Best Swimbaits for Bass Fishing – Top 10 Picks Tested
Best Swimbaits for Bass Fishing – Top 10 Picks Tested
We’ve compiled a list of great swimbaits that we primarily use for bass fishing. When it comes to bass fishing, there are mainly two options: hard baits, and soft plastic swimbaits, and we utilize both types. In our list, there are also some baits that we personally don’t use but have been tried and tested by several individuals within our circle. Therefore, we’ve personally tested them and compiled a list of the best swimbaits for bass fishing.
Stay with us as we go through each feature and its potential benefits for you. We’ve also highlighted the size element of each so that you can choose the best size swimbait.
We’ve covered other types of bass fishing lures/baits as well. You must give it a read!
Bass Fishing Swimbaits Divisions
Hard Swimbaits For Bass Fishing
Hard swimbaits are like the transformers of fishing. They look super real, with scales, fins, and eyes that make them seem like actual fish. They come in different sizes and weights, so you can cast them far or use them in deep water. Plus, they move in a way that’s just like a real fish, thanks to their bendy joints. And they’re tough too, so they don’t break easily when big fish go for them. For your better understanding, we’ve categorized hard baits further:
Single-Jointed Swimbaits – With one hinge, these lures have a wide tail motion. They swim in a simple, repetitive way that tempts active fish.
Multi-Jointed Swimbaits – Having multiple hinges allows these lures to bend and move in a very flexible, snake-like pattern. This can trigger bites from fish that are hesitant or curious.
Glide Baits – Not jointed, but designed to move in a wide, S-shaped glide when retrieved. Great for imitating an injured fish to get strikes.
Wakebaits – They are a kind of hard swimbait that are made to stay on top of the water. Wakebaits create a wake as they move. This can attract bass that are feeding near the surface.
Soft Swimbaits For Bass Fishing
Now, onto soft swimbaits, which are like the contortionists of fishing lures. They’re made of soft, bendy plastic that moves just like real prey when you wiggle your fishing rod. They come in all sorts of sizes, shapes, and colors, so you can pick one that looks like the food fish in the area.
Some even have yummy smells added to them to attract fish even more! And you can rig them up in different ways, depending on where you’re fishing – like with hidden hooks for thick bushes or with special heads for deep water. We’ve also categorized soft plastic swimbaits for bass:
Paddle Tail Swim Baits – A paddle tail swim bait has a flat broad tail that wags to and fro as you pull it in letting out a vibration in the water that fish feel with their side lines. It is ideal for a slow and steady retrieve and can be used in various depths.
Curl Tail Swim Baits – With a tail that curls around and spins these swim baits make a special action which copies a miniature bait fish or other water creatures. At very low speeds even the tail still wiggles around so it is great for finesse presentations.
Jerk Shads – Normally longer and thinner with a flat tail, these swim baits dart about when you jerk the rod. This imitation of an escaping or injured minnow can induce hard strikes.
Creature to bait – While they are not traditional swim baits, but rather creature baits with a similarly soft plastic composition and appearance. Insects, crustaceans and other water creatures often form their shapes so as to allow bass anglers to aim at specific prey sources.
10 Best Swimbaits That We Use for Bass Fishing
1. Keitech Swing Impact FAT – This lure’s two-tone color and squid scent attract fish, while its grooved body creates enticing vibrations in the water.
2. Basstrix Paddle Tail – Known for its hollow body design, this lure’s tail mimics a real swimming fish, making it irresistible to bass.
3. Bass Assassin Shad Assassin Swimbait – Featuring strategic cuts for versatile rigging, this lure’s fat tail wiggles enticingly, prompting bass strikes.
4. Megabass Magdraft – With a built-in magnet holding the hook tight, this sleek lure reduces snagging while maintaining effective hook sets.
5. Z-MAN HERC4-259 Herculez Swimbait – Designed for heavy brush, this lure’s elevated hook prevents snagging while still ensuring solid catches.
6. DunMuan’s Jointed Swimbait 8 Segments – With eight bendy parts, this lure moves like a snake and looks like a real fish.
7. G-Ratt Baits Poppa Pete Lure – This lure splashes and moves side to side, attracting fish.
8. Storm Arashi Glide – Moving in an S shape with a spinning part, this lure helps hooks catch fish better.
9. Deps Slide Swimmer 250 – Designed for big bass, this lure slides naturally with a soft outside and hard inside.
10. Original Bull Shad Swimbait – Strong and realistic, this lure withstands big bass bites without breaking.
1. Keitech Swing Impact FAT
Squid Scent – It has a strong squid smell that attracts bass.
Lively Tail – The tail moves a lot and vibrates like real baitfish.
Multiple Sizes – You can choose sizes from 2.8 inches to 4.8 inches. Different sizes work better in different fishing spots.
Variety of Colors – It comes in colors like Chartreuse Shad, Bluegill Flash, and Green Pumpkin. You can match the lure to the baitfish in your area.
Tough Plastic – The soft plastic material is durable and won’t rip easily when fish bite.
Package – Each pack contains 7 lures, which is a good value if you use them often.
Recommended Hook – For best results, use a size #1/0 Offset Worm Hook.
Versatile Rigging – You can rig it with weighted hooks, swim jigs, and spinnerbaits. This lets you try different fishing techniques.
Pros
- Resists Tearing Durably
- Enticing Tail Vibration
- Rigging Flexibility High
- Enhanced Squid Scent
- Efficient Pack Quantity
Cons
- Slightly Higher Expense
- Frequent Replacements Needed
- Specific Scent Profile
2. Hollow Swimbait – Basstrix Paddle Tail
Realistic Appearance – The lure looks and moves just like a live fish. This helps catch fish more easily in clear water.
Hollow Body Design – The hollow body lets you put weight inside. This lets the lure swim at different depths.
Color and Size – It comes in a 3.5-inch size and Tennessee Shad color. This matches small fish that bass eat.
Moves Naturally – The soft plastic lets the lure move smoothly through the water. It doesn’t look fake or stiff.
Versatile Rigging Options – You can rig it with a top or belly hook. That way it works in weedy areas too.
High Quality Made – Because it’s made in the USA, the quality is excellent and reliable.
Targeted Application – Shad are common food for bass. So this lure works great where shad swim around.
Pros
- Realistic Baitfish Mimicry
- Customizable Weight Placement
- Flexible Rigging Options
- Natural Swimming Action
- Effective Shad Imitation
Cons
- Limited Size Options
- Specialized Forage Use
- Higher Investment Cost
3. Bass Assassin Shad Assassin Swimbait
Lifelike Appearance – It is made to look exactly like a real shad fish. This helps trick hungry fish into biting.
Size Variety – You can get it in either 4-inch or 5-inch lengths. This lets you match the size of baitfish that fish are eating.
Color Selection – Colors include Chartreuse Pepper Shad, Black Shad, and Silver Mullet. The right color helps it look natural in different waters.
Slim Body with Fat Belly – The slim body and fat belly make it look just like a real baitfish from the side.
Soft, Flexible Plastic – It’s made of soft, bendable plastic. This lets it wiggle and move like a real baitfish in the water.
Versatile Rigging Options – You can attach it to a jig head or weighted hook. This allows fishing at various depths and around cover.
Packaging and Quantity – You get 8 lures in each pack. This gives you good value and enough for multiple fishing trips.
Great for Catching Bass – While made for bass, it can also catch other predatory freshwater and brackish water fish species.
Pros
- Realistic Shad Imitation
- Can use on various depths
- Durable Plastic Construction
Cons
- Limited Size Variety
- Shad-Specific Targeting
- Moderately High Cost
4. Best Rigged Soft Plastic – Megabass Magdraft
MAGHOLD System – Utilizes a magnet to secure the treble hook against the lure’s body, enhancing its natural profile and reducing snags.
Lifelike Appearance and Action – Designed to swim with a realistic motion, complemented by a thumping paddle tail that mimics live baitfish.
Weed-Guard Fins – Equipped with side fins that act as weed guards, allowing for fishing near cover and structure without fouling.
Durable Plastic Construction – Crafted from high-quality plastic for durability, making it suitable for targeting large bass.
Size and Weight – Measures 6 inches in length and weighs 1.25 ounces, ideal for attracting bigger fish.
Variety of Colors – Available in a range of colors including Albino Pearl Shad, Ayu, and Biwako Shad, to match various fishing conditions and preferences.
Targeted Species – Specifically designed for catching bass, with features that cater to big fish angling.
Paddle Tail – The tail design enhances the lure’s action, providing a convincing simulation of a swimming fish.
Pros
- Minimizes Snagging Risk
- Lifelike Baitfish Simulation
- Durable Plastic Build
- Multiple Color Selections
Cons
- Higher Cost Investment
- Only good for Open water
- Potential Durability Issues
5. Z-MAN HERC4-259 Herculez Swimbait – Top Hook Soft Swimbait
MAGHOLD System – Utilizes a magnet to secure the treble hook against the lure’s body, enhancing its natural profile and reducing snags.
Lifelike Appearance and Action – Designed to swim with a realistic motion, complemented by a thumping paddle tail that mimics live baitfish.
Weed-Guard Fins – Equipped with side fins that act as weed guards, allowing for fishing near cover and structure without fouling.
Durable Plastic Construction – Crafted from high-quality plastic for durability, making it suitable for targeting large bass.
Size and Weight – Measures 6 inches in length and weighs 1.25 ounces, ideal for attracting bigger fish.
Variety of Colors – Available in a range of colors including Albino Pearl Shad, Ayu, and Biwako Shad, to match various fishing conditions and preferences.
Targeted Species – Specifically designed for catching bass, with features that cater to big fish angling.
Paddle Tail – The tail design enhances the lure’s action, providing a convincing simulation of a swimming fish.
Pros
- Minimizes Snagging Risk
- Lifelike Baitfish Simulation
- Durable Plastic Build
- Multiple Color Selections
Cons
- Higher Cost Investment
- Only good for Open water
- Potential Durability Issues
6. DunMuan – Jointed Swimbait 8 Segments
High Flexibility – The eight segments mean that it bends around very naturally and gracefully; in motion, just like a fish having been brought to life.
Effective in Clear Waters – When deformed, the sight is always similar to what bass and other carnivorous species would expect in situations where visual realism is essential.
Versatile Action – S pattern, moving up or down slightly; big wiggles with a straight line. The lure is designed so that anglers can adjust its behavior according to their needs in relation to water conditions.
Lifelike Appearance – The little fish has a characteristic eye in the same place, punctuated by black and white spots. The lines on the body are maroon in color.
The Massive Bass Croweater – Its life-like appearance and movements are a special godsend when it comes to hooking larger bass, making this the best choice for fishing trophies.
Pros
- Highly Flexible Movement
- Clear Water Suitable
- Versatile Swimming Actions
- Extremely Lifelike Design
- Effective for Bass
Cons
- Higher Price Tag
- Requires Skillful Handling
- Limited Shallow Use
7. G-Ratt Baits: Best Value Hard Bait
Interchangeable Tails – Allow quick changes between the most efficient tails for the conditions encountered in different types of fishing.
Free-Moving Hooks – Better than fixed hooks, the hooks move freely, remaining imbedded for a longer time and making it much harder for fish to escape.
Sleek Slow Glide – At low speeds, it looks very natural moving through the water.
Erratic Fast Action – High-speed shown causes baitfish to lead a disturbed existence, this stimulates prey instincts in predators, and they will strike.
Attractive Rattle – Fish are attracted by the rattle but are not frightened away.
Construction – Thoroughly durable, built to take tough fights from large fish.
Strong Hooks – Equipped with robust, large enough to land even the toughest fish.
Versatile Fishing Tool – Whether used in open water, Assistant the angler may find this bait increases his confidence and effectiveness in various parts of the workplace.
Pros
- Retains Hooked Fish
- Smooth Slow Glide
- Tough Lure Build
- Strong Robust Hooks
- Enhances Fishing Success
Cons
- Potential Tail Loss
- Limited Color Options
- Higher Cost Investment
- Not Weedless Design
8. Storm Arashi Glide – Best Glide Bait
Side to side action: This makes it realistic that it could entices bass to strike.
Slow Sinking Rate: This allows it to remain in the strike zone longer and increase bass’ visibility towards it.
Lenght & Weigh – 7 1/2 inch length, 3 1/8 ounce weight for big strikes.
Color Variety – Theres Black Silver Shad and Blue Back Herring models to choose from.
Material – Toned for durability and long life.
Action Type: Glide action is medium-fast sinking with slow-sinking versatility.
Hooks – Swiveling VMC 2/0 hooks made this lure makes your hands ”fish landing easy” and also minimizes the chances of going over the side.
Construction – Triple hinge design is in three parts so the tail looks more life like when it moves. Besides, it includes a spare tail for replacement.
Pros
- Mimics Injured Baitfish
- Extended Strike Visibility
- Slow-Sinking Action
- Swiveling Strong Hooks
- Enhanced Movement Construction
Cons
- Higher Price Point
- Limited Color Selection
- Specialized Technique Needed
9. Big Fish Glide: Deps Slide Swimmer 250
Good Length and Movement – It is 250 mm long and moves like a real little fish swimming.
Easy to See – The “Flash Carp” color helps anglers spot the lure in different light.
Strong Materials – Made of tough ABS plastic so it won’t break easily.
Premium Price – Costs €103.89 because it is a high-quality, effective lure.
Japanese Bait – Designed in Japan to catch really big bass.
Works Best in Clear Water – Performs great in clear lakes and rivers for catching huge fish.
Pros
- Mimics Small Baitfish
- Enhances Visibility Effectively
- Durable ABS Material
- Japanese Engineered Design
- Proven Trophy Catcher
Cons
- High Price Point
- Limited Stock Availability
- Limited Use in terms of size
10. Starter Swimbait – Original Bull Shad
Realistic Baitfish Simulation – The physique of the bait simulates real baitfish motion with its jointed bionics.
Cost-effective – Valued at €24.88, it’s for beginners who are looking for less expensive options.
Material and Build – Manufactured in plastic, this design provides adequate longevity for regular usage.
Color and Design – Comes in the color “Rayburn’s Revenge” with a four-section jointed body.
Length and Weight – Three and a half inches long (9.5 cm), weighing 0.75 ounces–versatile for fishing in various locales.
Brand and Legacy – Brought to you by Mike Bucca, known for supplying quality swimbaits.
Speed Flexibility – It is good both slow or fast, depending on your technique–a great advantage in many rivers.
Pros
- Natural Baitfish Mimicry
- Affordable Entry Price
- Sufficient Material Durability
- Distinctive Color Option
- Suitable Size Range
- Trusted Brand Quality
- Flexible Speed Performance
Cons
- Single Size Only
- Limited Color Choices
- Plastic – Less Durable
Our Checklist When We Buy Swimbait For Bass
Below are some of the attributes a bait should have if you’re hunting for bass. Make it your checklist of bass or even others as well.
- Realistic Appearance: Mimics natural prey to attract bass.
- Durable Construction: Withstands multiple aggressive strikes and prolonged use.
- Balanced Swimming Action: Ensures lifelike movement to entice predatory fish.
- Covers All Water Columns: Allows targeting of bass at various depths, from surface to bottom.
- Variety of Sizes: Matches the prevalent forage sizes in the fishing area to increase bite rates.
- Weedless Options: Prevents snagging in heavy cover, increasing effectiveness in vegetated areas.
- Versatile Color Patterns: Adapts to different water conditions and light levels for optimal visibility.
- Suitable Weight: Aids in casting distance and depth precision, enhancing lure placement.
- High-Quality Hooks: Ensures reliable hooksets and reduces the chance of fish escaping.
- Durable Material: Resists tearing and damage from bites, prolonging the bait’s life.
Our Proven Tips For Using Swimbaits for Bass
Alright, let’s talk strategy for bass fishing with swimbaits. First off, when you’re out on the water, keep your eyes peeled for structures like logs, plants, and docks lurking beneath the surface. These are prime hiding spots for bass, where they lay in wait to ambush their prey.
Now, timing is key. If you want to up your chances of landing a big one, aim for early mornings, late evenings, or when the sky’s overcast. Bass tend to be more active during these periods, so you’re more likely to get a bite.
Next up, let’s talk about matching the hatch. It’s essential to ensure your swimbait resembles the baitfish that bass love to munch on. Pay attention to size, color, and movement to maximize your chances of enticing a strike.
Equally important is using the right gear. Opt for sturdy fishing rods, reels, and lines that can handle the weight and movement of swimbaits. These lures are hefty and can put up a fight, so you’ll want gear that’s up to the challenge.
Lastly, don’t be afraid to mix things up with your retrieval techniques. We’ve been able to get the best results by trying different things. Experiment with reeling in your swimbait at different speeds—try slow and steady or fast and erratic. See what triggers bites in different areas of the water and adjust your approach accordingly.
Conclusion
Swimbaits have significantly enhanced bass fishing through their remarkably precise mimicry of baitfish behaviors. These extremely versatile lures come in various forms, each tailored for different aquatic environments. Weighted swimbait hook allows custom depth control and improved presentations, making them prime choices for targeting bass throughout the water column. Hollow-bodied swimbait delivers a thrilling surface experience, appealing to top-feeding bass with their lifelike gurgling and splashes.
Already rigged swimbaits provide ease of use straight from the package without additional prep, enabling anglers to focus on the fight. The potency of these lures can be maximized by pairing them with the right fishing tackle, jig hooks, or treble hooks suited to the unique demands of their styles. By integrating these tools into their tackleboxes, anglers can boost their chances of attracting and landing even larger bass, enriching the overall fishing experience.
FAQs
How do I choose the best swimbaits for bass fishing?
Bass fishing with soft plastic swimbaits is great, especially for beginners or anglers on a budget. A top pick is the Keitech Fat Swing Impact, a 4.8-inch soft plastics swimbait. Its ringed body moves like real baitfish, wiggling to attract bass. A basic baitfish color works well in various waters. With their lifelike feel and swimming motion, these lures are a smart choice for bass anglers to have on hand.
What are the best ways to rig the best swimbaits?
Putting a soft plastic lure on a jighead is a good way to catch bass. The jighead helps control how deep the lure swims. It also makes the lure move like a real fish. The exposed hook makes it easy to set the hook when a bass bites. This setup works well in open areas with deeper water. It’s perfect when bass are actively feeding in clear conditions without much cover. The easy casting and retrieving of this rig highlights the lure’s swimming motion best action. This mimics the movements of real baitfish that bass eat.
What is the best size for swimbaits when targeting bass?
Swimbaits are good for bass fishing. You must pick the right size from a swimbait market. For small bass, pick 3-4 inch swimbaits. Small bass eat small prey. Little swimbaits look like this prey. For big bass, pick 5-6 inch swimbaits. Huge bass eat big prey. Bigger swimbaits look like bigger prey. Match swimbait size to bass size. The right size swimbait gets you more bass. Small swimbaits for small bass. Big swimbaits for big bass. It’s that simple!
When should I use soft plastics swimbaits for bass fishing?
Soft swimbaits are great for bass fishing before and after the spawning season. Fish like to eat during these times. Soft swimbaits also work well in murky water or when there are baitfish around. Their lifelike look and movement can make bass strike, thinking it’s an easy meal. You can rig soft swimbaits so they don’t get snagged or hang up on weeds. This lets you fish around cover and structure. Aggressive fish hiding in plants or underwater objects may strike when they see the swimbait.
Also, check our recommendations on:
Best Crankbaits for Bass
Best ChatterBait Trailers
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