Tw swimmer, huddleston, and swimbaits in general

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Permalink Reply by Tag Watson on March 2, 2013 at 6:29am

To really dial in swimbait fishing, you need to dedicate the time to throw them exclusively. It's not like picking up a new soft plastic rig and giving it a few casts on a rockpile to see if you'll get some attention. Ask any angler on here who has put in their time with some larger swimbaits: Blandi, Ryan P., Bavery, Berto, etc. You can expect to go hours and even days between bites with the biggest swimbaits. The Hudd 68 should be a perfect size for gaining confidence before dedicating more time to the Deluxe. It will work year around with the right approach.

The TW Swimmer 475 and 550 are on the smaller side but still catch quality largemouth and smallmouth consistently. They work well fished from slow rolled right on the bottom all the way to the upper portion of the water column. Retrieve speed and setting up with the correct angles in the area you are fishing are critical to success. Good luck!

Permalink Reply by Russ Kroeker on March 2, 2013 at 10:30am

Hey.  I hear your frustration.  First thing that I'd consider (if you haven't yet) is join a club and find another dude that'll take you out for a day of Swimbait fishing.  If that doesn't work, than tie one on and dedicate 2-3 fishing trips to nothing but 1 o2 different baits.  Maybe not even bring another rod!

In my own personal experience, I caught a small fish on my first early morning outing, than a 5.5 lb'r on my second at 3 in the afternoon.  Try different times and depths, but fish the same lake for at least a couple days and work it out.  I've found that fishing Hudd's parallel and close to docks (like a spinnerbait) is a fun and productive way to start.  Docks are always a confidence location for Bass fisherman.  If you are too freaked out to fish a $25 bait around wood, try the Weedless Hudd.  I prefer the 6" for ease and accuracy/speed of casting.  The ROF5 lets you slow roll it within 6" of the surface if you like, whereas the TW swimmer with the Revenge head can quickly (and cheaply) take you to ANY depth, like steep banks.  I know the other guys (like Tag) prefer the 8"+ baits cause they are looking for monsters, but I prefer numbers of decent fish, and the 6" rutinely catches 3 to 6 lb fish, and sometimes bigger (i know about 8 lb fish caught with the 6" Hudd easy).  I have Tendon damage in my arms, so it's the heaviest I can cast anyway.

Do some research on the web to find the right gear too.  I wouldn't probably use a rod under 7'6".  I use 20-25 mono with a stiff rod, some use Braid, some use Flouro.  My preference is based on the stiffness of my rod, and that I my bait has a SINGLE hook (on the weedless Hudd), so I lay into the fish with my hookset, whereas most of the 68 guys just Reel Back.  I use a slow retrieve with a lower geared reel.

When it warms a bit, pre-spawn is AWESOME!!!!  But, be careful, I've found that these baits can ruin your confidence at first if you are running to a different lake every week, expecting the same results.  Different temps, depths, Trout plantings and colors, moon phases, and most of all...swimbait pressure (guys using the same baits on the docks you are running) can kill the bite.

Last, but NOT least...RETIE AFTER EVERY BIG FISH YOU CATCH!!!  It's really not worth losing a $25 swimbait because of laziness, like I did after that 5.5 lb largemouth.

Hope that was helpful a bit!

God bless,

Russ K.

Permalink Reply by Daniel Bavery on March 2, 2013 at 4:45pm

As already stated, but it cannot be stressed enough, is dont even begin to toss swimbaits without the correct gear FIRST! That means no cheap line, rods, reels, anything. Heavy lures will put enough stress on your gear, but a big pissed off bass with increase that. You will be surprised when these guys will almost rip your rod out your grippers. Also, do not buy garbage swimbaits. Storm, Reaction Strike, there is a few more that are just weak. Spend the money and you will be thankful you did.

 

There is plenty of swimbait websites out there, do your homework or you will be selling me your used swimbait stuff when you get frustrated ;). The problem with starting with smaller swimbaits is you will get a false sense of confidence, then once you get into the 8"+ swims you will see exactly what i mean. Not saying dont do that, but it has to be kept in mind.

Other than targeting big fish, you can locate them also. I have had numerous days with 20+ follows without a singe bite, its horribly frustrating. The thing you have to keep in mind and on your boat is a followup bait. It should be different but comparible in size AND color pattern.

 

Now one of the most important things you can buy...at least 2 different types of lure retrievers. I have 4 in my boat. One trip with a lure retriever will pay for itself, just trust me on this.

 

I am in no way a swimbait master like Tag be, but I have done it enough and gone weeks without a bite to know the basic do's and donts. Just know cheap gear will get you missed fish, bad hookups, and worst of all your personal best might get away right in front of your eyes. Also, you will have to learn to "load" the rod when casting, its different than casting anything heavy, some cast good some dont. If when you cast your bait is flopping around in the air end over end, you arent casting correctly. Keep that in mind.

 

A couple websites for used baits to save you cash:

 

swimbaitnation.com

bbcboards.net

 

Dan

 

 

Permalink Reply by Chris Blandi on March 2, 2013 at 8:43pm

Logan, good to see you are getting into bigger baits.  It can be a good, or bad thing or a combination of both we shall see.  You have got some great advice so far.  One thing I noticed so far, is when you first posted your swimbait setup pic.  I think you said something like, " I can't wait til spring to try this out".  That was your first mistake.  Just casting these baits properly can take up to a year to learn.  If you haven't been using your baits yet this year, you better start quick or you'll be looking pretty funky when those fish are ready to go on the chew. 

Have you been reading up on swimbaits, on forum's ?  You will learn a ton just from reading, so if you haven't been doing that I would do so. 

Do you plan on throwing swimbaits only all day, or are you going to be mixing in some brush hogs and finesse baits ?  If you pick it up and put it down quickly, it's not going to work out too well for you. 

Huge props for the lure retriever tip, if you don't have one I'd get one before you head out.  I use mine on jigs just as much as swimbaits. 

Permalink Reply by Logan Little on March 3, 2013 at 10:20am

I have already been throwing it for awhile an I'm adjusted to the feel of the heavy weight. I did not plan on throwing any cheap swimbaits. I've learned that you get what you pay for. I will definatly have to buy a lure retriever though. Thanks so much for the pointers.

Permalink Reply by Logan Little on March 3, 2013 at 10:24am

And I have also done my fair share of reading, but I've been a little shaky on applying what works in California to lakes around here. So I decided to ask the local guys.

Permalink Reply by Russ Kroeker on March 3, 2013 at 2:02pm

Hey.  I've never liked the lure retriever that I've been using the last few years.  Can you guys list some models/brands that you are currently happy with?

Permalink Reply by P.J. Koshi on March 3, 2013 at 5:52pm

I have one made by a local guy called the Squid.  It is a crazy looking deal but it has worked the couple times I have used it...

Russ Kroeker said:

Hey.  I've never liked the lure retriever that I've been using the last few years.  Can you guys list some models/brands that you are currently happy with?

Permalink Reply by Daniel Bavery on March 4, 2013 at 7:14am

There is one on bbcboards.net that a guy makes called the Magnum I believe. It come in at 9oz so its much easier to your heavier swimbaits unsnagged. Thought I saw it in an online store but I cant be sure. Either way, look at bbcboards and you will find it

 

Dan