Best Googan Junior Contender Lures for Bass Fishing

Best Googan Junior Contender Lures for Bass Fishing

Casting a lure and hoping for the best doesn’t always cut it when targeting big bass. That’s why so many anglers reach for the Googan Baits Junior Contender when they need to up their chances of hooking into a lunker. This swimbait combines lifelike realism with fish-catching action that bass simply can’t resist.

Why Googan’s JR Contender is a Top Swimbait for Bass

The genius of the Junior Contender lies in its ability to mimic vulnerable baitfish. The details in the paint job, 3D eyes, and realistic scale patterns make it look like the real deal gliding through the water. Bass slash at it on instinct before they realize it’s fake. The rattles inside the lure’s body add fish-calling vibrations to attract strikes when visuals alone aren’t enough.

Not only does it look incredible, but the action of the Contender also drives bass wild. The specially shaped paddle tail kicks with steady pulses at all speeds. The swimming action is smooth and effortless, just like a wounded shad struggling to stay upright. Hungry bass can’t stand it. They have to commit to the ambush before the “bait” gets away.

An awesome aspect of the Junior Contender is all the size and color options available. You can fine-tune your lure to match the most prevalent forage in the body of water you’re fishing. Is it loaded with emerald shiners? No problem, grab a silver or gold Junior Contender. Gizzard shad and bluegills more common? Try the bluegill or white colors for a perfect match.

The Junior Contender also performs well in a variety of situations. Burn it over deep points and humps to draw reaction strikes from suspended bass. Reel it slowly through shallow flats and the bait will hunt for lurkers in the weeds and wood. Wake it back to the boat just under the surface to imitate an injured baitfish. No matter what conditions you face, this swimbait can deliver.

Deadly and Durable Design

Part of what makes the Junior Contender so effective is the quality components used in its construction. The hand-poured body has a balanced weight and smooth finish that cuts through the water. It tracks straight on a variety of retrieves thanks to the circuit board lip. Twin premium VMC hooks offer solid hooksets while the 3D eyes are convincingly realistic.

Don’t let the premium detailing fool you though, this lure is built rugged. It holds up to repeated strikes, blowups, and the occasional dunk in the rocks. The flexible torso helps absorb punishment while the internal rattles keep calling fish despite the abuse. It’s rare to find this kind of resilience in a highly detailed swimbait.

Junior Contender Creative Fishing Tactics

Anglers tapping the potential of the Junior Contender utilize creative retrieves to exploit its fish catching strengths. Burning it hard and fast along banks triggers reaction strikes from bass that cannot resist its flash. Stopping it abruptly and letting the lure suspend motionless drives them nuts. You can also wake the lure back with a jerky, erratic action that leaves bass baffled and ready to eat.

When clarity is low, upsize your Junior Contender so it throws off the maximum vibration. That added “thump” helps bass hone in when they can’t rely on vision alone. Go lighter on line with a longer fluorocarbon leader when fishing pressure is high. Sometimes making long casts and subtle presentations is the key to success.

Think like a baitfish when animating the Junior Contender. Pause it at times, seemingly resting before fleeing again. Incorporate wide wobbles or direction changes a wounded bait might exhibit. Match those tactics to conditions and educate the bass on why your lure is irresistible.

Dominate With the Junior Contender

Swimbaits might look tricky to fish, but the Junior Contender simplifies the technique. Its balanced design is easy to cast on a variety of rods and line setups. Just tie it on and start burning it, waking it, or slowly crawling it along bottom contours. You’ll hook bass of all sizes in no time!

The action is totally unique too. Unlike hard-plastic swimbaits, the Junior Contender moves with the fluid dynamics of a soft plastic. However, its kicking motion is more controlled than typical paddle tails. This hybrid action drives bass nuts and keeps them hooked.

If you want a versatile big bass swimbait that delivers day in, day out, the Googan Baits Junior Contender is it. The realistic profile and fish-calling rattle chamber make it highly effective. Supremely durable construction and premium hooks ensure every strike turns into a catch. Confidently tie this lure on and get ready for some rod-bending action!

When it comes to fooling smart, wary bass, realism is everything. The livelier the action and more authentic the appearance, the more strikes you’ll get. This is where the Googan Baits Junior Contender swimbait dominates the competition.

Realistic Design and Lifelike Action Entice Strikes

One look at the Junior Contender and you can see why it tempts bass to bite. The detailed scale patterns, 3D eyes, and photorealistic paint jobs match local forage perfectly. Whether it’s mimicking bluegill, shad, or perch, this swimbait looks irresistibly vulnerable. And that ultra-realistic profile is just the beginning.

Bringing the Junior Contender to life is a precision paddle tail that kicks with steady, pulsing action. The vibration and motion mimics wounded baitfish frantically trying to flee. Bass instinctively rushed to ambush before their mark escapes. Even when paused or barely crawled, the paddletail subtly stresses without overworking. This realism triggers savage strikes from lethargic lunkers.

Hiding inside the swimbait’s body is another fish attractant – rattles! They create localized vibrations that grab the attention of bass relying more on feel than vision due to dirty water or low light. Between the look, feel, and sound, it’s a multi-sensory attraction bass can’t refuse.

Tune Your Offering to Conditions

An awesome advantage of the Junior Contender is all the size and color options available. This allows anglers to fine tune their offering based on conditions and maximize appeal.

For example, when chasing smallmouth in clear water, lighter translucent colors excel. Go with a clear silver floating model for mimicking shiners hovering in open water. When targeting staging largemouth near wood cover, pick green pumpkin or black/blue to match craw profile and water conditions.

Having a range of sizes handy is critical too. Upsize and downsize until you match the prevalent hatch. Bass focus on specific sized forage depending on a variety of factors. Dialing in the perfect size Junior Contender for the situation will get you more strikes.

Components Optimized for Performance

It’s not just lifelike aesthetics responsible for the Junior Contender’s fish catching prowess. Key components specialized for swimbait performance really make this lure deliver.

It starts with the circuit board lip – this creates strong side to side action while preventing rolling and tracking straight. The paddle tail kicks smoothly without massive wobble thanks to the tapered flexible body. Together this creates irresistible wounded baitfish action from all angles.

Up front, sharp black nickel VMC trebles offer solid hookups even on sub-surface strikes and pulls. Beefy hardware connects the hooks firmly so they never pull or tear free under strain. Every detail is optimized for performance right out of the package!

Ready to Catch More Bass on Swimbaits?

The Googan Squad poured their tournament knowledge into creating the ultimate swimbait with the Junior Contender. Realistic profiles and colors match specific bass forage species in all situations. The paddle tail action drives fish into a frenzy with steady pulsing kicks. Premium components ensure good hookups and durability even after savage strikes.

Finesse bass with scaled down versions on light tackle in clear water. Go big with 5″ models in murky conditions to increase vibration and visibility. Whatever your swimbait strategy, keep the Junior Contender tied on to put more quality bass in the boat!

When bass key in on specific forage sizes, it pays to offer a properly matched hatch. The Googan Junior Contender swimbait delivers with a range of sizes to mimic whatever baitfish bass are targeting.

Variety of Sizes Allows Matching Hatch and Conditions

A common mistake anglers make is throwing swimbaits that don’t correspond to the actual forage size. When bass focus on shad in the 3-4 inch range, tossing a big 7 inch swimbait usually won’t cut it.

This is where the versatility of the Junior Contender shines. With 3, 4, 5 and 6 inch sizes available, you can fine tune your offering to mimic precisely what bass are keyed in on.

Downsize when finicky smallmouth are only biting tiny shiners and perch. Upsize to match the bigger gizzard shad or bluegill profile when targeting lunker largemouth near cover. This dialed-in matching of the hatch triggers more strikes.

Factor Forage and Conditions

It’s not just about matching baitfish sizes either. Consider the forage colors and water clarity too when selecting your Junior Contender.

Dirty water calls for bold, contrasting colors like black and blue or citrus shad patterns. Clear water requires more natural shad imitations with silver sides and muted hues. You can also factor in craw profiles with green pumpkin or brown colors near wood.

Go with translucent and ghost colors on sunny days, and pick opaque models when skies are overcast. Tweak and experiment until you nail the exact forage match. It makes a huge difference in soliciting strikes.

Technique Adjustments Based on Size

Tuning your retrieves and tactics to the particular Junior Contender size also helps imitate forage accurately. Burn the bigger models rapidly to mimic fleeing baitfish. Slow roll or pause the smaller sizes to mimic wounded fry or struggling bugs.

You can fish bigger JC’s on heavier jig heads and line to access deeper depths. Downsize hooks and line with dainty models to mimic small forage skimming shallow structure. Adjust hooksets based on size as well – be more patient on subtle picks with smaller profiles.

Factor in rod lengths too. Longer rods aid in casting distance and provide more flex for bigger models. Shorter rods offer better hooksets on diminished picks from small offerings. Optimizing every variable pays off.

Dial in Your System

To get the most out of the Junior Contender, keep an arsenal of sizes handy and base colors/profiles on conditions. Mix it up until you get dialed in.

Once you identify the right size and color to match the hatch, other variables become easier to optimize. You can hone in on productive patterns faster while maximizing your time on the water. Proper bait selection is huge.

With the versatility of the Junior Contender, that process is simplified. Just tweak the size and profile based on what bass are targeting and you’ll get bit. It’s an extremely tuned-in swimbait that catches fish across the country!

When targeting big bass around shallow cover, the approach and offering need to be strategic. Skilled anglers turn to the Googan Junior Contender swimbait to entice wary lunkers from their lairs.

Excellent for Fishing Over and Around Cover

Heavy shoreline cover provides prime ambush spots for jumbo bass to attack prey. However, getting them to strike requires a tempting target that perfectly mimics vulnerable forage near structure.

The Junior Contender was designed to excel in such scenarios. The realistic profile declares it an easy meal, while the paddletail kick imitates injured baitfish movements. Bass can’t resist engulfing such a helpless looking target so close to cover.

The smaller 2.8″ Junior Contender is excellent for skipping and gliding tight to wood, docks, and vegetation. Bounce it off trunks and let it flutter down enticingly. The subtle vibration gets strikes when standard soft plastics can’t.

Gear Tuned for In-Tight Presentations

When probing cover for bucketmouths, specialized gear helps hookups and prevents snags. A 7-7’6″ medium rod with a responsive fast action is ideal for working the Junior Contender in tight.

Low stretch braided line cuts through vegetation and provides instant hookset power out of cover. A 2-3 foot fluorocarbon leader aids invisibility. Reel speed is less critical than smooth retrievals and slack control.

Tune lure weight by Texas rigging the Junior Contender with bullet weights up to 1/4oz. Heavier 3/8 or 1/2oz swing heads give added casting distance to place the lure behind distant cover.

Courtesy of Cover

The deflection provided by cover gives the Junior Contender some of its best action. Deflecting off trunks and branches makes it change direction suddenly like injured prey. Pausing it after such pinball reactions really drives bass nuts.

waking the lure around isolated stumps creates distinctive V-wakes that pull big bass from their liars. They can’t help but track down something making such a ruckus near their home.

Even surface blows-ups near cover call bass in. Vary the cadence until you find what triggers savage attacks. And don’t be afraid to throw near the thickest part of the jungle – that’s where the monsters live!

To consistently catch bass on swimbaits, getting a natural presentation at any range or depth is key. The Googan Junior Contender is engineered for flawless performance regardless of conditions.

Casts Far and Runs True at Any Depth or Retrieve Speed

One of the biggest challenges with fishing swimbaits is getting them to track straight while running true at different speeds. Cheaper models roll, wobble, and spin unnaturally resulting in fewer strikes.

Not the Junior Contender. The expertly balanced body and precision circuit board lip force this swimbait to swim straight as an arrow on long casts, short flips, fast burns, and super slow crawls.

It maintains its side-to-side action and tight wobble whether burning just below the surface or bounced deep off the bottom. Dragging it lazily over celery beds or ripping it through open water shows off its versatility.

Specialized Equipment for Optimal Action

Fine tuning your rod, reel, and line complements the Junior Contender’s performance across multiple presentations. Here are some tips that help it excel:

– Moderate or moderate-fast rods provide enough flex for long casts without dampening action at shorter ranges

– Lower gear ratio reels allow slower retrieves to really show off the paddle tail kick

– 10-15lb fluoro or braid cuts through vegetation and gives solid hook sets out of cover

Tweak lure weight and hook size to match the conditions as well. It’s easy to rig the Junior Contender perfectly thanks to the versatility built into its design.

Dominate the Water Column

Mastery over any part of the water column separates good anglers from average ones. The Junior Contender delivers such versatility.

Wake it over shallow flats and the boot-tail sends vibrations far and wide. Count it down along drop-offs and it flutters vulnerably in the strike zone. Burn it over open water and the 3D eyes flash enticingly.

No matter the depth or structure, the Junior Contender calls bass in and gets bit. Have confidence fishing it anywhere there’s hungry lunkers lurking!

When trying to trigger reaction strikes from inactive bass, flash and vibration are key. The Googan Junior Contender swimbait takes these triggers to another level with its unique belly flash and realistic lateral line.

Flashy Belly Flash and Lateral Line Attracts Reaction Bites

The beauty of reaction baits is they bypass a bass’s sense of suspicion and make them bite instinctively. The Junior Contender triggers such instinctive strikes thanks to strategic strike triggers built into its design.

It starts with the 3D prismatic eyes which reflect light in all directions. This flash imitates panicked baitfish perfectly. But Googan took it a step further by adding a flashy mylar layer to the swimbait’s belly.

As the lure tilts and rolls, this mirrored belly flashes wildly, sending cues that trigger reaction bites. Even inactive bass will snap at it before they can determine if it’s prey or not.

Realism Trigger Senses

In addition to the visual stimulation, the Junior Contender also features a textured lateral line down its flanks. Not only does this mimic real baitfish, but it creates water displacement and vibration.

Bass pick up on these subtle vibrations emanating from the lure’s sides as it glides past. Their lateral lines detect the signals created by the texturing and movement. Even if they can’t see it, bass know something alive is close by.

By simultaneously triggering reaction bites through sight, sound, and vibration, it’s a multi-sensory attraction bass struggle to resist. They bite first and ask questions later!

Provoke the Strike

When using the Junior Contender’s built-in strike triggers, tailor your retrieve to maximize their potential. Burn it hard and vary the cadence from steady to sporadic.

Pausing it intermittently lets light refract of the belly flash longer. Try kill stops during the burn to trigger vicious follow-up strikes. The paddle tail vibrating vulnerably on hesitation gets bit.

Wake the lure over shallow structure and the flash pulsates like injured prey. Exploit its fish-calling abilities and hang on tight, the bites can be ferocious!

Fishing heavy cover and pulling big bass from their lairs puts tackle through some brutal tests. Savvy anglers rely on the premium components and solid hardware of the Googan Junior Contender for unmatched durability.

Premium Components and Top-Notch Hardware for Durability

It’s heartbreaking when a trophy bass shreds through inferior hooks or tackle and throws the lure back in your face. Googan Baits took steps to prevent such agonizing moments by using only the best components for the Junior Contender.

Up front, sharp black nickel treble hooks from VMC penetrate tough bass mouths for solid hookups. The custom circuit board lip and 3D holographic eyes stand up to repeated strikes and treatments.

Inside the precisely molded body is a rattle chamber that keeps calling fish despite violent attacks from bucketmouths. And connecting it all is heavy duty hardware that keeps the lure functioning flawlessly.

Built for the Brutality of Big Bass

Large swimbaits are irresistible targets for trophy sized bass looking for a hearty meal. But all that mass focused on a swimbait during the strike puts tackle to the test.

That’s why Googan over-built key components on the Junior Contender. The rugged molded body has enough flex to absorb strikes, yet maintain shape. It holds up to being pulled through dense vegetation repeatedly too.

The beefy hooks utilize strong gauge wire that resists bending out. Their black nickel finish maintains that needle sharpness trip after trip. Even the swivel harness is fortified to handle strain and abuse.

Withstand the Battle

Knowing your swimbait tackle can hold up during the fight allows concentrating on landing the bass. The Junior Contender delivers such confidence.

Set the hook with authority and let the rod absorb headshakes and dives. The VMC trebles hold tight allowing full use of your gear’s potential. Reel down and turn with the rod tip to keep the beast from seeking cover.

Once you get that giant in the net, you’ll be grateful for the premium components and hardware that allowed subduing such a brute. Back it goes ready for another encounter thanks to Googan’s unrelenting durability!

When it comes to bass fishing, having the right lure can make all the difference between an epic day on the water and getting skunked. One lure that has exploded in popularity among bass anglers in recent years is the Googan Squad Junior Contender. This versatile swimbait works great whether you’re using baitcaster, spinning, or fly tackle and has proven deadly effective at catching bass.

Works Great on Baitcaster, Spinning, or Fly Fishing Tackle

While the original Googan Squad Contender swimbaits are designed for baitcasting gear, the Junior Contender versions are perfectly sized for spinning and fly rods as well. These downsized lures weigh between 1/8 to 1/2 oz, making them easy to cast and ideal for finesse presentations. The Jr Contender’s flat, elongated body and paddle tail closely mimic the swimming action of baitfish, triggering savage strikes from bass.

When fishing the Jr Contender on spinning tackle, I like to rig it weedless on a weighted swimbait hook or underspin. Casting it around docks, grass lines, laydowns, and other shallow cover and slowly reeling with occasional twitches imitates an injured or fleeing baitfish. The tantalizing presentation proves irresistible to big bass lurking in ambush spots.

For fly fishing, the Jr Contender excels when stripped steadily on a sinking or intermediate fly line. Rig it on a weedless keel hook and the realistic profile births explosive takes as it swims just below the surface. I’ve also had success dead-drifting or swinging it through current seams and eddies, mimicking helpless bait getting washed downstream.

No matter what tackle you’re using, the Jr Contender’s unique darting and gliding action triggers reaction strikes from bass. The neutral buoyancy and wide tail create enticing vibrations and flashes that call fish in from a distance. While the lure excels using a steady retrieve, varying your cadence with pauses, twitches, and rips can also trigger vicious attacks.

Amazing Detail and Variety for All Conditions

What sets the Googan Squad Jr Contender apart from other brands is the unparalleled amount of sizes and color options to match any fishing situation. There are five sizes available: 2.75″, 3.25″, 4.25″, 5″, and 6″. The smaller versions work well on ultralight gear for river smallmouth and panfish, while the larger sizes pull in big largemouth when fished on heavier bass tackle.

But it’s the diverse color selection – over 30 different patterns – that really stands out. Whether you’re fishing clear water, muddy water, bright sun, low light, etc., there’s a Jr Contender optimized for that scenario. Some of my go-to colors are Bluegill Magic, Green Pumpkin, Moonshine Shad, and Sexy Ghost for clear conditions. For stained or muddy water, I’ll switch to louder colors like Plum Nasty, Dirty Sanchez, or Blue Back Herring.

In addition to unique color schemes, these lures feature 3D holographic eyes and textured finishes that mimic scales and other natural details. The intricacy enhances the profile and flash, helping draw savage strikes. No other brand offers this level of variety and fish-catching colors right out of the package.

Durable Construction Stands Up to Abuse

Despite the precise detailing and paint jobs, Googan Squad lures are designed to take a beating. The Jr Contender bodies are molded from extremely tough yet flexible plastics perfect for swimming baits. I’ve landed dozens of bass on a single Jr with no tears, cracks, or loss of action.

The premium VMC weedless swimbait hooks hold up well to big fish and dense cover too. I’ve pulled 4 and 5 pound largemouth from thick mats and the hooks penetrated their jaws without fail. Better hooks mean more hookups converted to caught fish.

After an entire day of casting and catching, these lures continue swimming flawlessly. The durable construction ensures you get the most action and fish out of each bait. Plus Googan offers the lures for an affordable price, making them a great value compared to competing swimbaits.

An All-Around Bass Fooler

The Googan Squad Junior Contender has earned a permanent spot in my bass tackle arsenal thanks to its versatility and fish-catching potential. Whether I’m fishing heavy cover, open water, shallows, or anywhere in between, this swimbait consistently helps me find and catch bass.

The scaled-down size is perfect for finesse tactics on light spinning or fly tackle, while still enticing big bites. An untold number of color patterns and finishes allow pinpointing the perfect lure for the conditions. And Googan’s signature toughness ensures hooks stay sharp and tail keep kicking despite big fish and heavy pressure.

So if you’re looking for a confidence swimbait that will catch bass year-round on all types of gear, grab a pack of the Googan Squad Junior Contenders. Just be prepared for the rod-bending action that ensues!

As an avid bass angler, I’m always on the lookout for lures that will help me catch more and bigger fish. The Googan Squad Junior Contender has become one of my go-to baits for tempting bass in lakes, ponds, rivers, and streams across the country.

Deadly for Lakes, Ponds, Rivers, and Streams Nationwide

While the Junior Contender was designed by Googan Squad primarily for bass, it’s a lethal lure for many species. I’ve used it to catch chunky largemouth from local ponds, feisty smallmouth from rivers, and hard-fighting spotted bass from deep reservoirs. No matter the body of water, this swimbait draws explosive strikes.

In lakes and ponds, the Jr Contender excels when fished over shallow cover like grass, docks, laydowns, and lily pads. Cast past the structure and use a slow, steady retrieve to mimic a baitfish swimming by. Subtle twitches of the rod tip give the lure erratic action that predators can’t resist.

For river smallmouth, I like to rig it weedless on a light jighead and drift it along current breaks and eddies. Let the swimbait sink near the bottom, then lightly jig and reel it back just fast enough to keep the tail fluttering. The natural presentation taps into a smallie’s instinct to ambush weakened prey.

When targeting reservoir bass suspended offshore, pairing the Jr Contender with a 1/4 or 3/8 oz underspin head gets it down to the strike zone quick. Crank the reel fast enough to keep it swimming above the timber and rockpiles where big spots lay in wait.

From the smallest creeks to massive fisheries, the scaled-down size and lively action of the Googan Squad Junior Contender triggers bass to strike. The 3D eyes, detailed finishes, and variety of colors make it a universal fish catcher across North America.

Match the Hatch for Maximum Success

One key to getting bit on the Jr Contender is choosing the right size and color to match the forage. Is the lake full of 2-3” sunfish? Go with a 2.75” swimbait in a bluegill pattern. Are shad the primary prey? A 4.25” Jr Contender in shad colors will do the trick.

I like to have a wide assortment of sizes and finishes ready to go in my tackle bag. For clear, sunny days, translucent ghost patterns get bit. When it’s overcast or the water has some color, I switch to solid dark colors like black and blue or plum. Having options for all scenarios boosts your odds.

In fertile fisheries with a lot of baitfish, natural colors tend to work best. But in waters with less food available, bass often attack glitzy metallic and fluorescent baits more readily. Don’t be afraid to experiment to see what triggers vicious attacks that day.

Taking the time to match your Jr Contender to the specific conditions will help you tap into the bass’ mindset and triggers their predatory instincts. When they think they’re targeting vulnerable prey, they attack with reckless abandon.

Built Tough for the Long Haul

Like all Googan Squad lures, the Junior Contender is constructed from premium materials to withstand the abuse that comes with catching many bass. The pliable plastic retains its shape despite big hooksets and bulldogging fish.

And while the finishes look incredibly realistic, they are UV-cured to resist chipping and fading after repeated strikes, bites, and time in the tackle box. I have Jr Contenders still going strong after catching 30+ bass and pike.

The hooks stand up to ripping treble sets and big bass jaws too. Using quality VMC swimbait hooks ensures solid penetration on hooksets. They also feature keeper bars to hold soft plastic baits securely during long casts and retrieves.

With its durable construction, each Junior Contender keeps catching season after season. The affordable price means you can stock up on a variety without breaking the bank.

A Must-Have for All Bass Anglers

The Googan Squad Junior Contender has earned a spot in my tackle rotation as a do-it-all bass catcher across every type of water. Whether I’m flipping docks for bucketmouths or drifting for smallies, this dependable swimbait consistently finds fish.

Downsizing to finesse tackle while keeping a realistic profile triggers big bites year-round. With so many size and color options, you can fine-tune your presentation to match the conditions and maximize success.

Premium components ensure the Jr Contender keeps swimming straight, hooks stay sharp, and finishes stay flashy season after season. If you’re looking to catch more and bigger bass on your local waters, be sure to pick up some of these deadly Googan Squad Junior Contender Swimbaits!

As a dedicated bass fisherman, I’m always experimenting with new lures and fine-tuning my approach to catch more fish. One bait that has become a staple in my tackle bag is the Googan Squad Junior Contender swimbait. The unparalleled action and fish-catching colors make it deadly for bass in any local waterway.

Match Colors and Sizes to Forage in Your Local Waters

One of the keys to success with the Jr Contender is dialing in on what the bass are feeding on. Is your home lake full of bluegill and perch? Match the hatch with a 2.75″ swimbait in green pumpkin or other natural shades. Are shad the primary forage? Upsize to a 4.25″ in ghost minnow or pearl white.

I like to study the species, sizes, and coloration of native baitfish, then select a Jr Contender that mimics them as closely as possible. This might mean switching from translucent patterns in the clear main lake to brighter solid colors in the muddy backwaters. Paying attention to these details makes a big difference.

Having a wide selection of sizes and finishes on hand allows quickly adapting as conditions change day to day or season to season. The right size and color combo triggers those instinctual predatory reflexes that make bass crush your lure.

Don’t be afraid to experiment until you discover what match-the-hatch profiles are most effective on your local fishery. Whether it’s craw patterns for smallmouth or threadfin styles for spotted bass, the Jr Contender has you covered.

The Anatomy of a Fish-Slaying Swimbait

Beyond matching prevalent forage, several stand-out features make the Googan Squad Junior Contender a bass assassin on home waters.

The skinny, elongated body and rounded paddle tail mimic wounded baitfish perfectly as the lure glides and kicks on a steady retrieve. Deflecting the rod or cranking faster triggers an evasive swimming action that really turns bass on.

3D holographic eyes and textured finishes imitate scales and other natural details. Bass hone in on these flashy elements and they trigger reflex strikes. No other brand patterns and prints finesse swimbaits as realistically as Googan.

Premium VMC weedless hooks offer excellent penetration and holding power. More solid hookups means more bass that wind up in the boat rather than left wondering about what attacked your lure.

Durable plastics retain action and resilience even after multiple toothy attacks. Lures keep catching fish trip after trip regardless of the punishment inflicted by hooks, teeth, and cover.

Affordably Priced for Stocking Up

While the features and performance rival pricey competitors, Googan Squad Junior Contenders deliver this fishy realism and toughness at a fraction of the cost. For the price of just a couple swimbaits from other brands, you can get a whole arsenal of Jr Contenders in multiple colors and sizes.

This makes it easy and affordable to fully equip yourself with the best bass baits tailored to your home waters. For me, that means plenty of bluegill and shad patterns for the lakes I frequent most. For you, it might be crawdad colors for smallmouth rivers or redshad for delta bass.

Having confidence in a lure’s ability to draw strikes is a huge advantage on tough days. Knowing you’ve matched the profile and forageprecisely gives you an edge when the bite gets finicky.

Gear Up for More Success on Local Waters

After catching bucketmouths and smallies from coast to coast, the Googan Squad Junior Contender has proven itself as one of the most versatile and effective swimbaits for bass. The combination of nuanced detailing and colors with a lively swimming action is bass fishing dynamite.

Taking the time to fine-tune your Jr Contender selections to the specific forage and conditions in your home lakes, rivers, and ponds will pay big dividends. Equipping your tackle box with the right sizes and colors tailored to your local fisheries is a deadly recipe.

The Jr Contender helps trick big bass year-round, but truly shines when other reaction baits struggle to produce. If you want to catch more and bigger bass close to home, make sure to pick up an arsenal of these proven fish-catchers.

As an avid bass fisherman, I’m always fine-tuning my approach to catch more fish. One versatile lure that has become a staple in my tackle box is the Googan Squad Junior Contender. With the right retrieve techniques, this swimbait excels at triggering monster strikes.

Slow Sinking Models Ideal for Suspending and Pausing

One of my favorite ways to fish the Jr Contender is on a steady, slow-sinking presentation. The neutral buoyancy allows pausing the retrieve to let the bait suspend and flutter in place, creating an irresistible wounded baitfish profile.

I’ll make long casts parallel to shorelines, docks, laydowns, or other cover and let the Jr Contender slowly sink to the strike zone. Retriving just fast enough to keep it toward the bottom but not on it. Then I’ll kill the reel and let the swimbait suspend and pulse in place.

The fluttering profile in combination with the 3D eyes and realistic colors drives bass mad! More often than not, they’ll crush the paused Jr Contender out of reflex before I even start reeling again. This tactic triggers vicious reaction bites.

Onretrieve, mixing brief 1-2 second pauses with steady cranking creates the illusion of an injured baitfish struggling to swim. Bass can’t help but attack as their predatory instincts kick in seeing vulnerable prey.

Slow sinking Jr Contenders allow utilizing this deadly stop-and-go technique even in relatively shallow areas. Letting the swimbait suspend over cover gives fish time to hone in on it.

Burn it Over Grass for Explosive Strikes

While I often go the slow suspended route, another productive way to fish the Jr Contender is ripping it over grass mats. The buoyant models float up quickly when paused.

I’ll make a long cast past shallow grass and burn the swimbait over the top, keeping my rod tip high to keep it just under the surface. The fast retrieve combined with the wobbling action drives bass into a frenzy below.

As soon as the Jr Contender reaches a gap or edge in the grass, I’ll kill the retrieve. Often a big bucketmouth will explode through the mat and crush the suspended bait. Keeping the rod high turns many of these hits into solid hookups.

Letting the Junior Contender float over grass and pause at openings acts like a dinner bell for bass. They have trouble resisting the vulnerable baitfish profile.

Pop and Pivot Over Cover

The Googan Squad Junior Contender also shines using a pop and pivot technique around docks, wood cover, and vegetation edges. After pausing for several seconds, I’ll give the rod tip some small downward pops.

This makes the suspended swimbait dart slightly and kick, imitating a baitfish struggling. As bass approach to investigate, they frequently attack on one of the small pops.

From there I’ll sweep the rod tip sideways to pivot the bait in the strike zone before my next pause. Pivoting and popping creates erratic action that triggers savage reflex strikes from bass.

Experiment with pop lengths, pivot direction, and pause duration until you dial in the perfect sequence to catch fish that day. This technique crushes them!

Adapt and Refine Your Approach

As evidenced above, the versatility of the Googan Squad Junior Contender allows refining your retrieve and cadence to match the conditions and bass activity.

Cranking fast, pausing, and burning the lure imitates fleeing prey. Slowing down with longer pauses and subtle pops mimics wounded baitfish.

Continuously experimenting with retrieve speeds, sinks, pops, pivots, and pauses will help discover the perfect presentation to trigger bone-jarring strikes on any given day.

With practice, you’ll learn to adjust your Junior Contender techniques to capitalize on how aggressive or finicky the bass are. Mastering this versatility is the key to catching more fish.

Anglers looking to finesse pressured bass often turn to downsized lures and lightweight tackle. The Googan Junior Contender offers the perfect balance of subtle action and tantalizing profile to entice tentative bites when the fishing gets tough. Let’s look at why the Junior Contender ranks among the best finesse bass baits available.

Perfect for Finesse Tactics When Bass are Pressured

The Googan Junior Contender brings together the action and profile serious bass anglers need to keep catching when conditions get difficult. I’ve found it to be one of my go-to baits when I need to dial my presentations way down to match the mood of the fish.

We’ve all been there before – you’re out on the water tearing them up on your favorite moving bait when the bites suddenly shut off. The bass got wise, but that doesn’t mean they stopped biting altogether. You just need to switch gears and finesse them with something subtler.

That’s where the Junior Contender really shines. It has an incredibly lifelike profile that perfectly mimics vulnerable baitfish. The hand-tied silicone skirt provides just enough flash and movement to grab attention. Best of all, the specially designed paddle tail generates enticing action without too much vibration or commotion.

While other hardbaits often overpower pressured bass, the Contender Jr has that finesse factor dialed in. You can cast it out and barely twitch or jig it to create an irresistible injured baitfish profile. The tight wiggle on the fall and subtle motion rival much bulkier swimbaits in terms of fish-drawing power.

Matching your gear to the downsized profile is key too. I prefer casting it on 6-10 lb fluorocarbon with a medium power finesse rod. That helps you work the bait naturally without ripping it around erratically.

The next time your swimbait bite dies unexpectedly, don’t waste time cycling through multiple baits trying to rekindle it. Tie on a Googan Junior Contender and start finesse fishing your way back into consistent action.

Deadly for Fishing Heavy Cover and Pressure Situations

Bass hunkered down in heavy cover can be difficult to extract on typical power fishing gear. However, the Jr Contender’s diminutive profile lets it slip into tight spaces where trophy fish live. Just popping or jigging it in place generates enough action to drive those big girls crazy.

The compact size also makes the Junior Contender easy to skip into the shadiest backwaters. I’ve coerced some giant bites skipping underneath boat docks and overhanging trees where no one else dared to cast.

Another overlooked benefit of downsizing your bait is reducing line visibility. That transparent 4 or 6 lb fluoro vanishes in heavy cover and muddy water. Contrast that to the thick 25 lb braid most anglers use for power fishing situations. You can get away with a lot more when the bass can’t easily detect your line.

If the bass in your home waters have seen it all and refuse to commit to normal reaction baits, switching to finesse tactics with the Contender Jr could make a big difference. You’ll amaze yourself by the size of bass willing to eat such a small, discreet bait.

Match the hatch with multiple size and color options

Unlike some swimbaits with only one or two color patterns, the Googan Squad offers the Junior Contender in a wide variety of proven bass catching colors. This versatility lets you closely match the forage at your home fishery.

For lakes with shad and silver sides, the Pearl White or Chrome Blue backs are excellent choices. Imitate bluegill and perch with more natural colors like Green Pumpkin or Watermelon Red Flake. Match the muddy water look with Black Gold or Blood Moon. No matter what’s on the menu, the Contender Jr has you covered.

The array of sizes is another big advantage. You can go even smaller with the 50 and 60 mm for super finicky eaters. For bigger bites, the 85 and 110 mm options add more bulk without sacrificing action. Anything from small creek bass to heavyweights on the big water patterns can’t resist these perfectly scaled down eaters.

Having confidence that you’re presenting something the fish are looking for makes a huge difference, especially when targeting pressured bass. The Googan squad did their homework to ensure the Contender Jr has what bass want.

Durable construction stands up to abuse

Nothing’s more frustrating than when a fish comes unbuttoned because your bait wasn’t up to the challenge. The Googan Junior Contender was engineered using only premium components to prevent heartbreaking failures.

The solid ABS plastic body has enough flex to drive the tail while remaining virtually indestructible. I’ve hauled in several bass well over 5 lbs crunching down on these baits with zero issues. That same durability also allows skipping and banging through dense cover all day.

The 3D eyes aren’t just for looks either, they help ensure solid hook penetration. Trout magnet style jigheads also promote an exposed, free swinging hook on the bite. Everything about the Contender Jr is optimized for hooking and holding more bass.

Don’t waste money on cheaply made baits that look good but disappoint on the water. The Googan Junior Contender brings premium performance and components that stand up to the abuse of big bass.

Jr Contender Simplicity Masks Big Results

What sets the Googan Junior Contender apart for me is the simplicity married with big time effectiveness. There’s no complex bells and whistles or fancy features – just a perfectly scaled down profile with an action driving tail.

Yet the results speak for themselves. It catches bass when other baits fall short. The key is matching conditions by leveraging that subtle, finesse presentation bass can’t resist. And doing it all with a bait built to help anglers catch more fish.

If your fishing could benefit from scaling back and finesse fishing more pressured bass, give the Googan Jr Contender a shot. Its simplicity hides the ingenious design that helps anglers put more big bass in the boat when it counts.

Swimbaits can be intimidating for new anglers, with their big profiles and specialized gear needs. Yet the Googan Junior Contender breaks that mold with an easy to fish design perfect for rookies and veterans alike. Let’s look at what makes the Jr Contender so beginner friendly while still effective on big bass.

Easy to Fish for Anglers of All Experience Levels

Lures don’t need to be complicated to catch fish. The Googan Junior Contender proves that with a straightforward design any angler can start catching fish with almost immediately.

For newbies, that simplicity means avoiding the confusion and frustration of highly specialized baits. You can tie on a Contender Jr, cast it out, and let the bait do the rest. No complex retrieves or gear requirements needed.

At the same time, experienced anglers appreciate a bait that just flat out catches fish. The Junior Contender delivers an irresistible profile and action that works everywhere from farm ponds to tournament waters. That deadly effectiveness builds confidence for rookies and veterans alike.

Let’s look closer at what makes the Contender Jr such an easy to fish swimbait even first-timers can find success with right away.

Fishes effectively straight from the package

One of the most beginner friendly aspects of the Googan Junior Contender is that it fishes excellently right out of the package. Unlike baits requiring tuning or modification, you can tie on a Contender Jr and start catching fish immediately.

That means less time struggling with complex adjustments, and more time actually on the water learning with each cast. Building experience and confidence is what it’s all about for newer anglers.

Of course, seasoned anglers appreciate a properly tuned bait ready to catch fish too. The Googan team put in the work to ensure every Jr Contender swims true and entices bites straight from the bag.

Easy walking-the-dog style retrieve

The singled jighead design of the Googan Contender Jr makes working it a breeze. The exposed weighted head gives excellent control for longer casts and easier retrieves like walking the dog.

For newcomers still mastering baitcasting gear, the control provided by the jighead is invaluable. It prevents frustrating backlashes and allows dialing in more accurate casts. The smooth retrieve creates mesmerizing underwater action with minimal effort.

Experts appreciate a bait that’s easy to work too. Effortlessly walking the Contender Jr parallel to cover signals vulnerability and draws explosive reaction strikes. No exotic movements required to make it look irresistible.

Casts and handles great on a variety of rods

The balanced design and smaller profile of the Googan Junior Contender allows casting it effectively on both lighter finesse setups and heavier swimbait gear alike.

Newer anglers can toss it easily on a medium power spinning rod, allowing excellent control and sensitivity. Yet it also handles nicely on dedicated swimbait rods and line for adding distance and power.

Versatility is great for all skill levels. Rookies can start out fishing it on easier to handle combos before stepping up. Veterans have the flexibility to adapt it to situations and fishing styles.

No matter your current setup, the Contender Jr casts like a dream and allows dialing in the perfect presentation.

Lands fish of all sizes

You never know if the next bite will come from a scrappy pounder or a real trophy. That’s why the Contender Jr’s balanced design reliably lands fish of all sizes, big and small.

The jighead and 3D eyes provide solid hook penetration to stick smaller aggressive fish. At the same time, the HD plastic, flexible body, and strong components prevent bigger fish from throwing the hooks on bulldog head shakes.

Newer anglers will appreciate landing feisty panfish and bass without frustrating break-offs. Veterans have confidence to horse in the hogs without the bait giving out.

You can target any species too, as the Contender Jr excels for bass, pike, trout, stripers and more. Wherever there’s aggressive fish willing to strike a baitfish, the Contender Jr has the versatility to handle them.

A Bait Any Angler Can Fish With Confidence

Swimbaits don’t need a PhD to effectively catch fish. The Googan Junior Contender proves that with a design so easy to fish, any angler can tie one on and start tempting fish.

Newcomers will appreciate a bait that skips the learning curve and helps build skills and success. Veterans will respect its effectiveness and versatility across situations.

No matter your experience level, the Junior Contender delivers the fish-catching performance anglers of all abilities can tap into with confidence.

Swimbaits can be expensive, with premium models from top brands running $20, $30, even $50+ for a single bait. Yet the Googan Junior Contender delivers killer performance at a fraction of the cost. Let’s look at why it’s one of the most affordable swimbait options around.

Affordably Priced Compared to Leading Swimbait Brands

For a swimbait as fish-catching as the Googan Junior Contender, the affordable price tag is a welcome surprise. Costing mere dollars versus leading competitors, it provides premium performance without draining your wallet.

While other swimbaits can run you $20 or more, the Contender Jr costs just a couple bucks. Yet it fishes right alongside those high dollar baits and outperforms many.

Let’s look closer at why this value-priced swimbait should have a spot in every angler’s tackle collection.

Saves money over other single hook swimbaits

The Googan Junior Contender goes toe-to-toe with nimble glide baits but costs far less. Brands like Savage Gear and Lucky Craft make awesome gliders – but charge premium pricing of $15+ per bait.

Yet the Contender Jr allows walking the dog just like those gliders at a mere fraction of the cost. For budget-minded anglers, that’s a big win.

Saving on baits adds up fast too. Burning through a few $20 swimbaits gets expensive quick. But you can lose multiple Contender Jrs and not feel it in your wallet.

More affordable than popular treble hook swimbaits

Hard swimbait models like those from Spro and Strike King rely on treble hooks to get solid hookups. But the trade-off is higher prices in the $15 to $25 range.

The Junior Contender keeps costs low by using a single jighead hook, yet still lands hookups well thanks to the exposed design. You save money without sacrificing performance.

For anglers on a budget, that’s a big deal. You can buy an entire set of Contender Jrs in various colors and sizes and still spend less than a single high-end treble hook swimbait.

Available in multipacks that maximize value

Besides making the Googan Junior Contender an affordable single bait option, they also offer money saving multipacks. This allows stocking up on multiples for even more bang for your buck.

The packs featuring 3-5 swimbaits drop the per bait cost to an insanely cheap price. For under $10 you can get enough to cover a full day of fishing – try doing that buying swimbaits individually from other brands.

Having a wide variety of colors and sizes on hand at all times is a huge asset. The multipacks make that possible without breaking your budget. No more guessing what color they want each day.

Saves on replacement costs over time

While affordably priced upfront, the Googan Contender Jr also saves anglers money over time thanks to enhanced durability and longevity.

Key components like the solid ABS plastic body, flexible silicone tail, and strong jighead hook are built to last. These baits keep catching fish trip after trip where cheaper models quickly break down.

Reduced replacement costs add up fast. And having confidence your bait won’t break off a big fish is invaluable peace of mind.

The Contender Jr keeps cash in your wallet both today and well into the future thanks to quality construction.

Premium Performance at a Price Anyone can Afford

Cutting costs doesn’t have to mean skimping on quality and effectiveness. The Googan Junior Contender proves that by delivering all the fish catching action serious anglers expect at an undeniably affordable price point.

Newcomers can explore the swimbait world without big upfront costs. Veterans can finally stock up on all the sizes and colors needed to maximize opportunities on the water.

No matter your skill level, the Contender Jr brings a premium swimbait within reach of any budget. The performance at this price makes it arguably one of the best values in fishing today.

Casting my line out into the murky lake waters, I eagerly await that familiar tug signaling a bass has taken interest in my lure. As an avid angler who lives for the thrill of hooking into a big bass, I’m always searching for the perfect lure to consistently produce trophy catches and personal bests. Though my tackle box overflows with every sort of bait and offering imaginable, one brand stands out above the rest for slaying bass of all sizes – the Googan Squad Junior Contender.

Consistently Produces Trophy Bass and Personal Bests

While the Googan Squad offers a diverse lineup of proven bass catchers, the Junior Contender swimbait has become my undisputed go-to for tempting feisty bucketmouths. Available in 3.5, 4.5, and 5.5-inch sizes featuring lifelike detailing and irresistible action, it’s no wonder why the Junior Contender is such a fish-slaying machine. I’ve yet to find another lure on the market that can rival the Junior Contender’s ability to consistently put me on trophy bass and new personal bests time and time again.

It all comes down to the unique design and action that mimics vulnerable prey fish. The paddle tail and boot-shaped ribbing create enticing vibrations, while the long slender profile resembles a vulnerable shad or bluegill silhouette irresistible to hungry bass. Retrieved steadily or pulsed erratically, the Junior Contender kicks, wobbles, and glides through the water in an impossibly life-like swim. Bass can’t help but attack it, mistaking it for an easy meal.

I’ve found the 4.5-inch size perfect for tackling a variety of scenarios. It casts like a bullet for reaching distant structure and tempting inactive fish, yet is compact enough for working tight quarters in heavy cover. The neutral minnow profile appeals to all sizes of bass looking for an easy protein-packed meal. Whether I’m flipping shoreline brush or cranking open water ledges, the 4.5-inch Junior Contender produces explosive strikes other lures just can’t seem to provoke.

Deadly for All Seasons and Techniques

While some baits shine during certain seasons or scenarios, the versatility of the Junior Contender makes it absolutely deadly all year round. When bass are schooled up busting shad in the springtime, I can burn it back just under the surface to generate arm-jerking topwater blows. Come summer when bass retreat to deeper structure, the Junior Contender excels when crawled along bottom contours or yo-yoed through suspending fish.

The lifelike profile is perfect for mimicking vulnerable fall-migrating baitfish when retrieved steadily at all depths. Even on the toughest winter days when bass are sluggish, the subtle vibrations and slow fall can entice inactive bucketmouths to strike. Simply put, no matter the season or situation, the Junior Contender consistently helps me boat bass when other offerings fall short.

Not only is it effective for all seasons, but the Junior Contender also shines with a variety of presentations. It can be fished weightless, nose- or belly-weighted, or rigged on a bladed swim jig head for added flash and vibration. You can burn it over grass flats or patiently crawl it across bottom structure. Subsurface, mid-depth, or topwater – the Junior Contender excels however you fish it.

Match the Hatch for Maximum Success

One of the keys to success with the Junior Contender is taking advantage of the wide variety of available colors and patterns. With options ranging from translucent ghost minnows to bright chartreuse shad, you can fine tune your presentation to perfectly match the hatch and water conditions.

When baitfish are on the small side, I gravitate towards more natural translucent patterns like California 420 or Bluegill Magic to mimic vulnerable shad and panfish. In murky water, blacks, blues and bold contrasting colors get the nod. To imitate bluegill, nothing beats lifelike shades of Green Pumpkin or Copper Perch. And when Bass are keyed in on yellow perch, the Slick Perch color flat out catches fish.

In clearer conditions, my go-to is often Disco Violet or Chartreuse Sexy Shad – the flashes of UV reactive colors really grab attention. No matter the specific forage species, water clarity, or fishing conditions, I have full confidence that the Junior Contender has me covered with the exact imitation needed to draw vicious strikes.

Along with having the appropriate size and color, I also pay close attention to my gear when fishing the Junior Contender. For casting weightless or nose-hooked rigs, I use a 7′ medium action rod paired with a high speed 6.3:1 reel and 15lb fluorocarbon – this allows long accurate casts and a rod with enough backbone to drive home hooks. If rigging it belly- or weedless, I beef up to 17-20lb fluoro and a heavier 7’3″ rod. And when burn topwater is the name of the game, you can’t beat a 7’5″ heavy power rod for putting the smackdown on surface blow-ups.

Thanks to its unmatched action, lifelike profile, and versatility across seasons and techniques, the Googan Squad Junior Contender has cemented its place in my tackle arsenal. This dynamite lure has helped me boat more trophy bucketmouths and personal bests than any other bait, and I never hit the water without a healthy supply ready for action. If your quest is consistently catching bigger and better bass, do yourself a favor and get your hands on some Junior Contenders. You’ll quickly find out why they’re my undisputed go-to for bringing in bass of a lifetime.