

Favorite Size: 8"

Favorite Colors: CA Hitch, Chrome Gizzard, Shad

•Berkley Nessie: https://bit.ly/4qJfE35

Favorite Size: 7"

Favorite Colors: Rainbow Trout, Hickory Shad

RAID SWIMBAIT...

•Raid Osakana Slide 170: https://bit.ly/417QgrV

Favorite Colors: TW Shad, The Bait, Hustler

SAVAGE GEAR SWIMBAIT...

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

Favorite Colors: Gizzard Shad, Threadfin Shad, Bluegill

MATT'S DEDICATED SOFT GLIDE COMBO...

Rod– Fenwick Elite 7'8" Medium Heavy: https://bit.ly/3MyC6tb

Reel– Abu Garcia Beast 200 (7.5:1): https://bit.ly/3VJM3Zp

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

Leader – Seaguar Gold Label (30 lb): https://bit.ly/3UqrUbi

OUTLIER SOFT GLIDE COMBO...

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

Reel– Shimano Curado 300 (HG): https://bit.ly/2HbZ3E4

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

Leader– Sunline Saltimate Tunageat (25 lb): https://bit.ly/47MCfkR

MATT'S ST. CROIX SMALL GLIDE COMBO...

Rod– St. Croix Legend Xtreme 7'4" Heavy Fast: https://bit.ly/2wlJQLu

Reel– Shimano Metanium MGL (HG): https://bit.ly/2ezIBfB

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

Leader– Seaguar Grand Max (19 lb): https://bit.ly/46eb98G

MATT'S FENWICK SMALL GLIDE COMBO...

Rod– Fenwick World Class 7'5" Medium Heavy: https://bit.ly/3qbGEya

Reel– Shimano Metanium MGL (HG): https://bit.ly/2ezIBfB

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

Leader– Seaguar Grand Max (19 lb): https://bit.ly/46eb98G

BUDGET SMALL GLIDE COMBO...

Rod– Fenwick Eagle 7'5" Medium Heavy: https://bit.ly/4b25LGh

Reel– Abu Garcia Max5 Pro: https://bit.ly/4pGZ4Az

Line– Seaguar Red Label Fluoro (20 lb): https://bit.ly/2LOVEwA

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

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 Seminar For Beginners And Advanced Anglers! Raw and Uncut!

Everything you need to know about swimbaits, in one place! The guys have spent a lifetime dialing in their swimbait fishing and today Matt is laying it all out, like he’s never done before. From fish positioning, to cast angles, soft baits to glide baits, Matt is sharing everything you’ll ever need to know about swimbait fishing!

Below you’ll find links to all the baits, gear, and rods and reels, as Matt discussed them in the video. We’ve even included favorite colors and sizes where applicable. All links below go to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions.

EASY BAITS...

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

Color: White Back Shad

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

Color: Bluegill

•R2S S Waver 168: http://bit.ly/2aiu8Sh

Color: Warden Hitch

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

Colors: RT Bluegill

BOOT TAILS...

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

Colors: White Back Shad, Albino Pearl Shad

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

Colors: Spring Hitch, Tennessee Shad

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

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

•B5 Line Thru: https://bit.ly/3LLU4pm

Color: Blue Gizzard

•B6 Line Thru: https://bit.ly/3bw7lWR

Color: Sunny Shad

WEEDLESS PADDLE TAILS...

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

Colors: White Back Shad, Albino Pearl Shad

•Scottsboro Tackle (6" and 7"): https://bit.ly/2Oy7CKH

Colors: Natural Shad

•No Live Bait Needed K Tail (7"): https://bit.ly/4eG64Y9

Colors: Snow Bird

SWIMBAIT HOOKS...

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

Size: 6/0 Hook

•Owner Beast Hook: https://bit.ly/2ancP66

Size: 8/0

•BKK Titan Diver+: https://bit.ly/3D5VNnJ

Size: 8/0

SOFT BLUEGILL BAITS...

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

Color: Bluegill, Ghost Gill

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

Colors: Male Bluegill

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

Colors: Gill, Gillkko

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

Color: Bluegill, Ghost Gill

WEDGE TAIL SWIMBAITS...

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

Colors: Dirty Silver

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

Colors: Rainbow Trout

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

Colors: Light Gizzard

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

Colors: Black Gizzard Shad

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

Colors: Blueback Herring, Threadfin Shad

TREBLE HOOKS AND HARDWARE...

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

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

•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

LURE RETRIEVER...

•Toothy Fishman XL Retriever: https://bit.ly/3A8370q

•Frabill Extendable Retriever: https://bit.ly/2TLTJc6

SWIMBAIT LINE/LEADER...

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

•Sunline Saltimate Nylon Mono: https://bit.ly/3WqDIJp

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

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

BLUEGILL HARD BAITS...

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

Colors: RT Bluegill

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

Colors: Female Bluegill, Bluegill

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

Colors: Bluegill

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

Colors: GG Gill

OPEN WATER GLIDES...

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

Colors: Heavy Metal Trout

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

Colors: TW Steelhead

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

Colors: Rainbow Trout

COVER GLIDES...

•GanCraft Jointed Claw 178: https://bit.ly/2d5l48K

Color: Waka Ayu

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

Color: Light Trout

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

Color: Ghost Gill

•Bucca Trick Shad: Source Locally

Color: ThreadfinTastic

GIZZARD GLIDES...

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

Color: Threadfin Shad

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

Color: Gizzard Shad

•Clutch OG Glide: https://bit.ly/3ZJfeyS

Color: Natural Shad

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

Color: Gizzard Shad

MULTI JOINTS...

•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

•Baitsanity Antidote TUG: https://bit.ly/3Y0MhtS

•Bucca Wake: https://bit.ly/2yceVRt

STORAGE…

•Eye Surrender Wrap: https://bit.ly/2h4IN6I

•Spro Surrpa Sleeves: https://bit.ly/3N3JEo4

•Lakewood Vertical Box: https://bit.ly/3ZueBXZ

•Plano Open Box: https://bit.ly/2WWIrU9

FAVORITE SWIMBAIT COMBO...

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

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

Line– Sufix 832 Braid (80): https://bit.ly/2ae93Ji

Leader– Saltimate Shock (35 lb): https://bit.ly/47MCfkR

BUDGET SWIMBAIT COMBO…

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

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

LIne– Sufix 832 Braid (80): https://bit.ly/2ae93Ji

Leader– Seaguar Gold Label (30 lb): https://bit.ly/3UqrUbi

SWIMBAIT RODS/REELS...

•Daiwa DX Rod 8' Med Heavy: https://bit.ly/3PKk8q6

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

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

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. 

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

BUYER'S GUIDE: BEST SOFT SWIMBAITS

Don't let swimbaits confuse you! They're really easy! Today we're diving into Buyer's Guide #3 with a look into the world of Soft Swimbaits. With the market full of Shad, trout, and bluegill imitators in both weedless, and exposed hooks, it can get a little confusing if you let it. We're going to simplify all of that and show you the most consistent fish catchers on the market today.

Whether you like Line thru baits, belly trebles, jig hooks, or weedless baits, there is a bait here for you. 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 baits and equipment discussed in the video. We've included our favorite color 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.

SWIMBAIT SEMINAR...

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

PREVIOUS BUYER'S GUIDES...

•Casting Reel Buyer's Guide: https://youtu.be/EHi18PwH4mU

•Spinning Reel Buyer's Guide: https://youtu.be/T6_6rkyXdyY

BLUEGILL SWIMBAITS…

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

Colors: Gill, Gillkko

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

Colors: Bluegill, Ghost Bluegill

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

Colors: Male Bluegill, TW Baby Bluegill

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

Colors: Bluegill, Ghost Bluegill

SILICONE JIG HOOK BAITS...

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

Colors: Tactical Shad, Who Dat

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

Colors: Purple Back Shad, Blue Back Shad

BELLY TREBLE BAITS...

•Big Bite Baits B5: https://bit.ly/3LLU4pm

Colors: Sunny Shad, Blue Gizzard

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

Colors: White Back Shad, Nude Rainbow, Pro Blue Chart

WEEDLESS SWIMBAIT...

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

Colors: White Back Shad, Albino Pearl Shad

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

Size: 1/2 oz or 3/4 oz

Underspin– BKK Titan Diver+: https://bit.ly/3D5VNnJ

Size: 8/0

WEDGE TAIL BAITS...

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

Colors: Green Gizzard, Black Gizzard

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

Colors: Light Gizzard, Purple Gizzard

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

Colors: Rainbow Trout, Phantom Silver Black

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

Colors: Dirty Silver, Trout

FAVORITE 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

INCREDIBLE SOFT BAIT COMBO...

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

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

BUDGET SWIMBAIT COMBO...

Rod– 13 Fishing Defy Black 8' Heavy: https://bit.ly/48pM0XS

Reel– 13 Fishing Concept A3: https://bit.ly/3GLddq8

Line– Power Pro Braid (65 lb): https://bit.ly/2aFg46b

Leader– Maxima Ultragreen (30 lb): https://bit.ly/2ae97J9

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