Swim Baits for River Smallies

[Scorpio]

Have any of you guys had much luck using swim baits to catch river smallies?  I just can't seem to have any luck with them.  If so, what kind of retrieve do you use?  What size and type of swim baits?  Does anyone use the large (5-inch or larger) type?

[EdKras]

berkley T tail minnow. fish it on a small weighted swimbait hook or jighead.  I usually go with the larger size,  but the smaller one might be good if the bite was tough or the bait was small.

[yellowcard129]

Here in Minnesota swim baits seem to produce very well in the spring and in the fall but not so much in the summer. I stick with the mimic minnow silver shiner 1/4 oz size or 3/8oz if the current is fast. My buddies have alot of luck on the berkley hollow belly swimbaits very expensive though.

http://www.northlandtackle.com/Category/main.taf?cat=213

[Chris W]

I have had good luck here in TN and in Canada with Strike Kings swimbait in the 4.5 and 5.5 inch size. They hit it really hard like they would a spinnerbait.

[Scorpio]

Thanks for the help guys.  

I have tried numerous paddle tail swim baits, without luck.  The flukes work great, I agree.  Thanks again.

[roadwarrior]

Try the Swim Senko. This is how it's rigged and fished:

http://www.insideline.net/articles/swim_senko.html

8-)

[Scorpio]

Good suggestion on the swim senko.  I tried these this weekend on the advice of someone else and did catch a few on it, even when the other "fish-looking" swim baits did not work.  Thanks

[hawgwalker]

california swimbabe, especially in the spring Heres a pic:

[sodaksker]

In my area I use the smallest size swim bait made by storm, in a white or pearl color.  I have more luck jigging it or slow yo yo ing.

[Scorpio]

I finally had some luck (very modest though) using the 5-inch berkley saltwater swimbait with a one-half-0unce bullet head glued to the plastic. This is how Doug Stange from In-Fisherman presents the lure. I caught three in a two-hour span, the biggest being 15 inches and the smallest about 8 inchs (hardly bigger than the bait). I realize that time of year may also be a factor in using these big baits.

Thanks for all of the replies.

[riverfisher]

Iv had some good luck for river smally's using a Strike King King Shad. Even dinks the size of the bait have hit it oh and the Pike and Tiger Musky lov'em to!!