The day has finally arrived. For months now I’ve been feverishly waiting to share this secret with the Tactical Bassin community. Many of you know how passionate I am about throwing swim jigs.
The trouble is, I don’t follow a lot of the “rules” regarding how they should be fished. I’m a big fish, heavy line, stout hook kind of guy and it never made sense to me that it wouldn’t work with a swim jig. Over the last few years I’ve been searching, experimenting, fine-tuning, and ultimately helping to develop a new genre of swim jigs known as the California swim jig.
The baits are available exclusively through Tackle Warehouse for the next 30 days and can be found via this link: Dirty Jigs California Swim Jig
If you’ve read my posts or watched my videos about swim jigs in the past what you’ve seen were the prototypes. You’ve probably even seen the jigs catching fish but didn’t know that’s what they were. Thanks to Curt Demerath of Dirty Jigs Tackle (the godfather of innovative jig design) the California-style swim jig is a reality. Curt and I put our minds together on this one and created a jig that swims unlike anything else and allows you to target fish that other jigs simply can’t reach. Other companies will follow this trend (as they should) but make no mistake, you are witnessing the beginning of a whole new wave of swim jigs.
In addition to an extra-heavy wire hook and custom weedless head design, the jigs come in a variety of swimbait-derived color schemes. You no longer have to settle for black/blue or matte white. You have colors like Tactical Trout, Light Hitch, Gizzard Shad, and many more to choose from. No matter where you are located in the world you can find a color to accurately match the baitfish in your local waters.
The following video is approximately 7 minutes long and covers everything you need to know to get started. I discuss why the baits work, what sets them apart, and some of the unique approaches that make the jigs so fun.
I hope this jig impacts your fishing as tremendously as it has mine. When I first started to experiment with swimming big jigs I had no idea the caliber or quantity of big bass I would begin to catch. Its also important to understand that these baits are not enormous. While I’ve trophy-class bass on the swim jig I’ve also caught significant numbers of 1-2 lb fish and have found the baits to be equally capable at filling a limit. The baits have worked equally both day and night and have produced fish in every month of the year.
Pick up a California Swim Jig today and see what all the fuss is about. I look forward to hearing the stories and seeing the photos in the weeks and months to come.
Dirty Jigs California Swim Jig
23. January 2012 at 11:44 AM
Tom, that may work.
Adam, I didn’t see the need for rattles on these baits. I typically don’t use them even on standard jigs but on the swim jig the bass’ reaction is based more on site and feel than sound (in my opinion).
12. January 2012 at 8:22 PM
I noticed the California swim jig does not have any rattles.. any reason why they are not used on the jig? What are your thoughts on adding rattles (for sound) to the jig? Thanks!
23. December 2011 at 10:33 AM
Great instructional videos.
Would a Muskie-sized swimbait w/5″ Roboez Shad trailer be a fair substitute for the large swim jigs that you’ve using?
Tom
10. August 2011 at 2:24 AM
Cody,
There are three colors that have “Tactical” in the name. There is a connection there.
My go-to colors and combos are as follows:
Alabama Bream= Watermelon Magic
Tactical Trout= Stocker Trout
Tactical Chartreuse Shad=SXE Shad
Tactical Shad= Hologram Shad
Here is their direct link on tacklewarehouse: http://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Roboworm_EZ_Shad_Swimbait_5_3pk/descpage-REZS.html?from=tbassin
8. August 2011 at 8:44 PM
Hey Matt, I loved the swim jig that I purchased and plan on purchasing more. Can you give me a list of your favorites and what color EZ shad you combine them with? Also I’m from south georgia so what colors would work here best?
Thanks!
31. May 2011 at 12:07 AM
Aaron,
I’m glad to hear you got your jigs. The 765 is one of the most versatile rods in my arsenal. I use it for swimming, pitching, and flipping 1/2 oz and heavier jigs. I also use it for open water frog fishing and heavy texas rigs. Its a great rod that will fill a lot of niches.
30. May 2011 at 10:36 AM
Matt,
i was wondering if you use the 765 rod for any other applications? I finally got my back ordered swim jigs, hoping to throw em this week. I’ll keep you posted on the results.
22. May 2011 at 8:11 AM
Tag,
The conditions you’re describing sound like a perfect situation for the CA swim jig to shine. In response to your questions:
1) Yes, I do slow roll the jig. However, the slower you go the more it loses the pulsating action so I typically slow roll during low-light conditions.
2) Absolutely! Some of the most fun I’ve had with it is fishing clear water impoundments where I can see the fish coming out of cover to ambush the bait.
I have no doubt that you’re going to dial this bait in and have a blast with it. You’ve got the know how to take it to your waters and make it produce.
22. May 2011 at 6:49 AM
Hey there, Matt. I recently placed my Swim Jig order at TW. I’m excited to give them a run as I can see so many great applications for this system. I have run the “typical” swim jigs in the past but your approach definitely opens up new doors.
I have a few gin clear lakes I fish that are full of giant laydowns and submerged timber. A top-hook swimbait like an ROF-12 fished on or near the bottom will get hung up on every other cast. Thank goodness for a lure knocker. Theoretically, the Swim Jig will give me the ability to fish these areas much more effectively and efficiently.
Two questions:
#1: Do you ever use the Swim Jig in a slow roll scenario like you would a top hook swimbait?
#2: Have you found the Swim Jig to be effective in extremely clear water as well?
Thanks!
10. May 2011 at 10:51 PM
Matt,
Thanks for the help! I found something along those lines that fit my budget and so far I love it. I ended up getting the Powell Max Flipping 765, and a Daiwa Viento. I haven’t gotten a chance to throw the california swim jigs yet, but I’ve used the HP flipping jigs on it and I absolutely love them! Thanks again for the help!
Ryan
7. May 2011 at 8:38 AM
Ryan,
The setup I use for this is also the setup I use for most of my flippin’ and pitchin’. I use a Dobyns 765 Flip mated to a curado 200. That 765 is KEY.
Steve,
Keep us informed, I’m excited to hear how it goes!
I’m glad to hear you scooped them up.
Bob,
I love to fish them around grass flats and cover in just about any conditions but if I had to pick just one it would be a warm afternoon with a slight chop on the water. Seriously though, they work all the time, even at night.
5. May 2011 at 6:50 PM
Matt:
What conditions are best for the california swim jig? calm water, windy days, cloudy, etc…
Thanks bob buckley
5. May 2011 at 12:22 PM
Matt,
Just picked up the dirty jigs and the ez shads from tackle warehouse. here in kentucky the lakes are at an all time record flood stages. once the water receeds the tournaments start, I ve never used a swim jig or a swimbait but I got the setups and caint wait to try them out. wish me luck, and ill post back when something happens
25. April 2011 at 2:01 PM
Hey,
I’ve really enjoyed all the new infor from Tacticalbassin. It’s really helped out my technique. I was wondering about a rod/reel set up that would work for these swim jigs and also flipping/pitching. Unfortunately, I’m on a college budget, so I can’t by two or three different rod and reel outfits for awhile. Also, I’m switching to braid, so I want a set up that can handle braid. Anyway, thanks for the help and I look forward to hearing any comments!
18. April 2011 at 10:50 PM
Personally, I use the 7:1 but either will work.
18. April 2011 at 3:23 PM
I just ordered a bunch of your jigs from tacklewarehouse.com. Is a 7:1 reel too fast for these swim jigs? Or would you consider 6.3:1 ideal?
23. March 2011 at 3:01 PM
hi Matt, thanks for the reply. one more question for you about that particular rod (765 flip), what else do you use it for besides the swim jigs? smaller swimbaits, frogs or? and if so, how well does it perform in those other applications?
thanks and keep up the great work! I love the site
Aaron
15. March 2011 at 9:59 AM
Aaron,
In this instance, no. The 765 has a unique flex pattern that a lot of rods don’t have. It has a very moderate action and will load very well on the fish. This is key to a high hook-up to land ratio.
13. March 2011 at 9:08 AM
Hi Matt, great video and information. you’re throwing them on a 765 power rod with the braid and in your other video about braided line you stated that you backed off the rod’s power when you switched to all braid. would it be similar results if you were to use a heavier 766 power rod with flouro instead of the braided line??
12. March 2011 at 7:55 AM
Steve,
Thanks for taking the time to stop by. Like Lance said, too late. :-p
JT,
That is the minnow. Its not a bait I throw much anymore but as you can see, it has its time and place.
Eric,
I change it up a lot but my leader is typically 20-25 lb Blackwater Shock Leader. I hope that helps.
10. March 2011 at 8:18 PM
You can count me in on that Falcon trip Lance!
10. March 2011 at 7:29 PM
Steve Reed,
Sure wish he’d come down here and show me first hand!!!!
Too late! Matt was helping me learn how to catch these big bass on my home lake of Falcon, since way before he started Tactical Bassin!
10. March 2011 at 11:18 AM
Thanks Matt.
What brand/type of line do you use for the leader? Knowing that would help me match the diameter of the line as opposed to the lb test.
9. March 2011 at 9:21 AM
Is that a 3:16 minnow as a trailer in that pic?? It looks like the bluegill colored one??
9. March 2011 at 6:14 AM
Matt,
Super cool. Thinking out of the box is cliche’, but you seem to give it new meaning. I’ve been following your big fish photos for a while and now I think I have a better idea of how you got some of them. Thanks for all the info. Make sure you don’t let those Texas guys know how well they will work at Falcon…
6. March 2011 at 9:18 PM
Lance,
I’m excited to see the finished product. Your photographs were PERFECT.
Mike,
You’re open-minded and willing to listen to new approaches, that is so key. I’m very flattered that you’re willing to take my ideas and put them to use.
Thank you for taking the time to write.
Eric,
I apologize for the confusion. I’m still 100% braid with no plans of changing. I appreciate you asking me to clarify. When you hear me make comments about line its a pretty safe assumption I’m referring to my leaders, but to anglers using straight mono or flouro, they’ll apply it to their main line. I hope that helps.
Matt
6. March 2011 at 4:46 PM
Matt, I thought you used 65lb braid with a mono leader for swim jigs. Have you switched over from braid for some reason? Are you still using the 765C?
5. March 2011 at 9:05 PM
Matt, You,ve broken new ground for me. I`m 60 years old and have been fishing since i can remember.I have been following your website and am really enjoying your fresh ideas and approach.I began to use swim jigs last year and am looking forward to railing some big ones this year. Keep up the great work, stay agressive, as KVD say`s, it`s all about the attitude.
5. March 2011 at 7:45 AM
Matt,
That’s good news about the tilapia color. I hope the photos I sent you of tilapia down here in South Texas will help the guys at Dirty Jigs get the colors right. In the meantime, I bought seven colors of the California Swim Jigs last night, though the two colors I wanted the most, Alabama Bream and Crappie, were already sold out. But at least there were several other options, unlike the No Jack flipping jigs, which were mainly crawfish based colors. Thanks Matt, for helping make the tilapia color happen.
Lance
5. March 2011 at 12:02 AM
I’m glad to see you guys are enjoying the jigs as much as I am!
Mike, I typically throw the jig on 20-25 lb. As you know, its a big fish technique.
Lance, I have good news for you. I got word that tacklewarehouse brought talapia in on the next order. Enjoy!
4. March 2011 at 11:13 AM
Tacklewarehouse is getting smoked! most of the 3/4 oz is already gone and roboworm ez shad too!
4. March 2011 at 9:09 AM
No Tilapia color!?!
4. March 2011 at 9:02 AM
Finally!!!!!
4. March 2011 at 8:21 AM
Matt,
Will these swimjigs be as affective in stained and off-color water? If so, what changes do you make to allow for water color?
Thanks,
Mike (in TN)
4. March 2011 at 7:22 AM
Hi Matt. Are you throwing this on straight braid or what pound test for the 3/4oz? I threw one through a small brush pile at Irvine last October and got just hammered but lost it. Went back at dusk and threw a RIO Rico on the same brush pile and got a 7+. I’m assuming the same fish. I was throwing the swim jig on 17 flouro. Was that enough?
3. March 2011 at 11:07 PM
They are on Tackle Warehouse? YES!!