90% of Anglers Fish A Swing Head Wrong! Try These Retrieves!

The majority of anglers fish a swing head (wobble head, biffle head) wrong. Use these retrieves to increase your success on the water and catch more big bass!
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I was born and raised in Chicago, but after working 12 years in the financial Industry regulating the futures and options markets at the CME/CBOT I decided to pursue my passion fishing professional tournaments and left my full time corporate job. At that point, I moved to Junction City, WI with my wife Sara and two boys Hank and Duke. I've been fishing professionally since 2011 and full-time since 2015. I've qualified for seven MLF Championships and won over a half million in tournament winnings at the professional level.

[@jerryc2709]

I like a constant retrieve the best. If I don't get a bite after an hour, out come the dynamite caps.

[@MattStefanFishing]

haha

[@davemccann3730]

Ok thanks 😊

[@JohnLong02245]

Fish or cut bait?? Lol

[@rickmoore2854]

Good video…several years ago I was Biffle’s marshal and he showed me these retrieves during the day…especially liked baseball size rock. The only additional thing he used it for was to flip lay downs when he came up on them…said it saved him from grabbing a flipping set-up for a few lay downs.

[@MattStefanFishing]

awesome!

[@Tomwolverton]

Gonna try this technique never tried it

[@MattStefanFishing]

good luck!

[@terrytresemer2864]

The fast or burn retrieve is my favorite, but at times we're just forced to slow it down. Usually I'm more into finesse...but when I tie on a swing head the beast is released.

[@MattStefanFishing]

thanks for sharing!

[@spintowinstradic6067]

That video you did a while back about adding split rings has made a huge difference for me. I’ve been pouring my own and then add the 2 split rings. The action is noticeably better and I don’t lose nearly as many fish. Thanks Matt!

[@MattStefanFishing]

Glad it was helpful!

[@rvfishingyet]

Approaching 50k! Great channel with tips for presentations, modifications, and gear. Great stuff Matt

[@MattStefanFishing]

thanks!

[@jasonrutherfordbassfishing]

Good stuff, thanks Matt!

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks!

[@CoopOutdoorsy88]

Try a tube on a swing head especially non-hollow body tube like the googan doob tube. I love using that for smallies in Wisconsin

[@MattStefanFishing]

thanks for sharing

[@justinreese7391]

Never go fishing without a wobble head! I catch a biggin very year in clear water on it! PB small mouth last year with a curly tail worm on it! Thanks for the tips Matt. Appreciate ya!

[@MattStefanFishing]

they work great!

[@shadygraves]

I vary my swing-head jig retrieve based mostly on 2 things: 1st is the activity level of the fish. This is counter-intuitive, though. When fish are more active, I've found the 'sweep, stop, sweep, stop' retrieve of the Carolina rig works best. Contrarily, when fish are more inactive, I have more success stroking the lure in high, hard hops, similar to a Gotcha Plug retrieve for Spanish Mackerel in saltwater. This seems to fire lethargic bass into feeding out of a pure reaction. The 2nd and most important factor I assess in swing-head jig fishing is the type of cover fished. On sand, clay, gravel, or chunk rock banks, shoals, or points, I mostly stick to either the sweep, stop retrieve or the slow, constant crankbait-like retrieve. My favorite way to fish the swing-head jig is around wood. It's no secret that bass love logjams. The accumulation of logs in the outside bends of rivers or creeks can result in some seriously sweet, bass producing, condominiums. Most every kind of forage in a body of water will live in or around these aquatic resorts. This is when stroking the swing-head jig really shines. A high, hard stroke can resemble a craw, darting in the timber, a bream, fleeing a hungry predator, or even a frog, hopping into the dark depths of the bass dens from the nearby shoreline. Regardless, a Perfection colored Pit Boss can be just that: PERFECTION. A heavy head, fast reel, fast rod, 16lb fluoro, and that Perfection Pit Boss, stroked around logjams; well that's about as good as bass fishing gets at times!

[@MattStefanFishing]

thanks for sharing

[@johnrayner5599]

This is one bait that is under utilized for myself, I just need to get some confidence in it and use it, maybe this video will help me do just that!!!!

[@MattStefanFishing]

you can do it!

[@richardblake4777]

I have Wobble Heads but have never used them. My next trip to the Arkansas River will be when I put them to use. Thanks for the tutorial Matt.

[@MattStefanFishing]

give them a try

[@joepworther2284]

Thanks for the great rertrieve-tips Stefan !!!

[@markfrombutlerky.3500]

Thanks Matt, you always tell or show us good and informative information. much appreciated.

[@MattStefanFishing]

You bet!

[@heinrichkellogg7563]

🍺Thanks Matt good tips and presentation of retrieves.👍B.A.S.S. 2nd,8th, 17th and 23rd. I still have a chance at 4 winners in a row. Matt Herron let Mosely fish his area first because Mosely was in the lead(🤷‍♂️respect thing). Mosely caught 3 fish including a 4.8 lber while Herron watched. Herron ended up missing the top ten by 13 ounces🤔. In a tournament where one big bite can move you up 40 places I’m not sure your obligated to do that. Mosely better put him on his Christmas list🤑.

[@MattStefanFishing]

im really surprised Herron did that. interesting

[@heinrichkellogg7563]

⁠​⁠@@MattStefanFishing🍺B.A.S.S. Posted a video of it already. Mosely screamed with emotion when he landed the 4.8lb. He instantly turns to Herron watching and says “I have a lot of respect for you”.

[@alexlopez6660]

This is the second video I watched from your channel, I have to thank you for all the wisdom and experience you shared so far, I want to build my own gear and that was the first video. Again, thanks for all the info shared. Keep it up

[@MattStefanFishing]

thanks!

[@JohnLong02245]

Gonna try it and this helps a lot.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Nice!

[@MrJohnB-qs6dp]

Awesome video!!! Thanks for sharing those tips on the retrieves on the wobble head!! Stay Safe & God Bless!!!

[@MattStefanFishing]

You bet!

[@bobbyhogan9207]

Thanks for sharing the various retrieves with us 👊😎 May just put that to use in a derby this coming weekend 😎

[@MattStefanFishing]

go for it!

[@RH-md2zo]

Nice info.

[@MattStefanFishing]

thanks!

[@jebfishing]

i literally just got one of these and this video unlocked so much good information for me! Keep up the great videos!

[@MattStefanFishing]

Glad to help!

[@michaelbroderick1017]

I have started using a Tokyo rig with an egg sinker instead of a wobble head and get the same results. You can adjust the length of the wire to your preference and it has a swivel so you get lots of action.

[@MattStefanFishing]

thanks for sharing!

[@kevinbeaudean704]

Thanks Matt. My next tournament has 2 or 3 areas that I was going to use a wobblehead, so great timing on the video and thanks again.

[@MattStefanFishing]

good luck!

[@mikeeller557]

Thanks Matt

[@MattStefanFishing]

you bet!

[@crowe1974]

Love the split ring tip..

[@MattStefanFishing]

its great!

[@stevesmith7164]

Good video, I just started using the Gene LaRue wobble heads. Good tips

[@MattStefanFishing]

Awesome!

[@k1llerdir]

I like that with creature bait and add worm rattle in the bait on dirty water.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Nice!

[@mikegardiner3934]

great retrieve vid, Matt. That 2nd one is like carolina rig retrieve. I like the 3rd if using something like 3.8 keitec or similar for that reaction bite. Good stuff!

[@MattStefanFishing]

awesome!

[@nigel7297]

Great video 👍👍👍

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks!

[@ATFISHING]

Some of the same retrieves you mentioned, difference is I use a Warbaits Neckbreaker paired with an MC shad swimbait. Killer combo in the salt.

[@MattStefanFishing]

ill check it out!

[@michaelloucks4448]

Hey Matt I have a 7"3' coming in the mail for this technique. Thanks for the video and the great info. Good bait to us in Missouri rocky terrain.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Have fun!

[@seizedcarcass8440]

I love a wobble head. My favorite summertime technique. I use it on either a medium heavy fast with a decent speed reel or a heavy fast and I dominate. My favorite baits are either creature baits or swimbaits. Although I’ve found big worms or curl tail worms do very well as well. I use it with any line I have except mono. Braid works great in grassy areas but it can get very scummy because it catches a lot of grass. I have a lot of clay and fine gravel bottoms with chuck rock and wood so these guys work great.

[@MattStefanFishing]

thanks for sharing!

[@NeilGraham.I.M.F]

I'll have to give a few of those different retrieves a try. That's the wobble had a bet last year. But didn't give it the time it deserves to gain confidence in it. I'll have to do that this year

[@MattStefanFishing]

go for it!

[@williamheld7672]

Tex rig style baits with split rings are definitely trending at the moment. It will be interesting to see how it evolves in the future.

[@MattStefanFishing]

yep

[@rodneychandler82]

Adrenalin craw and Zeecraw work really well with the wobble head as well here in South Africa . Generally just slow rolled on gravel , rocky bottom , catches good sizes . Will try out your other retrieves . Thanks Matt

[@MattStefanFishing]

thanks for sharing!

[@dougsaroma]

Never fished this rig, but it looks perfect for bank fishing the rocky coves of my lake here in central Texas, which is also has a nice smallmouth population. You have some gorgeous bird song going on in this video. I think I'm hearing a scarlet tanager, which we don't have around here. I would love to be out there with my camera and long lens.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Im not sure what that bird is

[@mikest4786]

Scarlet Tanager is a beautiful red and black bird that often perches high in trees. We have them here in East Tennessee at times. Thanks for instruction on wobblehead. I really want my 17 yo grandson to can more bass this summer and that might be the way. He loves wacky worming most.

[@macking4942]

im going to try this. i cannot get bit on hartwell with swing head. Points, rock beds etc. Would really like to catch one on it or get more confident.

[@MattStefanFishing]

keep trying

[@shadygraves]

Try it around the LOGJAMS that accumulate in the OUTSIDE BENDS of most tributaries. Stroke it high and hard.

[@reneflores6625]

Thank you I love your videos always informative I honestly have somebody sitting in my tackle box and they don't know how to fish them I'm going to try exactly like you said add the extra split rings next I have a question about jig fishing can you do a jig fishing video including retrieve how to's?

[@MattStefanFishing]

check out this jig retrieves video i did kzbin.info/www/bejne/emrXfKGhiM6Ia7s

[@kylemayer8486]

Fast becoming one of my favorite techniques. Using a gambler ez swimmer on a kyle monti 1/2 oz head. Super fun bite.

[@MattStefanFishing]

awesome!

[@StrongArm6R]

Thanks for these. As simple as they may seem, these videos probably help me the most, sometimes get that “ah-ha”😅

[@MattStefanFishing]

awesome!

[@LowBrowFishing]

Wobble heads are great baits for sure. I have to make sure I change the heads out to something more wedge-shaped than a football head. Then I can rip it through grass and vegetation with no problems. I use them out from the bank in shallow water that has lots of hydrilla. If those fish are buried too deep for a swim jig, I break out my wobble heads.

[@MattStefanFishing]

sounds good!

[@Surfer-727]

Nice lure especially for a bank fisherman perhaps. What I noticed is that the more a crankbait makes the tip of the rod vibrate, the better the lure is for smallmouth. Though I have not tried every crankbait and I do not fish ice cold water. 🐟🐟

[@MattStefanFishing]

thanks for watching!

[@FiciousCritik]

_"Retrieve"_ series are great, thanks Matt. How is a standard football jig better than a swing head jig?

[@MattStefanFishing]

they are some what interchangeable but i prefer football jig for fishing targets and swing head for covering water

[@funkymojo111]

Thanks for showing us the retrieve styles. I like this rig but have never caught anything on it. I think my local water body here in San diego is just too pressured; the fish have seen it all. They seem to prefer the drop shot.

[@MattStefanFishing]

its a great bait!

[@rv1020]

Split ring may just be the ticket. Thanks Matt.

[@MattStefanFishing]

give it a try!

[@williamknight5142]

Matt when is tackle warehouse going to have the hover rig tried ordering from taps and tackle couldn't get their search engine to work.👍👍👍👍👍

[@MattStefanFishing]

we sent a bunch to tackle warehouse. they have recieved them and just waiting on them to put them on the website. Id expect any day now.

[@vinnylivoti9567]

Hi Matt another great video as always. Just a few add-ons to this subject. I know this bait is really primarily used on hard bottom. With that said I know some pros like Mark Zona said he would not fish anything but a tungsten head because fishing lead on a swing head is like the equivalent of a wet rag he said he cannot telegraph what he's working over as far as Rock, wood and other types of hard cover. Just wanted your thoughts. Do you really need to go for tungsten with the swing head or is lead suitable

[@MattStefanFishing]

no you dont have to have tungsten

[@vinnylivoti9567]

@@MattStefanFishing I like the split ring idea. I can see how that would help when fishing heavier heads. Your tips are always on point Matt.

[@stephanelavoie2258]

Il like that technic, but fishing from the bank with lots of rocks i snag a lot , what would be your advice regarding the wait of the head ? 🎉

[@MattStefanFishing]

go lighter if fishing from shore

[@richardmajewski3815]

Potential topic now that the warm temps are here to stay. I don't know if you have had a video on fish care in warm/hot water. I fishing a local tournament this past weekend and lost on fish despite using G Juice and 20 lbs of ice throughout the day. Is there a best way to keep the water in the livewell water from the start of the day to the end of the day. What I mean by that is when do you add water to your livewell? Do you fill the livewell first thing in the morning when the water is coolest and keep only that water in the livewell all day while adding ice and livewell treatmens throughout the day and keep recirculating that water OR do you a add/replenish fresh warm water throughout the day and repeat the process of adding ice and treatments? Interested in your thoughts.

[@MattStefanFishing]

i leave my livewell pumps running on a timed continueous and my recircs running on high all day.

[@nawinchester]

I've tried this technique for years and I think I've caught two fish total. I hear everyone say how good of a technique it is, but I can get them to go at all. Tried craws and swimbaits on my wobble heads.

[@MattStefanFishing]

id recommend to keep trying them!

[@shadygraves]

I'd suggest using a heavy head, 11/16 is my favorite, with a 3" or 4" Perfection Colored Berkley Pit Boss. Like Matt says, use a long, fast rod and a fast reel. 14-18lb fluoro will do. I prefer high, hard hops of the bait. Make it hop 2, 4, or even 6' off bottom before letting it fall again on semi-slack line. Good polarized glasses help see the strike, which occurs mostly on the fall. Perfection is a kind of loud color; it's orange, but trust me- it works. Try to find logjams, which bass LOVE, in the outside river or creek bends. Sand, clay, gravel, or rock points in current can be great, as well. Don't be afraid to switch up your retrieve. Use the high, hard 'Stroking' hops, the slow steady, crankbait like retrieve, or even the 'sweep, stop, sweep stop' of a Carolina rig retrieve. Go out and take NOTHING BUT a few swing heads and a pack or two of critters, until you KNOW you can catch fish on it. Confidence is key. Hang in there and keep on chunkin' and winding! 🎣

[@quigleyshuntfishadventures9018]

Curious are you right hand or left hand dominant? I notice you cast with your right then switch the rod from right hand to your left hand then reel in with your right 🤔 Did you just learn to do it that way at a young age? Just wondering because I'm right hand dominant and it makes sense to set the hook with your dominant hand right!?

[@MattStefanFishing]

im not right or left hand dominant. half my reels are right handed and the other half are left handed. I cast both right and left handed as well.

[@quigleyshuntfishadventures9018]

@@MattStefanFishing sounds great thanks for the reply! Now I know that I'll have to pick you for the next invitational on my fantasy team 😉👍

[@nrthlife325]

Hi Matt! Are you still doing personal lake breakdowns? The link on the Fish The Moment website isn’t working. Thanks

[@MattStefanFishing]

no Fish The moment is not offerings them anymore.

[@robertday2364]

Recommendations on a good split ring tool?

[@MattStefanFishing]

berkley makes one

[@russellkamp8923]

How do you separate the hook from the wobble head to add the Split rings?

[@MattStefanFishing]

i pour them that way but you can cut a hook off to add a split ring

[@dwightstephenson_fishing5150]

Strike King and some other companies make a weight head that you can install your own hook or split ring and hook

[@russellkamp8923]

@@dwightstephenson_fishing5150 thanks for the info!

[@davemccann3730]

Do you use a wide gap or a round bend worm hook?😮

[@MattStefanFishing]

wide gap

[@rodneychandler82]

Best colours I've found work are junebug and pumpkin

[@woosa42]

Junebug and green pumpkin with a splash of purple or bama bug for me.

[@MattStefanFishing]

good colors!

[@shadygraves]

A Perfection or Big Texan colored Berkley Pit Boss, or either a Sungill or Tilapia Magic colored Zoom Z-Craw get the most action for me.

[@ADKyakman]

Is your line wrapped around the pole down towards your reel!!?? 🤔

[@MattStefanFishing]

nope

[@earlroyster4035]

Does the wobble head work in dingy water?

[@MattStefanFishing]

Yep!

[@earlroyster4035]

Thank You

[@earlroyster4035]

Gotta give it a real try

[@shadygraves]

Absolutely! I love Berkley's Big Texan colored Pit Boss in dingy water. Don't forget to appeal to all the fish's senses, especially in dingy water. Add a rattle for sound and BANG Pure Craw for scent or taste. Mixed with the black and orange colors of Big Texan and the hydrodynamics of the Pit Boss' flapping appendages, it's a great lure that stacks the odds in your favor!

[@Danxiong]

90% of anglers fish a swing head wrong!*

[@MattStefanFishing]

sounds good to me

[@garysmith7832]

Is this the same as a shaky Head

[@MattStefanFishing]

Nope big difference