Struggling To Catch Fish On Soft Swimbaits? Try These Tips & Tricks! FT.

Today, I sit down with legendary Mike Gilbert of Working Class Zero to discuss soft swimbaits and give out some general advice/tips for utilizing them on the water!
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[@thexbooksx]

You guys are highly listenable together. I loved this. Hopefully there is an excuse for more of this in the future.

[@ScalesnTales_Media]

The plug knocker market just got a crazy influx of sales after you guys mentioned spending crazy money on swimbaits and not owning one. Lotta guys realized how silly they are now.

[@RasDrew72]

World class, my G's giving thanks to be able to learn from the best 👌🏻

[@deanbheffelfinger2829]

Loved this. Gold mine of info. 👏 👏 👏 👏 👏 👏 👏 👏 👏 👏 👏 👏 👏!!!!!!

[@mikewilder6121]

Finally subscribed after 4/5 plus years of watching your videos. Thanks for all the time you have given us. Appreciate your passion and attitude. It's awesome to grow and learn.

[@geoffreythekingfishing]

Thanks for subscribing! Appreciate it!

[@JoshuaStucki]

great stuff gentlemen. Two real ones right here

[@WVfisher]

Mike is always stunting in the WCZ drip with those double front carhartts

[@jwentz530]

Thank you for putting out great content Geoff. I’m not normally a commenter, but a video of two top dawgs talking game deserves some praise. Please make more like this

[@ajfishingOHIO]

Two legends, one video

[@BASSOLA-77]

and 1 in the comments @thehomelessfisherman

[@ajfishingOHIO]

@BASSOLA-77 yep cant forget Marshall

[@Richard-mj5dp]

Thanks for this. I fished swimbaits exclusively last year and caught 2 on a soft Swimbait and numerous on hardbaits, so this was for me.

[@TheHomelessFisherman]

Geoff how did you manage to go this entire 55 minute video without trying to bum a cig off Mike

[@geoffreythekingfishing]

I had a zyn in the whole time brother

[@ianj3785]

I respect both you men when Gilbert talks about hitting stuff I've experienced some of my biggest bites with my moving Bait hangs up then briefly breaks free/fish on ....love hearing you talk about the mechanics of the hook settle about leveling up on thicker hooks way to give it back boys I commend you both

[@davidhidalgo5662]

Wow just awesome. I could listen to the two of you all day. Cant wait for a second half so to speak.

[@IMightBeFishing]

Legendary swimbait talk I love this and seeing both you guys in one video is killer!! More please

[@kryan318]

great interview and helping us understand rigging and fishing these style baits. need a part 2

[@ogjmcnutt9756]

Good video this first time hearing about a plug knocker gotta invest in one myself but mostly bank fish once im able to get back in my boat definitely will have one in my boat

[@ianj3785]

Both treasures keep up the good work boys

[@michaelteaby1160]

I truly love this video! So much knowledge to be heard.

[@blakeherrmann9784]

Thanks again for all you share with us. That was awesome learned some stuff today. Late.

[@jeffdubinok7312]

Great video and tutorial! Geoffrey the King and WCZ!! Thanks

[@RyanSmith-fb8rf]

Those floating baits in Florida would be insane

[@RyanSmith-fb8rf]

As a Florida Native that has fished lakes that are 10 feet deep for the most part all my life I can’t imagine fishing the deep 60ft lakes y’all have in Arizona

[@coreywhitacre6581]

Great video, really good info and tips.

[@eddiehfishing]

Crazy Thursday combo

[@robertwagner4375]

I truly appreciate the information and insight. Id love to apply it to one of your baits but theyre never available.

[@hoosierrob3301]

I switched from hollow body frogs to a single hook floating toad many years ago because I have always felt less hooks higher probability of landing the bass . Have several working class zero baits and love them . I think most people think more hooks will catch more fish because of user error . Instead take the time to learn how to feel the fish and set the hook . I used to think once I felt The fish i had to set the hook or it would spit it out knowing g it wasn't real. I think k there opposite is true I always reel in and the fish seems more determined to not let it go . Mike just I wish it were possible to get the baits without having to use secondary markets . Seems they sell out instantaneously then I can't afford them on secondary market . I have never fish a tyrant 9 or 10 here in florida . I do great with the 7 and 9 inch citizens on lake placid and istokpoga under docks . Keep up making them in USA tho because the quality is phenomenal

[@aaronpurdy1979]

Very happy i got into big swimbaits. I am two years into it, and just took my 7inch Citizens to El salto mexico and smashed 5-8pounders with it. Epic trip. Highly recommend it. I will be going back. Also caught my biggest down there on the Tiny Klash. Love my Citizens. Waiting for opportunity to throw my Tyrant 10. Maybe I need to come to Cali for that. 😂

[@JoshuaStucki]

throw that tyrant 10 wherever you go with confidence..... you don't need to come to cali just to throw it, trust me :)

[@TooFastNate]

@@JoshuaStucki is top hook or bottom hook better for docks with tyrant 10?

[@davethies920]

Question about scent.. Do you use scent on your swim bait and how often do you re-apply scent. Thanks, great video

[@geoffreythekingfishing]

I personally don’t use scent but Mike uses scent on his baits, I think he reapplies every hour or so

[@eugenemccracken3810]

The man the myth the legend 🤘

[@carterboucek9093]

Great video and great input/tips from both of you. Hoping to focus much more on soft baits this season. What would you guys say most impacts whether you’re fishing up top or down low in the column? I would assume water clarity could play a role, but what else? Just fish behavior and what you’re observing? Time of year?..etc. Hope one/both of you sees this and can give input. Much appreciated!

[@geoffreythekingfishing]

For me, it comes down to overall fish behavior. Sometimes I find that they won’t touch a bait on the bottom and switching over to something higher in the water column can get bites! Trial and error for me but if you have livescope it helps seeing them up suspended or on the bottom

[@kesterharding1819]

Great video

[@ericdesloge6743]

I keep a magnet with me as well. Retrieved a couple nice swimbaits that snapped off and went airborne on me

[@bassface12348]

Agreed what flouro did Mike switch to and is Geoffry on the tatsu?

[@WorkingClassZeroFishing]

Trying that SPRO Gouken line. So far so good. Seems to have a bit more memory than I prefer, but I'lll take that over the line snapping and fraying every time I get bit with my previous highly preferred line.

[@geoffreythekingfishing]

I’ve been using Tatsu and trying the abrazX this season. Seems a lot of guys have had problems with the abrazx lately though

[@SMC4117]

As surfers always say, you should have been here yesterday!

[@Saps_bigbaits]

what floro did you switch to mike

[@NGB96]

@@Saps_bigbaits not FC sniper if I had to guess 🤣

[@JS-oy6nn]

We use J-fluoro Samurai like every other year. Some of the best fluorocarbon made.

[@_siskooo_frank1146]

I was going to ask the same question 🙋🏻‍♂️…. So I’m following this for the answer hahaaa 😅

[@DividedWeAllFall]

@@JS-oy6nn I recently started using that, too. I got a 1,000 yard spool of 20 lb. Seems good so far, need more time with it.

[@NGB96]

@@JS-oy6nn super quality line

[@ReelKingsNQueens1]

I use the core tackle tush hook with it, its way more flush then the beast hook. LunkerHunt sinking braid gets down fast

[@cavetownbait]

Swagford catching strays left and right😂

[@geoffreythekingfishing]

😂😂😂

[@josedz589]

Whats the latest fluro you rocking? I gave up on Abraz X after multiple fails.

[@geoffreythekingfishing]

I have been trying abraz X this season and have had no problems so far. Mike is using the new Spro Gouken line! I liked using Tatsu and shooter in the past!

[@hoosierrob3301]

And Chris keep putting mike on , old hippie deadheads like me love it

[@shanebaxley5217]

Yo bro go south Florida I wanna see you go crazy

[@holdengamble]

woahhhh. Banger

[@DavidBronstein1961]

Jeff what’s your fav fluoro? I know you use 16 lb a lot… but not a lot of lines come in 16

[@nickkerr5714]

It’s definitely shipped from japam

[@geoffreythekingfishing]

I have tried a lot of different ones at this point and one that has never failed me has been the Sunline Shooter in the 20lb or 22lb. I do still like FC sniper but only in the 16lb

[@RyanSmith-fb8rf]

Gamma is awesome but it’s expensive. Not the best casting line but strong as hell so I use braid to leader.

[@stldavid]

I want his boat so bad!

[@ept1971]

I have a question for Mike: how do i buy your baits? I never see them for sale - yet there are tons listed on the website - of course they are all sold out. It’s been a year now and i suspect I’m doing something wrong. Thanks guys!

[@youtubzkoz]

Not just swimbait fishing. Saved myself countless $$$ with knockers and lure retriever pole. Ever try a magnet one? Canyon is the best lake lol. I feel your pain.

[@PhoenixPichner]

Two yapping goats. Incredible listen

[@youtubzkoz]

Do you sharpen your beast hooks like the musky guys?

[@geoffreythekingfishing]

I personally don’t, maybe if I caught a ton of fish on them I would 😂

[@BasslivesmatterLLC]

What brand of line do you recommend for softies?

[@geoffreythekingfishing]

I have always liked Sunline shooter, I also like the Seaguar Tatsu line

[@TooFastNate]

is bottom hook or top took better for dock fishing with tyrant 10?

[@geoffreythekingfishing]

I have done with and felt either way works. The top hook might be a little more snagless though

[@TooFastNate]

@@geoffreythekingfishing thanks

[@WadeOntheLure]

What line did you switch to?

[@geoffreythekingfishing]

He is using the Spro Gouken line!

[@grmyoneone]

Where is the best place to get a plug knocker from?

[@geoffreythekingfishing]

I believe tackle warehouse has the toothy fishermen bait knockers!

[@mikegraham5563]

Where can you get mikes rod? not on social media.

[@geoffreythekingfishing]

WCZ and The Hook Up Tackle are having a drop of them this Thursday at 7pm Az time or 6pm CA time

[@TheFishinMagician20]

I felt attacked when you joked about the minnow 😓

[@geoffreythekingfishing]

😂😂

[@justinshaw8594]

When are the WCZ rods supposed to drop?

[@WorkingClassZeroFishing]

Next week

[@geoffreythekingfishing]

They drop Thursday!

[@leavemynameout01]

Mike what floro brand are you using now?

[@geoffreythekingfishing]

He is using the Spro Gouken line!

[@cajunnathan4586]

You didn't put links for the swimbaits you are showing in video

[@DustinBellows]

Whts a good flou that you recommend for the soft swimbait

[@geoffreythekingfishing]

Mike likes using the Spro Gouken line and I like either Seaguar Tatsu or Sunline Shooter

[@blahblahmilbury]

Geoff, MK56 for 6” citizen+beast hook?

[@geoffreythekingfishing]

It can do it but it might be a little too soft, try the newer Monstrous, it’s a little faster than the MK56 which would be money for that 6” citizen

[@logansherman3648]

So I’ve tried doing the reel check you guys talk about but I never feel the weight of the fish like you guys say I should. Are those bites just smaller fish? I have a hard time convincing myself that I’m not just yanking a bait out of an open mouth. I usually have a hard time finding teeth marks too which is why I’m asking this question to you guys

[@nickkerr5714]

Yeah probably a lil guy nipping it

[@geoffreythekingfishing]

I get a lot of bites where I can’t reel check the fish. I chalk it up as it being smaller fish biting it or the fish just aren’t really eating the bait good. More often than not, I get a lot more short strikes then full commits

[@logansherman3648]

@ do you have success without reel checking when the fish aren’t eating it going the opposite direction?

[@PythonDad]

Does anyone make Beast-style big weighted hooks with tungsten? I have found a few brands, but they only go up to like 3/8 oz and 7/0 hooks.

[@NGB96]

Regardless of where the hook is, top, bottom or beast, do yall still want something with backbone if it’s a soft bait?

[@robbiemoody928]

It’s depending on the hook. if it’s single hook ie jig/beast hook you still want plenty of back bone to drive that hook. If you have a soft plastic with a line thru treble you don’t need as much back bone to drive it, too much couldn’t actually rip out of the treble losing the fish if you try to overwork the fish

[@NGB96]

@ makes sense. I thought that was the case. I appreciate the response! Sometimes need that “explain it to me like I’m 5” 🤣

[@robbiemoody928]

@@NGB96 hahah all good man 🙌🏻 tight lines

[@geoffreythekingfishing]

For the most part yes, I will adjust my hooksets depending on the style I’m using. If it’s a beast hook, I crack them as hard as I can but if it’s a treble hook, it’ll be a softer hook set

[@andybales7318]

Deep, standing timber...a fav place to throw a soft swimbait rigged weedless with a weighted screw lock hook....20-30 lb. Mono is the only line I use today for all swimbaits/glidebaits...personally, fluoro is way overrated to me...never broke mono on a fish...can't say the same for fluoro

[@youtubzkoz]

It's more about Sink and float and bow in the line. They discussed that in the video.

[@shipwrek4388]

Wish it was easier to get the citizens and battle shads

[@ianj3785]

I must defend my master ....

[@surphvision]

🤙🏾

[@bass-a-roo]

I need help with rods man. Studio Composite Paradox 73-05 or LDC Standard issue (idk what model) for TK-K9. PLEASE GEOFF 😿

[@geoffreythekingfishing]

The LDC SI MH would be my choice if I was gonna actively fish both the TiK and the K9

[@bass-a-roo]

@ What a true miracle, thank you for the response Geoff. I was actually starting to hear voices in my head. Might have to go with LDC then, just feels weird not buying JDM.

[@alexhoule2343]

What boat is that?

[@geoffreythekingfishing]

I believe it’s a Ranger 188

[@bloodsweatandswimbaits]

Had a 44 mag. Lost it and my joythief tk low only time I used it.

[@ogjmcnutt9756]

What made you change your name from crazy bass fisherman to your name now. What line y'all switched to now and loves

[@geoffreythekingfishing]

I wanted to match my Instagram name so it made things easier for guys to find me. Mike uses Spro Gouken line and I use Seaguar Tatsu or Sunline Shooter

[@ogjmcnutt9756]

@geoffreythekingfishing thanks and that makes sense to keep it all under one name too

[@matthewskinner9869]

Gilbert was using a brace X he probably switched to samurai

[@geoffreythekingfishing]

He’s using Spro Gouken line!

[@matthewskinner9869]

@@geoffreythekingfishing

[@matthewskinner9869]

Thank you

[@stevie2733]

WCZ Swimbait Rods? Where??

[@WorkingClassZeroFishing]

Next Week

[@1jimif]

Sounds like it's the same way N.Florida has been lately! One fish every 5 trips is par lately......FishOn....jimi

[@bass-a-roo]

🙀😺👍🏽

[@lukeson1377]

💣☝

[@nickkerr5714]

Just drop the new bait already 😂

[@hector00000100]

I'm pretty sure the line that has problems they are referring to is FC sniper

[@geoffreythekingfishing]

I’ve had terrible problems with FC sniper. Mike had issues with a Seaguar line

[@davidhenderson1738]

I’m going to need you to shame, what’s the switch,and reasons why

[@geoffreythekingfishing]

Mike is using Spro Gouken line now. He had problems with his last line

[@techtiger38]

Oh lookie...the guy who makes 3 lures per release.

[@WorkingClassZeroFishing]

Nah Nah Nah. 5 and I give them to all my frienz.

[@techtiger38]

@WorkingClassZeroFishing and then you release the other ones, charge $1000 per item and the internet explodes. We then get our lure about a month later. While you laugh all the way to the bank!!! 🤣

[@ianj3785]

Bass fishing is bass fishing u trigger a bite or u don't.....

[@ianj3785]

Watch and learn son

[@ScalesnTales_Media]

Mike just really wanted to be in a Mr.TheKing video, that’s why he came out. Not to catch fish!

[@michaelteaby1160]

When is the new dropout going to be dropped, and can you pre-order. Sorry, I know this has no relevance to this video.

[@ianj3785]

No it can only done with this money bait and this rod ill tell u what u dont know your corny lol follow the seminar to a tee.......

[@kevinkow13]

Id on the shades, Geoff?

[@geoffreythekingfishing]

I’m rocking some Electric JJF12 glasses

[@kevinkow13]

@ thank you, sir! Mike’s a lucky guy getting to spend the day chilling with the king!