I've been wanting to get into big swimbaits, but what has stopped me is the thought of our favorite toothy critter up here our friend the pike.  I get bit off so many times on a spinnerbaits and cranks that I get a little leery about losing a swimbait that costs 5 to 6 times more.  Have you seen this problem being up north with me?

I have the same concern so I'm going to try a couple inches of 30lb rio wire bite tippet. It seems fairly flexible but might use a perfection loop to ensure the bait has a natural action.

when in doubt watch southern trout eaters dvd or on youtube.com you dont have to buy 100 swim baits but in some cases you get what you pay for but savage gear has really good stuff for under 30 ms slammers have stuff for under 30 and river 2 sea has stuff and so does spro

fishing is expensive but doesnt have to be crazy expensive. get online and read reviews or ask on here. there are alot of guys fishing swim baits.