Swim Jig

[MIbassin]

Hey guys,

 

One of the techniques i want to learn this summer is how to fish a swim jig!

 

So, if any of you have any tips and techniques that are effective please share!

 

and also, if you could answer a swim jig vs swim bait because dont they both imitate the same thing?

 

Thanks!

[tbone1993]

Swim jig = spinnerbait    IMO

 

ALWAYS fish a swimjig or any jig with a trailer. I prefer reaction innovations little dippers or double/ single tail grubs of any brand.  fish it in the same spots you would a spinnerbait and be ready to set the hook harder than you would a spinnerbait. I like throwing them into grass or even into an inch of water and fish it out from there. 

[rockchalk06]

Hey guys,

 

One of the techniques i want to learn this summer is how to fish a swim jig!

 

So, if any of you have any tips and techniques that are effective please share!

 

and also, if you could answer a swim jig vs swim bait because dont they both imitate the same thing?

 

Thanks!

Basically a swim jig, spinner bait, swim bait all are supposed to imitate a bait fish swimming. Alot depends on how you want to make the presentation, fast slow, water clarity, more or less vibration etc.

 

A swim jig is basically a spinner bait with no blades. I prefer swim jigs myself over spinner baits. They come through the water easier and are less work for me to retrieve. Swim jigs have a lead head thats painted, weed guard and a skirt that is tied on.

 

Here is a swim jig

 

 

A swim bait is a soft (most of the time) bodied bait that has a paddle tail and imitates a bait fish. They can be hollow, solid, fished with a jig head, weightless, swim bait style hook or texas rigged.

 

Here is a swim bait

 

I fish jigs about 90% of the time year round. My prefered method is to pitch or flip a jig, but alot of times, swimming a jig is better. For that I prefer the Flip N Swim jig from North Star Custom Baits. its a hybrid swim jig and flipping jig in one.

 

The main difference in between a swim jig and flipping jig is the nose of the head. A swim jig will have a more pointed arrow dynamic head. This helps in coming through grass and weeds much better. You would want to use a swim bait style trailer with a swim jig. Curl tailed grub or any type of swim bait style trailer will work great.

 

I like to take my swim jigs and use them as a search bait. They can cover alot of water very fast. Cast out to an open spot to start with, let it sink for a 3-4 count and start your retrieve. If your trailer has a lot of action, you can just reel it back in. If it doesn't, vary your retrieve, giving it a few bounces etc. Find some cover to throw it into as well. Bounce it off logs, brush etc.

 

With the flip n swims from North Star, you can also pitch the jig into cover, let it sit and swim it back. very versatile jig.

 

Hope this helps some

[Mike L]

I can't add anything to this...Excellent responce.

 

 

 

Mike

[MIbassin]

Great info! But which one would you opt for, a swimbait or swim jig? They both do the same thing and are subtle right?

[rockchalk06]

Great info! But which one would you opt for, a swimbait or swim jig? They both do the same thing and are subtle right?

I would prefer a swim jig. The swim jig will be more subtle. It's action comes from the trailer and skirt where are the swim baits action comes from the whole bait. You can tone down a swim jig with a smaller trailer. A swim bait you can't. You have to go with a different size bait.

Another thing to remember is swim baits like soft bodies and hollow bodies, don't last very long. 3-4 good size bass and its toast. It's very soft and life like so the longevity is low. They work great dont get me wrong. They catch some big fish too. They are also very expensive too. Quality ones can fetch 5-20 dollars a pack depending on size, brand etc. You will have to buy the baits and a good hook to go with it.

A swim jig will last a long time. The North Stars run 3.70 a piece and a bag of Berkley subwoofers (my favorite trailers) run 2-3 dollars an 8 pack. One jig and bag of subwoofers last me several weeks and several fish. I have two flip n swim jigs that are almost 2 years old now, still look good, sharp hooks and have caught several fish.

[ColdSVT]

been messing with the swim jig a lot lately myself

what colors seem to work well for you guys?

black and blue and dark greens have worked for me so far. I have yet to fish any lighter colors

[YakenMax]

I just real a swimjig somewhat slow. Fav color is black and red with a junebug trailer

[tbone1993]

Great info! But which one would you opt for, a swimbait or swim jig? They both do the same thing and are subtle right?

No. swim jigs and swimbaits act differently. I will add a swimbait trailer to a swim jig. Also there are many different types of swimbaits with different types of swimming motions and tails. They are "almost" completely different baits. 

[rockchalk06]

been messing with the swim jig a lot lately myself

what colors seem to work well for you guys?

black and blue and dark greens have worked for me so far. I have yet to fish any lighter colors

For central OK mud water, black n blue mixed with some red works great for me.

Clear or not so muddy, watermelon red colors. I'm testing out a crappie colored jig now. It's the lightest I've ever used.

[MrSwimJig]

I use white or sexy shad in fairly clear water, will also try watermelon with some red. In dingy muddy water black and blue.

I use Kinam 4 inch single tail grubs and Havoc Subwoofer trailers. Till yesterday when I tried Reaction Innovations Skinny Dippers....

[TNBassin']

You can rig the swim jig with a willow leaf blade. It's called the "switch blade jig", and it looks like I will be trying this soon.

[jbone177]

You can rig the swim jig with a willow leaf blade. It's called the "switch blade jig", and it looks like I will be trying this soon.

 

Thanks for mentioning that!  I had never seen that before.  I'll be trying that soon.  The swim jig has become a favorite of mine.