Which swim bait do I pick

[Hillbilly in Cali]

I am new to Southern, CA and I have heard a lot about swim baits. I have looked online and prices range from $5 to over $100. Is there really a difference or is the color/style the key.

[Rob Cummings]

Let's get some more info from ya...where ya fishin...what lake/lakes? Are you just lookin to stick a giant or you lookin more to catch numbers of decent fish?

To me color is not as important as presentation and matching yourself to a bait you don't mind chuckin for 4-10 hours a day.

[phatmat]

I suggest going to the Bass-a-thon at Anglers Marine in November and looking around. There are a lot of really good fisherman who frequent this site as well as others who will be there and will probably tell you about swimbaits. There might even be some new baits that show up at the show, or shoot, maybe you can pick up a free boat on Sunday in the raffle! Oh, yeah don't forget your checkbook!

[tunaman]

Like Rob said, you need to provide more details in order to get really helpful and specific information. However, I'll list some of the more common names (in no particular order) for you so you have some points of reference to research:

• Huddleston
  MS Slammer
  Triple Trout
  BBZ-1
  LA Slider
  Osprey
  Swimbabes

Any of the above can work really well under certain circumstances, and there are plenty more that aren't listed above. Post some specifics and the experts here will certainly provide direction.

Good luck,
Roger

[oakview]

Don't for get the Rago "Tool" in both sizes and the 3:16 10" wakebait and Armagedon....

D.

[Oldschool]

Welcome to CA. Being new to any area it is a good idea to hire a good guide to show how to fish the lake and what lures to use etc.
Explain what you want to learn and start there.
IMO the 6" swimbaits are a better choice to start with because you can fish them with standard heavy or med/hvy bait casting tackle.
Optimum, Swim Babes Baby E, Huddleston, MegaBait LA Slider, Castaic Soft bait, Basstrix, etc., all work well. Trout patterns in socal work well during the colder water periods, just about everywhere.
Get at least two depth running baits; shallow down to 10' and deep down to 35' to cover the water column.
You can search this site or others for posts regarding how to fish swimbaits. Good luck.
Tom

[Hillbilly in Cali]

thanks for the info. I have only fished Castiac once from the bank. I am in the Army and I have deploy a lot in the past and don't want to buy a boat that is going to sit for long periods and not be used. I live on Ft Irwin, near Barstow. I am looking to catch at least one big fish while I am here in Cali. Most of the fishing will be done from the bank but I have checked out a few guides online to go out with when I get a chance.

[Gator]

Hillbilly - I cannot do anything for you in SoCal...but if you are ever plannin to be up north (Delta area) let me know.....my boat and gear will be at your disposal.....

[tunaman]

thanks for the info. I have only fished Castiac once from the bank. I am in the Army and I have deploy a lot in the past and don't want to buy a boat that is going to sit for long periods and not be used. I live on Ft Irwin, near Barstow. I am looking to catch at least one big fish while I am here in Cali. Most of the fishing will be done from the bank but I have checked out a few guides online to go out with when I get a chance.

That certainly puts a different light on your quest... bank fishing for the bigger fish is a different animal altogether. First of all, I'd have to say your best bet is to take some guide trips with some of the guys known for being able to get the swimbait fish... I went out with Art Berry (who is a GREAT guy, excellent angler and a real treat to fish with) last year and he got me onto my first swimbait fish (5 1/2 pounds) at DVL, then the following week I went out by myself and got a 7.69 pounder that was my personal best until last week. Being on a boat with someone who really knows what they're doing allows for proper positioning, retrieve, bait and location for that particular time. There are a bunch of great guides who frequent this site and operate at the 'big fish' lakes like DVL, Casitas, Hodges, etc. All you have to do is ask, and I'm sure many members will be glad to PM you references and recommendations.

If you're really determined to catch one from the bank, I know there's a dedicated group of anglers who fish the banks at DVL frequently, and I know they get some nice LMB and stripers from time to time. Being that you're out by Barstow, you're probably most close to Lake Isabella... I know there's a good bass population there, but not sure about bank opportunities. You could probably also focus on Castaic, as it is world-renowned for its big bass, although I'm not convinced the fishery is near its former glory (no flames please - could be wrong?).

Lastly, as recommended you really should plan to spend at least a day at the Bass-A-Thon, as you will have an opportunity to meet many who can help fill in the blanks, learn more about the baits, techniques and locations than you would reading, and see and touch all the different types, styles and models of baits available.

Good luck with your quest!!!

Roger

[ken burk]

go ahead and take the hillbilly but not the REDNECK! I get no respect.... just jokin'

[Ray B]

There are a ton of baits out there and most are good but only a hanfull are exceptional. Here are some I recomend. ANYTHING by Huddleston! Anything by Mattlures! Any hardbait by 3:16 and mission fish. Original Ms Slammer, Rago Rat. Tripple trout. You could get away with these and never need to buy any other swim baits, but what fun would that be?
These are truly the cream of the crop though.

[Hillbilly in Cali]

I would like everyone for being so kind. I normelly work two weeks straight then get four days off to do some fishing. I will try some of the lakes suggested and try to make the tourny to see what the real deal is. Good luck to all and thanks for the info.

Smitty

[tunaman]

Not sure about your comment above regarding the 'tournament', you may be referring to the "HBC" big bass tournament that Ron and JB are putting together, but there's also mention from a couple of us regarding the Bass-A-Thon. Just in case you're not aware of the distinction, it is a showcase event with seminars, sponsors' displays and booths, and lots of anglers to socialize and talk with:



If I misconstrued the comment as confusion, sorry for the plug for BAT.

Roger