The key to catching big bass with a swimbait is not letting them feel the weight of the bait. KVD Demonstrates here with a @StrikeKingLure Rage Swimmer. Check out all the components and tools needed for this well-balanced, Rage Swimmer.
Kevin VanDam shows you how he rigs this and keeps the hook in without it pulling back through. Different depths and weights are also to consider. Check out the lead wire fishing tip to balance the weight! This is a KVD custom specialty.
- Strike King Rage Swimmer Swim Bait
- Mustad ultra point kvd elite triple grip 1x treble hook – 2x short shank
- For all your bass fishing and outdoor sports needs
- KVD Mustad Fishing hooks
How to Rig a Swimbait with a Treble Hook for Maximum Effectiveness
Swimbaits are one of the most popular and effective baits among anglers. They come with various rigging options, each suited to different fishing conditions.
This rigging style can help you catch fish that might otherwise just bump or swipe at the bait, significantly increasing your hookup and landing rates.
Why Choose Treble Hook Rigging for Swimbaits?
Traditional single-hook rigging options, such as jig heads and belly-weighted hooks, can sometimes limit your catch. When a fish only bumps or swats at the bait, you may miss it with a single hook.
Using a treble hook offers better chances of landing those fish by providing multiple points of contact, especially for fish that may strike lightly or come up from the side.
Tools and Materials Needed for Treble Hook Rigging
Here’s a simple list of what you’ll need to rig your Rage Swimmer swimbait with a treble hook:
- A hook to act as a threading needle.
- A rivet or stopper to hold the hook in place.
- A treble hook of your choice.
- Optional weights (bullet weights or lead wire) for adjusting depth and balance.
With these tools, you’ll be able to make a versatile rig that can adapt to surface or deeper water fishing.
Step-by-Step Guide to Rigging
- Preparing the Hook: Begin by tying a straight shank hook to your rod, which you’ll use as a needle to pass the line through the swimbait. This hook can be any simple straight shank that you don’t mind modifying, as you’ll cut off the point after threading.
- Threading the Line: Insert the hook into the nose of the swimbait, aiming to have it exit just before the hook slot in the belly. Pull the line through, positioning the line through the bait to keep it stable.
- Adding the Stopper: Use a pop rivet cap as a stopper. Slide this onto the line and position it to prevent the hook from pulling back through the bait. This setup keeps the treble hook firmly in place and ready for repeated strikes, giving you a durable setup for catching multiple fish without re-rigging.
Adjusting the Weight for Different Depths
If you want to fish near the surface, leave the rig unweighted. For deeper fishing, add a bullet weight—typically 1/8 or 3/16 ounces, depending on the desired depth and retrieve speed. Position the weight at the front of the bait to let it sink and stay in the water column you prefer.
Adding Lead Wire for Stability
To further refine your rig, try wrapping a small amount of lead wire around the hook. This can be purchased at most fly-tying shops.
By adding lead wire to the treble hook, you’ll balance out the hook’s weight, allowing the swimbait to swim upright without rolling. This little tweak also helps maintain a straight-line retrieve, which is especially useful for faster retrieves.
Benefits of Treble Hook Rigging for Different Bass Species
This treble hook setup works exceptionally well for Smallmouth and Spotted Bass. It’s also effective for Largemouth Bass, provided you’re fishing in open water without dense grass or heavy cover.
The exposed treble hook increases the hook-up ratio significantly compared to single-hook rigs, making it a preferred option when targeting these species in open water.
Final Thoughts: How to Rig a Swimbait with a Treble Hook
Rigging a Rage Swimmer or similar swimbait with a treble hook can drastically improve your catch rate. The setup may seem intricate initially, but it becomes second nature with practice.
With this rig, you’re ready for productive fishing sessions, targeting a variety of bass species with a reliable, fish-landing rig. Whether fishing close to the surface or at depth, this setup is adaptable, effective, and a valuable addition to any angler’s toolkit.
