Choosing the Right Paddle Tail Swimbait for Bass Fishing Success

Choosing the Right 8 Inch Paddle Tail Swimbait

When it comes to bass fishing, the 8 inch paddle tail swimbait is a versatile lure that can be productive all year round. Paddle tail swimbaits realistically imitate baitfish with their life-like tail action, making them irresistible to big bass. But with so many options on the market, how do you choose the right 8 inch paddle tail for your needs?

Tail Type

One of the first things to consider is tail type. Paddle tails come in various tail designs - some have a narrow, boot-type shape while others have a wide, fan-like profile. Generally, paddle tails with a more rounded boot tail displace the most water and vibrate aggressively, attracting fish from farther away.

Plastic Type

Swimbait bodies are constructed out of either hard or soft plastic. Hard plastic baits are very durable and easy to rig weedless. The tradeoff is less tail action. Soft plastic swimbaits have incredible movement in the water thanks to their flexible tails, but are less durable. The type of plastic impacts action and durability.

Weighted or Weightless

You'll also want to think about whether you want a weighted or weightless paddle tail. Weighted swimbaits feature an internal weight that causes the lure to slowly sink. Weightless baits float up towards the surface. Choose a weighted swimbait to focus on bottom-hugging fish, or a weightless option for suspended bass.

FAQs

What colors should I choose for an 8-inch paddle tail?

Some top color options for 8-inch paddle tail swimbaits include: pearl white, albino, ayu, rainbow trout, bluegill, threadfin shad, or green pumpkin. Match the hatch by mimicking prevalent forage.

Should I use a leader for fishing paddle tail swimbaits?

Yes, attaching a short fluorocarbon leader when paddle tail fishing can help prevent line shy bass from spotting your line. Aim for a 15-20 lb leader when using a paddle tail.

What pound test line works best?

A good all-around choice is 15 lb monofilament or fluorocarbon line when fishing an 8 inch paddle swimbait for bass. Heavier 17-20 lb line also works well to horse fish out of cover.

What rod should I use with big paddle tail swimbaits?

A 7-7'6" medium heavy or heavy power fast action rod paired with a high speed reel (7.1:1+) makes a great swimbait setup for big 8" paddle tails.