Swimbaits

[winnebasschamp]

Hey gang,

I'm looking at investing in a swimbait. I want one that looks like a bluegill and swims like a bluegill. I've found one I really like, but I thought I'd ask for some opinions before I pulled the trigger.
Here's some video's--->

http://www.outdoorproshop.com/Jerry-Rago-Hard-Tail-Swimbait-Bluegill-p/rago-hardtail-bluegill.htm

The reason I like this one is the tail swims just like a bluegill. It seems like with most of the swimbaits out there, the whole body sways, which to me isn't natural to a bluegill. When they swim in the water, just their tail is moving.

http://www.outdoorproshop.com/Osprey-Tournament-Line-Through-5-p/osprey-tournline5inch.htm

I really like the soft swimbaits. It seems like their very natural and easy to get a good hook-up and land. I'm not sure of the action of these baits though.

http://www.outdoorproshop.com/Tru-Tungsten-Tru-Life-Swimbait-Bluegill-Talapia-p/trutungstenswimbaitbg.htm

I like the tru-tungsten, but I'm not a fan of the whole body "roll" they have. Their lifelike colors can't be beat!

http://www.outdoorproshop.com/Mattlures-Ultimate-Bluegill-Series-p/matt_ultimate%20bluegill.htm

Again, how can you beat the lifelike colors on these baits!

I mainly fish clearer lakes with plenty of depth. Say visibility of 3'-12' with max depths going all the way to 65'. Good weedlines (coontail, milfoil), offshore structure in the way of ledges, humps, sandbars, troughs, etc.

Thanks for any help, gang!

[Nitroman77]

I've used 3 of them and one similar to the osprey(xcites shudder Shad) and the new 5" TT I think is the most versitille and life like in the water.. With the different balls it allows you to use it from top to bottom.. It also has a killer swimming action and has been a great bed bait as it can suspend over cover etc.. You can also jerk it and snap it around 180 degrees..
I use a lot of plastic swims as well, but they are cast and reel baits.

[TourneyAddict1]

Just use a live bluegill then! Duh...

[maxfish86]

tru tungsten bluegill all the way!!!

[JGSKULLS]

I would suggest the Mattlures bluegills. They swim ok. Youre not gonna find a whole lot of bluegill swimbaits that are not the jointed kind with that "roll" action. The Mattlures look VERY good, they have the swim tail, but I personally dont like the swim they have. There have been giants caught in the south on those, so they obviously produce.

http://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Mattlures_Bluegill_Series_Swimbait/descpage-MLBG.html

http://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Mattlures_Ultimate_Bluegill_Series_Swimbait/descpage-MLUBG.html

Check those two out. I have the Ultimate gill. If you fish from a boat, I've heard theyre good bed baits, if thats your thing. If you wanna fork over 80bucks for a gill bait, the Triple Trout gill is good, way better than the tungsten, and will probably last a lifetime, unlike the tru-tungsten.

Otherwise, just get a fat money minnow in a somewhat gill type color, cuz all those boot tail knock-offs of each other are pretty much the same bait with the same action.

Baitsmith also makes an awesome gill bait, i havent used it, but the other Baitsmith baits are solid and swim great.

[winnebasschamp]

Thanks guys I appreciate it. With "The Bachelor" winning Clear lake and me thinking about what new technique I want to add to my arsenal, I think I've found my poison.
Here's a good article on some tips he shares...

http://sports.espn.go.com/outdoors/bassmaster/fishingtips/news/story?page=b_FT_MS_Velvick_Swimbait6

http://sports.espn.go.com/outdoors/bassmaster/fishingtips/news/story?page=b_FT_MS_Velvick_Swimbait1

[T Dot]

if you are looking at strictly gill type baits, look into these:

- 316
- baitsmith
- blackdog baits
- jackall
- mattlures


the above are all available state side and are readily available. now if you want to go different - look into jdm type gill baits. my buddy loves them and he truly blows me outta the water when one is tied on.

if you need a bait repainted, i know of some impressive painters out there as well. gotta pay to play though, these arent your run of the mill type paint jobs.

they all come in a variety of sizes, but if you want to go bigger than 7inch you will have to get a custom job, or repaint a different lure.