The Megabass Magdraft Freestyle brings a new level of adaptability to one of the most trusted swimbaits in bass fishing. Building on the success of the original Magdraft, the Freestyle version is designed for anglers who want complete control over how they rig and fish their swimbaits. Whether you are targeting bass in shallow grass or probing deep ledges offshore, the Freestyle offers a natural swimming action and versatile rigging options that make it a staple in any serious swimbait angler’s arsenal.
The Legacy of the Original Magdraft
Before the Freestyle, there was the legendary Megabass Magdraft 6-Inch. This in-harness version of the Magdraft has earned its reputation as one of the most effective tournament swimbaits on the water. With its natural profile, tight head wobble, and thumping tail, it perfectly imitates a baitfish under pressure.
This lure’s full-bodied design means that as the tail moves, the head follows with a subtle, rhythmic wobble. It is that balance and movement that drive bass to strike. The 6-inch Magdraft is a proven producer, catching everything from solid tournament keepers to giant 10-pound class fish.
Introducing the Magdraft Freestyle
The Magdraft Freestyle takes the same proven body and action of the original but removes the internal harness to give anglers total rigging freedom. It comes as a soft plastic swimbait with a reinforced nose, a pre-cut belly slit, and a recessed hook channel along the back. These design features make it perfect for multiple presentations, from open water to heavy vegetation.
With the Freestyle, you can fish areas that were once off-limits to the original Magdraft. It allows you to take that same irresistible Magdraft action and present it in grass, wood, and thick cover without getting hung up.
Shallow Water Weedless Setup
When fishing in or around shallow vegetation, laydowns, or flooded cover, a belly-weighted hook is the go-to rigging method. A ¼-ounce, 5/0 or 6/0 belly-weighted hook (like the Trokar Swim Blade) keeps the bait balanced while allowing for a slow, controlled retrieve.
Here is how to rig it:
- Align the bait with the hook to see where the point should exit the back.
- Insert the screw lock into the reinforced nose and twist it securely.
- Thread the hook through the belly and out through the recessed channel in the back.
- Make sure the bait sits perfectly straight.
This rig keeps the hook close to the body, making it nearly weedless. You can throw it directly into grass, reeds, or laydowns without worrying about snags. It maintains the same Magdraft swimming action with the tail moving and the head subtly wobbling.
A quick rigging tip: after catching several fish, the plastic around the bend of the hook can loosen. Insert a small toothpick or nail weight horizontally through the body where the hook exits to create a support bar. This keeps the hook firmly in place and extends the bait’s life.
Deep Water Rigging Techniques
For fishing deep water structure such as ledges, drop-offs, and river channels, the Freestyle pairs perfectly with a ½- to ¾-ounce jig head. This setup mimics a traditional lead-headed swimbait, letting you get down to 15–25 feet of water.
Here is how to rig it for deep fishing:
- Trim the nose of the Freestyle flat, just in front of the eyes.
- Apply a small amount of gel super glue to the flat surface.
- Thread the bait onto the jig head so the nose fits snugly against the lead head.
- Ensure the bait is perfectly straight for a natural swimming motion.
For added hook-up insurance, especially when targeting smallmouth or spotted bass, attach a small stinger hook near the tail using a short braid tether.
Recommended Gear Setup
Line and rod selection are critical when fishing a full-bodied swimbait. For both the shallow and deep setups, 17–20-pound fluorocarbon provides the perfect balance of strength and sensitivity. In heavy vegetation, braid is an excellent alternative, offering the power needed to drive the hook home.
Pair your Freestyle setup with the Megabass Orochi XX Perfect Pitch rod. Its seven-foot-two length and heavy power make it ideal for long casts, solid hooksets, and controlling big fish. The rod’s backbone ensures you can set the hook even on long casts through thick plastic.
When and Where to Use Each Setup
- Shallow Freestyle Rig: Use the weedless belly-weighted setup around vegetation, trees, docks, and shallow grass beds.
- Deep Jighead Rig: Fish ledges, river bars, or offshore points when bass are suspended or holding deep.
- Original Magdraft (Harness Version): Perfect for open-water situations or deflecting off rock and light cover.
Each setup gives you a unique way to present a swimbait at different depths in the water column, allowing you to adjust to seasonal patterns and fish positioning.
The Unmatched Adaptibility of the Magdraft
The Megabass Magdraft Freestyle is more than just a variant of the original. It’s a game-changing tool for modern swimbait fishing. Whether you are targeting big bass in shallow cover or exploring offshore structure, the Freestyle gives you the flexibility and confidence to adjust and excel.
With the right setup and a little creativity, the Magdraft Freestyle opens up endless possibilities for catching big bass in any condition.
