Spinnerbait vs Swim jig

[Shadow1]

Just want to start a little discussion here and maybe get some ideas.  I think we all know that in the right setting, all baits work.  I just want to know if some on here have found Swim jigs to be better overall than Spinner baits.  I know a couple of guys that have told me their success with Swim jigs is overall more successful than Spinner baits.  They explain it by saying that the Swim jigs look more natural.  Just curious as to what others on here think or believe.

[Wayne P.]

Yea when it is very shallow and lots of stuff to get hung up on, the swimjig does better than a spinnerbait. Been doing that for over a month with my trolling motor stuck in the bottom mud.

Has nothing to do with "natural", it's effective presentation.

[MickD]

I hardly used a spinnerbait last year, have to be careful not to give up on them.  But I've had so much success with swim jigs with 3-4 inch paddle tail swimbaits for a trailer, also the Berkley Crazy Legs Chigger Craw that I've not gone to spinnerbaits as much.  They cast so much easier than spinnerbaits if there are wind problems.

[fishballer06]

I used to only throw spinnerbaits in the moving jig category (chatter/spinner/swim). However, in the past few years, I have adapted the other styles and I now find myself throwing a swim jig more than a spinnerbait. Each bait has their place and I'll go over what I decide on when choosing what to throw. 

 

Swim Jig:

Clearer water where the fish may get a better look at the bait. 

Around heavy weeds/cover.

Pressured waters (namely during tournaments) where the fish might be weary of hard thumping, flashy baits.

 

Spinnerbait:

Dirtier water where the fish might not be able to see as well, so the added vibration in the water helps them locate.

Around spare weeds/cover.

Windy/choppy days

Cloudy days. When the light is lower, the flash of that blade helps fish locate the bait easier (in my opinion). 

[S. Sass]

I'm the old dog, I like my spinnerbaits. I have fished them since almost as far back as I can remember. Sure some days a jig is the better choice or at least it may be what the fish want that day. Other days a spinnerbait can be deadly. Like all lures selecting the right one for the conditions hoping the fish agree is all part of the game. To me it isn't about getting rid of a tool because you found another one that worked. 

 

Just last Sunday I had a good day on the spinner bait. Probably 10 of the 2lb bass I caught were on a 1/2 oz purple and white Peppers Custom twin nickle colored willow blades. Was about 15 mph winds and partly cloudy with rain coming. Made for good fishing. 

[Deleted account]

There are times when the fish prefer one over the other, but often you can catch them with either. I almost always have both tied on. 

[Mr Swim Jig]

I always have one of each tied on at all times and will fish them both. My personal best last year was on a spinner bait but I definitely caught a lot more fish on a swim jig.  Funny thing is where I caught my personal best at I had been throwing my swim jig at for about 6 or 7 casts and nothing then on the 1st cast with the spinner bait she hit it like a freight train...lol

[everythingthatswims]

I fish a spinnerbait when there is wind, dirty water, or current. If the water is clear, or still, the swim jig is the go-to.

[RoLo]

Reduced Lighting  =  Spinnerbait

>  Dingy, murky or muddy water

> Windblown water surface (light refraction)

> Overcast skies

> Dawn, Dusk & Night

 

 

Enhanced Lighting  =  Swim Jig

> Clear water

> Calm water surface

> Sunny skies

> High-pressured waters

 

Roger

[Bluebasser86]

Of those two, I'd rather fish a spinnerbait. Swim jigs are still a mystery to me.

 

I'd much rather fish a bladed jig instead of either of them though. 

[bowhunter63]

Use them both ,But windy rough water i will throw a spinnerbait.I like a swim bait trailer on my swim jigs.

[eyedabassman]

For me I like a swim jig better but like others have posted let the fish tell you what they want! As for color spinnerbait's white or white/chart. a swimming jig white or bluegill color is a killer post spawn.I also like to throw a green pumpkin swim jig.Remember you can swim ANY kind of jig it does not have to say  swim jig on the package! I swim football jigs,flat top jig's,ect. The only time I want a certain head on a swim jig if I am fishing grass or a weed line!

[NHBull]

When I can't decide I reach for a chatterbait.

 

Windy, choppy water gets the white spinner

[ww2farmer]

I am a big fan of swim jigs and chatterbait style bladed jigs.

 

So much so, that I have not bought, used, or carried any spinnerbaits with me in a few years now.

 

I like the swim jig in clear water, and the chatterbait in dirtywater. Both excel for me in a broader range of water temps. than spinnerbaits, and both work much better for me in grass.

 

The swim jig (along with a soft plastic senko style stick bait) is one of the most versatile lures there is. It can be swam over, around and through most any thing, and also be killed, flipped, pitched, etc... into and around cover. It's the ultimate clear to lightly stained water search bait IMHO. 

 

About the only thing a spinner bait does better than both is stay "high" in the water column at slower speeds.

[tcbass]

On 4/11/2017 at 2:06 PM, MickD said:

I hardly used a spinnerbait last year, have to be careful not to give up on them.  But I've had so much success with swim jigs with 3-4 inch paddle tail swimbaits for a trailer, also the Berkley Crazy Legs Chigger Craw that I've not gone to spinnerbaits as much.  They cast so much easier than spinnerbaits if there are wind problems.

 

 

What swim jig do you use?

[NHBull]

Not speaking for Mick, but you will run our of $$$$$ before you run out of options.

My swim jigs are slightly heavier than those I bring to the bottom and have a lighter wire since they are usually in open water.  I also find the hit to come closer to the surface, so setting the hook is easier.

 

I know that doesn't help much, but any pumpkin or brown with suitable trailer will work

[bonzai22]

I prefer swim jigs in clear water, when there's lots of fishing pressure, and in heavy cover. It hardly ever gets hung up my best day I had on a swim jig I caught over 20 fish on the same point by bouncing it off of stick like weeds. 

[Oklahoma Mike]

Not quite apples and oranges, but more like oranges and tangerines.