Swim Jig
1 bass vs. 0 bass in 2024
Lure: Jonn Graham Warrior Swim Jig with a Big Hammertail trailer (bluegill)
Top Bass: None at 12” or better

Comments
My lone bass on a swim jig came late in the year on October 26 on the Hennepin Canal. During the summer I had spoken to a pair of anglers who had noted success in tossing swim jigs and figured that I needed to give one a go before my 2025 Canal adventures closed. A handful of casts paid off as I crawled the lure amidst the fading weed growth in an aqueduct.

History
Despite glowing reviews on the effectiveness of swim jigs over the years, I have yet to commit. In fact, I have only landed a dozen bass on a swim jig dating back to 1997 with catches in 2013,2014, 2017, and 2025. This particular swim jig was from a batch that I purchased many years ago from Jonn Graham’s booth at the now defunct Elmwood All Outdoors show.

Video
The video of my lone catch presents a unique approach in what I call “perch fishing on The Canal.” In this case, “perch” refers not to a fish species, but a seat of sorts atop an aqueduct guardrail. The height of the protective barrier makes it tough to present a lure effectively from a standing position. Instead, I have taken to climbing the guardrail and locking my legs into the beams for stability. It works like a charm and gets rather exciting when a quality bass is on the line. In such instances, I must climb down and walk the fish to a landing point beyond the barrier. This fish was not one of those instances.

 

Last Cast
I am a creature of habit who relies heavily on his “confidence lures” and there just hasn’t been a need for swim jigs in my arsenal. As such, I don’t anticipate them getting much action in 2026.

Next lure on the way tomorrow so talk to you later. Troy