Bass Fishing Jul 2017 | Page 50

Zoom Ultra Vibe Speed Craw Bitter’s Jitter Craw Bitter’s Daddy Jitter Trailers Bitter’s Naked Swimmer Cox prefers a Bitter’s Naked Swimmer swimbait when shad are spawning along shorelines, docks or bulkheads and a craw- style trailer when bluegills are on the menu. “It could be a Zoom Speed Craw, Strike King Twin Tail Menace Grub, Bitter’s Jitter Craw or Daddy Jitter,” he says. “I really like the 4 1/2-inch Daddy Jitter on a 1/2-ounce bait and the Jitter Craw for 3/8- and 1/4- ounce jigs. The smaller trailer [Jitter Craw] doesn’t have as much drag, so the bait doesn’t want to ride to the surface.” Strike King Rage Twin Tail Menace Grub Colors Black/blue or Alabama bream get the call to simulate bluegills, and chartreuse shad for imitating shad. Trailers are usually colored to match. Jointed Swim Jigs For a slightly different look, try a jointed/swinging swim jig such as Strike King’s Swinging Swim Jig (shown here). “The standard swim jig has more of a responsive, straight-forward action, whereas the swing jig flows a little more,” says Cox. “The swing head seems to work better when you’re dragging it over the grass or in open water, and the standard swim jig works better for triggering reaction strikes. It darts when you pop it out of the cover.” 48 FLWFISHING.COM I JULY 2017