GO GLIDI N G
Story
BY DAN O’SULLIVAN
with Matt Allen
T
here is a new trend among swimbait afi-
cionados that lean towards the gliding ver-
sion. When the River2Sea SWaver hit the
market in 2007, many folks were skeptical that the “S-Action” glide was going to be effective.
The SWaver was an adaptation off of a Japanese
lure that was an adaptation off of a Jerry Rago Baits
creation for Japan, but it certainly became a trend-
setting lure in the U.S.
Anglers everywhere began to quietly catch giant
bass on the SWaver, tournaments were won and
lake records produced on it. Before long, the lure that
was a quiet secret became popular as more and
more anglers began hearing of it and adding it to their
own arsenal. As word spread, other individuals and
companies began making their own versions, including
larger models designed to attract larger bites.
One of the anglers that was quick to pick up on
the effectiveness was Vacaville, Calif. trophy hunter
Matt Allen. Allen found that he was able to produce
dramatic results for him and his guide clients with
them. I think part of the reason glide baits are so effective is that they are fairly new,” he said. “The other reason is because they don’t have exaggerated action that put off the largest fish, and they are actually very quiet in the water.”
He also feels that there must be something that bass see in the lure that he does not. “I’d have to say that the lure doesn’t appear to be terribly realistic in the water, but the bass don’t seem to agree,” said Allen. “I don’t know if it the speed or the action, but it appears to be incredibly realistic, because big fish seem to be mesmerized by it. So many fish follow it all the way to the boat, and other lures are not like that.”
So, with all of the seemingly seductive attraction, how does Allen get the most out of these lures?
WHEN TO GLIDE
Allen said that conditions matter the most when applying any lure. Having an understanding of the lure is critical, but even more importantly, knowing when
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