Story by Todd Goade | Photos by Tanner & Travis Lyons
Over the last four years of fishing the NPFL I have utilized a swim jig more than I ever have in my fishing career. The places we’ve gone and time of year we were there made the swim jig a key player. I still see the 7 pounder at Wright Patman engulfing my Pulse Fish Pro Model Swim Jig, and every fish I weighed in that week came on that bait. I feel like I have learned a lot about this bait, setups, and trailers to share some of that with you here.
Finding the right trailer for your swim jig can transform an average day on the water into a day to remember. The subtleties of trailer profile, action, and material dictate how your jig moves through the water, how often you hook up, and ultimately, how many fish you catch.
The first choice you need to decide is between big vs. slim. I like to choose my trailer size based on the cover and target species. Bulkier profiles offer more water displacement and enticing flash. They create a big silhouette that bass can’t miss in open-water scenarios or on beds. Slim profiles reduce resistance in grass and heavy cover. The streamlined shape improves hook-up rates by allowing the hook to penetrate more easily. Matching trailer diameter to your jig size is key. A 3/8-ounce swim jig pairs best with a 3- to 4-inch soft plastic. Step up to 1/2-ounce or heavier and I like a 4- to 5-inch trailer to maintain balanced action.
Material matters! The choice between silicone and plastic isn’t just personal preference. It changes the jig’s performance. Plastic trailers hold their shape better and resist tearing in cover. They’re your go-to when you need consistent action through wood, rock, or thick mats. Silicone trailers offer lifelike, subtle action. The soft material flutters on the fall and undulates on the retrieve, making it perfect when bass are pressured or finicky. I’ll fish with both to determine which matches your fish’s mood and the day’s conditions.
Color matters too. I’ve found over the years that subtlety often trumps flash, especially when fish see a lot of jigs. Natural greens, browns, and pumpkin colors blend into most cover and look like craws or baitfish—perfect for pressured waters. Brighter oranges, pinks, and chartreuse add contrast in stained or muddy water. I’ll always carry a variety of colors and sometimes scale back to the subtlest option that still draws attention.
Lastly, trimming the trailer to maximize efficiency and hook up ratio is key too. Align the legs or claws of your craw trailer so they spread out evenly on both sides of the hook. Trim any excess appendage that causes the trailer to spin or wrap around the hook. Make a small V-cut at the top of the trailer to seat it flush against the jig’s head, ensuring a weedless profile. These small adjustments boost hookup ratios and keep your bait free of hang-ups.
Try these tips the next time you go swim jig fishing and hopefully they’ll help you land more bass too!
Tight Lines!
Todd Goade – Angler Profile
