Critical Swing Head Tip To Drastically Improve The Performance!

[@heinrichkellogg7563]

🍺I personally thought this was a “members only” worthy tip for all the reasons Matt mentioned and he shared it with everyone on a Tuesday for free. Thanks Matt👍

[@zachg5356]

Matt is a man of the people!!

[@MattStefanFishing]

haha!

[@MattStefanFishing]

thanks!

[@stephensmith3745]

No more swing head videos please I don’t even leave mine on the deck it’s in the box if the boat is on the trailer ❤

[@TheDdrumbum32]

Great tip with the split rings! Watched a lot of videos on swingheads, and you're the only one who mentions this!

[@MattStefanFishing]

Glad to help

[@bradleyrussell1973]

Thank you Matt!!!!! I fished my first swinghead this past sunday, middle of the day mid July, water temp 85.5. I caught four great bass in less than 30 mins on a single gravel mound. I pondered why no company made them with split rings, or turn their line ties. I wondered how to add that other dimension of movement. You read my mind bro. This has become my new favorite summer bait (second to a 12” worm, of course, lol). Rocky bottom=bass on a swinghead!!!

[@MattStefanFishing]

awesome!

[@LowBrowFishing]

That is a neat idea! I was never able to use swing heads because that football head kinda sucks for thick hydrilla fields. I recently found different shaped heads you can attach to E,WG hooks that they sell on Tackle Warehouse. I can use a bullet-shaped head and fish a wobble head without worries of picking off a mop of veg after each cast.

[@MattStefanFishing]

thanks for sharing with us!

[@RyanSmith-fb8rf]

Thanks for the information from down here in Florida and fishing nothing but hydrilla

[@zachg5356]

Any chance you could send me a link etc of the bullet heads you use. I would love to use this tip from Matt also but have the same hydrilla issues.

[@LowBrowFishing]

@@zachg5356 I can't post links on KZbin since it'll auto-delete my comment. But if you search for "swing head jigs" at Tackle Warehouse and scroll to the bottom of the page, you'll see a ton of results, like the Warbaits Neck Breaker and the Crushed Cover Cruiser.

[@zachg5356]

@@LowBrowFishing thank you. This technique looks so versatile, I for sure want to try it. But was always hesitant due to my primary fishing environment.

[@erniebrightfishing]

For anybody who doesn't want to pour their own strike King makes a swing head weight that you attach your own hooks to and when the hooks get dog you just swap them out it's got like a swivel it's not really like a snap lock but the way you put the hook on it swings around the wire snaps into place really well and you could put a swivel there or a snap there to lengthen it out to make it more like Matt's. Great video partna!!.

[@MattStefanFishing]

thanks for sharing!

[@bobgrobe5022]

Great take, I've been using the Strike King heads for a couple years now with split rings because I have more leeway with hook sizes

[@richardmajewski3815]

Thanks for the tip. I have a lot of Biffle Heads that have the large size hooks that I don't use and now I have an alternative to make them part of my choices.

[@MattStefanFishing]

awesome!

[@alanhore1834]

I do something similar, I modified my mold to offset the eyes on the head at180 degrees. In my opinion this does a couple thing. One is that you have one less split ring to fail, and two you now can add a swimbait hook to the head and run a bait screwed to the swimbait hook. This adds a lot of advantages to the rig. Including the ability to have the baits last longer and to add a plastic swim bait to the rig. It also prevents the problem of the bait sliding up the hook and wasting a cast or restricting hook movement. Love the channel Matt, keep the content rolling.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks!

[@davidmiller9363]

I LOVE the wobble head,! I tend to use it near the end of my fishing day for some reason and it will come through for me nearly every time. Especially pulling it uphill on the sides of points. This is too simple for us for most of us to figure out, evidently. You have me looking at my tackle completely different, Matt!

[@justinreese7391]

Lol, same! Last bait I throw before heading out! Caught my PB small mouth this year with it on my way to the car lol!

[@MattStefanFishing]

Awesome! give it a try!

[@rickperry6305]

I've been doing the same thing since I bought that mold. #1 reason is changing hook sizes for various baits #2 is replacing bad hooks #3 is that I also realized the added action given to whatever bait I choose. I've offered this suggestion to many fishermen that I've met but they don't want to carry split ring pliers to change out hooks so they opt for the expensive KVD Strike King model that allows you to change hooks with a twist. Oh and if you haven't tried a 10" worm on a wobble head in the summer you are missing out !!!!

[@MattStefanFishing]

Awesome!

[@dennishodson990]

To save one of the "Hyper Split Rings" (my choice), take a pair of flat nose pliers and twist the wireform for the hook attachment - 90 degrees before attaching the split ring and hook. Keep them coming Matt!!

[@johnkent9019]

Never mind, found that Mustad makes a Fasttech head. Ordered through your link to Tacklewarehouse.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thank you for the support!!

[@leeeck3866]

Glad to see a video on swing heads. So many different jig heads it makes it confusing as to which one to fish and how. Thanks for the great content. I feel like it's going to be a long winter up here in the north country. Keep the tips coming so I will be ready for spring.

[@MattStefanFishing]

already been a long winter haha

[@johnnyweaver1300]

That's a really great idea, I've never fished it with a football head, but I have tried a regular ewg hook with a split ring attached to the hook then a bullet weight which makes for some good action, I listened to a MLF podcast & heard you are starting your own bait company, I know your excited about it, hope it takes off great for you!🎣👍

[@MattStefanFishing]

thanks! couple of designs coming out soon!

[@BassDudeFishn]

This was a great tip. I like it will allow me fish any hook I want. I can use lighter hook on Hula Grub and stronger hook on a creature bait.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Good stuff!

[@rodlinvon-hugenstine5142]

Zmann makes a bladed football that’s unbelievable! Hard to find lately… hope the still make em

[@MattStefanFishing]

ill check them out

[@terrytresemer2864]

I do the same with my Tokyo Rigs. Cutting the welded ring and replacing it with a split ring, thus using whatever hook I wish. Now I've got another mold to look for.

[@MattStefanFishing]

nice!

[@maxcole3930]

Swing head jigs have produced some good fish for me. I use hyper wire split rings on my texas rigg hooks alot too. The my weight is free & can be pegged also & your texas rig has way more action. Haven't tried 2 split rings. Will be trying for sure

[@MattStefanFishing]

good luck!

[@emilianobanzi9432]

Decoy makes interchangeable head it's called Switch Bomb/head VJ-78 easy to change with the desired hook size and type, so you can also attach a split ring between the hook's eye and the head

[@MattStefanFishing]

ill look into them

[@emilianobanzi9432]

@@MattStefanFishing don't know if available in US

[@depalebe]

Great tip. In the past I have tied treble hooks to swimbaits using heavy braid. It prevents fish getting leverage with heavy swimbaits. I think I'll try it with a wobble head.

[@MattStefanFishing]

agreed!

[@PaintballShyguy]

Excellent tip Matt, giving me some ideas!

[@MattStefanFishing]

Glad to hear it!

[@romaloboda2280]

Hey. In Ukraine, we have used two split rings a lot with a Swing head (we just call it "jig") about 10-15 years ago. Nowadays, we're mostly using heads with a wire that can be changed, Ukrainian professional anglers came up with that idea around 2007 when they were catching perch, and a ring or two were too much for small perch. In some bad "country" up North of Ukraine, even now, animals use two split rings for snagging fish.

[@MattStefanFishing]

interesting

[@romaloboda2280]

@@MattStefanFishing Here is some light video from that "country", there are many where they're just snagging fish, it's even a style of "fishing" with a name there kzbin.info/www/bejne/fnitfX-mirqnbZI

[@davidgerdes1815]

You ever think about adding a swivel to the split ring for true 360 degree rotation?

[@MattStefanFishing]

i havent but not a bad idea!

[@ATFISHING]

Warbaits also makes a good swing head called the Neckbraker. It also uses a split ring to attach the hook. Matt is on point, that split ring gives the bait much more movement.

[@MattStefanFishing]

thanks for sharing with us!

[@chundle09]

Wow thank you I already know this is going to catch me more fish. Dude I watched Kenta Kimura catch 22lbs on day 1 of Grand lake open. I was far enough back from him but close enough to see it was swinghead and he was fishing offshore in 10-20ft.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Nice!

[@timg185]

I poor my own as well. I made some like that with split rings but haven’t really tried them yet. Good to know it works well.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Right on

[@willtrax71]

Great Video my Friend thank you. I just got back into Fishing after 2 Decades off and as an Old DAV bank fisherman I can use all the Intel I can get. I’m shocked by how expensive Lures have gotten lol and would like to be able to try a wobble head Jig and think it would be extremely effective in my local River. Stay safe my Friend Semper Fidelis

[@MattStefanFishing]

everything is getting expensive

[@marcanzlovar72]

Matt, love the swing head! Not a ton of numbers on for me but amazing fish the ones that do. All my fish are either on Z Craw or Menace grub. Not much luck with a fluke or paddle tail , not sure why

[@MattStefanFishing]

stick with what works for you

[@melissamessmer6544]

I use a zoom lizard and a baby brush hog with great results the strike king head even comes through brush although my best presentation is when it deflects off of isolated rocks

[@MattStefanFishing]

Nice!

[@melissamessmer6544]

@@MattStefanFishing even though I use the strike king head I'm going to add the split rings for more action thanks for all your info it's really helpful

[@cyberyakeradventures]

Never thought of throwing a lizard on them. Great idea.

[@craigpeters3165]

Fantastic video again Matt! I keep a swing head on my deck all year. Got a few questions. What mold do you use to pour the heads? Where do you get the wire eyes? What brand/size split rings? And a off topic question. What is your favorite swim jig trailer? Thanks for the great content!

[@MattStefanFishing]

I have a ton of swim jig trailers i like! The Deal, Menace, pit boss, skinny dipper, grass pig, power champ. Here is the mold to use. you can get it at tackle warehouse with the link below. the other components needed are at the bottom of the listing with links to buy them as well! I use various split rings for this but generally prefer smaller sizes. www.tacklewarehouse.com/Do-it_Jig_Mold_Football_Swing_Jigs/descpage-DMFSWJ.html?from=MSFG

[@johnrayner5599]

Wow, what an awesome tip and one that makes complete sense, I never thought of doing something like this which is up setting to me… lol!!!

[@MattStefanFishing]

give it a try!

[@johnkuniskis6948]

Great tip. I removed 2 dozen hooks and added the split rings, 200% added action and the bait rigs way better and stays on the hook much better! Wonder why no mfg has caught onto this improvement

[@MattStefanFishing]

No clue but it works

[@kevinbeaudean704]

Thanks Matt. I haven't used a wobble head often and only hooked 1 fish. A video on the when and where of wobble heads would be appreciated. Sorry your bass season is about over, mine is coming close also.

[@MattStefanFishing]

will do!

[@irwinm.fletcher2612]

I also had this thought but my split rings don’t fit in the eye of the hook. I do put the wobble on the bottom of a donkey rig to get a weightless c- rig type bait above the bottom bouncing wobble

[@MattStefanFishing]

thanks for sharing

[@vinnylivoti9567]

Hi Matt: What about for the swing head jig instead of two split rings what about one Norman Speed Clips they use for crankbait and jerkbait fising? They are strong and give a lot of movement. Would be faster than the two split rings.

[@MattStefanFishing]

could be worth a shot!

[@brandonsmith606]

Great tip Matt thank you, I have a few but don't have a ton of confidence in them. I guess it's time to fish them more

[@MattStefanFishing]

give them another try!

[@brandonsmith606]

@@MattStefanFishing I definitely will

[@commoncents235]

Great tip. Thanks Matt 🎣🎣

[@MattStefanFishing]

you bet!

[@midwestfischerman]

I humbly suggest the Jika Rig; a bell sinker, a split ring, and a hook of your choice.

[@MattStefanFishing]

thanks for sharing

[@jholl7339]

Great tip! I'm a tinkerer, and one of the first things I see with a swing head is the shape similarity between it and, say, and egg weight. I'm wondering if it would work, cross-drilling and egg weight, so that it sits like the football head of the swing head, and rig it like you would a regular Weighted Texas Rig. The one thing to look at, I guess, would be your knot. Is it getting beating up from the weight wobbling and banging off the knot.

[@ATFISHING]

Might be able to put a bobber stop or bead in in front of the knot.

[@michaelspencer3219]

That weight is made by Jewel baits- called The Rock. Works just like you’re thinking. I use a large Decoy Versitile Keeper Peg to protect the knot. A glass bead and a bobber stop and you’re good to wobble.

[@MattStefanFishing]

im sure it can be done but youd need to put an insert in the hole to protect the line

[@bryaneckert6371]

Definitely going to try this winter !

[@MattStefanFishing]

good luck!

[@flipper644]

I have replaced the hooks using a barrel swivel. I'll have to try the double split ring next time.

[@MattStefanFishing]

nice!

[@maxcole3930]

I saw a vid on KZbin of guy from another country showing info on hds pro models. It's not in english but some of the literature shown was. The new 3n1 ducer runs 1175-1200 range instead of 800. Curious to see what side imaging looks like

[@MattStefanFishing]

i havent seen it yet myself

[@Scottsoutdoorchannel]

Great tip and thanks for sharing, definitely going to be giving it a go

[@MattStefanFishing]

thanks!

[@LUE68]

I just noticed this is 6mos old. U probably wont see this? Great tip! How do u fish a swing head? Reel it slow across the bottom? Hop it? Do you prefer it to a Tokyo rig and lastly do u rig it with ur favorite creature bait or is one style preferred? Its one of my Deep Dive baits for Tippy tomorrow.

[@MattStefanFishing]

stay tuned a swing head retrieves video coming soon!

[@FishOn1]

Don’t think I’ve ever had a hit on a swing head, but I keep trying. Hate fishing the Carolina rig, so I’ve been trying this instead. Hopefully it will payoff next spring. I use the heads that slow you to chose your own hook. I appreciate the tips.

[@MattStefanFishing]

good luck!

[@vincentlivoti4184]

Hi Matt great video. A few questions. What size split ring? What about using one split ring and a high quality barrel swivel, something like a spro brand. I would think you don't need it to be as smooth as a Ball bearing swivel. I know Gambler makes a wabble head called the wrecking ball. The hook attachment is horizontal so you can use one split ring and a barrel swivel. I know good barrel swivels can be rated for over a 100lbs. But you would still need 2 split rings to make it work. Maybe a ball bearing swivel after all. Would love your thoughts.

[@MattStefanFishing]

split ring varies by hook size

[@jakedelacruz1173]

I feel like this tip is a swing head game changer thanks!

[@MattStefanFishing]

good luck!

[@richardporter1455]

Great trip as always. I've been thinking about using a swing head set up like this with a lighter wire EWG with a floating ned type craw and slow crawling it for an even more finesse and lifelike presentation over a finesse football jig or a naked football jig over the winter months. Just curious about your thoughts . Thanks

[@MattStefanFishing]

sounds like its worth a try to me!

[@wirinharwirjawan6422]

Awesome info and need to share this, Thank you.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Glad it was helpful!

[@rickhensley2251]

Used a swing head with some success this year. I need to use this tip to help improve my success

[@MattStefanFishing]

Go for it!

[@bassfishingasia]

I've found that the tokyo rig can be fished like the wobble head.. to great effect

[@MattStefanFishing]

thanks for sharing with us!

[@johnroskosky7816]

Thanks Matt, great video on using the split rings on the swing heads. Where can I find the molds to make my own?

[@MattStefanFishing]

this is the one do-it mold that i use from tackle warehouse www.tacklewarehouse.com/Do-it_Jig_Mold_Football_Swing_Jigs/descpage-DMFSWJ.html?from=MSFG

[@MrJohnB-qs6dp]

Great tip!! Like the idea!!Stay Safe & God Bless!!

[@MattStefanFishing]

thanks!

[@mikefedor78]

Thanks for sharing that valuable tip 👍..I'm definitely going to try it!!

[@MattStefanFishing]

Hope you like it!

[@shelbybowron8074]

Thanks Matt hope I can remove hook successfully!

[@MattStefanFishing]

Good luck!

[@justbfrank1]

This is an awesome tip. Thanks so much.

[@MattStefanFishing]

you bet!

[@Browntrout1878]

Like using it paired up with a savage crawl soaked in crawfish sent!

[@MattStefanFishing]

sounds good!

[@johnbutler307]

Matt that is one great tip thanks.

[@MattStefanFishing]

You bet!

[@eddieboswell6068]

Good suggestion and I will try this tip!

[@MattStefanFishing]

you bet!

[@gregjohnson6799]

Could you use the braided line trick you taught me instead of two separate split rings? No added noise from the braid, though.

[@MattStefanFishing]

yep!

[@stephanelavoie2258]

I have a love and hate relationship with that rig , fishing from the bank i snag a lot , but like the concept!

[@MattStefanFishing]

not an ideal shore fishing rig IMO

[@smalliehound]

I've come to love the swing head. Especially for night fishing for smallies. But, one night I had the two split ring rig working and actually lost a couple of fish due to the hook and 1 split ring becoming disconnected during the fight. I still had the head. But, hook and fish were gone. I'm not sure how that happens. But, it was enough for me to stop doing it. Interested in if you might have any advice or have ever had that happened.

[@MattStefanFishing]

if the split ring is slightly opened after connecting i throw it away and replace. thats not just for swing heads but anything im using a split ring with.

[@smalliehound]

I'm sure that's what happened. I use a tool for separating the ring to get the hook in. It must have left enough gap to sneak through. Plus, they may have been cheaper rings. Lesson learned.

[@viperguyz]

Thanks, I’ll be trying this out.

[@MattStefanFishing]

good luck!

[@brucemckinnley5272]

Have you used just one split ring with Screwlock Swimbait hooks?

[@MattStefanFishing]

i have

[@caseycherrington2812]

Do you think a swing head is a good winter (32°-40° water) presentation?

[@MattStefanFishing]

yes it can be

[@michaelbiase2827]

Hi Matt, what do you think about using football shaped slip sinkers on a Texas rig and doing a loose peg with a bobber stop?

[@MattStefanFishing]

its an interesting concept i havent tried

[@ilpez3031]

Great tip, thank you matt 🎣

[@MattStefanFishing]

you bet!

[@ptcscagu2878]

Great idea Matt. I pour my own as well. Question is what size split rings do you use?

[@MattStefanFishing]

depends on the parts used in the mold and situation im fishing but generally the smaller the better

[@RyanSmith-fb8rf]

Matt what are your thoughts about adding a skirt to this bait?

[@MattStefanFishing]

ive done it and had success

[@johnkent9019]

Matt, great tip. Do you have enough pull to get someone to make "hookless" wobble heads for this purpose?

[@MattStefanFishing]

Interesting idea

[@lanehensley3271]

Great tip. Matt . what size split ring ? Tight lines.

[@MattStefanFishing]

varies based on weight and lure but generally ive found smaller is better

[@jerryc2709]

So when can we expect to see the Matt Stefan Swing Head jig on Tackle Warehouse?

[@MattStefanFishing]

haha

[@warrencountybassnj9459]

I’ll have to give this a shot. You think 1 split shot and a VMC ringed hook would work?

[@MattStefanFishing]

it could

[@raymaylone8563]

Hey Matt great idea my question is what would be the best way to remove the stock hook From the Bait so that the split rings can be added

[@MattStefanFishing]

depends on the hooks. some can be bent open but if welded shut they have to be cut off

[@kellymoore4517]

Hacksaw.

[@kellyhalverson2887]

Great tip Matt, I have not used a swing head, what conditions/situations do you use a swing head?

[@MattStefanFishing]

They work great on clean hard bottom areas.

[@chrissmith2305]

What size split rings are you using # 2 or #3?? 🤷🏻‍♂️🤷🏻‍♂️

[@MattStefanFishing]

Depends on the connection point but the smallest possible

[@dougholdwick6982]

Split ring size info and how to demo would be helpful.

[@MattStefanFishing]

noted

[@taymot2131]

In Europe this swinghead is called a »cheburashka« or chebu. You can instantly change hooks.

[@MattStefanFishing]

interesting!

[@chrisboyd1408]

This looks similar to the Chatterbait CFL with Freedom bladed jigs

[@MattStefanFishing]

ill check it out thanks!

[@jamesh7469]

Matt, I’m pretty sure berkeley sells swing heads built like this

[@MattStefanFishing]

well well well look at that! ill have to try them!

[@jjfig86]

Great information sir!

[@MattStefanFishing]

thanks!

[@tngreenevfl2022]

So I’m guessing I could cut the hook off at the eye and put two split rings on it?

[@MattStefanFishing]

Yep

[@Mavejar520]

Do you recommend a swing head in the winter time? I was always told it was a summer time thing.

[@MattStefanFishing]

it can be a decent winter time bait

[@robertcook8187]

Good tip and video thanks and good fishing

[@MattStefanFishing]

thanks for watching

[@mikecollett8513]

Good video. An ah-ha moment once you point out the advantages of the duel split rings. Thanks.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks!

[@danthompson4879]

Hey Matt, Great tip!! What size and brand split rings do you use? Assuming Owner and ?? Thanks man!

[@lucascarter2277]

I would like to know what size split ring, as well. Thanks, Matt!

[@MattStefanFishing]

brand varies and split rings vary by hooks Im using

[@Wil_D]

I was just about to order a swing head mold. What split rings do you use? I have a hard time finding a strong split ring to moves freely through the eye of a hook.

[@MattStefanFishing]

I go with smaller sizes generally. Or might mix it up with a small one poured into the mold and then a size larger to connect the bait if im using two split rings.

[@Wil_D]

@@MattStefanFishing I'll probably try a Decoy GP ring molded on and then a split ring from there. Just to eliminate one more fail point.

[@BillQuick-qo6lp]

Bad ass tip Matt!

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks

[@jamessullivan5683]

What do you use to cut the hook off the head?

[@MattStefanFishing]

hook cutters

[@tylerhaynes7222]

Would a swivel do the same?

[@MattStefanFishing]

Yep

[@williamknight5142]

Cool how's the swimbait project coming along?👍👍👍👍👍

[@MattStefanFishing]

hopefully be announcing in december/january

[@darrellgrant7615]

It’s like using 2 split rings with your topwater baits. Awesome idea.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Pretty much!

[@micheledaugherty275]

Matt, devil is in the details.. what size split rings?

[@MattStefanFishing]

varies based on thickness of the wire

[@micheledaugherty275]

I mainly use 1/2 oz . and 3/4 oz. Traditional swing heads w/ 5/0 hooks ….looks like a #2 hyper swivel in your video presentation? Is that the right range or what size would you recommend with a 5/0 EWG hook?

[@garyhanna2388]

Love swing head thanks sir

[@MattStefanFishing]

you bet

[@joekevellema4018]

Looks a lot like a cheburashka rig, only never saw them football style.

[@MattStefanFishing]

ill have to look that one up haha

[@danielwallace8434]

Great tip, thanks!

[@MattStefanFishing]

You bet!

[@warrencountybassnj9459]

What size split ring?

[@MattStefanFishing]

depends on the bait size and weight size

[@myriammorrison9840]

Thanks for the tips

[@MattStefanFishing]

You bet

[@edwardwicht5271]

Great advice!

[@MattStefanFishing]

thanks!

[@davidhidalgo5662]

What weight heads do you use? Do you go real heavy 3/4 and over? Nice tip as always I will be trying that.

[@MattStefanFishing]

i generally throw 3/4 and will adjust as needed

[@davidhidalgo5662]

@@MattStefanFishing Thank you. I tried this lat year for first time used 1/2 and had a lot of trouble keeping it down.

[@denniskiblerbassguy]

Great tip thanks

[@MattStefanFishing]

You bet