Paddle tail swimbaits are bass catchers year round, in any water conditions. Simply put, they imitate the look and feel of baitfish better than anything else. Here are a few tips for fishing paddle tail swimbaits to help catch you more fish!

Rigging Paddle Tail Swimbaits

There are three main ways to rig a paddle tail swimbait; exposed top hook, weedless, and bottom treble hook. Most swimbaits come pre-rigged and have an exposed top hook. To rig this style yourself, simply slide the hook into the nose of the bait and poke the hook through the back so the base of the hook lays against the nose of the bait. Rigging a paddle tail swimbait weedless is very similar, but instead you want to slide the hook in the bait deep enough so the point of the hook lays against the back of the swimbait. This is very similar to your classic Texas rig. The last style is normally used as an add on to the exposed top hook rig. When using a treble hook on a paddle tail swimbait, you can use a screw-lock to place the treble on the bottom of the bait, however it is still strongly advised to use a top hook. Another way is to use a through line technique to thread the line through the swimbait from the nose to the bottom and attach the hook there.

Best Paddle Tail Swimbait Colors

The main purpose of paddle tail swimbaits is to mimic a baitfish swimming through the water, a very natural presentation. Matching the hatch or using a color of bait that matches the color of the natural baitfish, is key when using swimbaits. If you have no idea what the natural baitfish are in the body of water you are fishing, white is always a good starting point. White is an excellent natural shad color that fish are almost always willing to eat. If white is too boring for you, go with a half white, half gold swim bait as many types of baitfish have this in their colorations.

When To Use Paddle Tail Swimbaits

The paddle tail swimbait is a lure that will work all year round, however it reigns king during certain times of the year. Since a swimbait is a lure which can be worked as fast or as slow as the fisherman sees fit, the paddle tail swimbait shines during late winter through early spring months. Fish are actively feeding during this time, especially as the pre-spawn/spawn nears. These fish are willing to chase down bait and will easily mistake your swimbait for a slow-moving baitfish.

Where To Throw Paddle Tail Swimbaits

Paddle tail swimbaits is very adaptable and can work just about anywhere you will be fishing. Deep, shallow, on points, open water, and even on structure, the swimbait is one of the best moving baits you can use. A paddle tail swimbait works best during three main times; when bass are feeding on schooling baitfish, schooled up in open water, and when on points. When the bass are feeding on baitfish, there is no better bait to use than a bait that mimics their food. If the bass are schooled up in open water, they are searching for baitfish to feed on and when they see a paddle tail swimbait stroll on by, they cannot resist the easy meal.

How To Work Paddle Tail Swimbaits

The best aspect of a paddle tail swimbait is that it can be fished however you please. You can slow roll the bait on the bottom, pop the bait as you reel it in, and even burn the bait across the top of the water in shallow areas. A paddle tail swimbait is very versatile, but works best when slow rolled near the bottom. While it is common to see baitfish at the top of the water, most of the time they stick to the bottom.

This Post Guest Written By: Clayton Davis
Indiana University Bass Fishing Team
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