How To Fish Swing Head Jigs For Summer Bass (Watts Bar Lake)

Swing Heads paired with creature baits and swimbaits are one of the most effective baits for BIG Summer bass. Today is Matt's first time on Watts Bar Lake and he's armed himself with swing heads in search of bass. Come along as he explores the lake, teaches the fine details of fishing swing heads for Smallmouth, Largemouth, and a surprising mix of other species in today's video.
The swing head gained a ton of popularity a few years ago when Tommy Biffle saw tournament success with the Biffle Head. In recent years the hype has died back and many anglers have forgotten this technique. While effective year round, our favorite time to throw it is post spawn into Summer. There is just something about it that draws a consistently larger bite than other baits. Its great for covering water, locating fish, and catching those key kicker fish that we're all searching for.
While it can be done with a variety of creature or swimbait trailers, all of our favorite options are hard kicking creatures. The two that really stand out are the Keitech Crazy Flapper and the Zoom Z Craw. Both baits have a great profile and a ton of action on the back of the swinging jig head. Below is a breakdown of all the baits and equipment Matt used in today's video. The links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.
The Heads...
-Dirty Jigs Pivot Point Football: bit.ly/2jOY1Ns
(1/2 oz 4/0 Hook and 3/4 oz 5/0 Hook)
-Swagger Tungsten Football Swing: bit.ly/2ZM9PIq
(3/8 and 1/2 oz with 3/0 Hook)
Today's Baits...
-Keitech Crazy Flapper 4.4: bit.ly/2c3cXrp
(Green Pumpkin Watermelon, Double Trouble, Electric Junebug)
-Zoom Z Craw Standard: bit.ly/2vW7Jo5
(Green Pumpkin, JuneBug, Tilapia)
Other Great Trailers...
-Strike King Rage Bug: bit.ly/2aAsuiV
-NetBait Paca Craw: bit.ly/2wlVAfh
-Keitech 4.3" Fat Swing Impact: bit.ly/2ab7s8v
-Xzone Swammer Swimbait: bit.ly/2PogV0q
Matt's Combo...
Rod- Shimano Zodias 7'5" Heavy: bit.ly/2cgmMAe
Reel- Shimano Curado 150 DC HG: bit.ly/2yHtsp4
Braid- Power Pro Maxcuatro 50 lb: bit.ly/2clBRiQ
Leader- Maxima Ultragreen 15 lb Mono: bit.ly/2ae97J9
Favorite Combo For Tungsten Swing Heads...
Rod- Megabass Orochi XX Extreme Mission Type F 7'5": bit.ly/2OSVNwH
Reel- Shimano Curado 150 DC HG: bit.ly/2yHtsp4
Line- Sunline Assassin 15 lb Fluorocarbon: bit.ly/2h4LNjm
Budget Combo For Swing Heads...
Rod- St. Croix Bass X 7'4" Heavy: bit.ly/2r0xWAs
Reel- Shimano SLX DC 150 HG: bit.ly/2LWzw2Q
Line- Sunline Assassin 15 lb Fluorocarbon: bit.ly/2h4LNjm
NEW Tactical Bassin Apparel...
TacticalBassin Reaper Hoodie: bit.ly/2TwBWs7
TacticalBassin Shadow Hoodie: bit.ly/2FVD9Rs
TacticalBassin Sun Shirt: bit.ly/2TvFMBD
TacticalBassin Hooded Sun Shirt: bit.ly/38cVi9G
_________________________________________________________________
What we wear...
Sun Mask: bit.ly/2JcA8xi
Sun Shirt w/ Hood: bit.ly/38cVi9G
Light Fishing Pants: bit.ly/2foDx10
_________________________________________________________________
Equipment We Recommend...
Minn Kota Ultrex Trolling Motor: bit.ly/2vFQypW
Humminbird Solix 15 Electronics: bit.ly/2Hazsej
Minn Kota Talons: bit.ly/2F0QBSP
Hot Foot Throttle Control: bit.ly/2ob4kgO
Loc-R-Bar Boat Security: bit.ly/2CMF1NP
Favorite Storage Box: bit.ly/2fvjcFB
Favorite Pliers: bit.ly/2tfxFvw
Favorite Split Ring Pliers: bit.ly/2fT4Qw0
Favorite Wire Cutters: bit.ly/2soB34k
Favorite life jacket: bit.ly/2odXXIP
Favorite sunglasses: bit.ly/2glE3eN
Hero8 Camera: bit.ly/37hVTX4
ElectroSamson Scale: bit.ly/2f7QgQ9
Frabill Net: bit.ly/2FNdnQr
Lure Retriever: bit.ly/2TLTJc6
________________________________________________________________
If you plan to do any shopping, using our links before doing your shopping at Tackle Warehouse is the single greatest way to support us! You won't be able to even see a difference but they'll know you're one of us!
#Summer #bassfishing #bassjig

[@tonyboone3799]

I definitely appreciate you showing the spots on the mapping more often. This is something I've personally wanted to see more of. The bait demonstrations are great but seeing where, and why, you throw them is just as important. Keep up the great work guys.

[@SM-nv1jj]

Thanks for taking time to visit & fish the great state of Tennessee.

[@carmentascione4802]

My favorite swing head jig trailer are 10" zoom ol'monster in June bug... Slays!

[@tonygarrett5672]

It is a beautiful setup I enjoy fishing with it I I won't never stop fishing with it thank you I really do thank you I am catching so much fish now more than I ever had thank you so much

[@martybarnes9330]

Watts Bar is my home lake great video wish i could have met you while you was there

[@chartrandoutdoors2336]

I used some of the baits on the swing head jig and caught a 7 pound bass. I would not have caught it without your tips, your videos are really informative keep it up

[@joejoseph8161]

Not only like the technique info, but especially appreciate the strategy insights. Thanks!

[@fredvanname4934]

Where have you been all my life Matt? I learn so much watching your videos. I wish I were a kid again gaining all of this fishing knowledge from you.

[@CanadianBasserman]

Awesome!! Will definitely try this out in Korea!! This channel has definitely helped land more fish and show more techniques to anglers out here!

[@CanadianBasserman]

Stoney Lonsome Fishing out here is decent. Definitely smaller out here but still fun. Haha

[@joshuawebb6586]

Watts bar is just below my home body of water of Fort Loudoun Lake. Fish it quite often. Enjoy seeing you drop in on water I fish and do something a little different than I do. Going to have to give this a shot this next trip out. Keep the vids coming. Love the trips across the country vudeos

[@dominickeen6091]

Love the video caught my second largest fish over weekend on the nose hooked fluke with finesse setup and like you said it hooked right in the roof of the mouth!

[@82khai]

"Come on back..." 2 cranks later, boom! "Got him". Amazing how Matt can call a fish back.

[@wolf122168]

Glad to see you came up and caught fish. Always enjoy your videos and look forward to the next one.

[@awoutdoors1995]

That’s my home lake. It has a numerous amount of 10 pounders. And triple digit catfish. Melton hill lake has Muskie if you’re interested in that. Or the clinch river below Melton hill dam. Muskie, smallmouth, largemouth, and striper. Good luck fellas

[@dustinwalker8152]

The Dstyle truster is my favorite for a swing head. It's a little smaller (3.8") works great for smallies and heavy pressured fish.

[@kennethhamill4566]

I live in Tennessee and fish these spots from the last 3 videos, not exact one but areas. I wish so badly that I could have met you guys. I'm a huge fan and basically a student of your techniques. It is amazing I can watch your videos and go out and apply them, and they are helping me become a better angler. Hope to meet you guys one day. Maybe, you could do a contest for a chance to fish with you. Keep the knowledge coming. Thanks Matt!!!!!

[@gregmartin4414]

Any idea which ramp he launched from

[@michaelyoung4733]

Always wanted to learn about these. Thanks for another great video!

[@billy7434]

Gave the swing head its first try on a local lake with deep water and alot of offshore ledges. Got 2 5 lbers using your tips. Never had much luck offshore, had alot of fun trying this

[@fisherofmen9897]

Great video! So much information on this channel head an shoulders above everyone else!

[@jascobos]

Love the swing head, always catch fish on the Bar with it.

[@toddwinegar7365]

In case yall read this now that you live in Tennessee know this the drum in the Tennessee river are absolutely stout and they will bite your jig. I love fishing the Tennessee river system and its lakes, and i think yall will too.

[@PonderousSage]

Literally just tried swingheads this weekend and slayed em! Such a fun bite!

[@spartagirlful]

If you're still in TN come a little west to Mitchell Creek on Dale Hollow.

[@C.Adams82]

I absolutely love a swing head, my go to bait when the conditions and where I'm fishing are ideal for it. The z craw is my first choice, also a rage bug and rage menace but for smallmouth I almost only throw the Gene Larew hammer craw. Very small compact bait.

[@zenoc3345]

Thanx Matt.........

[@hooksethooligan6841]

Have fished watts bar my whole life. It’s an amazing fishery. The best part is you never know what you may catch. Tons of different species in that lake and big numbers!

[@Lee-lp8fd]

Have u gone to the cliffs

[@PiperFishing]

I usually fish in the same way, except with a Tokyo rig. My lake gets really slimy on the bottom so the Tokyo helps keep the bait clear of vegetation.

[@FishingThePNW]

I absolutely love swinging football heads! My PB 6.28 lb smallmouth came on a 3/4 oz bass patrol deflection jig with a watermelon candy baby brush hog!

[@buckmountaintaxidermy7788]

Yep,Watts Bar has some hook benders!Believe me,I learned the hard way!👍Strong fish!Have to be able to turn them to keep them out of cover sometimes!

[@dannynichols5609]

Welcome to Tennessee! Where you can catch almost all species on any technique 🤜

[@ILLUMINATHAN79]

A Man Bear Pig on a rugby swing head is always tied on this time of year!! Sweet video

[@Techangler65]

Love Watts bar lake

[@davidnewcomb2431]

Come to Carter's lake in Ellijay GA....its a phenomenal spot fishery....but very tough at times!! Challenge thrown out there...hopefully y'all will accept....dont think it'll disappoint

[@davidnewport8721]

Fishing my home lake man that awesome!!

[@xxdrexyxxyt3755]

David Newport me too glad he’s here

[@kylelundy7870]

Caught my biggest fish on a 3/8oz swing head using rage tail space monkey. I tend to do really well in the summer with space monkeys in June bug color. great video

[@seizedcarcass8440]

This is a top 3 technique for me. 1/2 ounce with and bandito bug or smilar and I’m set.

[@robertdtimmerman6507]

You guys are in my part of the country. Stop in Louisville when you head north. Would like to meet you guys. I’ll buy lunch/dinner..

[@matthewbrummett3043]

Cool video! Thanks for the techniques and tips!

[@jameshampton2899]

Thanks

[@pablolopezfuentes7533]

Hi guys, love the videos! I learn a lot from you and always try to put it in practice and I've caught more fish! I just started to venture into using braid to a leader like you guys do, using the same connection knot, but I have lost many fish on the hookset at the connection knot. On this video I noticed that it sounds like the drag slips a little bit on your hooksets, my question is, do you back the drag a little? or what is the happy medium on hookset strength and drag? Any tips in this would help me a lot and possibly many other people watching your videos! Keep the great work on the instructional videos and tight lines!

[@pensnut08]

I watch this channel and feel my wallet getting lighter as I place another order online LMAO

[@MyBubblez42]

I don't know if you have, but try coming to Pineflat Lake, I don't know if we still do, but it had the record for spotted bass at one time.

[@MikeFosterOutdoors]

Matt if you come through or near Indiana I would love to take you out to a local reservoir loaded with 3-5 pound fish. Lots of creek channel swings near main lake points and chunk rock veins offshore. Thanks for all the awesome videos you and Tim do.

[@robertbain2435]

Perfect timing. I just started picking these up. What do you think about buying the free swinging weights and attaching them to your favorite EWG? It’s a less expensive option, since I already have tons of hooks, but I don’t know how solid the hook-to-weight connect would be. Thoughts?

[@cmcoleman66]

Great vid as always. Thanks

[@cteoutdoors5453]

You should try bay springs lake in Mississippi It is very inconsistent and the fish change daily but there are some giants

[@jeffreyyeater1780]

As usual great video.

[@Unknownuser_1954]

While your here in Tennessee you should hit center hill lake, norris or Cherokee lakes. Also old hickory and priest are decent lakes

[@avifreed5243]

I’ve never seen a drum caught in the same waters as a bass! You just blew my mind, next I expected a redfish.

[@michaelaweatherman7682]

I am local on Watts bar, drum and catfish will hit frequently here when fishing for bass

[@samgaither793]

You must not fish much lol.

[@avifreed5243]

@@samgaither793 Wow that's a pretty ignorant thing to say dude. I fish constantly but I come from a state called Florida and here you don't find drum and smallmouth together, don't even have smallmouth. But we excel at giant largemouth bass.

[@SirWebs]

Thanks for sharing

[@toml.k3dhg155]

Good morning

[@zachshott7833]

Mornin bud

[@esnchannel137]

Good night

[@kenmccarthyfishing]

🙏🙏Awesome video Matt,I’m still praying the team will come to Rhode/Massachusetts area for a meet and greet 🙏🙏🙏

[@bassinbilliards6279]

I tried getting my friend on a Smallmouth this weekend. A few times reeling in fast to recast they where coming up and trying to smash it. Finally I had one hit me at the float tube so close and hard he literally almost jumped in with me. His tail kick to get away splashed me at 100mph. My instinct immediately let drag off so he could run with it haha. Awesome day.

[@bassinbilliards6279]

And I also cought a catfish on 4" lizard off a down tree in the rocks. I was like yup this is a big smallie head shakes for days. Nope wait it's a good catfish lol. Always happy to get a bite.

[@rschmidt587]

Please come up to Tellico Lake (the next lake up river). We would love to see you catch some fish on this lake where we live. I need all the help I can get and you are definitely the master of fishing. There are two public boat ramps in Tellico Village. See you there.

[@fershwaterfishing1989]

Amazing things and your a good teacher also because of explain and your experience of fishing continue please and made a video on sankehead fish catch with Mole cricket if your a challenging person accept my challenge

[@mistygoley8494]

Great video if you get a chance you should try cedar creek lake in Kentucky it’s known for some big bass

[@davidjackson7985]

I agree on that very big bass

[@jordanbrown9059]

Hey guys I would like to see a video about tidal river fishing. There are very little videos about how to follow fish when the tides change.

[@jearldhillis7776]

Thanks for the video. Would like to see some video of centerhill and Tim's ford lakes while your in Tennessee. Both great Lakes plus could use the advice lol

[@MrFishBlood]

Bro! That channel cat was an eater!

[@vinnylivoti9567]

Hi Matt what about using Tungsten Football Swing Jig Heads vs Lead heads? Some say you get a better feel of the bottom with a Tungsten head.

[@wilk7958]

I was watching the older ones yesterday

[@robhand7205]

Matt are you coming to the Hartwell area? Im in upstate SC. Would love for you to do a video on out blue back lakes!

[@masoncage420]

Hey Tactical Bassin' you know what's good for crushing summertime bass..... The ManBearPig.... Just caught my PB on just a simple 3/0 EWG Hook with a Texas Rig ManBearPig and an unpegged 1/8 oz bullet weight fishing off the bank.

[@MrLshot]

need to try this.

[@jonboattommy3421]

Would that work for river fishing for smallmouths post spawn?

[@matthewbeck4806]

How did you locate the first place you fished? Why did you stop there? What do you see on the graph that’s made you stop. This is always my problem. Thx

[@gauges9592]

I live on watts bar lake and Chickamauga lake amd they are both beautiful lakes I'm no the rhea county high school fishing team and I cant tell you how many tournaments I've had on those lake. Hit me up if you wanna go fishing

[@piratestudiosproductions]

Could you please do a dedicated video of bank fishing with swimbaits like kytex? I have a go to catch a bass on several new Bates, but I've never caught one on a swimbait and it never seems to work. Thanks so much

[@danielbwhitson6795]

That’s not far away from me at all! Fished it a few times... If you wanna travel further East. You should fish Douglas lake!

[@bturbo4812]

Hey guys completely off topic but.. did you new plano jig box melt the bands on your dirty jigs?

[@louisolvitt847]

Been fishing these for a long time, now everyone will know how I'm catching them 😶😉😉😁

[@dennisederer3594]

Thank you for an excellent presentation on a topic that I continue to struggle with. So much valuable information provided. Finally, watching you cast long distances with your strong upper body make me so envious with my 5’5” 160 lb lame frame. Your reel almost looked like it was smoking hot. Thank you again.

[@johnbowe8775]

I have done that with 4.5 zoom finesse worms and had the same results

[@danamedhaug4258]

Every time I try bumping off the bottom I get hung up and lose gear...what's the trick to working the bottom without snagging all the time? I use lightweight and a lot of time I go weightless and still get hung.

[@nullinger821]

How is the different to an cheburashka ? Sorry for my bad English

[@paulcapella3965]

Do u ever fish large worms on the swing head? And if so do u find it works better at times than creature baits or the same

[@chrisshockey104]

can you put trick worms . and is a light feel bite or do they slam it

[@joshcope6190]

Matt are you all coming to lake Cumberland? I would love to meet you or fish with you that would be awesome

[@tranzformedyouthtn]

So if you miss one would you not want to kill it and see if they will come back especially if it’s a craw type bait??

[@vegasvato55]

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A SWING HEAD JIG AND A WEIGHTED TEXAS RIGH SOFT PLASTIC WITH A SKIRT? OTHER THAN COST???

[@austinvassar6335]

Nailed four on a swing head with a sweet beaver this morning

[@Jschuhfishing]

I remember an older video of yours where I thought you were saying that your best luck was on baits with less movement on the swing head, on this video you did the opposite. Am I remembering wrong or did something change? Thanks guys!

[@TheBprice18]

I tried the keitechs 3.8 for a spinner bait trailer last night for the first time, and the plastic was brittle and split way to easily. Caught some fish with it but wasn’t durable.

[@bullishbeartrader6121]

Well seen Catfish Dave catch big catfish I'm there. I'm sure some big bass too

[@thewatcher4552]

Are you guys coming to the Carolinas?

[@shanonmetcalf1951]

Awesome

[@CodySeeberFishing]

My home lake!

[@wolf122168]

Looks like south end of the lake.

[@Mjones8383]

I say it every video and you're probably getting tired of it but BIG SPOTTED BASS VIDEO PLEASE

[@x--LeethaL--x]

Do you like the structure swing head as well?. depends on cover/structure? When's the best option for the football as opposed to structure style? thanks man

[@Phreddyfoophred]

Is this something you can use in a weedy area?

[@avalosmancuso]

How much does water clarity impact when you use this technique?

[@tcc882]

Matt are you randomly speeding up your retreive or when you impact structure are you speeding up that one turn on the reel hanndle?

[@alpualani5896]

What year is your champion?

[@PizzaCologne3]

what kind of frog rod and line to use this summer ?

[@russhamilton4433]

Matt uses Braid to leader. Does anyone know what length leader?

[@pdbandit1]

Kind of like a texas or carolina rig but the football shaped swing head gives a different action?

[@ScuffedEngineer]

The football head like a football head jig helps you not get caught up in rocks and the free swinging nature allows for more action on the lure as it's allowed to swing back and forth that looks kind of like a crankbait's wobble.

[@JohnK-dv7pb]

My rods are all micro or semi micro guides....can I use a 16 inch leader or is that too short to do any good? I've tossed these a bunch without much luck, spots on a highland reservoir. I see I've been reeling much faster than you do so I'm going to slow it down. Thanks for the swagger tip, most of these things have hooks way too large for my fish.

[@hoss011]

rig one on straight flouro, the other on braid w a 2 foot leader.. switch between the two till you decide what works best for u

[@deanlyons703]

Are you heading to NC?

[@licensedfizzishin4481]

First off, I wanna say think you for your extremely informational videos, you've helped me out alot... I do have a question tho. I live in the Dayton Ohio area and I've only been fishing for about 3 years now, I have plenty of gear but I can't find good size bass anywhere. My P.B. 2.15lbs I just can't seem to find the big fellas anywhere. Any tips on what baits or rigs to use to further help me find some 5lb-ers or bigger??? That's again for the help, keep flippin' n pickin' man

[@kayakfishingforpredators9107]

2,15lbs is your PB,... you beat me. I’m fishing for almost 40 years now and I never have caught any bass in my life. 😭 I’ve looked on G-maps and i see a river with a split and several lakes (a golf course, and a big and small lake near whitfield/ farmersville road and several more). I think you have to start at those lakes or river, 1st buy a boat or kayak, 2nd buy a Lowrance or Raymarine or similar. Preferably with Side-scan a head out. 1) Invest time to discover high % areas get to know topography 2) Invest time at those high % areas get to know those specific spots 3) do the hours get to know the behaviour of your target fish There’s a lot more but this is where to start, maximise your chances. It’s NO use fishing for 5-6-7 lbs bass if the water isn’t holding a fish that size. Good LUCK 😎👍

[@douglasenzor48]

Keep a hook in the water as much as possible.i fished 3 years like you with same results.i was a late starter at 38 years old My 4th summer it all changed with all the reading & videos like these.its so much information it takes awhile to all register.but my area n NC don't have huge river or lake bass.all our local lakes are more recreational play & not fishing.the rivers are tough plus I only have a fishing kayak.i started using Google maps to find old farm ponds & smaller unused bodies of water.i ask permission where I already new the location & owners of a lot.others are state owned were dug for construction purposes Others if its NOT POSTED I try it..all these ponds are gold.the past two years I've caught 6-,5 pounders, 2-,7 pounders a 8 and a PB 10.1 .. also I caught 1 of the 7's a 5+ & the 10 pounder in the winter December- February.. Stay at, good luck

[@ScuffedEngineer]

@@douglasenzor48 Are you in Charlotte or Raleigh area? I know that people find more ponds and bigger bass in the Raleigh area than Charlotte. So if you are in the Charlotte area it gives me some more hope to finding fishing areas with good fish without having to be on the road for 6hrs(round trip) just to find a good fish.

[@richardbossman9875]

If I remember correctly you used to fish more subtle baits like the smallie beaver. Have you found that more active baits work better?

[@jakeconrad6856]

Generally speaking, the warmer the water the more "action " you want from your bait. If he was trying this in colder water a beaver might have been the ticket