Swimbaits have revolutionized bass fishing, particularly in tournament scenarios where targeting big fish is essential. One of the most effective swimbaits for covering water and triggering bites is the 6-inch Magdraft. This bait is a tournament-proven option that excels in various conditions, making it a staple for serious anglers. In this guide, we’ll break down how to effectively fish big belly-weighted soft swimbaits like the Magdraft.
Understanding the Magdraft Swimbait
The 6-inch Magdraft is a soft-bodied, boot-tailed swimbait designed to produce lifelike movement in the water. Unlike many swimbaits that focus solely on tail action, the Magdraft delivers both tail and head movement, creating a natural, realistic swimming motion that attracts fish even in clear water.
This swimbait features a built-in harness system with a stainless steel wire, a belly-weighted magnet to hold the treble hook in place, and detailed lifelike features such as realistic eyes and fins. Balance and detail are crucial in any swimbait, and the Magdraft excels in both categories, making it one of the most convincing baits available.
Ideal Setup for Fishing the Magdraft Swim
To get the best performance from the Magdraft, it’s essential to use the right gear. The recommended setup includes:
- Line: 15 lb fluorocarbon for optimal strength and invisibility
- Rod: F7-72XX PERFECT PITCH (a jig-style pitching stick)
- Reel: 7:1 gear ratio baitcasting reel
This combination provides the perfect balance of power, sensitivity, and control, ensuring effective retrieves and solid hooksets.
Key Fishing Strategies
The Magdraft is an excellent search bait, ideal for locating fish in clear waters. Its ability to trigger both aggressive strikes and big bites makes it a go-to option in various conditions.
One of the most effective techniques is targeting areas with perpendicular wind conditions. When the wind blows at a right angle to a shoreline, point, or bluff, it churns up baitfish, increases oxygen levels, and creates a perfect ambush zone for bass. Fishing in these areas increases the chances of a big strike.
Locating Ambush Points
When using the Magdraft, focus on high-percentage ambush spots, such as:
- Small points in grass beds
- Open holes in reeds
- Swing banks or rocky points
- Any structure that provides cover for feeding bass
Slow-rolling the bait through these areas allows bass to track and commit to the strike, resulting in higher hook-up ratios.
Maximizing Hook-Up and Landing Ratios
One of the standout features of the Magdraft is its unique magnetic treble hook system. The built-in magnet holds the hook in place, keeping the bait streamlined while swimming. Once a fish bites, the hook detaches from the magnet and rotates freely due to its swivel connection, ensuring deeper and more secure hook penetration.
Additionally, the soft body of the Magdraft allows even smaller fish to engulf the bait fully, making it highly effective at converting bites into catches. Many three- and four-pound bass will attack this bait aggressively, leading to high landing ratios.
Try the 6in Magdraft Swimbait for Yourself
The 6-inch Magdraft is an exceptional swimbait for both tournament anglers and weekend fishermen looking to target big bass. By utilizing the right setup, focusing on wind-driven conditions, and targeting prime ambush areas, you can maximize the effectiveness of this bait.
If you’re looking for a swimbait that consistently draws strikes and lands fish, the Magdraft is a top choice. Mastering its use will not only improve your success on the water but also make for some unforgettable fishing experiences.
