Swimbait fishing can be harder on a fisherman's mind than the actual challenge of fishing the lure. The sheer size of big swimbaits tend to scare off fishermen that are not yet comfortable with the presentation. Many fishermen end up throwing a smaller swimbait as the size is more familiar to them. As a result, anglers tend to keep catching the same average-sized bass that they usually catch.
Some fishermen think that swimbaits are just too big to be effective and in some ways this concern is valid. Big swimbaits are definitely more of a challenge, but sometimes that challenge can lead to a personal best and huge bass!
Even though, fishing a swimbait may seem slow and it may seem like those big fish are non-existent, there is always one waiting around the bend – somewhere – ready to smash swimbaits.
COMMIT TO BIG SWIMBAIT FOR BIG BASS
Throwing swimbaits like Huddlestons, Thumper Tails and even glide baits is no secret to catching big bass. The problem is that people don't fully commit to the swimbait bite. If you have the patience, this technique of fishing can bring great results.
Don't get me wrong, some days are going to be slow and you may only get a couple bites – if any at all... but, the ones that do commit and strike are going to be worth the fight and can result in some of the biggest fish you will catch all year!
WANT BIG BASS? GET SWIMBAIT READY!
Before taking your swimbait to the water, there are a few tricks that can improve the action and hook up ratio of the bait.
One of those tricks is to boil the back half of the swimbait for about a minute (only the back half) and then let it hang to dry. Do this to swimbaits that are a little stiff out of the package. This will break down the soft plastic and allow the tail to kick harder, which will give the bait more action.
Another tip is to add a stinger hook to the top or back portion of the bait. If you do decide to throw a stinger hook, make sure that it's at the top of the bait! Bottom stinger hooks have a tendency to get caught on rocks and debris and no one likes losing swimbaits that can cost north of $30 – some very north!
SWIMBAIT GEAR
When throwing a large swimbait, gear is one of the most important aspects of the game. Throwing swimbaits all day can really take a toll on your body. It's not easy casting those heavy baits hundreds of times a day, but with the right gear, you can keep yourself energized and focused on the task at hand: catching big bass!
A long, extra-heavy swimbait rod can really make swimbait fishing a more enjoyable experience and allow you to fish longer days. I like the Muse Black, paired with the Concept A3 swimbait reel by 13 Fishing.
Just as important as your gear, the body of water that you’re fishing is crucial to your success. You want to focus throwing swimbaits on big bodies of water that hold a high percentage of largemouth bass populations.
Lake Berryessa (Northern strain largemouth bass), Clear Lake (Florida strain largemouth bass), and the California Delta are perfect examples of these types of fisheries. You can take a swimbait and work banks, offshore structures, and docks all day long and have a pretty good chance at boating a big fish.
SWIMBAITING RETRIEVE MATTERS
I can't tell you how important it is to slow roll the bait and keep it as deep as you can. Having a slow retrieve, but just fast enough to get the tail to kick, is key. Even pausing the bait will help keep it in the strike zone longer and give the big bass a better chance to attack.
Keeping the bait along the bottom is what you’ve got to do! Not every lake or reservoir with largemouth bass is going to provide huge fish to eat swimbaits like Clear Lake does, but it is possible if you stay committed. Remember, even average-sized bass will eat a swimbait. Not every fish caught on a swimbait is going to be a trophy, so do your homework to increase your chances of getting that big fish.
The bottom line about swimbait fishing is that it can be an exhausting, slow day. Some days you won't get a single bite. But, the potential of catching a personal best or catching a double-digit fish is there. Having the right gear and being on the right water at the right time can and will produce memories you will never forget. So, next time you're sitting on the couch thinking about fishing, remember to grab your swimbaits and your patience and hit the water. You never know what might happen.
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