How to rig a Swimbait

In the last ten years the swimbait has became a big deal in the fishing industry. These swimbaits range from three inches to ten but the right hook or jig head will help you catch some fish. Swimbaits are used for all preditoral fish and with that in mind these different species range in different water depths and react to different retrieves.
Take fishing in Elkhorn creek for small and large mouth bass. A three inch swimbait is perfect for this creek because its the smallest swimbait and a larger swimbait will be to big for the bass to attempt to eat it. So with a three inch swimbait their still is different colors and hook sizes to decide on. Depending on where your fishing you will either want to throw a swimbait on a jig head or Texas rig it with the weight being on the hook. The jig head is great for rapidly changing depth and it leaves the hook exposed allowing easier hook ups and better swimming action. You will still need to decide on the weight of the jig either 1/8 ounce or 3/16 depending on deep you want it to run. With the Texas rig style you will also need to decide on the weight but it may take a 1/4 ounce if you want it to get down ten feet or more. Although you don't get the good swimming action like a jig head you do have the ability add a treble hook trailer allowing for the greatest hook up rate.
I personally like a jig head on the three inch swimbait because of the action it creates but most people still rig it Texas style. The great thing about swimbaits is there action and realistic of a true forage of a predatoral fish.
Now when you get to the four and five inch swimbaits its better to hook them Texas style, because they are longer the hook going threw the bait doesn't effect their swimming action like the three inch. These sizes are great for lakes that have shad or shiners due to the fact that they are around this size. When I fish Harrington lake I use a five inch swimbait with a 3/16 or a 1/4 ounce weight on the hook.
The only problem with swimbaits is their durability. They are made of a silcone and when you catch some fish on them they begin to rip and tear where the hook is places but I have found a solution for that. If you will take some super glue with you on your trip you can extend the life of our bait. If your using a jig head put the swimbait on like you normally would and then super glue the jig head to the head of the swimbait. The swimbait will actually mold to the jig head allowing you to use it longer.
Give the swimbaits a try and you will see that they are the most realistic bait fish imitator ever invented. Stick to the common colors just like you would with crankbaits. If your fishing where bluegill or shad are use a five inch green shad. If your fishing in creek where the forage is minnows and suckers use a blue back with a white belly. The slightest size and color and change a great day and a hard day on the water.