The Ultimate Guide to Glide Baits
Glide baits are fantastic fishing lures, especially when it comes to bass fishing. After reading numerous posts and discussions about glide baits, I realized that some anglers still don’t know exactly what these lures are for and how to fish them properly. Glide baits have gained massive popularity in recent years, and I am sure that learning how to use them will significantly improve your fishing experience.
What Are Glide Baits?
Definition and Characteristics
Glide baits are hard sinking swimbaits with a single jointed part that swims in a wider S-motion in the water, earning them the nickname “slide swimmers.” Glide baits are designed for slow swimming, giving fish more time to inspect the lure. Therefore, the more detailed the lure, the better.
Design and Structure
These lures typically have a hard body and often incorporate a tungsten ball on a spring that vibrates in the throat of the bait. This design creates subtle pressure waves detectable by predators when the bait comes to rest or slowly sinks.
Sizes and Styles
Glide baits come in various sizes, such as 125, 185, and even 250. Like they say, “BIG BAITS=BIG BASS”. Generally, the larger the bait, the better the chances of catching bigger bass. My favorite is my Storm Arashi Glide 7 1/2 inch Glide Bait. I won a custom-painted one in a local drawing a couple of years ago and have been fishing it successfully since.
6th Sense has several popular baits like the 6th Sense Fishing Speed Glide 100 Glidebait for example. Pretty much anything 6th Sense makes, it CATCHES FISH!
And let us talk about River2Sea. The guys who brought us the incredible Whopper Plopper surface action lures. River2Sea River 2 Sea Pl Sw 168 S Waver is a beautiful lure
Are Glide Baits And Swim Baits The Same?
There are two primary types of swimbaits: paddle tail and multi-jointed. There is a difference between a glide bait and a multi-jointed swimbait however, and the main difference is the number of segments. You can consider a Glide bait a swim bait, but the glide bait has two segments, and only two. Swim baits can have several segments.
Why Use A Glide Baits?
This type of bait offers a unique S-motion that even suspicious bass are not accustomed to. Their distinct action and appearance make them highly effective in attracting bass.
1. Practice and Patience
Success with glide baits requires practice and patience. Spend a few days learning and perfecting your technique, and you’ll soon find that you won’t want to fish without them.
2. Additional Tips
Polarized Sunglasses
Invest in good polarized sunglasses to spot fish following your lure. This visibility is crucial for understanding when to adjust your technique.
3. Fishing Line
Choosing the right fishing line is essential. Mono floats, keeping the bait higher in the water, while fluorocarbon sinks, allowing deeper presentation. Use the line properties to your advantage based on the fishing conditions.
4. Value for Money
These baits vary widely in price, from $10 to $950 per lure. Expensive doesn’t always mean better. Many affordable glide baits work just as well. Look for ones that sit well in the water and hold up over time.
When to Use Glide Baits
Water Temperature and Season
The lures are effective at various water temperatures and during different seasons, particularly in the pre-spawn and post-spawn periods. When water temperatures are in the low 50s, glide baits might not seem effective, but with practice, they can yield results. As temperatures rise to the low 60s, glide baits become increasingly effective, especially for bass that haven’t spawned yet or are preparing to spawn.
Fish Behavior
Bass that are either pre-spawn or post-spawn are more likely to attack the baits due to their increased feeding instincts. Glide baits remain effective throughout the year, offering anglers the opportunity to expand their fishing techniques and possibilities.
Where to Use Glide Baits
Targeting Specific Areas
Glide baits are versatile and can be used in various fishing environments. They are particularly effective in revealing the presence of fish in an area, even if they aren’t biting at that moment.
Reeds
Shallow areas near reeds are prime spots for bass, especially during spring and fall. Focus on the moments when the lure leaves the reeds area, as this is when most bites occur.
Shelves
Shelves are also excellent spots to use glide baits. Target areas where the water depth changes significantly, such as shelves ranging from 5 to 30 feet deep.
From a Boat
When fishing from a boat, position yourself in the middle with the sun at your back. Allow the lure to sink between slow twitches, causing it to rise and fall, which can trigger more bites.
How to Use Glide Baits
Basic Techniques
Even though they primarily glide, there are several techniques to enhance their effectiveness. You can reel them back slowly or use stop-and-go twitches near the bottom.
Advanced Techniques
The retrieve is done with the reel, not the rod tip. Reel slowly enough to feel the lure at the end of the line, then pause and snap to cause the lure to make an S-turn and glide. Adjusting the reeling speed and incorporating twitches or raising the rod tip can make the lure act differently, simulating an escaping fish and triggering bites.
Conclusion
Bass fishing is a popular and rewarding activity, especially when targeting monster bass with glide baits. Glide baits are highly effective, but mastering their use takes practice and patience. Keep experimenting with different techniques and don’t give up. Once you get the hang of it, glide baits will become an indispensable part of your fishing arsenal.
I hope this guide has provided you with valuable insights into using glide baits. Try these tips and techniques, and let me know how they work for you. Tight lines and happy fishing!