How to rig a swimbait for bass fishing and selecting the best swimbait colors based on the forage, with KVD! Check out this early season, prespawn demonstration and lessons learned on the water.
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Matching the forage is everything. In lakes where bluegill or crawfish are common, fish get used to seeing and eating them all year long. Picking a bait that closely imitates what they’re naturally feeding on makes a big difference. Color, size, and action all play a role in that match.
Why the 3.75 Rage Swimmer Works
The 3.75 Rage Swimmer is a solid choice for cold water. That little bit bigger profile combined with the slow wag of its tail works especially well in colder temps. It creates a subtle vibration that fish can feel and respond to, even when they’re not very active.
Best Colors to Imitate Natural Forage
Colors like KVD Magic, IU, and straight green pumpkin all blend in great with the bottom. These shades do a good job mimicking bluegill or crawfish in grassy areas.
Whether fish think it’s one or the other doesn’t really matter what counts is that it looks natural and familiar.
Prepping the Bait for the Jig Head
A simple trick: bite the head off the bait. That way it sits flush against the jig head. This improves the presentation and keeps everything streamlined. Pair it with a quarter-ounce jig head for good bottom contact and a steady retrieve.
Rod and Reel Setup
Spinning rod around 7’4″ like Team L Signature Series works very well. It should have a soft tip but plenty of backbone for control. Pair it with a shallow spool reel, like the Lew’s Custom Lite 200 series.
Always 8-pound braid with 8-pound fluorocarbon leader. This combo gives good sensitivity, strength, and casting distance, all important when fishing finesse style with lighter baits.
The key is a slow, steady retrieve. Let the bait stay near the bottom and just scruff it along. It doesn’t have to move fast just enough to stir things up and look like a real baitfish or crawfish creeping along.
If it gets hung in grass, snap it out. That sudden movement can trigger reaction bites. The goal is to keep the bait moving naturally and consistently across the bottom without overworking it.
Ideal Timing and Conditions
This technique really shines in early season conditions, especially when water temps are still cold but warming up. Fish may already be staging or moving up, even if ice is just starting to go out on the lakes. It’s less about exact temperature and more about changing conditions and fish behavior patterns.
