Big Hammer 9" Sledge Swimbaits
Over the past couple years a new style of fishing plastics for BIG Calico Bass has emerged. There are some variations to the game, but usually guys are fishing BIG slugs on or very near the surface of the kelp paddies and stringers and swimming the slug over the top, dropping down in the holes, and sliding through the kelp to hook the big bass that lurk there as the apex predators. And, often folks are rewarded with a very nice white seabass. That’s not uncommon at all. This past year we’ve seen folks doing a couple other interesting things to further refine this productive technique. For one, many anglers are rigging up “kelp-cutter” rigs. These are basically smaller reels loaded with Spectra, often 65#, topped off with a VERY SHORT leader at times 3 feet. The Spectra is used to help saw off the kelp as the lure becomes snagged, or once you’ve got a hookup to help slice through the kelp so the fish can be brought back in. (Some of the white seabass guys are doing the same, for exactly the same reason). A further refinement has come from applying freshwater bass style leadheads that are made weedless. With the weedless head fishing is a lot more enjoyable, productive, and effective. So, the hot bassers in saltwater are innovating techniques much like their freshwater brothers, and coming up with the same solutions. For our clients back in Texas who are reading this, yes, it’s a lot like fish’n the timber. Structure is structure, fish orient to that structure for safety and as cover for predatory strikes on other unsuspecting critters as dinner.
Big Hammer’s Sledge Hammer is a further refinement of the big slug style bait. They made this long bodied swimbait with a tail, however. The tail provides some kick to the lure, and there are times when that’s more than a little helpful. But, I’d say 50% of the time folks are cutting off the tail and fishing it just like a slug.
Created in 1993, Big Hammer swimbaits are easily recognized by the original Big Hammer Square Tail™ design. This unique Square Tail combined with hydrodynamic body designs create an unparalleled vibrant swimming action – even at very slow retrieve speeds. Using the finest quality plastic available creates a bait that is not only looks great but also has the perfect balance between durability and action.