My Top Ten Swimbait Picks For 2009

I am a little late on this one considering it is the 8th of Feb already, but better late than never.

What I have done over the last month is got ahold of all the swimbaits from the past and present that I feel are baits that any serious angler should put on their To Buy list for 2009.

I will start with my baits of course. . .

JSJ Snack Size Swimbaits

The New Snack Size Bluegill baits are already in Bass Tackle Depot and Walton's Pond and will be hitting more stores by the end of the month. Also this year I will be focusing on doing more custom baits, including the three joint in the already released Snack Size trout baits as well as more custom tailored paint work. Both the Snack Size Trout and Bluegill baits are available in floating and slow sinking.

Here is a pic of some stuff that is out already and a few custom trout baits

2. The Matt Lures Hard Gill

Matt and I were developing our Bluegill baits at the same time and his turned out great.

It is a versatile bait bait, pretty small like his soft baits, but very effective. They come in floating and sinking. My favorite thing I have done with the Matt Lures Hard Gill Bait so far is to take a floater and put bigger heavier hooks on it to make it sink real slow. I have already caught many fish on Matts bait.

3.The Black Dog Inject Punkers and Customs

Late last year Black Dog Bait Co. released the new injection molded punkers. The new baits contain rattles and come in three sizes: 6", 8", and 10".

The Shell Cracker was re-released with a bill, essentially making it into a giant crankbait. I don't know even where to start on the possibilities of this bait

Also if you have not yet got ahold of one of Jeremy's custom wood punkers, now is the time (shown below is a custom wood punker painted by Tator Hog).

The lunker punker has become a staple in any serious swimbaiters arsenal, I dont ever leave the dock without at least a few.

4. Tylure Bed bait Bluegill and 6" Kicker trout bait

Tyler has done a great job designing both of these baits, the new Bluegill bait is a Must Have this spring. This bait comes with a molded in double prong top hook that is sure to stick the giants.

This bait sits perfect on the bottom to entice unsuspecting Lunkers.

The 6" Kicker Trout should not be overlooked either. While on the smaller side of things, this bait is very versatile and will work on just about anywhere containing anything from trout to Large baitfish

5. The 11" Nate's Bait

Holy shit! are the first words that came to mind as I opened up my box containing my new 11" Nate's Bait. This bait is going to flat out get em!

It is a "big bait". Funny thing is, it's not even his biggest bait he makes. You will need a big stick for this thing but is for sure going to draw strikes from those giant pre-spawn winter Mama Bass.

The action on this bait is unbelievable and it is built like a tank.

6. Central Coast Swimbaits New Wake Bait

Another big hand made wake bait by Central Coast Swimbaits. This is not a high production bait, but all hand made and hand painted in San Luis Obisbo.

This is for sure not going to be the last we see of Andrew's work either, he's got some others in the works.

This guy can sure carve! The scale detail is unbelievable, The baits action is incredible as well.

7. 3:16 Real Deal and Hyper Herring

There has been a lot of buzz about these two baits. The real deal is absolutely amazing and is a must have. While the Hyper Herring is pretty much neck-and-neck with it for anyone who already likes to fish the Wake Jr.

I have not spent too much time on either of these baits (yet) but let me you. You wont be disappointed in either of them

8. Triple Trout - The Old Stand By

If you don't have at least 1 Triple Trout by now you are already behind.

This bait has been catching Giant Bass for a long time now and pretty much helped launch the whole swimbait craze. They are available in many sizes, sink rates, colors, and joint configurations. This is pretty much why you just can't have only one.

9. The Vagabond Surf Hustler

Due to a recent unveiling I was forced to change my number nine of my top ten.

All though I have not yet got my hands on one of these baits yet they are for sure to be of the highest quality and finish.

Black Dog Bait Co. has given license to Vagabond of Japan to sell this bait under the their company name. It is for sure to be a hit.

10. The Tator Hog Hoochiemomma Gill

While this bait is kind of what I consider a hybrid bait, sort of a mix between a swimbait and a crank bait. The Hoochiemomma Gill closes out my list of the Top Ten must haves for 2009, for now anyway were only a month in!

This is a bait that will just flat out make you smile while fishing it. It is just a fun bait to fish around docks and cover. The bass will just flat out engulf the thing.

Matt (tator) makes the Hoochiemomma in a one and two piece. I recommend you get both, but I am sick in the head to.