Recently, I have been looking to buy another big swimbait that is as realistic as possible. I looked on multiple sites, and found that the Mattlures hammer shad looked like the best option. It is 7.5 inches. Does anyone have experience with this swimbait or know of another good top hook option with the same realism and size that has a similar price? I've got Bacca burritos already.

Hello! I've got a handful of the Hammer Shads (and Ultimate Shads and Strong Shads). I like them and have caught fish on them The soft mattlures have their quirks; they're very soft (mendit), and from reviews, they may need some harness wriggling (like hudds sometimes do). But mine seem to run good enough for my skill set.

I haven't fished mine in a while - I moreso just like looking at them ha ha. But maybe I'll spend a day with them around the spawn. I look forward to other responses so I can get my wallet ready for the Monkey...

Look into real prey baits. My favorite softbaits, durable and realistic. I’ve caught a lot of fish on them. He offers a variety too.

I would second the Real Prey. The Matt Lures are super realistic, but the most fish I've caught on one before they're completely destroyed is 2. None of them have been the hammer tail shad fwiw, but I can't imagine it's a different formula for the shad than the gills.

Savage Gear also makes some very realisic shad baits that are durable and have a nice swim.

47 minutes ago, Bluebasser86 said:

I would second the Real Prey. The Matt Lures are super realistic, but the most fish I've caught on one before they're completely destroyed is 2. None of them have been the hammer tail shad fwiw, but I can't imagine it's a different formula for the shad than the gills.

Savage Gear also makes some very realisic shad baits that are durable and have a nice swim.

Thanks for the recommendation. Looks like the hammer shad is made from a different formula than the gills are. Apparently, its durability is much better durability-wise. I just wish there were more reviews.

Green Leaf makes a really good looking silicone shad. You will have to wait though as he is doing pre-orders.

I’ll third the realprey baits

Thanks for the info and recommendations. I've decided to go with the hammer shad with a stout stinger treble. I'll let you guys know how it goes.