I've decided to give swimbaits a shot this fall/winter since my home waters are heavily planted with rainbow trout and DD LM's are caught every year where they're feeding on the planters. My "swimbait" experience is limited to throwing some Berkley Hollow Bellies and Storm Wild Eye Shad last spring, and I figured it's time to add to my gear collection when TW has their Black Friday sale next week.

At this point I'm thinking of getting a couple 7" Rago BV 3D Inlines that Velvick used to win at Clear Lake and another 3-4 SB's that you guys might recommend. Also, what size line should I throw these with in gin clear water (currently rigged up with 10# Yo-Zuri Hybrid on the Cardiff I'll be using for the SB's)? Do you guys recommend staying with soft bodied SB's or should I mix it up and get some hard bodied as well? What are your favorite brands/models for sub-$40 SB's? Thanks for your help!

I've decided to give swimbaits a shot this fall/winter since my home waters are heavily planted with rainbow trout and DD LM's are caught every year where they're feeding on the planters. My "swimbait" experience is limited to throwing some Berkley Hollow Bellies and Storm Wild Eye Shad last spring, and I figured it's time to add to my gear collection when TW has their Black Friday sale next week.

At this point I'm thinking of getting a couple 7" Rago BV 3D Inlines that Velvick used to win at Clear Lake and another 3-4 SB's that you guys might recommend. Also, what size line should I throw these with in gin clear water (currently rigged up with 10# Yo-Zuri Hybrid on the Cardiff I'll be using for the SB's)? Do you guys recommend staying with soft bodied SB's or should I mix it up and get some hard bodied as well? What are your favorite brands/models for sub-$40 SB's? Thanks for your help!

  Those Rago BVD3s are great on the Delta, Clear Lake, etc... But definitely not one of my first choices for the trout stocked lakes that you mentioned. If you're fishing trout stocked lakes, and want to imitate the trout, Huddlestons are a staple. The Baitsmith mag trout is another great bait but very heavy.

10lb is way too light for any of the larger swimbaits. I use 20, 25 and 30 CXX for swimbaits. Another question for you is what rod are you using? That will dictate how heavy of a swimbait you can throw.

  Those Rago BVD3s are great on the Delta, Clear Lake, etc... But definitely not one of my first choices for the trout stocked lakes that you mentioned. If you're fishing trout stocked lakes, and want to imitate the trout, Huddlestons are a staple. The Baitsmith mag trout is another great bait but very heavy.

10lb is way too light for any of the larger swimbaits. I use 20, 25 and 30 CXX for swimbaits. Another question for you is what rod are you using? That will dictate how heavy of a swimbait you can throw.

I agree with David about the baits. An 8in hud and the baitsmith mag are my go to trout soft baits. I use the same line he does. If you start trying to throw 8in hud's on a flipping stick you will be miserable. As far as hard baits I would check out tylures and bbz for the under $40 price point.

Thanks for the info fellas. It looks like I'll be picking up some 20# line and a new dedicated SB rod in the next week or 2 as well. I had planned to use my loaner Clarus rod rated to 1 oz but that's obviously not going to work well if I get into the larger SB's.

If your looking to keep it on the cheap side here are a few good rods. I use the Okuma 7'11'' heavy for throwing huds paired with a calcutta 400 and 30lb CXX. Bill Seimantle just designed a new lamiglass rod (XL 735C) specific for 6in baits also. I have not used it but I hear good things.

http://www.***.com/Okuma_Guide_Series_Big_Bait_Casting_Rods/descpage-OGSBBR.html

http://www.***.com/Lamiglas_Excel_Bass_Series_Casting_Rods/descpage-LEBSRC.html

If you're getting a rod big enough to throw a Huddleston, get some type of wake bait.  Ac Minnows in 9 or 7 inch are popular as well as an MS Slammer, and yes, they still work during Winter.

In addition to what's already been mentioned get a few 6" River to Sea Live Eye Bottom Walker, excellent bait for the money. This one sinks real fast and is a good one when the water is warmer and the fish like a little extra tail kick. I haven't used the 8" yet but I'm going to get a few for 2011.

Thanks for the info fellas. It looks like I'll be picking up some 20# line and a new dedicated SB rod in the next week or 2 as well. I had planned to use my loaner Clarus rod rated to 1 oz but that's obviously not going to work well if I get into the larger SB's.

If you're going to go all out and really get into throwing heavy swimbaits, I'd highly recommend bumping it up to 25lb. Not just because you'll catch big fish, but if you snag an expensive swimbait, that extra strength will come in handy.

 

If you're going to go all out and really get into throwing heavy swimbaits, I'd highly recommend bumping it up to 25lb. Not just because you'll catch big fish, but if you snag an expensive swimbait, that extra strength will come in handy.

Don't forget a good bait knocker either.