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I recently purchased some Swim Baits -- but to be honest , I'm really not sure how to fish them. I've seen them used on tv so I thought I wold give them a try. The brand name start with a S----- ends with a M . I don't want to plug anyone , but I do need some advise. Thanks

Bobby, need more info. Are you talking about soft plastic jerk baits? Swimming minnow baits? Built-in swimming action or imparted action. Send more info we'll help ya out. Will be an interesting post. Johnnie

Bobby, I have no idea what company you are referring to. I've used the Optima swim baits from California. They are pretty nice. The Storm ones....wait, that is what you meant S---M. Sorry. Those are really good looking baits. I've also poured a 6" pabble tail shad for stripers but I've yet to use it on LMB's

I guess now I'll answer your question. basically I slowly swim these baits. I would best explain the method as just like slider fishing only the bait is much heavier overall. I keep it close to the bottom and just slowly wind it in. Mahopac bass are suckers for this in the mouths of the coves.

Bobby,

I have used the Storm swim baits you are talking about for both LMB & SMB. Craig's method works well. Simply cast them out and reel them back in. It's just like swimming a grub. The key to those baits is keeping the tail moving. If you fish them like you would fish a spinnerbait or lipless crankbait, you'll connect with some fish.



A lot of guys are also using the heavy swim baits (3/4 - 1 1/2 oz) in deep water. There are several advantages to these baits when you get over 20 feet. First of all, have you ever just dropped one over the side of the boat and watched it fall? On the fall, the paddle tail works perfectly, kick hard to the bottom, just like a bait fish. If you ever fish live bait in open water, you'll know what I mean. Drop a bait fish over the side and they immediately start kicking hard for the bottom. A lot of your strikes will come on the initial fall with these baits. Watch your line and feel the bait down to the bottom.

On the bottom, you can work it like Craig had mentioned, or you can hop or pump it back to the boat giving the bait a "Yo-Yo" type motion.

Another option is to rip the bait side ways. This can be deadly in deep water. Make a long cast let the bait free fall and when it hits bottom, keep your rod parallel to the water surface and rip the baits sideways instead of lifting. You want the bait to really move, this is not a slow presentation. In fact, you might find yourself more successful if you work the bait really fast... Just make sure it keeps making contact with the bottom after each rip.

Let us know if any of these methods can fit into situations that you come accross when you're out fishing.

Take Care,
BC

Once again the Pro Staff Team has cme to my rescue . As I first stated win I logged on the 1st time -- I'm new to all of this; but I really want to learn. And your whole staff is unbeliveable with their knowledge and advice and their willingese to share . I have more ?'s but that is for another time . Thank you

Bobby, you have gotten some top rated advice from the Pro Staff and all of it is effective. Swim baits are very good in clear water or in stained, but in stained water I like to add a rattle insert and some Fish Formula Shad. I too simply swim the bait back to me, keep a tight line, the strike will most likely be a tic and then mushy weight, set the hook with a sweeping action, not really a tear their heads off jerk. I believe one mistake anglers make with swim baits is using too light of weight. The weight is what makes the baits tail wag as it sinks and the weight keeps the baits head down like a bait fish searching for food, plus, the weight keeps the head down and the hook slightly elevated to assure less snags. Good luck and keep those questions coming, we enjoy hearing from you. Johnnie. P.S. It's okay to mention brand names, it helps us to establish exactly which technique might work best. We just don't want anyone to fill the board with their products or their favorites.