Swimbaits

[Hewhofish]

Has anybody here used swimbaits in Kentucky with any effectiveness? I've tried a couple of the bluegill imitating ones around bream beds and really had no luck. I also think it may have something to do with the giant thud they make when you cast them. Is there any real success to be had in Kentucky with em?

[Fntsyfbgod]

My guess is you are using the storm swimbaits. They are fine for fishing structure but are not quality baits overall. If you want quality swimbaits you need to pay money and you may need to look around or order them by mail. I like hard swimbaits I have some I paid $50 for but most I paid in $20 range. Soft plastic ones are cheaper but you wont find many for less than $10. The Berkley Hollowbelly baits are good and cheap for a start. The main thing is fish them in clear water thats where they do best.

[jcb]

I've used the Lake Fork swimbaits with some success. Got them at Wal-Mart. They are easy to cast and make a fairly subtle water entry.

[Shimano4Life]

Hint: like someone said earlier, fish them in clear water. Also, I haven't had luck on the bigger ones. Try throwing the smaller ones (4"-6"). For some reason, I don't think swimbaits in this area have taken on like they have out west, where the lakes are stocked with trout for bass forage (the trout as food help the bass grow at an alarming rate). I have been able to catch a few good ones on the smaller size Berkley Hollow Belly and Yum Money Minnnow (virtually the same design and action).

[Procraft Cat]

I was fishing Cedar a couple years ago and caught about a 2lber and it was spitting out small baitfish. I bought some of the Wildeye shad in 2" and have caught several when they are chasing. Good bait to cover water.

One of those right time, right baits I guess.

Procraft Cat

[HockEyes85]

Swimbaits in Kentucky......Like every lure there is a time and place for them. I think the big problem with swimbaits is that people who throw them for the first few times dont have confidence. Like any bait you need to have confidence that the bait will catch fish in the area your fishing. And above all other baits,the swimbait is a lure that you have to comit yourself to throwing all day for those few bites, but those bites will be worth it. Now off my soap box, swimbaits in kentucky can be very productive. I spend most of my time on barren, and I have caught some pretty good fish on swimbaits. And im talking about swimbaits that are big, sebile 145 magic swimmer, Mattlures ultimate bluegill, 3:16's, and you will be supprised what size fish will eat these baits. I have caught short fish on the sebile 145. As far as the loud splash problem, swimbaits were designed to make super long casts so the splash doesnt seem to bother them. I fish them on 7'6" XHVY Airrus Ultra XL, and on a 300 or 400 series Shimano, spooled with 20lb fluro. Some people I know throw them on braid, but I prefer fluro. The spring is the best time to learn to throw them because the fish are aggressive, and shallow which is perfect for around here. Hope this helps...

[newriver]

Swimbaits in KY. Heck yeah they work. They are also one the best baits for catching big fish. I use them year round here in WV for smallmouth. I usually throw yum Money Minnow in 5 inch with weighted screw lock hooks in 6/0. Or the paddle tail storms for deeper water in 4 and 5 inch. They love them on Dale Hollow. Most of the time you don't catch big numbers but they will bring bigger fish. My opinion on the water color is stained water they work better

[Hewhofish]

Yeah, I was using the cheap storm ones. I just figured that if I'd try them at first and if I had some success I'd upgrade a little bit. I'll definately tie one on next time I hit the water though.

[Stevens]

Check out http://mattlures.com/products.htm. Best detail ive seen for soft plastic swimbaits, and they run just like they should. Dont think for a second you shouldnt throw them in ky, if you know where some big bass are in clear water, throw a swimbait.

[Fntsyfbgod]

Check out http://mattlures.com/products.htm. Best detail ive seen for soft plastic swimbaits, and they run just like they should. Dont think for a second you shouldnt throw them in ky, if you know where some big bass are in clear water, throw a swimbait.

Shhhhhhh

[Fntsyfbgod]

I have caught fish in KY on Mattlures, 3:16, Sebile, various Hollowbelly baits, Jackal swimbaits, and River2sea swimbaits. Anything 6in or less will work for starters.