Is there a difference between "Small" Swimbaits and Paddlebaits?

There's ton's of information on bigger Swimbaits (6+ inches or 1+ ounces), but not as much on smaller swimbaits. I fish ponds in the Northeast where a 2 lb bass is enormous. There are lots of sunfish/bluegills in this area. My favorite pond is a quarry with a rocky bottom that eats expensive baits within 5 casts...

I'm looking for information about smaller baits (hopefully disposable) that will be suitable for this area. Today I tried a 3" Storm Wildeye Sunfish. The action was very cool and at 3/4 oz my Powell 764 M could chuck it into unseen territory

Is it reasonable to try baits like the Storm Wildeye and various paddlebaits?? Also, links and useful search phrases would be appreciated. Thanks!

Leon

I go to school in new hampshire and I did very well today catching them on a storm pro paddle tail with the interchangable weighted hook system.  I used the 3" version and they couldnt get enough.  Just keep experimenting and you'll figure it out

I'm sorry....but you are mis-stating the situation here in MA - by a long shot! There are a lot 2 lb. bass, yes; but there are a lot of much larger bass as well. I've taken several 3 & 4 lb. LM & SM this season thus far. I'm throwing much larger baits - 6" & 8" Huddlestons and some other "swimbaits".

Fishing is what you make it, but with the state record of 15+ pounds for LM and 8+ lbs. for SM, I wouldn't say we only have 2 lb. bass here! Maybe in the waters you are fishing in though?

Now as far as the smaller swimbaits and hollow bellies go, anything in the 3.5" - 5" range will get the attention of larger fish, as well as smaller ones for sure. Storm's Wild Eyes are great in some situations. Particularly in the CT River system here. Great for walleye, stripers and smallmouth. But here again, I use the larger 5" & 6" sizes.

I'm very familiar with most of the quarries here in western MA (been kicking around these parts for 65 years) and I can tell you that there are some real bruisers hanging out in those waters! Just give 'em a chance and don't automatically downsize right away, unless you are convinced there are only small bass there.

I love the Luck-E-Strike hollow belly...And the Lake Fork Magic Shad.  I rarely use anything less than a 5inch and catch small and large fish.

I don't know really the difference between classification terms, bit a small swimbait is a small swimbait. I have had mild success with the bbz-1 4" by spro. Hollow bodies have their place, too. They can be made pretty much weedless, they cast well, and can be retrieved many different ways.

Don't be scared to throw bigger baits either. A 10" bass will definitely  try and take a bait up to 7", maybe more.

I'm sorry....but you are mis-stating the situation here in MA - by a long shot! There are a lot 2 lb. bass, yes; but there are a lot of much larger bass as well. I've taken several 3 & 4 lb. LM & SM this season thus far. I'm throwing much larger baits - 6" & 8" Huddlestons and some other "swimbaits".

Fishing is what you make it, but with the state record of 15+ pounds for LM and 8+ lbs. for SM, I wouldn't say we only have 2 lb. bass here! Maybe in the waters you are fishing in though?

Now as far as the smaller swimbaits and hollow bellies go, anything in the 3.5" - 5" range will get the attention of larger fish, as well as smaller ones for sure. Storm's Wild Eyes are great in some situations. Particularly in the CT River system here. Great for walleye, stripers and smallmouth. But here again, I use the larger 5" & 6" sizes.

I'm very familiar with most of the quarries here in western MA (been kicking around these parts for 65 years) and I can tell you that there are some real bruisers hanging out in those waters! Just give 'em a chance and don't automatically downsize right away, unless you are convinced there are only small bass there.

I usually fish for quantity over quality    My time out is limited to Saturdays, dawn to 9:00 am - regardless of fishing conditions.  However, I my objectives are changing   Hence, a new rod for Frogs/Toads & Swimbaits

I believe the MA state record Smallmouth (9 lb)actually came from an East Longmeadow (my home town) quarry about 25 years ago.   Thanks for reminding me

Before I jump in with Hudds & Mattlures, I'm hoping to build a little confidence with smaller (disposable) baits.  It's one thing to lose a few $5 baits in a morning, but losing a couple Hudds in 20 minutes would be pretty discouraging

As you can see though, I am openning my mind to new ideas   Before this year i didn't ever consider Swimbaits.  Most of the articles and discussions seem to relate to places like the California Delta.  I'm hoping to find discussions that hit closer to home   Thanks!!

For smaller swimbaits, in the 2 to 4" range, have a look at the H20 baits, they Do catch fish..I think they are about 4.00 ea.

Lake Fork Live Magic Shad - good size range, two pounders will try to eat as well as the larger ones.

I've done well with the Pro Swimbaits brand paddletail, the 3" size is good for numbers.

If you are targeting going after quantity of fish and are looking in the 3" - 4" range, you might be better off with twister tailed grubs on a jig head. And yes, these were/are really the first "swimbait" per say. 

Crestliner, Thanks

For Western MA, do you have favorite colors and shapes.  Where I fish I see a lot of bluegill/sunfish in the 3+ range.  The only long, torpedo fish I usually see are baby bass.   I'm assuming, I should go either for bluegill/sunfish imitators or baby bass colored paddlebaits & imitators rather than trout & shad replicas.  Thanks

My suggestion.... go to tackle warehouse, Basstrix 6"(you'll see the bait is actually only 4.5"), Owner weighted Beast hooks w/ twistlock(6/0,1/4 oz.) and you pick the color. Great swimbait that I think can't be fished wrong. Begin fishing it SLOW, feeling the bottom or bumping objects. Hold on, bites will not be subtle. You will need some type hook remover,(needle nose pliers,etc.) because the hookset will be deep!

GYCB Swimming Senko

Keitech Swim Impact Fat 4.8"

8-)

Crestliner, Thanks

For Western MA, do you have favorite colors and shapes. Where I fish I see a lot of bluegill/sunfish in the 3+ range. The only long, torpedo fish I usually see are baby bass. I'm assuming, I should go either for bluegill/sunfish imitators or baby bass colored paddlebaits & imitators rather than trout & shad replicas. Thanks

No, color is the last criteria I consider. I'm more concerned with depth & speed control. If I'm shore bound (and I assume you are), I'd focus on location first (points or cuts). Fish the water column, top to bottom (using a variety of lures). Strain the spot you are casting from by fan casting the area - and always start casting as parallel to the shoreline as you can.

Strain the spot you are casting from by fan casting the area - and always start casting as parallel to the shoreline as you can.

Regarding Fan Casting, I'm already there  LOL. 

Thanks for the insights, maybe the baitmonkey needs to bypass rods & reels for the Baits aisle instead   I need some new baits

Leon