Got Swimbaits?

Are Swim & Glide Baits Becoming The Next Chatterbait Craze?

Swimbaits have always been a thing but typically their use were confined to targeting big bass use by anglers in the big three; Texas, California and Florida.

These kinds of baits along with Glide Baits attract alot of interest at the fishing expos around the country and social media has done a ton for the bait segment and made them a ton more popular “mainstream” than in years past.

Many seem to think that these baits are now moving into “Chatterbait” craze status.

Recently, we have begun to see more and more of the smaller size “jointed” variations under five inches which for many has now opened the door to targeting Smallies with them especially when they mimic forage or baitfish colorations. In some instances, anglers are replacing the Jerkbait during various conditions with Swimbaits or Glidebaits.

These baits are far more associated with Largemouth Bass of course but that certainly does not mean that the Smallie when aggressive will not strike these baits especially given the fact that many may have never seen the action presented by a glide or swimbait.

Swimbaits and glide baits are both popular types of fishing lures used to imitate the movement of baitfish. However, they have distinct differences in their design and fishing applications.

Swimbaits are typically designed to create a realistic swimming action, mimicking the movement of live baitfish. They can come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors, and are usually made of soft plastic or hard materials like wood or metal. Some swimbaits may also have a paddle tail or a propeller to enhance their action in the water.

Glide baits, on the other hand, are designed to mimic the erratic movements of injured or dying baitfish. They have a long and narrow body with a flat head and tail section that allows them to glide back and forth in the water. Glide baits are often made of wood or hard plastic and require a steady and slow retrieve to achieve their desired action.

When to use swimbaits versus glide baits can depend on a few factors such as the type of fish you are targeting, water conditions, and personal preference.

Swimbaits are versatile and can be used in a wide range of fishing situations, from shallow to deep water, and can be retrieved at various speeds. They are particularly effective when fishing for larger predatory fish like bass, pike, and musky.

Glide baits, on the other hand, are most effective when targeting larger, more selective fish in clear water conditions. They are best used with a slow and steady retrieve, allowing the bait to glide and pause in the water, enticing fish to strike. Glide baits are often used when fishing for trophy-sized fish like musky, pike, and striped bass.

Ultimately, both swimbaits and glide baits can be effective in their respective fishing situations, and choosing the right lure depends on your fishing goals and the conditions of the water you are fish.

A few of the custom baitmakers that you may not be aware of that are producing some awesome, quality baits in this category are Dynasty Custom Lures, River City Bait Co. and Skunk River Baits. Many may be familiar with the likes of KGB Swimbaits (150-200$) for example but like many in the category these are not only very expensive in the category but also harder to come by. The regional custom baitmakers tend to be a more accessible price point for anglers though supply chain issues have impacted pricing over the last year and may once again this year forcing pries into the 30-40$.

While that citation Smallie thus far has alluded me with a Swim or Glide Bait, I have managed to boat quality largemouth including a 5.12#r in the Tidal Potomac and Occoquan River up from Belmont Bay with Dynasty Custom Lures coloration pattern here:

Throwing this bait was a ton of fun on the Occoquan this season during the late American and Hickory Shad run up the Occoquan River with pre spawn feeding up underway for the resident largemouth bass in the river positioning adjacent to the multiple docks and marinas in this area.

I prefer thus far the 5 inch size because it provides a bit more opportunities in our region but the 7” is every bit a solid bait especially in larger, open water or deeper areas above grass lines or rising water conditions.

As you can by the pictures here there are various differences in the “pivot” or “joints” which change your action considerably. This is why you may want to have more than one of the swim or glides with either a single or double pivot in your arsenal.

Hoping to get a few more of the custom colorations patterns from these custom baitmakers to cover on the water on the You Tube Channel that are in Shiner, Threadfin, Gizzard forage patterns so people can see more about how effective these baits can be and break the conception they are only for the big three bass fishing states.

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Monthly Giveaways!

Hopefully we can get some custom swimbaits for the MONTHLY GIVEAWAYS but stay tuned for our late summer CUSTOM BAITMAKER Charity Auction where we have baitmakers provided with blanks create some awesome baits to benefit charities in the area of Veterans and Autism.

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