I am slightly embarrassed to admit that despite its popularity the one bait that I struggle with is the soft body swim bait.  The main reason for this is simply because I lack the confidence in the bait, I often will dedicate a full day to throwing the lure however, I get frustrated after a few minutes and result to turning to what I have confidence in.  I am using a Luck E Strike Bass Magic 4.5 inch black diamond swim bait with an weighted wide gap hook.  

I will be fishing in a tourney on Lake Champlain in two weeks and would like to go up there with a decent swim bait to use or at least try on a practice day.  Any feedback as far as make and color would be appreciated, like I said it is the one lure that I do not feel confident in for one reason or another hence why I am reaching out for advice.  

I do not feel confident in for one reason or another...

Don't be silly. Tournament time is not for "practicing".

When you're fun fishing, try the GYCB Swimming Senko in

and around cover or structure, particularly grass. For open

water, the Mattlures Baby bass over structure. You can fish

the Baby Bass on a heavy bass rod, special equipment is not

required.

8-)

RR, I agree 100% what I meant was a practice day prior to the tourney, in order to try and gain confidence. I plan on getting out on the water a few times before I go up.

I have used the Swim Senko a few times with success, once ironically on Lake Champlain.  I use a small bullet weight to get it down, and normally get bit when it ticks off grass.

You would be better off using it in practice or while rec. fishing, than trying it in a tx.  I personally would start off using the soft swimbait as a substitute for whenever you catching fish on a spinnerbait.  This is just a start, to gain confidence, by catching fish.

So far this Spring, I've had very good success with the Luck E Strike Bass Magic 4.5" swimbaits, in Green Shiner. I've also used Strike King Shadalicious, in AYU.

The smallies don't seem to be too interested in them, however, the LMB have been mauling them. I'm using a 7/0, 3/8 oz Stanley Frog/Swimbait Hook. Using a slow to medium, steady retrieve, has worked the best for me.

Good luck,

Falcon

Man I fish the same ones,and I also lack confidence in them. I know a ton of people use them and they produce very well. I honestly cast mine for about 10 casts when I first start fishing, don't catch then put it down pick up my spinnerbait and throw it forever. It's a confidence thing. One day I will try it more.

As far as a soft bodied swim bait goes, i agree with RW, you cant go wrong with the mattlures baby bass.

Find your spot, cast, and reel it just slow enough to make the paddle move back and fourth.  That should get you some strikes.  If not, try to mix up your retrieve...

Also, like everyone else said, if you are fishing a tourney, you might want to think of a different time to experiment with it

I don't want to be rude but I don't like the mattlures soft swimbaits at all. Sorry matt!

There are much better soft swimbaits out there.

One of my favorite is the baitsmith. Always runs straight and I prefer it over the 6" hudd.

Also good but way too expensive is the imakatsu huddle swimmer.

If you want something small for a slow retrieve, the huddleston shad is great. I got most strikes pitching this bait into cover/docks like a jig.

For a very slow retrieve the flt goo goo bream works well. Also too expensive IMHO.

Great feedback thanks guys!!  

bass are you even getting hits/strikes? if yes then try sliting open the belly for the hook to move easier when setting it,i will sometimes nose hook my swimbaits for better action also.