Fishermen holding big bass caught through glide bait

Do Glide Baits Catch Big Bass? Tips To Use Glides For Big Bass

Alright, let’s cut to the chase – do glide baits bring in the big bass? That’s the question on every angler’s mind, right? These lures have a smooth, hypnotic glide through the water that almost screams “easy meal” to those lurking giants. But, does this motion really fool the heavyweights into biting, or is it all just hype? Stick around, and we’ll unravel whether glide baits are your golden ticket to landing that trophy bass—or just another lure in the box.

Fishermen holding big bass caught through glide bait

Do Glide Baits Catch Big Bass?

Absolutely! Glide baits are like the magic trick in a fisherman’s tackle box. These lures are designed to mimic the smooth, side-to-side motion of a wounded baitfish, which is basically an open invitation for those big, lurking bass to come in for a bite. But here’s the thing – it’s not just about throwing one in the water and waiting for a miracle. There’s a bit of an art to it. So, if you’re looking to land that trophy bass, glide baits might just be your new best friend. Let’s dive into why they work so well.

Why Glide Baits Work for Big Bass?

We have found glide baits incredibly effective for catching big bass, and here’s why:

  1. Large Profile Attracts Big Fish: Big bass are predators, and they’re looking for a big meal. Glide baits present a large profile that mimics the size of prey these big fish naturally target. This means more interest from bigger bass, which translates to better catches.
  2. Versatility in Different Conditions: Glide baits can be fished like a suspended jerkbait but on a larger scale. This versatility allows them to be effective in various water conditions—clear or murky, deep or shallow.
  3. Confidence Booster: When we first started using glide baits, it was all about confidence. At first, it felt strange throwing such a large lure. But once we saw the reaction from the bass, our confidence grew. We realized that big baits do attract big fish, and it’s a game-changer when you stick with it.

Glide baits are not always the best option, and there are times when you should use and avoid these baits. Read a complete guide here: When to Throw a Glide Bait and When To Avoid?

Berkley Nessie Soft-Bodied Glide Bait

How to Use Glide Baits Effectively To Land a Giant Bass?

Using glide baits isn’t just about casting and retrieving. It requires a bit of strategy. Here’s how we approach it:

Timing and Bait Size for Glide Bait Success

One of the key challenges with glide baits is knowing when to use them. While they can be effective year-round, glide baits work best during pre-spawn, early fall, and summer when bass is most active. In warmer months, bass tends to move into shallower waters, opening up opportunities to combine glide baits with topwater techniques. Early morning and late evening are prime times to use them, as bass are often near the surface and more willing to chase larger prey.

Bait size also plays a critical role. Larger glide baits typically attract bigger bass, but smaller baits shouldn’t be overlooked. In areas where bass seem cautious or less aggressive, switching to a smaller glide bait can help trigger bites. Though these may not always result in landing a trophy fish, they significantly increase your chances of catching bass, particularly when they are feeding on smaller prey.

Mastering Retrieval and Environmental Adjustments

Understanding bass behavior is crucial when fishing with glide baits. As ambush predators, bass often hide near submerged structures, drop-offs, or vegetation, waiting to strike. Glide baits mimic a wounded fish’s lifelike, slow movements, making them ideal for enticing bass in these conditions.

When targeting such areas, it’s important to adjust your retrieve speed. Sometimes, a slow, steady retrieve is enough to trigger a bite, while at other times, a more erratic or faster retrieve will provoke aggressive strikes.

Weather and water conditions also affect glide bait performance. On calm, clear days, the subtle side-to-side action of glide baits is highly effective when visibility is high. However, in rough or murky conditions, adding extra action—like quick twitches or pauses—can help the bait stand out more and attract bass holding deeper due to the weather. Adaptability to environmental factors is key to maximizing the effectiveness of glide baits.

Many anglers are concerned about losing glide baits, which can be expensive. To avoid this, use a strong fluorocarbon or braided line, which offers better sensitivity and strength, reducing the chance of break-offs. With practice, you’ll learn to fish around structures without getting your bait caught, and the payoff is worth it when you hook a large bass.

You might want to read: Why are Glide Baits So Expensive? (Are They Worth Buying?)

Our Experiences with Glide Baits

We’ve been fishing with glide baits for bass fishing for a while now, and the results have been impressive. On one fine day, we caught multiple big basses, including a 5-pounder, using a 10-inch glide bait. The satisfaction of seeing a big fish take the glide bait alone is worth the effort. And it’s not just us—many other bass anglers who stick with glide baits report similar success stories.

In one instance, after a few tough days with smaller baits, switching bait to an 8-inch, glide bait really turned things around. Suddenly, the large bass came in, curious about the large, lifelike bait gliding slowly through the water. It’s almost magical how a big bait can change your fishing day entirely.

Another time, fishing in murky water with the rod tip in the low back, we weren’t sure if throwing the glide bait would hook or perform. But after 45 minutes of persistence, we hooked a solid bass. It reinforced our belief that glide baits have a calling power, unlike any other lure. They draw bass in, even when conditions are less than ideal.

Tips for Success with Glide Baits

  • Start Small if You’re New: If you’re just starting, we recommend using smaller glide baits, around 4 to 6 inches. They’re easier to handle and still effective at attracting big fish. As you gain confidence, you can move up to the larger sizes.
  • Match the Hatch: Choosing the right color pattern is crucial. We’ve found that natural colors like bluegill, shad, or trout work best in clear water. In murkier conditions, louder colors like chartreuse or white can be more effective.
  • Be Patient: Fishing with glide baits requires a mindset shift. It’s not about catching the most fish—it’s about catching the biggest fish. Sometimes, it can take hours without a bite, but when it happens, it’s usually worth the wait.
  • Invest in Quality Gear: Using the right rod, reel, and line setup is important. We recommend a rod rated for 1 to 4 oz lures and a strong, abrasion-resistant line, like 20-30 lb test fluorocarbon. This setup will give you the best chance to handle big fish without losing your prized lure.
Glide baits for big bass Large

You might find it helpful as well: Do Jerkbaits Catch Big Bass? Our Proven Techniques Inside

FAQS

Are glide baits only for experienced anglers?
Not at all. While there’s a bit of a learning curve, beginners can start with smaller glide baits and work their way up. It’s about gaining confidence in how to manipulate the bait to catch fish, and even beginners can entice bass with the right technique.

When is the best time of year to use glide bait fishing baits to catch aggressive fish?
Glide baits are effective year-round, but the best times are during pre-spawn, spawn, and early fall. During these periods, bass, especially huge bass, are more aggressive and on the lookout for larger meals, making glide baits, especially those mimicking gizzard shad, highly effective.

Do big fish glide baits only catch big fish?
Bigger glide baits generally target bigger fish because they resemble larger prey like gizzard shad. However, smaller bass can still strike out of aggression or curiosity. Most glide baits are designed to increase your chances of catching a trophy fish, but they can still attract a range of sizes.

How do I handle a big bass caught using a glide bait on a casting reel?
Use a strong rod and line setup to control the fish, especially with big glide baits. Set your drag properly, don’t rush the fight, and let the fish tire itself out. If you’re using glide baits in conjunction with topwater fishing, be extra careful as big bass can make powerful strikes—guide them in carefully for a successful catch.

Compare Glidebaits with Normal Swimbaits and know which one’s right for you!

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Nathan Bennett, FishChart's technical wizard, hails from a marine engineering background. He excels in optimizing our fleet's performance and ensuring each vessel is adventure-ready. Nathan is well-versed in sustainable fishing practices and environmental conservation, educating guests on responsible fishing enjoyment. For him, it's about preserving the ocean and its inhabitants for future generations of anglers to enjoy.