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Swimbaits - The
Basics |
Source: http://www.swimbait.com/techniques/basics.htm
Rigging:
Rigging the bait straight is important and can be done quite easily.
The most important thing is to thread the hook through the bait in one
continuous movement. If you stop half way and then keep going, you'll
probably wind up going a slightly different direction and the bait
will run lopsided. As you thread the bait the hook should come out the
back of the bait in the right position naturally. If you find yourself
stretching the swimbait or bunching it up while you rig the bait, you
are doing something wrong. A good idea when you are first rigging
baits is to hold the bait next to the jig head and use the point of
the hook to mark where the hook should come out. Aim for that spot and
you should do ok.
Trap Rigging:
As the popularity of using swimbaits to catch a wide variety of fish
keeps growing, the need for more rigging techniques also appears. One
of these techniques is to rig the swimbait with a small "trap" hook in
the tail. This method has proven deadly on species such as trout,
sunfish and perch.
Colors:
Most colors will catch fish in the right conditions. A good rule of
thumb to follow is dark conditions = dark colors, light conditions =
light colors. Another determining factor can be what your target
species is feeding on.
Size & Weight:
Under most conditions the mid-sized baits (4 to 5ï½½ inch) are the
ones to start with. The weight of the jig head depends on personal
preference, depth fishing, target species, type of retrieve, etc. For
4 inch baits the most popular range is 3/8 oz. - 3/4 oz., for 5 inch
baits the range is 1/2 oz. - 1.5 oz., and for 5ï½½ inch baits the
range is 3/4 oz. - 1.5 oz. Shallow water, short strikes, shallow fish,
or noticing small baitfish in the area are all good reasons to switch
to a 3 inch bait. Deeper water, larger fish, larger baitfish, and
aggressive fish are reasons to switch to a 6 inch bait. Another reason
to switch to a larger bait may be to prevent catching small or
unwanted fish.
Fishing:
As with all types of fishing experimentation is the most crucial
aspect. Try new things until you find what is working. Once you find
something that works vary that method/technique slightly and continue
to hone your skill and knowledge. Remember that confidence plays a
major role in any style of fishing - especially when using artificial
lures. |
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