How to Fish With Swimbaits for Bass

Swimbaits are hard or soft plastic baits that are designed to mimic shad and other fish species that are important forage items for bass. Swimbaits are available in sizes ranging from 2 inches to 8 inches or longer. Many have distinct body sections that provide a realistic action when anglers retrieve them through the water. Most swimbaits sink when not retrieved, so anglers can reel them slowly along the bottom or quickly right at the surface.

Things You'll Need

  • Fishing rod and reel
  • 10- to 14-pound. test fishing line
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Instructions

    • 1

      Choose the proper swimbait equipment. A 7-foot rod of medium or medium-heavy action is best. Spool the reel with 10- to 14-pound monofilament line.

    • 2

      Attach the fishing line to the eye at the front of the bait with a Palomar knot.

    • 3

      Fish likely areas. Boat docks, emergent vegetation and brush or trees that hang over the water are good in shallow water. Weed flats in 7 feet to 12 feet of water are also good places, as are deep weed edges and drop-offs.

    • 4

      Cast the swimbait and let it sink for a few seconds. Then, retrieve it by alternately twitching your rod tip and turning the handle of the reel. Experiment with the aggressiveness with which you retrieve the lure. This type of presentation tends to be best in shallow water, over the tops of weeds and when fish are feeding near the top of the water.

    • 5

      Cast the swimbait and allow it to sink all the way to the bottom. Vary your retrieve speed as you reel it, but make sure to keep the bait near the bottom. From time to time, pull on your rod tip to cause the swimbait to scurry forward, which may cause a fish to strike. This retrieve is especially good when you're searching for fish alone weed edges and drop-offs.