BUYER'S GUIDE: BEST HARD SWIMBAITS (Glide, Wake, Bluegill, Etc)

[@oldeschoolbob1022]

Thank you, Matt and Tim. Living in Florida, and fishing mainly from the bank, I don't throw these style swimbaits - just too many ways to lose them for my comfort / budget, but I thought this was a great run-down. I can imagine that TW shifting its Black Friday Sale model may have resulted in a lot of 11th-hour content shuffling for you two, and I just wanted to say that I appreciate your efforts in aligning the Buyers Guide topics with the current sales. Looking forward to the rest of the Buyers Guides, along with the usual great TB tutorials. Have a great Friday everyone, and I hope you enjoy the rest of your Thanksgiving weekend!

[@tacticalbassin]

Thank you so much Bob! You've got a very clear picture of what the last few weeks have been. We really appreciate the continued support!

[@FishingWithChris_Tv]

I had to get in on the $139 stradics tackle warehouse has. That quality of a reel at that price, it’s very hard to NOT buy one or many lol

[@kenmccarthyfishing]

😂 there’s such a difference between the two of you, I think Matt could do a seminar every time he goes a video lol and Tim you get straight to the point with details you work incredibly with each other,Thank you ❤👏👏

[@tacticalbassin]

Ha! Somehow it all works 😀

[@kvolo12]

Not a fan of the change in how TW is doing their sale this year, but grateful for these videos from Tactical Bassin!

[@tacticalbassin]

They definitely had their reasons, we'll see how it went when it's all said and done. We appreciate your support in the meantime!

[@pabassfisherman]

We know you guys don’t consider Bass Pro Brands but for all you guys who haven’t tried the Bass Pro Shops Boss Glide your definitely missing out on a fish catching glide bait. And the price is awesome for what you get.

[@TheFantasticG]

These prices on the Bass Pro Shop glides/swimbaits are much more palletable... Tactical Bass channel just isn't sponsored by them and they aren't going to push another company over their sponsor (who is a direct competitor).

[@clintsimpson4690]

@@TheFantasticG I think it’s more to do with not supporting industry giants blatantly ripping off products, and the fact that the s waver is very cheap for a solid glide bait already. I’m sure their relationship with R2S plays a part as well, but they have always recommended multiple competing products across every category of tackle/gear. When bait companies spend the money to R&D, advertise, and successfully bring to market a product, only to have BPS or Berkeley make a knock off that everyone drools over 2 years later at ICAST, it hurts innovation. It’s one thing to take inspiration for a design (wart style cranks or the many; paddle tail and hollow body swimbaits, etc). It’s another thing entirely to make a clone, and the Boss Glide is absolutely an S-Waver clone. Not all bait companies can afford to take those hits repeatedly, even successful ones. This isn’t limited to TB, and I see several YT channels that lament design knockoffs for the same reason.

[@clintsimpson4690]

@@TheFantasticGand I’m not saying you’re ruining the industry if you buy a Boss Glide to try out or shop at BPS period. I’m just saying there are legitimate reasons to overlook these products. Personally I think BPS brand rods punch well above their price point. I‘ve yet to find a rod under $150 that’s close to the sensitivity of a Carbonlite that can be had for $100 a few times a year. That’s good for bass fishing as a hobby. Saving literally a few dollars on a clone S-waver not as much. If TB was just being biased they wouldn’t have the S-Waver, G-Ratt Pete series, and the cheap Savage Gear glides all featured in multiple videos at the same time, alongside Deps Slide swimmers.

[@stevehall4130]

Love the love for S wavers, Chad Shad and Bait sanity! All readily available and will absolutely “rip face”!

[@15trucklt83]

Epic buyers guide fellas. I love this time of year. It’s one of my favorite. Especially when I see you guys start dropping the holiday stuff.

[@tacticalbassin]

Thanks for the support!

[@shaunmoore1230]

First thank you for all the time and effort you put into the channel. I have learned so much from you guys over the years. Just some clarification if you could, Matt’s 2022 swimbait video he stated the SLX Hvy had some jig hook/hardbait crossover. This year he said jig hook only, and now it shows up in the hard bait guide. Will this rod work for both? I think Matt said jig hook baits up to 8” in 2022. I was all set to purchase this rod until this years seminar.

[@tacticalbassin]

Shaun, i got some questions after that seminar video that got my wheels turning so I went back to the water with it and put more time in and double checked my facts... its got some cross over for sure.

[@debtheuniversityofgods2842]

This why I watch tactical bassin more than one time already hit the like button on this video

[@jayd2535]

You mentioned using the 7’8 SLX combo for stripers. What baits are you targeting them with? Which do you recommend? Also could this rod work top waters well such as cotton Cordell pencil poppers?

[@kayakfishingforpredators9107]

Personally i use an 8 ft 6 rod from Westin or the tequila B from Megabass. The TB for precise cast or heavy vegetation, the 8ft6 when in open water for long retrieves. 😊😊

[@muskyvictim]

Yes love my TB . Of course , nothing compares to the Shimano World Shaulas, love both of mine lol.

[@notillegal6771]

Just ordered sneaky Pete's. Arashi glide. Tactical wake. Jackall gantarell jr. and blast bones. Armajoints. A kgb shad. And an s waver 200 all for stripers. Except the gantarell Jr...... maybe I'll try it on a striper or bluefish

[@kayakfishingforpredators9107]

BIG Spender 😃👍 Unfortunately exchange rate $ > € isn't funny for European consumers 😢😓 Lucky me: I spend a €100 in Japan and grabbed 3 I-Slides 187R 🤘😎🤘🎣🎣😆

[@tacticalbassin]

Sounds like you're going to have a blast!!

[@fishing630addictionjcmg4]

The best fisherman's on the game always whit the good info thankz matt end tim for share all the knowledge for us thanks 🙏

[@tacticalbassin]

Thank you! We appreciate the support!

[@TroyCote]

Tactical Wake 210 for the win!! They're not lying when they say that you' will never forget the way they hit it!! My cousins Swimbait PB was on a Ganteral it was 7 13oz in Massachusetts. I've been fishing for pretty much my whole life and he smoked me. Felt good to have him net my 7 15oz.😂 Wish I cracked 8.

[@anthonyparrish5747]

You guys are Incredible!!! Love the information you share with everyone!!! Always looking forward to your next video!!!

[@Swimbait_addiction]

TW 20% off sale ends tonight. Got the explorer gill, armajoint, s waver 200 and 168, 3 chimera, 4 chads guess im gonna learn to use glides this spring. Thanks for all the tips...I forget about the wake bait but next sale I'll probably score it.

[@FishandHunt]

The larger Jackal Gigantarel & the Baitsanity Explorer Gill both work well on our giant Murray Cod. Greetings from Australia 🇦🇺

[@rickcorrea891]

Hey guys love your videos what are your favorite glide baits for smallmouth bass?

[@WadeDemoss]

The video I've been waiting for let's gooooo

[@tacticalbassin]

🙌

[@douglasspickler4925]

Thanks for sharing your swimbait knowledge. Great job as always.

[@tacticalbassin]

Thank you!

[@colfaxpersimmionfestival202]

Great content you guys have made swimbait fisherman outta me im hooked and its really awesome

[@tacticalbassin]

Awesome!! Way to go!

[@fundamentawellness9562]

I finally ordered the Gantarel and I cant wait to try it out this spring for a PB!

[@tacticalbassin]

You're going to love it!

[@IISR9II]

I have an older black dog g2 bluegill. Are those any good?

[@WhereWeWild]

That Baitsanity Gill has been my go to for awhile. Thing is insane man. Haha got the Chimera in route, can’t wait to try it. 😎🤙🏽

[@tacticalbassin]

That gill is a serious fish catcher! You're going to love the Chimera too 👍🏼

[@jamesamaro]

U guys are the best

[@ryaneubanks5373]

Curious about y’all’s thoughts on angler clips/speed clips for big baits vs direct tie? Pros and Cons. Thx

[@stevencaldwell838]

$500, few Swavers & a few from Baitsanity and a handful of Savage Gear baits & it’s on!

[@wizardcat2828]

Great video! I fish southern Michigan and northern Indiana, so I fish smaller swimbaits. Should I consider the 965 instead of 966 Loomis swimbait rod? Will this allow me for flexibility for the smaller glides? I have throw 6” Magdraft freestyle and Citizen single hooks as well. Thanks!

[@WillSelbyKayakFishing]

Love Tim, but Matt Allen's passion is inspiring. His info I eat up and have learned a ton from him. TB for president 😂😂

[@tacticalbassin]

Ha! Thank you so much for the support!

[@Fishing_and_Finance]

Man y'all are awesome as usual. I have the chimera, s-wavers, antidotes, and I was wondering if y'all could point me in the right direction on how to repair these baits. What do y'all do when you get water leaking into these plastic bodied baits? The chimera is awesome and swims like a high dollar bait but it's substantially less durable than the antidote or swaver, It had paint flaking on the joint just from shipping it. Did I miss something when they said they hand paint each one, is this like when you get a fence built and the consumer is responsible for staining? It just doesn't seem like it was built to be fished hard when it cost $80 and is this fragile. Are there any bigger companies, like Gancraft making glides out of resin? I pulled the trigger on a Clutch and it is sick, but was wondering if y'all had other recommendations in that $100-200 range

[@davidhidalgo5662]

As I watch your buyers guides I can hear my wallet moaning and yelling from the other room as it catches fire and burns to the ground. LOL Like a lot, I wait all year for the big sales and your buyers guides. To you and your families have a fun, safe and blessed holidays. Thank you for all you do.

[@tacticalbassin]

Ha! Thank you David!!

[@jeremyduncan9165]

The 966? What size and power? Thanks for the years of videos!!!

[@chasegurkin8291]

Have y’all thrown the clutch darter glide bait? It’s been a popular bait on the herring lakes I live on

[@willyontek3624]

Have you guys ever used the Calcutta D for Swimbaits if so what are your thoughts

[@dant8213]

We need R2S to start making the waver in a slow float/suspend for shallow water...I'd be all over that

[@kendalroe7182]

I’m shocked I haven’t seen yall do a video with a clutch OG or clutch boss yet. Best glide iv ever gotten my hands on as good or better than kgb I own both

[@tacticalbassin]

We also own both but testing/durability takes time 👍🏼

[@samdavis1257]

Hey Matt, when you say the 966 is your everything rod whats the lighest swimbait you throw hard and soft on it?

[@joshuagauger1796]

What is ypur take on the megabass lavante leviathan rod? Seems to be a step up from the SLX but still affordable. I wish shimano made a swim bair rod in the curado line vecauae those are my go to rods for the pasr few years.

[@nelsonchiro]

I always tell myself, "I'm not going to be a big swimbait/glide bait guy." Then I watch these videos and find myself adding swimbaits/glide baits to my TW cart.. 🤣

[@nelsonchiro]

Whoops.. Gantarel and Mattlures Hammer Tail shad ordered... 🤣

[@anthonyparrish5747]

How long of a leader do you use and what is the best knot for tying braid to fluorocarbon or monofilament?

[@kesterharding1819]

I saw reels on the Japan Tackle Shop. Have you all ever tried the reels directly from Japan?

[@kayakfishingforpredators9107]

Yup many orders incl rods-reels-swimbaits oh and jigheads 1/32--1/8 oz bags and bags ( they cost a fortune and less sizes available in Europe in store ) 😃

[@tacticalbassin]

Yes we have. The problem is JDM reels have zero support in the US. There is no warranty, no parts, etc...

[@kayakfishingforpredators9107]

​@@tacticalbassintheir build quality in design and materials used HE-reels usually do not Break Down so easily. Do a little oiling every year and TLC when in use. You have a superb reel in your hands 😊😊

[@JL050]

What are your thoughts on the Megabass I-Slide?

[@ianmoore2420]

What do you like about the Cardiff for this application?

[@guyb5333]

What do you think of the savage 4D lures i saw on TW. Yesterday you showed the savage swims but you didn't mention the 4D. Do you fish the 4D? A pond near me is stocked with trout, that also has bass. So I thought I might be able sit near the dam and fan cast 1 of them from shore. Thank you, Guy

[@calebbrown8821]

Thoughts on Drt swimbaits? I’m almost sure one of you owns a couple but hasn’t ever mentioned them because of availability issues. Great video guys!

[@tacticalbassin]

We both have them. They're proven fish catchers. As a marketable product, I'm not a fan of baits that an angler has to have a deep understanding of modifying to be effective.

[@eddiemendoza6259]

Will we ever see the Tactical Glide ?

[@tacticalbassin]

Doubtful. We fill missing niches and there is definitely not a lack of glides 😀

[@brianrobinson9979]

When do you choose a Mono vs Flouro leaders?

[@repairdrive]

Yeah buddy!!

[@jamesbarron1202]

Out of your 2 budget rods from both swimbait vids, between the Defy Black and the SLX which would you pick to throw the Baitsanity Explorer Trout using straight 30 lb Copoly (no braid)? I mean really launching it hard without fear of snapping it.

[@tacticalbassin]

Personally I would throw it on either. That said, the Defy is definitely the stouter of the two.

[@jamesbarron1202]

@@tacticalbassin Thanks for the feedback. I was leaning that way from the extra length and the fact you mentioned it on jig hook swimbaits (stoughter) and I’m using it on a more flexible line than braid.

[@greenpighunter6930]

Tim said "Matt's experience with swimbaits". Tim wasn't it you that caught a big double on the 200 S - Waver with a net?

[@tacticalbassin]

Tim has a ton of swimbait history as well, as you noted. He's an absolute hammer and is very humble about it. -Matt

[@Kennethschorpp]

I'm trying to get some big swimbaits with redhead and hooks in them I live in London Kentucky I Fish Laurel River Lake it's a deep Clearwater Reservoir how can I order some of these swimbaits I watched a video where you was throwing the swimbait out there and just crawling it on the bottom I need some big swing baits already rigged up

[@riazmomin5472]

Can u please post a video on what lure to use for spinning rod, I am big fan of spinning rod but I want to use for more lure,can I use spinning reel for wakebait lure?

[@MaineYyak]

I would try deps buzzjet since it's smaller and would work on conventional spinning gear. Big heavy baits really need heavier gear (bait caster combo in 200 size at least) my opinion only, and not a pro by any means 😜. Good luck- that buzzjet gets bit well for me tho

[@andybales7318]

U can definately use a spinning reel, just need smaller wakebaits typically...the spro bbz rat 30 is a good wake for spinning gear...other good ones out there, too...Cl8 water vole is a killer, too...mann's baby 1 minus...Bass Pro Shops "the egg" in the small version..many others

[@guyb5333]

Will Your TB wake bait catch and hold up to stripers?? A friend of mine has a line on springtime stripers 24 inch to 34 inch typical. Maybe I can go with him in the spring. We used to use the big CC Redfins and wake them. R s v p

[@tacticalbassin]

Yes, we've caught quite a few big striper on them. 👍🏼

[@guyb5333]

@@tacticalbassin Thanks for the feedback. I'll get one that looks simmilar to an american shad. Good Lord willing I'll be healthy enough to fish In the spring. Sadly I still find myself with a 21 foot z21 I can't use but, I pray that I may be able to use it a few more times before it sells. I see your trees still have some leaves. the ones here in south eastern pennsylvania don't. I really appreciate you both sharing all that knowledge. Thanks, Guy

[@ReactionGiants]

So what's the difference between the pb mouse and pb mini rat??

[@tacticalbassin]

The mouse is half the overall size of the Rat (diameter)

[@boognish.]

Complaining about hook rash is funny style

[@landonvanhorn592]

If you could only get one, which one? chimera shad or chad shad?

[@tacticalbassin]

How large are your bait fish? I personally lean toward the Chimera but both are great.

[@Sp0rtcenter29]

My bank account is scared for the BFS buyers guide!

[@tacticalbassin]

😂😂😂

[@MaineYyak]

I love your content, and have used nearly all your big bait tips to be effective as a beginner SB addict. Ive seen yall continue to show us these good production baits for a couple years, awesome and cool. Could you consider a vid that directs a guy who buys custom baits towards some real winners? Ive spent so much on custom stuff that i really dont like or use (lots of hype not a lot of results)... I know you both have builders you trust and enjoy... My personal favorite is jimmyrigsclearlake for gill glides (and affordable) and rafa for a shad glide, and Biggs customs for a 10" shad.. three awesome baits ive discovered last season. Thanks for any info id love to know the hard bait builders you know that i dont.

[@TheFantasticG]

I really like this kind of bait, but i dislike the price point far more. I still havent found the reason theyre so expensive.

[@davidkelley1989]

I know you guys don't work for tackle warehouse but you should aware that only select items are on sale and the items you are posting on your buyer guides are not on sale. Last year tacklewarehouse made everything on sale on black friday as they should but since they spread out the sale this year sale items have been limired to select items. Not complaing, just stating fact. I enjoy your content and will contine to watch

[@tacticalbassin]

David, we know what the verbiage reads but they ARE on sale! They're meeting MAP pricing requirements with that verbiage but go ahead and make your purchases then check the receipt 👍🏼 Enjoy the sale!

[@victorxavier9977]

😎👍

[@davidblake5199]

Fish on 🐟💦

[@TurdFerguson1000]

We like long winded. Keep talking Matt

[@tacticalbassin]

Ha! Thanks!!

[@andybales7318]

Didn't buy a Turkey yesterday, so I could buy soft swims...Guess I'm not buying anyone Xmas gifts this year, so I can buy hard swims..Boyyyy, are people going to be mad at me!

[@tacticalbassin]

😂😂😂

[@muskyvictim]

World Shaula Limited1705r , forget the rest , if you can find it

[@illmuskyhunter3313]

What would you think would be 3 glide/swimbaits that would work in the musky world

[@hunter5858]

I think it's funny that you think 75 bucks is affordable lol 😂

[@tacticalbassin]

Coming from the custom swimbait world, $75 is rock bottom prices. There are soft baits that you go through regularly that are well in excess of $100. Thats not to say they're affordable for everyone, but they're affordable in the context of large swimbaits.