The effectiveness of the MAGDRAFT series of swimbaits is undeniable, with numerous top tournament finishes and countless other success stories. The MAGDRAFT FREESTYLE is an unrigged version of the bait that has solidified its place in angling arsenals since its inception.
Rigging the FREESTYLE with a screw-lock style swimbait hook is a productive choice, but when faced with fish glued to bottom cover our ambassador, Theo Edeburn, has developed a unique line-through rigging method that has helped him dial in his approach to capture more bites.
WHAT YOU WILL NEED:
-MAGDRAFT FREESTYLE SWIMBAIT
-COFFEE/AEROSOL CAN STRAW
-1/0 TREBLE HOOK (FEATHER OPTIONAL)
-TUNGSTEN NAIL WEIGHTS (1/8 or 3/16oz)
-SCREW LOCK CHIN WEIGHT (OPTIONAL)
-TOOTHPICK OR RIGGING NEEDLE
STEP BY STEP RIGGING
- Start by inserting the straw in the chin of the bait angled toward the rear to allow it to exit right behind the eyes on the top side. Once inserted, trim the excess to allow the straw to sit just below the surface of the plastic. Tip: a toothpick or needle can be used to make the channel for the straw
2. Next, insert a nail weight on each side of the premade hook cavity in the bottom of the bait. They should be inserted starting at the inside edge of the pectoral fins on each side and guided back toward the rear of the belly. Be sure to keep the weights parallel to the back of the bait, as well as to each other, to maintain a level swimming posture.
3. Lastly, insert your line (15-17lbs Fluorocarbon preferred) from the chin of the bait through the straw and tie on your hook with the knot of your choice. Once tied, insert one of the hook points into the back of the bait, as shown below.
4. For additional depth and bottom tracking ability, utilize a screw lock chin weight like the one pictured below and insert it centered below the eyes of the bait. This weight provides feedback into the line, creating an ultra-effective way to decipher bottom composition and keep retrieve speeds at the optimal pace.
The top hook and weighted belly of this rigging create a way to effectively drag the bait over the top of cover and track through the bottom with ease while still being effective in open water. Theo has found this to be an exceptional way to target moving water smallmouth in deeper haunts. Experiment with the size of the nail weights, chin weights, and hooks to accommodate varying water depths and currents, don’t be afraid to throw on a feathered treble for some extra drawing power.
