ROD/REEL/LINE
No specialized equipment is needed for throwing a swinging jig, a medium-heavy or heavy action rod, quality baitcasting reel and 15 lb test fluorocarbon is a perfect setup. I prefer to use Seaguar AbrazX fluorocarbon, just because I am almost always fishing these around heavy rock and the abrasion resistance of the line definitely helps. The rod I use is a Powell Max 3D 753, which is an extra-fast, medium-heavy action. The rod is 7’5”, so you can really launch a bait like this and the longer rod does seem to help getting a better hookset on deep fish.
PLASTIC
Another great thing about swinging jigheads is that it has a standard worm hook connected to a piece of lead, so you are able to use any soft plastic that you can Texas-rig. There are several good baits to use, but the Gene Larew Biffle Bug, Berkley Havoc Pit Boss, Mister Twister Flip’n Out and also a Keitech Fat Impact swimbait. I have heard of others using lizards, tubes and even straight tail finesse worms with success.
The Biffle Bug was literally made for this application and is a beaver style bait, but unlike a standard beaver bait used for flipping and pitching, it has much more action when retrieved. I use the 4.25” version most of the time, but will switch to the 3.5” when I am specifically targeting smallmouth. Any green pumpkin or watermelon color seems to do the best for me, since the swing jig is a perfect crayfish imitator.
The Havoc Pit Boss and Mister Twister Flip’n Out are other great baits with plenty of action. I prefer the Pit Boss in the warmer months as the four appendages create an aggressive action, and based on my experience that seems to work better in warmer weather.
Another of my favorite baits to use is a Keitech Fat Impact in both the 3.8” and 4.8”. The swimbait combined with the weight of the swinging football head makes for a deadly action and works great at all retrieve speeds from a slow crawl along the bottom to a faster stop and go retrieve. I haven’t found a color that doesn’t work, but Ayu, Pro Staff Special and Male Perch are also among my top producers.
SPRING 2015
25
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