How to catch BASS on SWIMBAITS (What Rod, What Reel, and What Line)

This video has a little bit of everything it, from how to rig a swimbait up to what rod, reel, line, and how to throw one. I give some basics to get people started but I also go in-depth on subtle nuances that will help you catch more bass. This video is mostly about paddle tail swimbaits that you would rig on a swimbait head. These are great for open water applications and thrive on those hard to catch suspended bass.
To find this bait:
Rage Swimmer: omnia.direct/XmOel8
Squadron Jig Head: omnia.direct/4YLj0X
Sunline Sniper: omnia.direct/G3e0Yy

[@DanielBoone337]

Ive never been able to get on a good swimbait bite in dirtier water and I've heard a lot of other people say the same so natural colors is pretty much all I have when it comes to swimbaits other then the ones I use as swimjig/bladed jig trailers but I have landed on pretty much the same rods, line, and jighead design. The heavy cover jig rod and the lowrider swimbait rod (which is the same action but 2 inches longer) are my favorites I even throw the lighter baits on the lowrider cranker ii rod but I haven't tried to go to a heavier action rod yet like the Amistad just because I havent seen that I need to go much stiffer but definitely going to give it a try.

[@daviddriscoll1798]

Thanks for your great videos!!! Your fishing tips helped improve my bass fishing.

[@mike1970ist]

Thanks Todd - great stuff, really appreciate the attention to detail you provide in your tips.

[@bear4482]

You make a pretty good teacher, you have alot of knowledge! I guess you get that from bring on the water so much! I love that you pass it along to us!👍✌️🤘🤟🐟🐟🐟🐟🐟 I love you and the guy's, Scott, Brad, Andrew and Billy. Y'all are funny and y'all are good friends that get along❗ Makes it so enjoyable to watch ❗ Keep it up ❗😁👍✌️🤘🤟🐟🐟🐟🐟🐟

[@toddcastledinefishing5924]

Thanks so much

[@eltigredetejas2328]

@@toddcastledinefishing5924 buddy your giving them free game because I have some fishing secrets that will never see the light of day until after I win a few million bucks 😂

[@tablerockkid8237]

Good stuff Todd and once again, some truth about hooks. Thanks for the tips and the info on the heads to use.

[@toddcastledinefishing5924]

You bet

[@dannyhocutt8490]

I love your honesty

[@jackstein5486]

First of all, I enjoy and watch all of your videos. Nice breakdown of the how to rig it and what tackle you like to use. I have been fishing this type of swim bait for quite a while and use a different setup of rod actions than you do. I respect your confidence setup and see that it works great for you! Keep up the great work, sorry about the tough fishing that you and your crew experienced on Lewisville!

[@toddcastledinefishing5924]

I'd like to know out of curiosity the difference. What I have noticed from many people is they look at what the rod says and regardless of how the rod bends if it says heavy it must be heavy. 1/2 the rods I own I would never use what the rod is made for. I just think looking at the words on rods is the number one mistake from anglers and different companies have different views of what certain rods should be.

[@rogbass]

Awesome awesome tips. Thank you brotha. Stuff like this will save me money time and catch more fish. Guys this is no brainer pro bass tips. The stuff you keep forever. When my grandson asks for advice. Boom. I can pull up this series watch it with him and then head over to BassPro shop and get the ammo. Thanks Todd.

[@toddcastledinefishing5924]

You bet

[@richardblake4777]

Great video Todd, it makes good sense. Can't wait to try it out. Thanks for the real deal.

[@toddcastledinefishing5924]

You bet!

[@harryestep2488]

Appreciate the work you are doing and the versatile content! Keep up the good work. Had some fun this early fall on swimbaits.

[@toddcastledinefishing5924]

Good stuff

[@joffrechampagne7908]

Thanks again for the drop it helps ĝetting my mind right about this weekend and what I want to learn

[@jwilke2730]

Really great education here and in the structure jig video.

[@bernarddigrino8665]

Good info. I look beyond your brand recommendations but value your reasoning behind line, rod and reel decisions. There is no question that you bring a lot of knowledge and experience to your videos. THANKS!

[@toddcastledinefishing5924]

Glad it was helpful!

[@toddcastledinefishing5924]

Curious as to why you look beyond brand recommendations. Honest question because I have a reason as to why I ask. I would like to hear your thoughts.

[@bernarddigrino8665]

Hi Todd. I will try to answer your question. Remember, I am an avid angler who loves to learn from sites like yours when I am not out on the water. Whether it is rods, reels, line or specific baits, I am more interested in their characteristics as opposed to the specific manufacturer. Best of luck to you in 2021!

[@toddcastledinefishing5924]

Ok totally understand. I’m with you I want to know what a bait can do not a testimonial which is all talk no action. That’s why I try and make so many “fishing” videos of actually catching fish. It’s just like spinner bait video I used that same spinner bait at grand when I was in second after day one 2 years ago. I want to “show” people sometimes rather than tell them. I liked your response some just don’t want to change. I’ll change but I have to see first hand. Thank you for responding back

[@Bullhauler003]

Great video! I always have a rage swimmer tied on, it and a 1.5 square Bill was key for my qualifying for regional’s for the Bassnation qualifiers.

[@toddcastledinefishing5924]

Good stuff!

[@Mags120fish1]

Good info. Thanks. I make my own with a wire weed guard. Strike King has really upped their game the last ten years.

[@toddcastledinefishing5924]

Yea they have

[@Anthony-wi1ny]

So Much To Learn Thanks Todd Great Video

[@toddcastledinefishing5924]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@chill843will]

I actually like this video. Dropping 💎 on this 1.

[@toddcastledinefishing5924]

Thank you

[@timothycurry9829]

Great video and information thanks brother.

[@marshmud1530]

I'll tell you what else they catch. Redfish! Also cheaper to purchase than a lot of swim baits marketed towards the saltwater angler. Great video!

[@rogerdudra178]

Hungry Brown Trouts on the mighty Missouri River will lament your disclosure in the BIG SKY. Big rainbows on the Jellystone beware!

[@toddcastledinefishing5924]

My buddy who is guide in Galveston uses a lot of these same things as well for redfish and trout. You are definitely right on this.

[@timmcmaster6435]

Really great rundown .. in depth.. now I wanna throw these I’m FLA shallow but this sounds like fall fishing to me 👍 oh, and will throw this thru piles too

[@toddcastledinefishing5924]

Yes but not on that head, something weedless like a flashy swimmer

[@stevenbrown7560]

Great video, very informative.

[@toddcastledinefishing5924]

Thank you!

[@Calvintroupe442]

Thank you for the tips on swimming bait

[@toddcastledinefishing5924]

You bet

[@nwestmoreland1359]

Another great video Todd! I would have never thrown this on a heavy action rod out deep, but I will now! Hated swim baits until I started throwing the rage swimmer and found out how good it really is. Didn't even know they had a different head for salt water. Guess I need to spend some time in the salt water section of the tackle store from now on. Thanks again for more fantastic tips! Definitely has upped my game watching your videos.

[@toddcastledinefishing5924]

Biggest misconception in fishing is what is written on a rod. That rod is no where near a heavy action rod despite what is written on it. I was just showing the rod in case someone wanted to see it. Trust me the rod is perfect but that “H” on it means nothing to me.

[@nwestmoreland1359]

@@toddcastledinefishing5924 Thanks for the info Todd. I had gone to the Falcon site to look at these rods and was just going by the power they list on their site. I've got a few rods that say heavy, but I would agree they lean more med / heavy. I normally throw the rage swimmer on a true med/heavy, but I have lost some fish deep on it.

[@timscruggs7611]

Really like the rage swimmer on a jighead and as a trailer on thunder cricket/ swimjig. Saw you throwing big swimmer in video with owner flash hooks. Just got some, haven't tried them yet. Can't wait!

[@zabo243]

Just picked up a bunch of Rage Swimmers yesterday!! Heading out right now to bust some smallies! Happy Easter !

[@toddcastledinefishing5924]

Good luck

[@jamiehartzell5286]

Great information. Great video.

[@toddcastledinefishing5924]

You bet

[@jayspencer]

I like rolling me some swimbaits! Good video.

[@toddcastledinefishing5924]

Thanks 👍

[@ronalexander4955]

I like your videos, brother. No nonsense.

[@toddcastledinefishing5924]

Thank you

[@kindywoodandiron1756]

Excellent video. You really broke it down.

[@toddcastledinefishing5924]

Thank you

[@wrightjaw]

Awesome video

[@kenappleby8481]

Soo much info - I love it. One thing I need to try and do is have one rod with downsized line for the baits I want to sink more...I have a problem with most of my swimbaits not sinking much and it could very well be the 20lb line....I blame you for that though :). Appreciate and love your content. Thanks!

[@toddcastledinefishing5924]

Oh yea this is the one time you better go light line

[@eltigredetejas2328]

Mane I can honestly say your telling these guys way too much 🤦🏿‍♂️ of the truth 😂 make em work for it time on the water !!! Is all I tell me now a days

[@chrisnull1747]

thank you for the recommendation going to search more of your videos for the more finesse swim baits

[@chrisnull1747]

so basically swim bait better in sparse cover in clearer water?

[@toddcastledinefishing5924]

yes I think so it use to not be but with pressure I've definitely seen a change

[@martinallison8719]

Great video! I sometimes even use the 3.75 for a chatterbait trailer.

[@toddcastledinefishing5924]

Same here!

[@denniskeys8559]

Great information really appreciated

[@toddcastledinefishing5924]

You bet

[@johnbutler307]

Thanks for the info.

[@stephenzeppenfeldt221]

Great information .

[@HookLife]

Nice video TC. Have you tried the keel weighted “weedless” swimbait hooks? Owner beast, etc... great heavy cover options. Great tip about rod action and the hardness of mouths between smallmouth and largemouth. Hope you and your family are well in the crazy times. Keep it going bro. Tight lines 🤜🏼🤛🏼

[@toddcastledinefishing5924]

Yes I have, we use those for different applications more for vegetation or thick wood things like that. Totally different setup I'll probably do one of those videos as well.

[@juanarellano4377]

Good info!! I use and like those Swimbait heads.

[@toddcastledinefishing5924]

The best

[@juanarellano4377]

@@toddcastledinefishing5924 I like that they came out with new colors!!

[@toddcastledinefishing5924]

Me too

[@Peterisheree]

@@juanarellano4377 thought the red eye hooks would get em but those yellow eyes have been working wonders lately for me

[@ronhickey8137]

Good teaching video.

[@billyburton4487]

The rage swimmer might catchem but the swimming caffeine shad has been my most productive bait this year

[@toddcastledinefishing5924]

It all depends on the lake and what you are fishing around. Caffeine shad just is as affective deep.

[@bobbyswain7049]

Informative vid.......my swimbait game is almost non existent .........til now haha

[@toddcastledinefishing5924]

Good luck

[@bassfishingtexas2637]

I’ve added the rage swimmer to my fall setup and it’s produced all fall. Slow rolling it

[@toddcastledinefishing5924]

I'm finding out you can't fish this thing slow enough at times.

[@Eric.C78]

Awesome video Todd, definitely gonna have one tied on at Lay Lake!!! Maybe I will get lucky and draw you out.

[@toddcastledinefishing5924]

Maybe so, I've never been but looks like my style for sure

[@Eric.C78]

@@toddcastledinefishing5924 I never fished it either, they keep it almost summer levels year round.

[@toddcastledinefishing5924]

That’s what I heard

[@ronwallace7563]

Awesome info! I never thought about head with/without an eye on them, but you are right....the eye does make it look more realistic. Question: does the glue give it a different taste or smell to the fish? I'm always thinking about scent when I handle my lures, so I was just curious about the glue. Thanks for posting!

[@toddcastledinefishing5924]

Glue has no affect whatsoever, Don't know if the eyes matter I still like them.

[@_bassadd1ct_]

I'm 100% with you on the thing about upsizing. If the fish will still eat it why not use a thicker hook and heavier line. Just less to worry about

[@toddcastledinefishing5924]

I've been saying this for years

[@MaxxHDROM]

so im listening to this as i do my work and i dont know if i missed it. but some things i had to look at the screen for... like when you were talking about the rod and reel setup.. messed up my work flow :(

[@donflanary166]

Good stuff...

[@toddcastledinefishing5924]

Thanks!

[@DubH46]

This past summer I became a swimbait fan. Do you ever use an underspin style hook? I use both the open style hook like these, and the other. And would you use the same rod set-up? I tend to lose a few, every now and then on the underspin.

[@toddcastledinefishing5924]

I do use the underpin but I have found that a caffeine shad works a bit better

[@DLR2234]

(Amis-tad) amistad like the movie lol is why but that was driving me crazy but other the. That great video and btw the new boat is f***ing sick!!!!!

[@toddcastledinefishing5924]

Oh no, everyone I know pronounces it like me even the guys that live down there

[@macking4942]

What size swimbait, head size do you like to go with during Pre-spawn and post spawn? Hartwell is about to be in its prime and i would like like to try swimbaits this year. Thanks Todd!

[@toddcastledinefishing5924]

It all depends but I throw the 3/8 more than any other head

[@joebaggs78]

Do you have a go to color squadron head or just plain? Also, what rage swimmer colors are your most productive?

[@23recrabtree]

I do #10 mostly too keep the movement....

[@toddcastledinefishing5924]

I'm ok with that, Sunline is actually a smaller diameter than most other lines so I would say their 12 is like most companies 10

[@castandchill]

so what would say is the best size in that line up of rage swimmers if could only choose one ?

[@toddcastledinefishing5924]

3.75 seems to be the best

[@castandchill]

@@toddcastledinefishing5924 thnx !

[@_bassadd1ct_]

Do you also throw the rage swimmer on a weedless swimbait hook in grass? Or do you just switch over to a swimjig

[@toddcastledinefishing5924]

I'll do both kinda depends, the swim jig is bulkier and if its dirtier water you can get away with it plus you can fish it faster so it just kind of depends on the lake and conditions.

[@kwd1253]

Great information. Hmm never used H power for small plastic swimbait. i use mh mojo. No wonder why I suck using plastic swimbaits. I been doing it all wrong, i wasnt ready 😂. Does faclon have limited lifetime warranty on the amisted? That ti is a great reel, i got 3 of them. Price for price bantam vs ti they both have place where they shine over each other to me. Ti out cast my bantam 3/8 oz+, but bantam is smoother. Bantam drag release is smoother but doesn't have that drag stopping power. T.i. has that drag stopping power. Which that why i use lews and aub because of the drag force specially shine in the mats or any heavy cover. I use my t.i's for 3/8oz+ swimjigs/swimbaits, flipping and skipping, frog'in. 1/2oz+ that reel cast a mile, specially 5/8 frog. Lol

[@toddcastledinefishing5924]

Gotcha, I can promise you that those rods are not H power. Regardless of what "they" say the "rod company" they are not H rods. I wouldn't throw a jig, worm, frog, anything like that on those rods. If you watch some the video you can see how much they flex. Its why I never trust anything that is labeled on a rod.

[@kimberlywood5943]

Todd, how would you rate the Amistad rod in the Lowrider series? 70/30- 80/20- first number backbone second number tip. Thanks. Great video, go win Lay Lake.

[@toddcastledinefishing5924]

Its like a 7 power rod. So I think you would say 70/30

[@sethlouden2529]

Thanks for the loctite trick

[@toddcastledinefishing5924]

You bet

[@timevans6815]

Would you fish the same style rod and reel on a owner beast hook and flash swimmer?

[@toddcastledinefishing5924]

NO NO NO. Flashy Swimmer and anything thats not an open hook I go to a much heavier rod. Anything I'd throw a frog, worm, jig on you have to be able to drive that hook through the plastic and a fish and those hooks have a much larger diameter so you need more driving power.

[@jamespowellii1191]

You are sponsored by Strike King, so of course you like the Rage Now...Keitech all day every day...

[@toddcastledinefishing5924]

I love this comment please tell me why the keitech is better but I need proof not just because it’s catches fish so does the rage swimmer in fact all my videos are proof. Can’t be because you think it looks better because what we might think looks better doesn’t catch fish better. Just curios.

[@stevenbrown7560]

I may have missed it but what gear ratio are you using on your reels for swimbaits?

[@toddcastledinefishing5924]

7:1:1

[@keith_turner44]

What size of head do you typically use throwing to showing cover?

[@toddcastledinefishing5924]

It kind of just depends but it has to be isolated cover and it would be deep cover I wouldn’t throw it to shallow cover it would hang to much. Probably the same weighted head. 3/8

[@stonyburks1564]

What size swing jig do you prefer

[@toddcastledinefishing5924]

3/8

[@thewarpsyrhead]

Did you recently switch to a Skeeter?

[@toddcastledinefishing5924]

I was borrowing a boat from my dealer

[@mikedaley2882]

Todd, ive big a big fan of yours but i have to ask , how are u surviving and fishing at a high level without a job of some sort? Or do u have one? Anyways, im just a curious tournament junkie myself. (Local). Happy thanksgiving and keep up all the hard work.

[@hankwilliams3063]

mafia money bro

[@toddcastledinefishing5924]

For over 10 years I fished more local tournaments than anyone in the country and it wasn't even close. I was still fishing Costas at the time and some Bassmaster Opens. In that 10 years won a couple of Costas, 3 AOYs in the Costas, a second in AOY, other top 5s in other divisions of the Costas. Thats quite a few good checks. Also won quite a few local events sometimes as much as 10 a year. One year I had 26 top 5s in tournaments, our tournaments are bigger than any tournaments in the country so that helped. Txtts give boats away bass champs 20,000, bfls and other events over 5000, plus incentives. If you treat like a business and do really good you can make it.

[@mikedaley2882]

Fair enough my friend, i was just curious, thats the dream. Not all of us are hammers everywhere we go. I still get my teeth kicked in on bfls on my home lakes!!

[@hankwilliams3063]

@@toddcastledinefishing5924 no mafia money ??

[@toddcastledinefishing5924]

I wish you got any ideas I’m all ears. Lol

[@NHBackcountryGuide]

When this bite is on and you're going into a three-day tournament, how many do you usually rig up and glue ahead of time? And then how do you prefer to store them? I'm curious what you've found to be most efficient.

[@toddcastledinefishing5924]

None, at times I can catch quite a few on the same bait. It takes me less than a minute to take one off get another and glue it on. Part of the reason is what you brought up the storage part. I still store them in the packages they come in, which is a small problem they are unorganized and take up room and bulky. the tail getting creased or damaged in storage will make them run funny (it happens to any brand) I'm still working on a different system when I find out I'll let you know.

[@bamadondon0495]

Where do u get those heads j think I asked that on another video

[@toddcastledinefishing5924]

Should be able to at Tackle Warehouse Strike King will soon be going to direct to consumer so I should have links on here soon FINGERS CROSSED.

[@narwhalsintheocean9745]

What gear ratio is those reels?

[@toddcastledinefishing5924]

6:3:1

[@angleratlarge6787]

Great info for the Southern Bass angler. Obviously, your swimbait setup is geared to the Texas-sized bass. Squadron head hooks are way too heavy for the Northeast where the bites come on a more finesse setup. Good info though.

[@toddcastledinefishing5924]

I beg to differ, in the video I talk about how I caught them up north, places like St Claire, where I finished 6th and caught every fish on it. I also caught over 100 on it at Champlain, it think it worked very well up there. I actually go bigger in Texas this video was really designed for everywhere else in the country.

[@JoshJones-rw7tq]

Where’s that Lewisville content... 👀

[@toddcastledinefishing5924]

Its coming but I had promised everyone this video, the travel practice vlog is ready to go probably Thursday or Friday

[@johnwolff1043]

I hate messing with super glue. There are plenty of lead heads with good bait keepers that dont require super glue. Something like what the hack attack swimjigs have.

[@toddcastledinefishing5924]

I disagree I've never seen any keeper that keeps them on there perfect and if you noticed that was my number one tip. Super glue is a MUST nothing can keep them on straighter than that.

[@crowe1974]

What about 15lb test line??

[@toddcastledinefishing5924]

15 is fine it all just depends on how deep and how fast you are having to fish it

[@dropzBiG]

Can you fish swim baits in the dead of summer?

[@davidgerdes1815]

Paddle tail swimsuits that you would rig on a swimbait head? Not familiar with that method.

[@toddcastledinefishing5924]

Me neither

[@davidgerdes1815]

@@toddcastledinefishing5924 it’s in the video description