How to Fish with the 10" Magdraft Swimbait
The Magdraft swimbait is a highly effective bait designed to attract trophy-sized bass. The 10-inch Magdraft stands out due to its realistic profile, MAGHOLD system, and free-swinging treble hook, making it an excellent choice for open-water fishing and skipping under overhangs.
Essential Gear for Fishing the 10-Inch Magdraft Swimbait
Rod and Reel Selection
To handle the large profile of the Magdraft swimbait, a heavy-power, fast-action rod in the 7’6” to 8’ range is recommended. This provides the necessary backbone for long casts and solid hooksets. The Megabass OROCHI XX F10-80XX is a great option for this application, offering both power and sensitivity. Pair it with a high-capacity baitcasting reel with a gear ratio of 6.3:1 to 7.1:1 for smooth retrieval and control.
Line Recommendations
Fluorocarbon in the 20-30 lb test range is ideal for open-water applications due to its low visibility and abrasion resistance. For skipping under cover, a 50-65 lb braided line with a fluorocarbon leader offers additional strength and sensitivity while reducing break-offs in heavy cover.
Techniques for Fishing the Magdraft Swimbait in Open Water
Identifying Prime Open Water Locations
The Magdraft 10-inch swimbait excels in areas with suspended fish, points, submerged structures, and open flats. Key locations include:
- Bluff walls and deep water ledges: These areas provide bass with ambush points and access to deeper water for safety.
- Main lake points and offshore humps: Bass often position themselves around these areas to feed on baitfish.
- Baitfish-rich areas: Look for schooling baitfish, as bass will often be nearby, ready to strike a well-placed Magdraft.
Retrieval Methods
A steady retrieve allows the Magdraft to display its natural tail kick and side-to-side wobble. Experimenting with retrieval speed can help trigger strikes. Some effective retrieval techniques include:
- Slow and steady: Best for clear water and when targeting inactive fish.
- Stop-and-go: Mimics a wounded baitfish and can provoke reaction strikes.
- Burn and pause: Works well in warmer water conditions when bass are aggressive.
- Glide retrieve: Adding subtle twitches to create an erratic side-to-side motion, imitating a dying baitfish.
Mastering the Art of Skipping the Magdraft Swimbait Under Overhangs
Importance of Skipping in Bass Fishing
Skipping a swimbait under docks, tree limbs, and other overhangs allows anglers to reach fish that remain hidden from traditional presentations. This technique is particularly useful in pressured fisheries where bass take cover in shaded, hard-to-reach areas.
Skipping Techniques for Large Swimbaits
To successfully skip the Magdraft swimbait, use the side-arm roll cast technique, keeping the bait low to the water’s surface. Choosing a softer entry point helps minimize splash and improves accuracy. A longer rod with a softer tip can aid in precise skips. Additionally:
- Use a wrist-flick motion rather than a full-arm cast to create a low trajectory.
- Keep the rod tip close to the water to generate a smooth, skipping action.
- Ensure the bait lands softly to avoid spooking fish in shallow cover.
Modifying the Magdraft Swimbait for Skipping Applications
Securing the Hook for Skipping
The Magdraft’s built-in MAGHOLD system uses magnets to secure the hook along the bait’s belly, reducing snags and improving skipping performance. Some anglers use a small hair clip (cut off a 1/2 or 3/4 inch section) to keep the hook pinned even more securely, preventing it from dislodging during the skip.
Benefits of the MAGHOLD System
- Keeps the treble hook flush for a streamlined profile, aiding in better skips.
- Reduces hook exposure while skipping, preventing unwanted snags.
- Improves overall action and hookup efficiency by keeping the bait compact.
Tips for Success with the Magdraft Swimbait
Color Selection Based on Water Conditions
Selecting the right Magdraft color based on water clarity can enhance effectiveness:
- Clear water: Natural colors like White Back Shad work best to mimic real baitfish.
- Stained water: Brighter hues like Biwako Shad increase visibility and improve strike rates.
- Muddy water: Opt for bold contrast colors like Nude Rainbow to stand out in low visibility conditions.
Seasonal Considerations
- Spring: Target spawning bass near shallow flats and creek channels, where they prepare for the spawn.
- Summer: Fish around deep structure, drop-offs, and thermoclines where bass retreat to cooler water.
- Fall: Follow migrating baitfish in open water, using the Magdraft to imitate natural forage.
- Winter: Slow down retrieval and focus on deeper water near warm water sources, where bass remain active.
Observing Fish Behavior
Adapting techniques based on bass behavior can lead to more consistent success. If bass are following but not committing, consider:
- Increasing retrieval speed to trigger reaction bites.
- Changing color patterns to match local baitfish.
- Adding a scent attractant to make the bait more appealing.
- Adjusting retrieve cadence to find what triggers strikes best.
Conclusion
Fishing the Magdraft swimbait 10-inch requires proper gear, strategic location selection, and refined techniques. Whether retrieving in open water or skipping under overhangs, mastering these methods can lead to more bites and bigger bass.
Experiment with retrieval speeds, observe fish behavior, and refine your skipping skills to make the most of this powerhouse swimbait. With practice, the 10-inch Magdraft can become one of the most effective tools in an angler’s arsenal for targeting trophy bass.