My favorite modification is adding a split ring to the eye of the hook. I have noticed that it allows the jig to move more freely and gives it more rolling body action, particularly with thicker line sizes that normally reduce action. It also rotates better on the fall and swims downward
WooHoo 🥳 Matt, this was a super tip for me ✊ I love my dirty jigs and I do similar modifications, but it all just became clearer. I trim my skirt, but that inside trim was an ah hah moment, I trim my weed guards , but I like your method of taking out five much better,it’s consistent 👍 I’ve never thought of bending up the hook on a swimjig , but I will Now!!!! I also trim my swimbait trailer,but that cut to allow more flow is icing of your cake (now mine )….. I am definitely grateful to learn these mods, and I will make sure Santa puts You on his Nice List😜👍👍👍👍🍀🎣👍 Thanks 🙏
Thanks Matt. I have my swim jig ritual also. I trim my brush guard with a parallel to the jig cut. When done the top of the guards bristles are short to long . I don't worry about not getting a good hook up as much as I don't like the look of that big weed guard sticking up. The tapered cut looks more natural.
Those are some really good tips. I'm a big fan of taking the skirt completely off and using it as a swimbait jig head for my Keitechs. That way, I get the best of both worlds. Also, a Bears hoodie in Northern Wisconsin? Ballsy! I dunno if I would be brave enough to wear that in public, lol!
Matt those are similar modifications I do. I have noticed that when I use a boot tail trailer I get less bites so I use the Rage Menace or Boss Grub flappers straight up and down. Also depending on the conditions I get get more bites out of Power Stinger, Strike King Perfect Plastic Blade, and Zoom Super Fluke using the rod tip.
Thanks, Matt. Love me some WI River swimjig fishin'!. On a Dirty Jigs swim jig I just opened, the back half of skirt was ALL trimmed. Clearly they listen to you! Go Bears.
Those are great tips, I already trim like that but I definitely like the hook bending idea. That should help me be able to beef up my rod strength vs throwing something softer than I'd like to
Another thing I’ll do for longevity baits with rubber band collars add small zip tie or hand tie piece of braided line keep from toothy critters ripping skirt off bait and over time from heat and cold will melt the rubber collar over time causing skirt to fall off 🎣 Fish on my brother keep on keeping on!
Man i love those tips I do have two questions one when do you go from a boot tail to a craw on a swim jig and my second question is can I use a swim jig in the winter It gets clod here in MD and DC but our lakes don't always freeze over
i did this video a while back that might help with trailers and i generally put the swim jig down in low 50 degree water.. ruclips.net/video/bcO8Gvcm2HE/видео.html
My list to Santa is for you to have bunches of 10lb bass in every tournament this coming year. Than you can ask Miles if he needs an on the water lesson, just for good natured fun. 😂
Matt I'm thinking about getting some Striker gear. Any recommendations on where to purchase or promo code for discount? Been hearing good things about Striker. Thanks
they make great products. They have the 12 days of christmas sales going on now so keep an eye on those. strikerbrands.com/ I dont have any promo codes at the moment
I think the quick change skirt on the Z-Man Original Chatterbait is PERFECT for swim jigs. Thus, on my swim jigs or pitching jigs that work great as swim jigs I SWAP SKIRTS with my Original Chatterbaits. I am on the cheap side, so I only buy Original Chatterbaits and have enough variety of quick change skirts to make plenty of swaps.
You can buy just the skirts now. Also strike king skirts are doing the same as zman so you can buy individual skirts now. It's a lil cheaper than buying the whole jig or chatterbait. I do the same as you. I have a skirt box and then just pick out my hook (flipping,swimming,etc) and then add skirt it's a quick and easy way to carry a larger amount of baits without the weight of each one having its own hook and weight added.
50 years in the future... living rubber jigs, finesse topwaters and the original floating Rapala. Will still be as effective at catching fish as they were 50 years ago... Shimano started making the finest fishing reels 50 years ago and will lead the fishing industry with their innovation and craftmanship for another 50 years... Thanks for more great tackle tips ! Bill
One of the things I do to my swim jigs is clear coat the eyeballs with clear nail polish. Depends on the brand, but once an eye is gone I feel like the jig doesn’t catch anymore.
@@MattStefanFishing I live in Illinois myself. Go bears. I kind of think Fields is going to be awesome next season. Still need a legit running back. Nice vids, keep it up.
A couple questions: I was told once that trimming the length of the weed guard makes the bristles too stiff (ie shorter and stiffer) what do do you or anyone think about that idea. Also, it seems like swim jigs are bitten from beneath them so it makes sense to trim the top of the skirt and not the bottom of the skirt like Matt showed here. Lastly, does anyone ever trim the center of the skirt instead of the top or bottom allowing it to collapse from both sides around the trailer. I am a swim novice so I have no real opinion just asking everyone else's.
yes i remove most of the skirt material from the bottom as that helps the bait flair. As for the weed guards. you cant cut it short enough to be to stiff without cutting it below the hook point making it not weedless.
I agree with Matt except swim jigs aren't always hit from bottom. It's very much a chase-able bait they will chase it and I've watched them pin it to bottom while it's falling like a dying shad. I've also had them head butt my swim jig I'll kill it and they'll circle back and eat it. Bass are bullies lol
It's so hard to get through the psychological process of modifying baits. Cutting up brand new baits taking files and scraping them up and beating them up when you spend money on them. But I guess if I want to be a better angler I have to bite my lip and just do it. Love all your tips just have to twist my own arm to do them. Thanks for all you do on your channel.
I really like to use a scrounger jig head jig/scrounger jig head swim jig it is just a swim jig with the weed guard but with scrounger jig head. I love the action but wish some scrounger heads and scrounger swim jigs had weed guards, or they make all types/kinds of jigs and hooks weedless like use a texa rig hook or screw lock like a shakey head. Also like under spin jigs they are swim jigs with a under spin or under spin with a skirt (I would love to see it weedless though like a texas rig hook or shakey head), or just making it some how you slide on any type/kind of spinnerbait blade right on a trailer hook, and the hook it self if not using a trailer on the regular hook if you put on the blade first and then the trailer. You can also do this chatter baits/vibrating jigs because they do make chatter baits/vibrating jigs with under spins too but the only they have weedguards but wish they had made them weedless like a texas rig hook or screw lock like a shakey head. Hover jigs (I am talking about the ones by Gunki) are cool but same thing I want the other ones, I want with this one too. Always wanted to try (chatter bait/vibrating jig and Gunki) jig/lure hybrid, (vibrating jig and scrounger jig) jig/lure hybrid, (under spin or Gunki hover jig) jig/lure hybrid, (((under spin or Gunki hover jig and chatter bait/vibrating jig) jig/lure hybrid) and scrounger jig) jig/lure hybrid
My favorite modification is adding a split ring to the eye of the hook. I have noticed that it allows the jig to move more freely and gives it more rolling body action, particularly with thicker line sizes that normally reduce action. It also rotates better on the fall and swims downward
thanks for sharing with us!
I do it as well!
Tying a loop knot will accomplish the same thing but very good idea with the split ring
Gonna try this tomorrow with my swim jigs. Thanks for the tip! Just put split rings on!
This idea is great. I am adding some split rings today!
WooHoo 🥳 Matt, this was a super tip for me ✊ I love my dirty jigs and I do similar modifications, but it all just became clearer. I trim my skirt, but that inside trim was an ah hah moment, I trim my weed guards , but I like your method of taking out five much better,it’s consistent 👍 I’ve never thought of bending up the hook on a swimjig , but I will Now!!!! I also trim my swimbait trailer,but that cut to allow more flow is icing of your cake (now mine )….. I am definitely grateful to learn these mods, and I will make sure Santa puts You on his Nice List😜👍👍👍👍🍀🎣👍 Thanks 🙏
haha! THe nice list is a good list to be on!
Thanks Matt. I have my swim jig ritual also. I trim my brush guard with a parallel to the jig cut. When done the top of the guards bristles are short to long . I don't worry about not getting a good hook up as much as I don't like the look of that big weed guard sticking up. The tapered cut looks more natural.
thanks for sharing!
Best fishing videos there is. Most information and great hands on to show us exactly. Ty sir for doing these videos.
awesome! thanks!
Thanks Matt for reminding us how to improve our swimming fishing. All good tips I will be using in the spring.
thanks!
Matt thanks again for all the tips.
Glad you like them!
Bears fan in Wisconsin your inside the cheddar curtain. Go Bears
haha! not much to be proud of when talking packers or bears this season...
Thanks Matt, I also like boot tails for large mouth. But I like twister tail for smallmouth.
twisters work well to!
Those are some really good tips. I'm a big fan of taking the skirt completely off and using it as a swimbait jig head for my Keitechs. That way, I get the best of both worlds.
Also, a Bears hoodie in Northern Wisconsin? Ballsy! I dunno if I would be brave enough to wear that in public, lol!
haha!
Great tips on your video and information thanks and good fishing
Glad you enjoyed it
Matt those are similar modifications I do. I have noticed that when I use a boot tail trailer I get less bites so I use the Rage Menace or Boss Grub flappers straight up and down. Also depending on the conditions I get get more bites out of Power Stinger, Strike King Perfect Plastic Blade, and Zoom Super Fluke using the rod tip.
flappers can be great trailers
Have you ever done a video showing your preferred knots for flouro, mono, and braided lines? Knots direct to the bait.
Great tips on an incredible system. Thanks for the videos.
Tight lines and Godspeed.
tight lines!
Excellent video! I sometimes cut the weed guard so that it is flat, parallel with the hook shank.
thanks for sharing
Thanks for that juice Matt! Cleaned my rods and
reels up today now it’s time to alter some jigs!! 👍
Right on!
Hey Matt the floor and workbench definitely look cleaner lol great video
haha!
Thanks, Matt. Love me some WI River swimjig fishin'!. On a Dirty Jigs swim jig I just opened, the back half of skirt was ALL trimmed. Clearly they listen to you! Go Bears.
haha! sounds good!
Then obviously you ordered the finesse swim jig. The finesse is trimmed like that but the standard swim jigs are not.
Those are great tips, I already trim like that but I definitely like the hook bending idea. That should help me be able to beef up my rod strength vs throwing something softer than I'd like to
Right on!
Thanks for the info that you share!
anytime!
Great and very detailed video Matt
Thanks 👍
Another great video!
thanks!
Love me a swim jig bite. Great info
Me too!
Awesome tips!! Thanks for sharing your knowledge! Tight Lines!
You bet!
Another great video! Very informative. I love these.
thanks!
Thanks for a rilly good idea 💡. I never trimmed my swim baits I will know!
You bet!
that is a great tip thanks can't wait to try it
good luck!
Very good tip on them
I also want to know about hooks for like a megadraft freestlye 6 inch swim bait
What's a good weighted hook for them
stay tuned! Ive got one designed that will be coming out in the spring!
Great tip! Thanks Matt
You bet!
I really like Berkeley’s the deal! I have caught a bunch on it yet but it looks so good it just a matter of time! Thank as always🎣
its a good bait!
Thanks for these great tips.
you bet!
Another thing I’ll do for longevity baits with rubber band collars add small zip tie or hand tie piece of braided line keep from toothy critters ripping skirt off bait and over time from heat and cold will melt the rubber collar over time causing skirt to fall off 🎣 Fish on my brother keep on keeping on!
fish on!
Man i love those tips I do have two questions one when do you go from a boot tail to a craw on a swim jig and my second question is can I use a swim jig in the winter It gets clod here in MD and DC but our lakes don't always freeze over
i did this video a while back that might help with trailers and i generally put the swim jig down in low 50 degree water.. ruclips.net/video/bcO8Gvcm2HE/видео.html
Thanks
Welcome
Great video! Thank you Sir
you bet!
Great tips Matt thanks at what water temp would you stop throwing a swim jig and pick up maybe a hair jig?
i dont like swim jigs below low 50 temps
Great info. Matt Great video 📹 👏 👍
thanks!
Any spin cast recommendations? Looking at buying for a kid.
I would build the CRB color series in a rod length less than 6ft. just swap out the spinning reel seat for a casting reel seat! They will love it!
🍺Thanks Matt. Nice simple and quick swim jig tips.
You bet!
Super stoked that dirty jigs was acquired by Nichols! That being said great vid this is by far my weakest technique, thanks!
Glad it was helpful!
Hey Matt, what time of year do you throw a swim jig? Is it a year round bait for you?
spring - fall
Do you still have the lake breakdowns?
Fish the moment no longer offers them
My list to Santa is for you to have bunches of 10lb bass in every tournament this coming year. Than you can ask Miles if he needs an on the water lesson, just for good natured fun. 😂
Sounds great!
Matt I'm thinking about getting some Striker gear. Any recommendations on where to purchase or promo code for discount? Been hearing good things about Striker. Thanks
they make great products. They have the 12 days of christmas sales going on now so keep an eye on those. strikerbrands.com/
I dont have any promo codes at the moment
@@MattStefanFishing thanks
Matt, I checked. My jigs are the cheap Strike King ones and, the skirt is held on by a plastic ring and, there isn't a top and bottom skirt. LOL
Bummer
I think the quick change skirt on the Z-Man Original Chatterbait is PERFECT for swim jigs. Thus, on my swim jigs or pitching jigs that work great as swim jigs I SWAP SKIRTS with my Original Chatterbaits. I am on the cheap side, so I only buy Original Chatterbaits and have enough variety of quick change skirts to make plenty of swaps.
its a neat concept!
You can buy just the skirts now. Also strike king skirts are doing the same as zman so you can buy individual skirts now. It's a lil cheaper than buying the whole jig or chatterbait. I do the same as you. I have a skirt box and then just pick out my hook (flipping,swimming,etc) and then add skirt it's a quick and easy way to carry a larger amount of baits without the weight of each one having its own hook and weight added.
50 years in the future... living rubber jigs, finesse topwaters and the original floating Rapala. Will still be as effective at catching fish as they were 50 years ago... Shimano started making the finest fishing reels 50 years ago and will lead the fishing industry with their innovation and craftmanship for another 50 years... Thanks for more great tackle tips ! Bill
agreed!
The old rapala’s still work just as good as they ever have…..knowing when to use them is key
@@rockyj2008 Completely agree Rocky !
Tell me you are Not wearing a Chicago Bears Sweatshirt in Wisconsin????? 😱
haha! i cheer for both teams...neither are good this year so dont waste your time!
Gambler Little EZ or Missle Baits Shockwave are good ones as a trailer.
awesome!
I'd like to see a video on how to fish a swim jig.
here are a couple videos about ow to fish it
ruclips.net/video/vyVGYtoEmEg/видео.html
ruclips.net/video/OQ156Gwh1K8/видео.html
@@MattStefanFishing thank you!
One of the things I do to my swim jigs is clear coat the eyeballs with clear nail polish. Depends on the brand, but once an eye is gone I feel like the jig doesn’t catch anymore.
good idea!
Ur a Bears fan........????? Living in Wisconsin? If so, awesome, lol.
Not much to be proud of but remember I grew up in Chicago! Moved to central Wisconsin after college. I cheer for both teams... Been a bad year
@@MattStefanFishing I live in Illinois myself. Go bears. I kind of think Fields is going to be awesome next season. Still need a legit running back. Nice vids, keep it up.
Thanks for your videos 👍🇺🇲🐕🙂
you bet!
Nice little tip Mathew * Daddy is going to try it *In the 15 years i have thrown it only caught a few ? Dont know ! TY *
you bet!
A couple questions: I was told once that trimming the length of the weed guard makes the bristles too stiff (ie shorter and stiffer) what do do you or anyone think about that idea. Also, it seems like swim jigs are bitten from beneath them so it makes sense to trim the top of the skirt and not the bottom of the skirt like Matt showed here. Lastly, does anyone ever trim the center of the skirt instead of the top or bottom allowing it to collapse from both sides around the trailer. I am a swim novice so I have no real opinion just asking everyone else's.
yes i remove most of the skirt material from the bottom as that helps the bait flair. As for the weed guards. you cant cut it short enough to be to stiff without cutting it below the hook point making it not weedless.
I agree with Matt except swim jigs aren't always hit from bottom. It's very much a chase-able bait they will chase it and I've watched them pin it to bottom while it's falling like a dying shad. I've also had them head butt my swim jig I'll kill it and they'll circle back and eat it. Bass are bullies lol
Like a breakedown on Yatesville lake in Louisa k.y
ill put it on my list to do
It's so hard to get through the psychological process of modifying baits. Cutting up brand new baits taking files and scraping them up and beating them up when you spend money on them. But I guess if I want to be a better angler I have to bite my lip and just do it. Love all your tips just have to twist my own arm to do them. Thanks for all you do on your channel.
Do you do the same with your chatterbaits also
yes i do!
👍👍👍👍👍
thanks for watching!
Diff between a swim jig and a flipping jig. I have no idea. Little help if you have time.
ill make a video on it thanks!
love ur vids, as usually. also, GO BEARS!!!
haha!
Nothing to add to this complete explanation of modifying the best swim jig on the market!!!
Glad you liked it!
Matt... that sweatshirt. Smh
haha! Im not real happy with either the packers or bears this year...
Swim jigs tend to be counter-productive to what it is supposed to be.
ok
I really like to use a scrounger jig head jig/scrounger jig head swim jig it is just a swim jig with the weed guard but with scrounger jig head. I love the action but wish some scrounger heads and scrounger swim jigs had weed guards, or they make all types/kinds of jigs and hooks weedless like use a texa rig hook or screw lock like a shakey head.
Also like under spin jigs they are swim jigs with a under spin or under spin with a skirt (I would love to see it weedless though like a texas rig hook or shakey head), or just making it some how you slide on any type/kind of spinnerbait blade right on a trailer hook, and the hook it self if not using a trailer on the regular hook if you put on the blade first and then the trailer. You can also do this chatter baits/vibrating jigs because they do make chatter baits/vibrating jigs with under spins too but the only they have weedguards but wish they had made them weedless like a texas rig hook or screw lock like a shakey head. Hover jigs (I am talking about the ones by Gunki) are cool but same thing I want the other ones, I want with this one too. Always wanted to try (chatter bait/vibrating jig and Gunki) jig/lure hybrid, (vibrating jig and scrounger jig) jig/lure hybrid, (under spin or Gunki hover jig) jig/lure hybrid, (((under spin or Gunki hover jig and chatter bait/vibrating jig) jig/lure hybrid) and scrounger jig) jig/lure hybrid
thanks for sharign!
Awesome video!!! Thanks for sharing those tips!! Stay Safe & God Bless!!
you bet!