Many fishing lures imitate various food sources, but goby-imitating swimbaits are especially effective for fishing across the bottom. Professional angler Luke Clausen discusses the versatility and effectiveness of goby swimbaits, particularly the Z-Man Gobius, for catching bass in lakes and rivers. These bottom-dwelling baits effectively mimic crawfish and baitfish such as gobies, sculpins, and darters. Clausen shares his preferred techniques for fishing with these swimbaits and his recommended rod setup.
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UNDERSTANDING BOTTOM-BASED FORAGE
Gamefish often focus on feeding “up” in the water column or down on the bottom. Fishing near the bottom is often overlooked, but it can be very productive. The bottom is teeming with life and provides a continuous plane where bass and other gamefish can attack or pin prey. This is where swimbaits designed to be fished across the bottom come into play.
THE GOBIUS IN ACTION
The Z-Man Gobius is designed to imitate the movements of crayfish and other bottom-feeders. Similar to fishing swinging jigs, Clausen explains his preferred technique of steadily reeling the bait across the bottom, causing it to hang momentarily before darting off rocks. This realistic motion triggers reaction strikes from fish. The Z-Man Gobius comes in weights ranging from 3/8 to 3/4 ounce to accommodate various depths and fishing conditions. Clausen recommends using the heavier 3/4 ounce version on a casting setup for its faster fall rate and accentuated bottom disturbances.
CLAUSEN’S PREFERRED ROD SETUP FOR BOTTOM SWIMBAITS
Clausen suggests using a medium-heavy power casting setup with a fast reel spooled with 15-pound fluorocarbon line. Fluorocarbon line is ideal for this setup as it sinks and is highly abrasion-resistant. Additionally, its stretch rate of over 30% creates a unique slingshot effect after contact with cover. The Gobius’s hidden dorsal hook allows it to be fished cleanly through grass and other cover with minimal fouling.
With its versatile design and effective bottom-feeding action, the Z-Man Gobius is a valuable tool for targeting bass and other gamefish such as walleyes, pike, and lake trout. Clausen’s insights not only highlight the lure’s adaptability but also provide valuable guidance for effectively fishing swimbaits on the bottom, a technique that is often overlooked.
