How to maximize a swimbait? How do you use them? Check out this classic KVD footage where he outlines swimbaits evolution and when and how he fishes them, to help you decide when you’re on the water.
The key is to realize how aggressive smallmouth bass are, and use this classic KVD technique to catch more! Enjoy this classic 2005 footage with KVD demonstration and bass fishing, from The Bass Pros series!
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Swimbaits have long been one of the most intriguing lures in my bass fishing career. It’s a bit of a love-hate relationship: one day they work wonders, and the next, the fish just follow them without biting.
Over the years, I’ve experimented with various swimbaits plastic, hard baits, big ones, and small ones—and experienced incredible success and immense frustration.
The key challenge with most swimbaits is their slow retrieve. Fish get a good, long look at the lure, which can be a problem.
That’s why I’ve focused on finding a swimbait I can reel faster to trigger reaction strikes, especially from smallmouth bass.
They’re particularly responsive to faster retrieves, and today’s conditions—cloudy skies with a bit of wind—are ideal for using a swimbait effectively.
The bait I’m using today has completely changed my approach. Unlike traditional swimbaits, which require slow retrieves, this one lets me speed up when necessary.
That versatility is a game-changer. Smallmouths, known for their aggression, love a fast, erratic presentation. Burning the lure along and then killing the motion triggers their instincts, often leading to explosive strikes.
For example, I just caught a great fish by burning the swimbait and then pausing it. I’m sure the bass was chasing it and had to decide: either eat it or run into it.
That makes this bait special—it’s the perfect size to appeal to small and large fish.
Swimbaits and Cover
Swimbaits are incredibly effective around certain types of cover. I love throwing them over grass, stickups, brush piles, or standing timber—any area where bass are likely hiding.
As long as the water is clear enough for the fish to spot the bait, they’ll come up and take it.
Today, I’ve been experimenting with various retrieves. I even found success treating the swimbait like a jerk bait reeling it in, stopping abruptly, and then repeating the motion.
This erratic behavior often triggers smallmouths, as they’re naturally drawn to aggressive, fast-moving prey.
Gear and Technique
For this technique, I’m using a 7’2” rod paired with a high-speed reel and fluorocarbon line. Fluorocarbon is essential because it sinks, helping the bait dive to around 3–4 feet, even with a 17- or 20-pound test.
This isn’t a light-line technique; you need gear robust enough to handle big bass.
The Importance of Color
Color plays a critical role in swimbait success. I’m using a gizzard shad pattern today, which is a natural, lifelike color perfect for clear water. This particular pattern has been working exceptionally well, and the results speak for themselves.
Final Thoughts
Swimbaits have come a long way in recent years, offering new possibilities for bass fishermen. The ability to experiment with retrieves and speeds has transformed how I use them.
Whether I’m burning the bait or mixing in pauses and erratic movements, the goal remains the same: to trigger reaction strikes and catch fish like the ones I’ve landed today.
When the conditions are right—cloudy skies, a little wind, and clear water—swimbaits shine. They’re not just lures; they’re tools that, when used correctly, can deliver some of the most thrilling catches of your fishing career.
