Swimbaits

[Red]

I am a n00b to this technique but would like to give them a shot.  I have the gear part covered but have a couple other questions.  First, I want to stay under 2 oz baits, I was looking at a couple of the smaller Hudds, any other recommendations in this weight class, less than about $25 per bait?  Second, I can not really fish any areas on the main lake due to being in a small boat, are swimbaits very effective in shallow, flooded timber?  Also, I am fishing Lake Waco, it isn't exactly Lake Fork, for example, this year I have only landed maybe ten bass that were over 5lbs, I am not saying they aren't there I just don't think they are as common(i might be way off on this, probably just me) as they are in other Texas waters.  I have read all the articles here on BR that I could find, can you point me to any other info that might be helpful to a beginner, such as time, location, weather etc etc.  Thanks everyone in advance!!

Cliff

[gobig]

1. Get a copy of the book The Big Bass Zone.

2. Buy Advanced Swimbait Tech DVD also by Bill Siemantle.

[Primus]

Here are some at or near your size range that you may want to try...

River to Sea 150 Live Eye Bottom Walker- This bait flat out catches fish and big ones at that. They make a both a regular version and one that comes with a weedguard and also rattles. This bait sinks to the bottom quickly which works well for slow rolling in deep water.

5" Tru Tungsten- I like this in the Bluegill color, has good action but I've noticed the finish doesn't stay on very well. TW has them on sale and if you don't mind touching up the bait it will catch some nice bass for you. It's out of your specified price range but if you want to splurge the Matt's Lures Hard Bluegill is an awesome swimbait, it's definetely worth the money.

Strike King  Shad- works good jerking it or burning it, I've done well with the Mojarra color

Matt's lure soft Baby Bass- I'll be truthful for whatever reason I haven't had a lot of success with this bait but many other fisherman have and they are very reasonably priced. I probably haven't thrown it at the right time & right place.

6" Spro BBZ- I haven't had this bait long but so far I've been very impressed. I have the slow sink Perch color, just picked up the floating Lavender Shad.

6" Huddleston- I just got a couple, but many knowledgeable swimbaiters endorse this bait so I had to see what the fuss is about. Very subtle tail movement.

River To Sea V Joint Wake Minnow 95- I like this in the Chartreuse Shad color. The name is a little deceptive as it's a shallow running bait as opposed to being a true wakebait. It's easy to fish and sells for about $8. Nice bait for the money.

Top Shelf & Pro Swimbaits- they both offer well made line thru options

[J Francho]

Matt's lure soft Baby Bass- I'll be truthful for whatever reason I haven't had a lot of success with this bait but many other fisherman have and they are very reasonably priced. I probably haven't thrown it at the right time & right place.

6" Huddleston- I just got a couple, but many knowledgeable swimbaiters endorse this bait so I had to see what the fuss is about. Very subtle tail movement.

With both these baits, you're probably fishing them too fast.  You want them barely moving, with brief pauses.  You're trying to mimic a distracted, feeding fish, not a swimming fish.

[Primus]

Thanks for the tip, you are probably right I tend to fish fast/ aggressive. Did hook a very big fish, not sure it was a bass or pike which unfortuneately got away on my Matt's Baby Bass recently. The Huds I just got. I'll definetely keep throwing the Matt's, it's only a matter of time.

I didn't suggest it originally but another fisherman has turned me on to the RealPrey swimbaits Alewife($23.99, but I've been told much more durable than most) and the fish I've caught so far have inhaled it which shocks my fishing partners who do not fish swimbaits when they see it half way down their throat. I've been impressed enough to order a couple more. Even though the colors selection on the website is limited you can request other colors, my first one was a white bait with a green back.

[gobig]

There are several good baits the $25 range.

Baitsmith 6in. I know its $27 but worth it.

Blackdog shell crackers (Gen 1&2). They are on sale right now at TW.

You have already mentioned Rago baits but there is one in the line up that is new. The injected rat. If it fishes anything like the its predecessor it will be worth the money.

I am also going to throw in the JSJ pack rat. I have not fished this bait either but watching the demo I know its a fish catcher.

Get an MS Slammer. Its just over $30 bucks but worth every penny. If the price point is that big of a deal buy a used one and get the 7in or the 9in.

The Osprey Talon is often over looked but is a great bait.

The whole line of Tylure baits are good for the money.

3:16 Mission fish is another killer bait.

This should give you some options other than what has already been mentioned.

[Red]

As usual, I knew I could count on the BR to hook me up with great info.  I am gonna have a few extra bucks soon from recycle material at work which will be spent on swimbaits.  Keep the info flowing guys, I know you have more!!

Thanks Y'all

Cliff

[Red]

Just another question guys regarding colors.  Should I mainly stick to shad, bluegill, and crappie colors?  I always hear and see alot about trout colors, however there is no trout in my lake.  Do you use trout colors anyway?

[SDoolittle]

How small is your boat? If you're willing to drive an hour down the road, I can put you on some good spots on Stillhouse Lake.

[Hammer 4]

I'll have to agree on the 3:16 Missionfish..not real popular, but they do catch fish. I like the 7" and 5" models. Bottom bouncing them is killer.  8-)

[Red]

How small is your boat? If you're willing to drive an hour down the road, I can give you put you on some good spots on Stillhouse Lake.

My boat is a 8' Pelican Bass Raider.  Unless it is pretty calm I don't venture too far from the ramps, and if I do it is in a protected area of the lake like a big cove or something.  I havew never been too Stillhouse but might be willing to drive down sometime if I knew the wind was gonna stay down that day.

[SDoolittle]

Disregard. I wouldn't take an 8' boat to the places I was talking about. I thought maybe you had a 14' jonboat or something.

[Red]

I have been out on Lake Waco in 25mph winds and was not worried about my safety, just makes it nearly impossible to fish.

[packman]

Off topic but lake stillhouse is a great lake, if you have a chance GO! There is some monsters in there.