In this video, Seth Feider demonstrates how he fishes swim jigs for bass relating to heavy cover. He walks through his approach to targeting bass using a white swim jig. This technique allows him to cover much more water than flipping and pitching. At the same time, it generates a similar reaction bites from thick shoreline vegetation. He likens the method to old-school spinnerbait fishing, with the added benefit of reaching deep into the heaviest cover without worrying about getting snagged.
TACKLE USED
- SWIM JIGS (All) – Buy at Omnia Fishing | Buy at Bass Pro Shops
- SWIM JIG – Outkast Tackle Pro Swim Jig: Buy at Omnia Fishing
- TRAILER – Z-Man Hella CrawZ: Buy at Omnia Fishing | Buy at Bass Pro Shops
- ROD – Daiwa Tatula Series Casting Rod, 7’1″ Medium-Heavy Extra-Fast: Check out at Daiwa | Buy at Omnia Fishing | Buy at Bass Pro Shops
- REEL – Daiwa Zillion Casting Reel: Check out at Daiwa | Buy at Omnia Fishing | Buy at Bass Pro Shops
- LINE – Sufix 131 Braid, 30- to 40-pound: Buy at Omnia Fishing | Buy Bass Pro Shops
USING A SWIM JIG IN HEAVY COVER
Feider explains how the combination of emergent shallow cover and stained water creates ideal conditions for swim jig fishing. The visual aspect of this technique is one of its biggest appeals. You can watch bass streak out of the cover to attack the jig. While a white swim jig is an excellent shad imitator, Feider’s preference for white stems primarily from his ability to visually see the bait and know when a bass takes it.
TECHNIQUE AND GEAR SETUP
Feider fishes his swim jig slower than most anglers, making short hops to keep the jig moving inches at a time. He emphasizes the power of contacting cover; letting the jig glide over grass, brush, and submerged objects. This action draws aggressive strikes, especially when bass are holding tight to cover. Regarding line, Feider uses straight braid, typically 30- or 40-pound test, as it provides the strength needed to pull fish out of thick cover without sacrificing casting distance. He prefers braid over fluorocarbon unless he’s fishing around docks in clearer water.
WHY SWIM JIGS WORK
Unlike traditional flipping or pitching techniques, swim jigs allow you to cover a lot of water efficiently. Feider notes that bass in heavy cover don’t often see moving baits like they do jigs or Texas rigs, making the swim jig a fresh presentation that gets more bites.
He finishes by discussing how this method excels in off-colored water with emergent cover. If you’re looking for an efficient way to target bass in shallow cover, the swim jig is a must-try.
