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BAM Podcast Episode 82 – Swimbaits with Cameron Smith

BAM Podcast Episode 82 – Swimbaits with Cameron Smith

Release Date: January 29, 2025
Duration: 1 hour, 7 minutes, 6 seconds
Episode 82

Swimbait fishing has long been a defining technique for serious bass anglers, but regional differences play a huge role in how it’s approached. In this episode of the BAM Podcast, we dive into the second half of our Swimbait Fishing Mini-Series with special guest Cameron Smith.

A native of Southern California, Cameron Smith built his fishing foundation in the legendary San Diego lakes, throwing some of the earliest swimbaits on the market. Now, as a Massachusetts resident, he’s had to adapt his approach to fit the vastly different conditions of the East Coast.


From San Diego to Massachusetts – A Swimbait Evolution

Cameron Smith is no stranger to big baits and big bass. Growing up in San Diego’s trophy bass culture, he was exposed to early swimbait techniques that defined a generation of West Coast anglers. However, after moving to Massachusetts, he quickly realized that the East Coast presents entirely different challenges.

In this episode, Cameron shares:
✔️ The early days of swimbait fishing in California
✔️ How rat-style baits and soft swimbaits shaped his fishing foundation
✔️ The biggest differences he noticed when transitioning to East Coast waters


Adapting Swimbaits to East Coast Fishing

The West Coast is known for its clear reservoirs, big trout-fed bass, and deep structure fishing, while the East Coast offers more varied conditions, including shallower lakes, stained water, and different forage species.

Cameron breaks down how he’s adjusted his approach, including:
Swimbait selection – How bait preferences change from coast to coast
Fishing environments – Comparing the structure and water conditions
Forage differences – From trout to perch, how baitfish impact swimbait success
⚡ Retrieve styles – The best ways to trigger bites in East Coast waters


West Coast Swimbait Roots and Unique Beginnings

Cameron’s introduction to swimbait fishing wasn’t typical. In this episode, he shares how he got started and the unique influences that led him to become a dedicated swimbait angler. His story provides valuable insights for both seasoned swimbait anglers and those looking to expand their skills.


Why This Episode is a Must-Listen for Swimbait Anglers

Whether you’re a West Coast purist or an East Coast swimbait convert, this episode delivers real-world insights that can help any angler refine their approach. Cameron’s experience highlights:
✅ How to transition swimbait techniques to different fisheries
✅ Key adjustments for success in unfamiliar waters
✅ Lessons from one of the early swimbait pioneers

If you’re passionate about big baits, big bass, and making swimbaits work anywhere, this is an episode you won’t want to miss!


Listen Now!

Bass Angler Magazine’s Wired4bass is a bi-monthly podcast series is available free on Simple CastiTunes, 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.

Subscribe to Bass Angler Magazine print and or digital here

Listen to BAM Podcasts here

#BAMPodcast #SwimbaitFishing #EastCoastVsWestCoast #BassFishing #BigBaits #FishingTechniques

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Mark Lassagne

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