Using Lifelike Swimbaits To Slay Big Time Bass

Swimbaits are one of the most recent trends in bass fishing lures. They live up to their namesake as these lures are designed to look just like a fish swimming through water and man do they do the job better than any other type of lure.

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What makes a lure a swimbait?

Originally big, wooden swimbaits were used mainly to catch big striper. Then anglers started to adjust and use them for largemouth bass. Most of these lures were made to imitate rainbow trout but now they are made to imitate any imaginable bait fish you may find in most body of waters.

When they first hit the scene, swim baits were defined by being made of 2 or more jointed piece. This really helped them to more accurately mimic a bait fish moving through the water, tempting that big bass to strike, more than other bass lures.

Today, you will still these lures made with wood and multiple joints but you will also find lures labeled as swimbaits that are made out soft plastic.

Most of the plastic swim baits are one piece and pre-rigged with hooks. A lot of them have a paddle type tail that really provides some very realistic swimming action that really drive lunker bass crazy.

Some would say the only drawback of the baits is the cost. These are some great lures to use, especially if you truly want to catch big fish. And if you do land that trophy largemouth bass then you will surely realize the investment you have made.

But before you go chucking that $20 lure, start out tossing some of the smaller soft plastic swimbaits to get the feel of them. Then gradually step up your game to the big boys.

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How to fish a Swimbait

In this video you see Dave Mercer showing us how to fish a plastic swimbait. He emphasizes how important it is to fish this lure slowly. As you can see in the video doing this gives the best action which also proves to be pretty successful.

Here is another excellent video with Dave Mercer showing us how to fish hard body swimabaits. Again notice the action that these lures give when reeling in. But listen as he states that alot of the bass will bite on the fall when he stops the lure. The great thing is the swimbait still has a swimming action while falling so you're sure to have a good chance of getting that bite.

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Real Fish Bait Company Lures

I had a chance to chat with Ho Pham of Real Fish Bait Company whose business is swimbaits. He shared some tips and techniques on these great lures.

"Swimbaits are typically great to use throughout the year. The best times to use them are in spring through fall seasons. You can slow roll them so they swim near the bottom during fall and winter seasons or you can reel them a little faster so they are right near the surface during the spring and summer seasons.

Early in the morning and later in the evening are great times to throw these bass lures. During the active seasons, the afternoon can produce great hookups too.

You have to "match the hatch" as you most experienced anglers say.

They are also great during the pre-spawn season. Throw them across the fish's nest and then slow roll it back. At times, you can drop the bait right in their nest and pop it a couple times to get a reaction bite.

Areas to look for to throw them are rocky points that have drop offs and any structure beneath the water. Another great area are docks, pylons, and grassy areas. Let the bait fall a couple seconds then slow roll them back and at times you can do a stop and go retrieve. Sometimes a jigging method will work too."

There is some great potential in catching some nice size bass with realistic lures. Give them a try, learn what techniques work for you and before you know it you'll be landing trophy bass to brag about. Good luck!

Go back to learn about other bass fishing lures.

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