Best Swimbaits for Bass: Top Picks to Trigger Big Strikes

By: FishUSA Staff

May 30, 2025

Whether you're finesse fishing with small soft swimbaits or launching giant glide baits in search of trophy bass, choosing the best swimbait is crucial. The right swimbait helps you mimic baitfish movement and trigger big strikes. This guide breaks down the top-performing soft and hard swimbaits available at FishUSA to help you select the best option for your next bass trip.

Related:

What Makes a Great Swimbait for Bass?

Best Swimbaits For Bass

What Makes a Great Swimbait for Bass?

The ideal swimbait depends on the conditions and the size of bass you're targeting. Here’s what to look for:

Style: Paddle-tail swimbaits offer wide thumping action; straight-tail models give subtle movement for pressured fish.
Size: 3–4” baits are great for numbers; 5”+ baits target bigger fish.
Material: Soft plastics provide lifelike motion. Hard body swimbaits excel for aggressive presentations.
Rigging Options: Choose baits that work well with jig heads, weighted hooks, or rigged weedless for cover.

Best Swimbaits For Bass

Keitech Fat Swing Impact

Buy Keitech Fat Swing Impact

The Keitech Fat Swing Impact is one of the most popular paddle-tail swimbaits in bass fishing. It features a ribbed body and a thick profile that creates a strong thump in the water. This bait works well on a jig head, underspin, or as a trailer on a swim jig. It comes in a wide range of sizes and colors to match forage in any lake or river. The soft plastic material gives it an excellent tail kick, even at slow speeds.

Keitech Easy Shiner

Buy Keitech Easy Shiner

The Easy Shiner is a slimmer version of the Fat Swing Impact. It produces a subtle and tight wobble that excels in clear water and pressured fisheries. Use it on a drop shot, finesse jig head, or as a trailer. The Easy Shiner shines when bass are chasing small baitfish or suspended off points. Its straight, narrow body and thin paddle tail deliver smooth, natural motion.

Rapala CrushCity The Mayor Swimbait

Buy Rapala CrushCity The Mayor Swimbait

Built in collaboration with Jacob Wheeler, the Mayor Swimbait is designed for versatility. Its oval body and wide paddle tail allow it to swim true at slow or fast speeds. The bait holds up well to multiple fish, thanks to its durable yet flexible body. It’s ideal for rigging on belly-weighted swimbait hooks or as a trailer on a bladed jig. The Mayor is a strong choice for covering water and locating active fish.

Megabass Magdraft Swimbait

Buy Megabass Magdraft Swimbait

The Magdraft is a hard-thumping, pre-rigged swimbait with a built-in treble hook and magnetic belly harness. It excels at catching big bass that are keying on large baitfish. This swimbait runs true out of the package and has a natural tail wag. It is best fished on a slow and steady retrieve along laydowns, docks, flats, or grass edges. The Magdraft is a top choice when hunting trophy-class bass.

Jackall Rhythm Wave Swimbait

Buy Jackall Rhythm Wave Swimbait

The Rhythm Wave is a soft paddle-tail swimbait that swims cleanly at a variety of speeds. Its ribbed body creates subtle vibration, making it effective in both clear and stained water. This bait works great on ball-head jigs, Texas rigs, or as a trailer. It pairs well with finesse swimbait techniques and excels when bass are feeding on shad or small bluegill.

How to Choose If You're Unsure

If you’re fishing clear water or pressured lakes, go with the Keitech Easy Shiner or Jackall Rhythm Wave for a subtle presentation. For aggressive feeders or dirty water, use the Keitech Fat Swing Impact or Rapala The Mayor to create more movement. If you want to target trophy bass with large meals, the Megabass Magdraft is the best pick.

Final Thoughts

Each of these swimbaits offers a proven profile for catching bass in different conditions. Whether you prefer subtle finesse or loud thumping action, there’s a bait on this list to match your setup. Choose based on water clarity, fish behavior, and bait size to get the best results on your next trip.

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