How do YOU fish a swimbait?

[skekoam]

So my son just got a few swim baits from a generous member and we went out to a lake yesterday just to test it.  The thing looks amazing in action, but was wondering what the best way to retrieve them is.  Seems like the best action occurred if we let it sink a bit, rod tip down with a very slow retrieve and small twitches in between.  If the retrieve was too fast, the bait would essentially come to the top and skip along the surface.  FWIW, I'm taking about swim baits the size of the baby bull shad.

 

 

Thanks!

[Bluebasser86]

Baby Bull Shad is pretty simple to fish. Cast and retrieve slowly or stop and go.

[A-Jay]

Presenting your bait at (or perhaps a little above) the depth where you believe the bass are holding is important.

When you're unsure - try systematically fishing the entire water column by allowing your bait to sink (or not) so that it travels near the bottom, in the middle and finally near the surface.

Then a slow constant retrieve the includes random & intermittent quick turns of the reel handle (to make the bait suddenly shoot forward a very short distance) followed by a very brief pause (one second or less) and the resume the slow constant retrieve all the way back to the boat.

Be conscious as the bait approaches close to the boat because often times as the bait starts to swim 'up' in effect changing the baits posture (perhaps looking like it's getting away for any bass that may be following it) that's when some strike can & do occur.

Good Luck and be careful - don't get your arm broke 

A-Jay

[SuperDuty]

It's insane that a 6" swimbait in $60!

[dgkasper58]

17 hours ago, SuperDuty said:

It's insane that a 6" swimbait in $60!

At all the swimbait shows out east he is showcasing his "custom" paints for over $100.  They are beautiful- I just hope I can get my hands on one in the future.

 

They things have awesome action (I just got one a few weeks ago and threw it when I saw some open water to check the action).  Hopefully, the fish tell me how they like it around here.

[JustJames]

Same as @Bluebasser86mentioned slow retrieve, but I will add pop and pause to make the lure turn 180 degree once a while if your lure is slow sink type. You can let it sink but don’t let it sit on bottom those treble hook are snag magnet.

[Mr. Aquarium]

Usually slow. I fish topwater baits like slammers and soft baits like hudds. Most of the time I’m going slow. Some time dead sticking. Sometimes twitching. Don’t really burn them In. 

[Smalls]

On 1/22/2020 at 6:30 PM, SuperDuty said:

It's insane that a 6" swimbait in $60!

$60 is on the lower end of the price spectrum. You have to remember, though, most of these baits aren't mass produced in China. Most come from small companies with just a handful of guys producing them. Sometimes just a one man operation. 

[Hammer 4]

On 1/22/2020 at 5:30 PM, SuperDuty said:

It's insane that a 6" swimbait in $60!

 

Have a look at this 6" trout swimbait, IIRC this sold at close to $200.00..Back when I bought mine, it was $150.00.

 

https://www.316lurecompany.com/Top-Hook--Line-Thru--6-Freestyle-Trout_p_72.html

[DanielG]

I live on a large open water lake with little coverage and you've got to work to catch stuff. I troll cheap swimbaits in the spring. Usually Berkleys, the 5 in a package for $2.99 at Walmart. Funny how the work well.

Edited January 27, 2020 by DanielG
Corrected to change 'swimsuits' to 'swimbaits'. Darn autocorrect!

[Hewhospeaksmuchbull]

9 hours ago, Hammer 4 said:

 

Have a look at this 6" trout swimbait, IIRC this sold at close to $200.00..Back when I bought mine, it was $150.00.

 

https://www.316lurecompany.com/Top-Hook--Line-Thru--6-Freestyle-Trout_p_72.html

Yep and up to 499.00 from what I have seen.

 

I took that 500.000 and bought a bandsaw, bench sander and some supplies. Rather pay myself.

[SuperDuty]

I have no issue spending money on quality gear, I have a years salary in tools in my shop, but I'd probably limit the cost of a lure to $30-40.  

[Smalls]

10 hours ago, SuperDuty said:

I have no issue spending money on quality gear, I have a years salary in tools in my shop, but I'd probably limit the cost of a lure to $30-40.  

And there's some good swimbaits in that range. But the swimbait game in general is expensive, and not for everyone. 

[Hammer 4]

Back on topic...

 

Not all swimbaits are fished the same way. Very different techniques depending the type of bait, what depth your targeting fish at, water temps, cover, and so on.

 

I fish soft bodied baits a bit different that say a jointed hard bait, also the time of year plays a part in how one would fish them.

Knowing the brand and type of swimbait would be important to give a educated answer.

[skekoam]

On 1/25/2020 at 3:20 AM, DanielG said:

I live on a large open water lake with little coverage and you've got to work to catch stuff. I troll cheap swimsuits in the spring. Usually Berkleys, the 5 in a package for $2.99 at Walmart. Funny how the work well.

What swimsuit?  ?

[DanielG]

4 minutes ago, skekoam said:

What swimsuit?  ?

HA! darn autocorrect.....It does read very funny though doesn't it. 'I troll cheap swimsuits'.

[Derek1]

20 hours ago, DanielG said:

HA! darn autocorrect.....It does read very funny though doesn't it. 'I troll cheap swimsuits'.

I often troll back and forth past cheap swimsuits in the late summer. 

[Harold Scoggins]

On 1/25/2020 at 1:18 AM, Hammer 4 said:

 

Have a look at this 6" trout swimbait, IIRC this sold at close to $200.00..Back when I bought mine, it was $150.00.

 

https://www.316lurecompany.com/Top-Hook--Line-Thru--6-Freestyle-Trout_p_72.html

Big fan of his soft baits.

[deadadrift89]

Slow and steady mostly with a few twitches and/or pauses on retrieve