The Swim Jig has long been considered an essential method in bass fishing, especially around grass. Some say the technique originated in Alabama, and others say it originated in Wisconsin. Either way, someone somewhere realized that swimming a flipping jig around shallow weeds draws out an aggressive strike. This is true among many anglers who retrieve a Texas Rig or worm and unintentionally receive a massive bite. The action works, and it soon led to the development of the modern swim jig – a hybrid swimbait/jig that entices bass differently than other baits. It’s been said that it bridges the gap between chatter baits and swimbaits and dominates around grass due to the weed guard found on your common jig.
 Rod and Real Setup
Many anglers use a 7’0 – 7’6″ medium-heavy rod. The longer the rod, the better control you’ll have maintaining depth and navigating through cover. The extra power in the rod also allows you to pull a fish out of the grass and make long casts beyond your target points. Your reel can be anywhere from medium to fast. For example, 6:8:1 – 8:2:1. Anglers who prefer a faster reel will say that it’s good to have speed to pick up your line when a fish shoots toward you fast. On the other hand, a slower reel allows you to maintain a good pace along grass lines and deeper structure.
Line PreferenceÂ
This all depends on the cover around you. When fishing around heavy grass, a 20-30lb braided line is preferable for better hooksets. In clearer water, 15-20 fluorocarbon works well.
Line
Swim Jig Rods
- Â Mega Bass Levante Casting Rod – Buy From FishUSAÂ
- Â Daiwa Tatutla XT – Buy From Fish USA
- Â St. Croix Victory Casting Rod – Buy From FishUSAÂ
Swim Jig Reels
- Abu Garcia Revo STX Low Profile – Buy From FishUSAÂ
- Lews KVD LFS Casting Reel – Buy From Fish USA
- Lews Mach Crush – Buy From FishUSAÂ
When Should I Throw A Swim Jig?
As stated above, a swim jig is like a cross between a chatterbait and a flipping jig. The idea is to fish a swim jig as close to cover as possible. Sometimes, even through cover (grass). My rule of thumb is to pick up a swim jig when the water is calm with no wind and when bass are feeding heavily on larger profile fish like bluegill and shad. But a swim jig was ultimately designed to swim through grass. So, in summary:
1.) When water is slick.
2.) Around Grass
3.) When bass are feeding on bait fish
A swim jig is also useful when bass are feeding on larger fish. Pay attention to what’s in the mouth when you land a fish. Often bass will regurgitate their last meal and this will tell you what color and size lure you should throw.
Selecting the Right Trailers
Trailer selection is the most important part of the swim jig presentation—anglers like to use craw trailers and paddle tail swimbait trailers to imitate both shad and bluegill. The fast-kicking action of a craw imitates the same movement of bluegill, while a paddle tail generally imitates a larger bait fish with more body movement.
But, there’s nothing wrong with using both trailers interchangeably. The paddle tail swim bait provides a wider swing which causes the whole body of the lure to roll. This produces a primary and secondary action relatively new to swim jigs, whereas craw trailers produce little body action leading anglers to shake the tip of the rod. This is a more old-school method of swim jig fishing. Color-wise, bluegill patterns and pumpkin green colors will imitate bluegill while white and ice colors imitate crappie and shad.
Weight Selection
Your weight selection depends on the depth of your fishing. Swim jig fishing is usually done in shallow water and around weeds so a 3/8 – 1/2 oz is a good range. Heavier weight will allow you to keep your jig down and crash through heavy vegetation.
Check out these trailer products –Â
- X Zone Pro Series Swammer – Buy From FishUSA
- Keitech Fat Swing – Buy From FishUSA
- Z-Man Diezel MinnowZ – Buy From Fish USAÂ
Best Swim Jigs
When I look for swim jig products, I judge based on durability and action. Some lures roll side to side well when paired with a good trailer like an Xzone Swammer, others don’t. It’s that simple. Hook size and cover are factors that should be taken into account. Some companies have produced swim jigs specifically designed for ripping through thick grass. These jigs are outfitted with a large gauge hook and a tough weed guard and should be fished with a straight braid. However, I rarely power fish like this. I enjoy retrieving my lure above or to the side of vegetation and working the action.
Check Out These ProductsÂ
- Dirty Jigs Original Swim Jig – Buy From FishUSAÂ
- Dirty Jigs Compact Swim Jig – Buy From FishUSA
Heavy Swim JigsÂ
Finesse Swim JigsÂ
Where Should I Fish A Swim Jig?
Grass is your best friend when it comes to fishing a swim jig. However, read the grass and identify high percentage spots. For example, a break in a grass line or a long point could present an opportunity to ambush prey for bass. Holes in the grass are another great opportunity to swim your lure and drop it through. Swim your bait parallel along grass lines. Find long-reaching points, especially points with grass on them. These hard bottoms provide a perfect location for bass to school and feel protected.
How to Fish A Swim Jig
A swim jig can be fished fast, slow, shaken, or dragged on the bottom – endless possibilities. But my favorite technique involves retrieving straight, letting it fall, then popping your rod tip and retrieving. Find ideal cover like brush piles or stumps with grass around it, or a grassy point with hard bottoms. These areas are considered cover-within-cover, and the biggest bass will take up ambush positions here.
Cast your swim jig beyond the area of interest, retrieve it moderately fast, and let it fall directly in front of the piece of cover. This is where bass will see it. Pop your rod tip and swim it back quickly. This directional change is what sets bass off. The other popular method is to shake your rod as you retrieve lightly, almost as light as a drop shot action. This action gives the lure a pulsating action and its used among anglers nationwide.
Final Thoughts
Swim Jigs are an unbeatable method of fishing in grass. Its a bait you can throw in tandem with a chatterbait and a paddle tail swim bait and serves as a middle ground for the two. You can throw it on a straight braid, plow it through grass, or pop it lightly around stumps with a finesse approach. You can hop it along during a shad spawn, or imitate other species of bait fish. All in all, swim jigs are a knock-out lure you won’t be disappointed by.
