Swimbait fishing is more than just a technique—it’s an art form. And depending on where you fish, your approach to swimbaiting can vary greatly. In this highly anticipated two-part series, we take an in-depth look at the East vs. West styles of swimbait fishing, exploring how anglers on each coast approach the hunt for trophy bass. From gear and bait preferences to unique techniques tailored to their environments, this series offers something for everyone, whether you’re a seasoned swimbait expert or just starting out.
Episode 1: The West Coast with Josh Parris
In the first episode, we sit down with Josh Parris, one of the most accomplished swimbait anglers on the West Coast, for an insightful conversation led by none other than Big Ed Everhart. Josh has spent years mastering the art of targeting giant bass with swimbaits and has developed a reputation as one of the best in the game. In this candid interview, Josh shares his deep knowledge and passion for swimbait fishing, giving listeners a rare glimpse into the mindset of a true swimbait guru.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
Josh’s Favorite Baits: Josh breaks down his go-to swimbaits and explains why these baits work so effectively in Western waters. He shares details about the brands, styles, and sizes he prefers and how he chooses the right bait for different conditions.
The Gear That Matters: Swimbait fishing is all about having the right tools, and Josh dives into the specifics of his setup. From heavy-duty rods and reels to the ideal line size and type, he explains how his gear is tailored for throwing big baits and handling the fight with monster bass.
Bait Modifications for Success: Success in swimbait fishing often comes down to the little details. Josh discusses the alterations he makes to his baits, whether it’s tweaking hooks, adjusting weights, or customizing the action to match the conditions. These small changes can make a huge difference when it comes to enticing trophy fish.
Targeting Giant Bass: Josh shares his strategies for locating and catching big bass. He talks about reading water conditions, understanding seasonal patterns, and using his knowledge of bass behavior to put himself in the best possible position to land a trophy fish.
This episode is packed with valuable tips and insider knowledge that can elevate your swimbait fishing game, especially if you’re fishing on the West Coast.
Looking Ahead: The East Coast Perspective
While the West Coast has its unique approach to swimbait fishing, the East Coast brings its own flavor to the table. In two weeks, we’ll sit down with one of the original pioneers of swimbait fishing from the East Coast. This angler has decades of experience and will provide a fascinating look at how swimbait fishing has evolved in Eastern waters.
What to Expect in Part Two:
A deep dive into the baits, rigs, and techniques preferred by East Coast swimbait anglers.
Insights into how the differences in water conditions, forage, and fishing pressure shape the East Coast approach.
A side-by-side comparison of East vs. West styles that highlights the strengths of each.
By the end of the series, you’ll have a complete picture of how anglers on both coasts tackle the challenge of landing giant bass with swimbaits.
Why Winter is the Perfect Time for Swimbait Fishing
Winter is a magical season for swimbait anglers. As water temperatures drop and the weather turns harsh, the conditions become ideal for targeting big bass. Serious swimbait anglers know this is the time to fine-tune their gear, prepare their boats, and get ready to hit the water.
The colder months bring out the best in swimbait fishing. The fish are more likely to be feeding on larger prey, making big baits more effective. Winter also rewards the patience and persistence of anglers willing to brave the elements. As Josh Parris explains in this episode, it’s not just about throwing big baits—it’s about knowing how to use them to their fullest potential.
What Makes This Series Special
This two-part series isn’t just about swimbaits—it’s about celebrating the diversity and creativity of anglers across the country. By exploring the different styles of swimbait fishing from the West Coast to the East Coast, we aim to provide a comprehensive look at how this technique is adapted to various environments and challenges.
The conversation with Josh Parris in Episode 1 is a masterclass in swimbait fishing, packed with actionable tips and insights that can help any angler improve their game. And with the East Coast perspective coming in Part 2, this series offers a unique opportunity to compare and contrast two distinct approaches to one of bass fishing’s most exciting techniques.
Don’t Miss a Moment
Episode 1: Available now—listen as Josh Parris and Big Ed Everhart discuss the West Coast swimbait game. Episode 2: Coming in two weeks—get the East Coast perspective from one of the original swimbait pioneers.
Whether you’re fishing in the rocky waters of the West or the grassy lakes of the East, this series will inspire you to refine your skills, try new techniques, and chase that next trophy bass.
Bass Angler Magazine’s Wired4bass is a bi-monthly podcast series is available free on Simple Cast, iTunes, Spotify, Google Play and Amazon. Stay tuned as we discuss the latest in bass fishing, lure trends, ways to catch fish, tournament wins and things of interest to bass anglers.
BASS ANGLER MAGAZINE (BAM), a veteran owned quarterly print and digital magazine, designed, and printed in the U.S.A. Covering largemouth, smallmouth and spotted bass, Bass Angler was created specifically to help you become a better, more informed bass fisherman. As the industry’s most informative bass fishing magazine, we provide you in-depth exclusive new features with the world’s top anglers.