I know there are a million swimbait topics on here, and I've read most of them. However, I'm having trouble figuring out which best suits my particular needs. 

 

First off, I'm looking for a starter swimbait (around 20 bucks) that's either a slow sink or a topwater. My biggest problem is that I can't figure out the baitfish in my lake. It's a clear strip pit in KY, and the only thing I can see available to eat is bluegill/sunfish. I was planning on getting the Spro BBZ-1 6 inch, but I don't know if any of the available colors fit. Are there any color schemes that work regardless of baitfish available in the lake? I've heard someone say that trout works everywhere, but I have never found anything to back that up.

 

I guess my best bet would prob be a mattlures bluegill, but I was kinda looking for something bigger and with the jointed movement. 

 

Thanks!

My dear friend, forget about trying to figure out what is the forage base, get any swimbait you like and it will work if the conditions are right. In my neck of the woods there is trout only in very few places high in the Sierra which btw, I don´t fish oftenly, most of the time I fish warm waters where there has been no trout, there will never be and bass have never seen them so they can´t identify them as prey and guess what ? trout pattern and trout imitators work as well as any other bait.

 

Now if you want to keep your peace of mind then pick baby bass pattern, baby bass has always been bigger bass food.

Spro BBZ in Wicked Perch, R2S SWaver in Bluegill, 6" Weedless Hudd or 68.  All great choices for starting.  I got to mess with the SWaver for the first time this weekend and I really liked the action. I got a lot of follows from Pike and a couple landed. Bass were on vacation apparently.

I know there are a million swimbait topics on here, and I've read most of them. However, I'm having trouble figuring out which best suits my particular needs.

First off, I'm looking for a starter swimbait (around 20 bucks) that's either a slow sink or a topwater. My biggest problem is that I can't figure out the baitfish in my lake. It's a clear strip pit in KY, and the only thing I can see available to eat is bluegill/sunfish. I was planning on getting the Spro BBZ-1 6 inch, but I don't know if any of the available colors fit. Are there any color schemes that work regardless of baitfish available in the lake? I've heard someone say that trout works everywhere, but I have never found anything to back that up.

I guess my best bet would prob be a mattlures bluegill, but I was kinda looking for something bigger and with the jointed movement.

I have a brand new MattLures Hardbass that has never seen water. PM me if you're interested.

Thanks!

I went ahead and ordered the Spro in rainbow trout. Next will prob be the SWaver, and eventually, I'll pick up a Mattlures hardgill

You wont be sorry with the Hardgill, I promise.

You wont be sorry with the Hardgill, I promise.

I'm still looking for one  ........And a strong Perch.

Male and female Hardgills are tough to find. Some of the other colors are available I believe.

 

Keep an eye out on some of those other boards, they pop up occasionally.

I thought Swimbait City had them available

Male and female Hardgills are tough to find. Some of the other colors are available I believe.

 

Keep an eye out on some of those other boards, they pop up occasionally.

I have been. And those are the exact colors I wanted in SS. Seems to be the most popular. 

Just out of curiousity...why are the hard swimbaits so expensive?

Just out of curiousity...why are the hard swimbaits so expensive?

 

It really depends a lot what you buy, normal everyday hard swimbaits don´t cost proportionally more than a good quality crankbait, ( for ex. $20 bucks for a Megabass or $15 bucks for a Lucky Craft ), now if you talk about those hand crafted hard swimbaits ( imported or domestic ) you´re talking about real money. let´s put some numbers to give you an idea, let´s say you work in a lure company that manufactures swimbaits, you are a carver, minimum wage is give or take, 9 dollars an hour ( more if you are in Cali ), and it takes you about 2 hours to carve a swimbait, 2 hours x 9 dollars an hour = 18 bucks of cost just in wage to pay the carver, add the cost of the material, then add the wage of the painter plus the cost of the material, plus add all the other costs that go into having a place to make the bait and so on. You can´t price the baitfor 20 or 30 dollars can you ?

 

That is why hand made hard swimbaits are so expensive.

I thought Swimbait City had them available

Says they do.....however I don't think they are.  I put in an email there about them. No response as of yet.

In super clear water, I'm matching forage so if I were you I'd get some bluegill bait

I have trout and it works where no trout lives but I mostly fish in somewhat stained water.

You wont be sorry with the Hardgill, I promise.

 

X2, If I could only keep one that would be it. Besides the other sites mentioned, check ebay.

Says they do.....however I don't think they are. I put in an email there about them. No response as of yet.

He has them in stock. Don't be hesitant on ordering.

He has them in stock. Don't be hesitant on ordering.

Thanks man.  Never did hear back on the email I sent. I'll take my chances.

Thanks man. Never did hear back on the email I sent. I'll take my chances.

Did you check matts site? He might have a floater.

Did you check matts site? He might have a floater.

Looking for Slow Sink in male or female.

If you are concerned about matching the hatch in a smaller lake, take a look at Rat surface swimmers. A rat is good everywhere!

CL8 rats and voles are popular and swim good. CL8 hard bluegill or crappie is another option to look at.

Tom

Looking for Slow Sink in male or female.

Matt has some slow sink's, just not in male or female.  I'm thinking about buying a Tilapia or Crappie just so I'll have one.

Matt has some slow sink's, just not in male or female. I'm thinking about buying a Tilapia or Crappie just so I'll have one.

They look like a shad when swimming. When swimming it, I really don't think the bass care too much. As long as it looks real and has a good action, it'll get bit.

Posted my first outing with the new Spro BBZ-1 in fishing reports. Good day! http://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-forums/topic/126141-first-outing-with-a-swimbait/