I've been experimenting with different swimbaits quite a bit.  One bait I experimented w/ was the mattlures ulimate blue gill.  I had fish follow and look at it all spring and have been slowly building confidence in it.  Then, a few weeks ago while crank baiting a big bluegill hit my crankbait.  I saw something follow it up to the boat and turn away.  I quickly picked up and threw the ultimate gill and after a few casts got bit by what I assumed might be a pike or muskie.  Then I saw the fish and it was a big bass that unfortunately came unbuttoned before I could land it.  Once again, building more confidence in the lure.  The next time out I lost the lure (screw up #1).

So I ordered two more, which arrived today.  Only problem is I ordered the original Bluegill, not the ultimate blue gill (screw up #2).  I'm not bothered by the slightly smaller profile or the lack of flaring fins, but the tail doesn't kick at as low a speed as the ultimate.  Given the overall appearance of the baits, maybe the fish don't care if the tail even kicks at all.  However, building confidence in lures can be a fickle thing and I don't want to lose that momentum.  Luckily, there is a cure for my screw up.  I'll just order some more ultimates too!...  

Dang, aren't those a little expensive?  How much are you investing per lure?   :-?

Good to hear you built confidence in the bait though.  I have heard nothing but great things about all of Mattlures products.  I'll have to save up and try a few out.

well if you feel like getting ride of those orginal bluegills i might be able to help ;D

i just put in an order this morning on matt's site. i picked up 3 east coast series swimbaits (perch, LM bass and yellow bass) along with an ultimate bluegill in the male color. can't wait to get them in and start throwing them, from everything thing i've heard these baits are killer.

we'll see in a week or so! 8-)

Smallfry, I think doing this may help your original bluegill have a little more kick...

Heat a pot of water (not boiling, but hot) and lower the bait up to the front fins in the water for about 30 seconds.  Dont dunk the eyes in the water. Boiling the bait will soften the plastic some and also straighten it out if it is kinked.

Typically, I will let the bait hang from the hook eye to cool.

Hope that helps you a little....

Movarus -- As long as my wife doesn't find out, does it really matter how much?  

ebby -- I'm sure I'll find a use for fishing them w/ a "fast" retriee past ambush points, under docka and maybe "jigging" them.

Mass Hole -- I put a lot of time in with the perch bait last year.  Looks great in the water.  I know the big bass eat perch this size because they spit them up, and I know I threw it around big fish that were feeding.  Unfortunately it just didn't get bit for me.  Hope your luck is better.

speedbead -- I did that with the Ultimate and think it will help a little w/ the originals too.  I don't expect it to make them equal, but it can't hurt either.