How do VMC swimbait jig heads compare to other brands. What makes VMC swimbait heads unique. How to rig swimbaits on VMC jig heads. What are the best rod, reel, and line setups for VMC swimbait heads. How do VMC swimbait heads perform in different fishing conditions. What are the advantages of using VMC swimbait heads for weedless fishing. How do VMC swimbait heads enhance swimbait action and performance.
The Unique Features of VMC Swimbait Jig Heads
VMC swimbait jig heads have revolutionized the fishing industry with their innovative design and superior performance. These jig heads offer a range of features that set them apart from standard options, making them a top choice for serious anglers.
Specialty Hooks Designed for Swimbaits
One of the standout features of VMC swimbait jig heads is their specially designed hooks. These hooks are crafted with a custom bend, optimal shank length, and precise gap size to ensure solid hooksets and high hookup ratios. The hooks come extremely sharp straight out of the package, allowing for easy piercing of soft plastic swimbaits and enabling weedless presentations.
Strong, Forged Construction
VMC uses a forged construction process for their swimbait hooks, resulting in exceptional strength and durability. This robust design prevents bending or breaking, even when battling large, powerful fish. The strength of these hooks gives anglers the confidence to pursue trophy catches without fear of equipment failure.
Specialized Head Shapes and Detailing
VMC swimbait heads feature unique head shapes and detailing that contribute to their superior performance. The conical shape and textured finish of the heads create a natural gliding and rolling motion in the water. Some models even incorporate fins or ribs that generate erratic action and vibrations, further enhancing the realistic swimming motion of your swimbait.
VMC vs. Other Brands: A Comparative Analysis
When comparing VMC swimbait jig heads to other popular brands like Mustad or Owner, it becomes clear that VMC offers superior quality and fish-catching ability. Let’s examine how VMC stacks up against the competition:
Hook Quality and Sharpness
VMC’s hook quality and sharpness out of the package are noticeably superior to Mustad’s offerings. While Mustad hooks can be inconsistent, VMC maintains a high standard of sharpness and durability across their product line.
Head Shapes and Design
VMC provides a wider range of specialty head shapes optimized for swimbaits, whereas Mustad primarily offers generic ball heads. This diversity in design allows anglers to choose the perfect head shape for their specific fishing needs and conditions.
Component Quality
VMC uses premium components throughout their swimbait jig heads, while some competitors may cut costs by using cheaper hooks and heads. This commitment to quality ensures that VMC products consistently outperform the competition in real-world fishing scenarios.
The Versatility of VMC Swimbait Jig Head Weights
One of the key advantages of VMC swimbait jig heads is the extensive range of weights available. This variety allows anglers to find the perfect head for any swimbait application, from finesse presentations to deep-water fishing.
Lightweight Options for Finesse Fishing
VMC offers lightweight options ranging from 1/16 oz to 3/8 oz, ideal for replicating smaller baitfish on finesse rigs. These lighter heads pair perfectly with 4-5 inch swimbaits to create deadly finesse presentations that entice even the wariest of fish.
Mid-Range Weights for Versatile Fishing
The mid-range weights, typically between 3/8 oz and 1 oz, are versatile options suitable for general fishing from shallow to medium depths. These weights provide excellent control and action across a wide range of fishing scenarios.
Heavyweight Options for Deep-Water Fishing
For anglers targeting deep-water fish or using large swimbaits, VMC offers specialty magnum swimbait heads weighing over 1 oz. These super heavyweight, multi-ounce sizes are designed for swimbaits 8 inches and larger, allowing anglers to effectively fish at extreme depths.
Mastering the Art of Rigging Swimbaits on VMC Jig Heads
Properly rigging your swimbaits on VMC jig heads is crucial for maximizing their effectiveness. Follow these step-by-step instructions to ensure your swimbait is rigged correctly:
- Choose the appropriate jig head size and weight based on your swimbait and fishing conditions.
- Insert the hook point into the nose of the swimbait, guiding it out through the belly.
- Rotate the hook to align it with the swimbait’s body.
- Press the hook bend down into the swimbait until it sits flush and secure.
- For added security, consider applying a small drop of super glue to the hook shank.
By following these simple steps, you’ll be ready to harness the full potential of VMC swimbait heads and their superior action and hookup power.
Weedless Fishing with VMC Swimbait Jig Heads
VMC swimbait jig heads excel in weedless and snag-free fishing applications, making them invaluable for anglers targeting fish in heavy cover or structure-rich environments.
Offset Hook Design for Weedless Rigging
The specialty swimbait hooks on VMC jig heads feature an offset design that allows for weedless rigging. This design enables swimbaits to glide over vegetation and structure without snagging, increasing your time in the strike zone.
Hidden Swimbait Weedless Jig Head Option
For ultimate weedless performance, VMC offers a Hidden Swimbait Weedless Jig Head with a screw-lock mechanism. This design holds your swimbait straight and provides excellent snag resistance in even the thickest cover.
Advantages in Heavy Cover
The weedless capabilities of VMC swimbait jig heads allow anglers to effectively fish in areas that would be challenging or impossible with standard jig heads. This advantage translates to more time spent fishing productive areas and increased chances of success.
Optimizing Your Gear for VMC Swimbait Jig Heads
To fully capitalize on the performance of VMC swimbait jig heads, it’s essential to pair them with the right rod, reel, and line setup. Consider the following recommendations:
Rod Selection
Choose a rod between 7′ and 7’6″ in length with a medium-heavy to heavy power rating. This combination provides the necessary backbone for solid hooksets and the ability to control large swimbaits effectively.
Reel Considerations
Opt for a baitcasting reel with a gear ratio between 6.3:1 and 7.1:1. This range offers a good balance of retrieve speed and power, allowing you to effectively work your swimbait at various depths and speeds.
Line Selection
For most swimbait applications with VMC jig heads, fluorocarbon line in the 12-20 lb test range is ideal. Fluorocarbon provides excellent sensitivity and abrasion resistance while remaining nearly invisible underwater. For heavier applications or fishing in dense cover, consider braided line with a fluorocarbon leader.
Enhancing Swimbait Action with VMC Jig Heads
VMC swimbait jig heads are designed to maximize the action and performance of your swimbaits, resulting in more realistic presentations and increased strike potential.
Natural Gliding and Rolling Motion
The conical shape and textured finish of VMC swimbait heads create a natural gliding and rolling motion in the water. This movement closely mimics the swimming action of live baitfish, making your presentation more enticing to predatory fish.
Erratic Action and Vibrations
Some VMC swimbait jig head models feature fins or ribs that generate erratic action and vibrations. These additional features further enhance the lifelike movement of your swimbait, triggering more strikes from wary fish.
Customizable Presentation
The wide range of weights and head shapes available in the VMC lineup allows anglers to fine-tune their presentations for specific fishing scenarios. Whether you’re targeting suspended fish in open water or working a swimbait through dense cover, there’s a VMC jig head designed to optimize your presentation.
Techniques for Fishing VMC Swimbait Jig Heads in Various Conditions
VMC swimbait jig heads can be effectively used in a variety of fishing conditions and scenarios. Here are some techniques to help you make the most of these versatile lures:
Open Water Fishing
When fishing open water, use a steady retrieve with occasional pauses to mimic a fleeing baitfish. Vary your retrieve speed to determine what the fish prefer on any given day. The streamlined shape of VMC jig heads allows for smooth, natural action even at higher speeds.
Fishing Around Structure
When targeting fish near structure, use a slower, more deliberate retrieve. Allow your swimbait to make contact with the structure, using the deflection-resistant design of VMC jig heads to your advantage. The conical shape causes your swimbait to roll and skip off objects instead of snagging, reducing the likelihood of losing your rig.
Deep Water Techniques
For deep water applications, use heavier VMC swimbait jig heads to reach your target depth quickly. Employ a slow, steady retrieve with occasional rod twitches to impart extra action. The superior hook design of VMC jig heads ensures solid hooksets even at greater depths.
Weedless Presentations
When fishing heavy cover, utilize the weedless rigging capabilities of VMC swimbait jig heads. Use a steady retrieve through the cover, allowing the bait to occasionally make contact with vegetation or structure. The weedless design will help prevent snags while still maintaining an enticing presentation.
By mastering these techniques and leveraging the unique features of VMC swimbait jig heads, anglers can significantly improve their success rates across a wide range of fishing scenarios. The combination of superior hook design, specialized head shapes, and versatile weight options makes VMC swimbait jig heads an invaluable tool for any serious angler looking to elevate their fishing game.
Intro to VMC Swimbait Jig Heads – What Makes Them Unique?
If you’re looking to up your swimbait game, it’s time to get acquainted with VMC swimbait jig heads. These innovative jig heads have features that set them apart from standard jig heads and deliver unparalleled performance with swimbaits. Let’s take a closer look at what makes VMC swimbait heads so unique.
First and foremost, VMC swimbait jig heads have specialty hooks designed specifically for use with swimbaits. The hook shape has a custom bend, shank length, and gap size to ensure solid hooksets and high hookup ratios. The hooks are extremely sharp out of the box, helping you pierce soft plastic swimbaits for weedless presentations. VMC also uses strong, forged construction on their swimbait hooks to prevent bending or breaking, even with big fish.
In addition to premium hooks, VMC swimbait heads feature specialized head shapes and detailing. The heads have a conical shape and textured finish that naturally glides and rolls in the water. Some models have fins or ribs that add erratic action and vibrations. The result is hyper-realistic swimming action of your swimbait unlike standard jig heads.
Now you may be wondering: how do VMC swimbait jig heads compare with other brands like Mustad or Owner? Simply put, the quality and fish-catching ability of VMC swimbait heads are in a class of their own. They offer better hooks, more natural presentations, and are available in a wider range of head sizes and weights.
Mustad Swimbait Vs. VMC Swimbait Jig Heads Comparison
Comparing VMC swimbait heads to Mustad, VMC’s hook quality and sharpness out of the package is noticeably better. Mustad hooks tend to have more inconsistency. VMC also offers more specialty head shapes optimized for swimbaits, while Mustad has mostly generic ball heads. Lastly, VMC uses premium components, while Mustad cuts costs on cheaper hooks and heads.
When it comes to sheer fish-catching success with swimbaits, anglers overwhelmingly prefer VMC. The better hooks, action, and quality simply help put more fish in the boat. Serious swimbait fishermen trust VMC because of their undeniable ability to hook and land fish.
VMC Swimbait’s Variety of Weights for Any Depth
One of the biggest advantages of VMC swimbait heads is the wide range of weights available. From 1/16oz finesse heads up to multiple ounce models for hefty swimbaits, you can find a VMC head for any swimbait application.
The lighter 1/16 to 3/8oz sizes are great for replicating baitfish on finesse rigs. Just add a 4-5 inch swimbait for a deadly finesse presentation. The mid-range 3/8 to 1oz sizes work well for general fishing from shallow to medium depths.
Once you get beyond 1oz, VMC has specialty magnum swimbait heads for heavyweight swimbaits. The super heavyweight, multi-ounce sizes are made for swimbaits 8-inches and up to be fished extra deep. No other brand has such a complete selection of swimbait head weights.
How to Rig Your Favorite Swimbaits on VMC Jig Heads
Rigging up your favorite swimbaits on VMC jig heads is fast and easy. Just follow these simple steps:
- Select the proper jig head size and weight for your swimbait and fishing conditions.
- Slide the hook point into the nose of the swimbait so it exits the belly.
- Rotate the hook and align it with the swimbait’s body.
- Push the hook bend down into the swimbait until flush and secured.
- Optionally, add a drop of super glue to the hook shank for extra security.
And that’s all there is to it! In just seconds you’ll be ready to fish and utilize the awesome action and hookup power that VMC swimbait heads provide.
VMC Swimbait Heads for Weedless & Snag-Free Fishing
VMC swimbait jig heads truly excel at weedless and snag-free fishing. Their specialty swimbait hooks have an offset design that lets you rig swimbaits weedless to glide over vegetation and structure.
To rig weedless, use an exposed jig head with a wide gap hook and Texas rig your swimbait. Or opt for VMC’s Hidden Swimbait Weedless Jig Head with a screw-lock to hold your swimbait straight.
The weedless advantage is deadly for fishing heavy cover. You can swim your bait cleanly through thick grass, brush, or wood without constant hang ups. VMC’s weedless system helps you get your bait in the strike zone more time, increasing your chances for success.
For open water situations, VMC’s streamlined head shapes easily deflect and bounce off cover. The conical shape causes your swimbait to roll and skip off objects instead of snagging up hard. You’ll save plenty of lost rigs dialed in with VMC.
Fishing VMC Swimbait Heads: Best Rod, Reel & Line Setup
To make the most out of VMC swimbait heads, your rod, reel, and line setup is critical. Here are some tips to match your gear to VMC’s unique performance:
- Rods: 7′ to 7′ 6″ medium heavy to heavy power with a fast action tip.
- Reels: Full-size baitcasters with 7:1+ gear ratio to quickly pick up slack and set the hook.
- Line: 15-20lb braided line for excellent sensitivity and strength for solid hook sets.
Pairing your VMC swimbait heads with this type of fast action tackle will allow you fully utilize their fish catching potential. You’ll have the backbone to hammer home hard hooksets and power to muscle big fish in quickly.
Top VMC Swimbait Jig Colors for Maximum Success
Choosing the best colors for your VMC swimbait heads is key to matching the hatch and triggering strikes. Here are 5 killer colors that should be in every swimbait angler’s arsenal:
- White – Imitates baitfish bellies, excellent for clear water.
- Chartreuse – Contrasting hue stands out in stained water.
- Black/Blue – Mimics dark top/light bottom baitfish pattern.
- Holographic Flash – Matches shad and attracts fish with flash.
- Sexy Shad – Realistic translucent shad imitation colorway.
Experiment with these proven VMC swimbait colors to match what baitfish are in your lake. Also, switch colors frequently until you dial in what the fish want.
Confused about choosing from VMC’s huge color selection? Follow the classic rule of light colors for clear water and dark, contrasting colors for stained or muddy water. This helps your swimbait see the bait and elicit strikes.
Best Swimbaits to Pair with Your VMC Swimbait Heads
To complete your rig, you need the best swimbaits to match with your VMC jig heads. Some top swimbait options include:
- Keitech Swing Impact – Most versatile and best action.
- Zoom Swimmer – Affordable and widely available.
- Strike King KVD Perfect Plastics – Realistic profile and 3D eyes.
- Savage Gear Line Thru Trout – Ultimate for mimicking trout.
Pair the appropriate size swimbait with your jig head weight and you have a fish catching machine! For finesse setups, use smaller 3-5 inch swimbaits. For magnum heads, match with larger 7-10 inch swimbaits.
Don’t overlook paddletails either. Pairing a VMC Swinging Rugby Head with a Keitech Swing Impact Fat paddletail makes a lethal swimbait that’s easy to fish.
VMC Swimbait Heads Excel for Bass, Pike, Trout & More
While deadly for bass, VMC swimbait heads should not be limited to just bass fishing. Their incredible action and hooking capabilities make them excellent for other species too.
For giant pike, VMC’s magnum swimbait heads paired with a big, single hook swimbait is extremely effective. The big profile and vibration draws ferocious attacks from trophy pike.
VMC swimbait heads are also amazing for trout. Using lighter 1/16oz heads with smaller swimbaits makes an irresistible finesse trout presentation. It perfectly mimics the swimming action of baitfish that trout feed on.
Wherever fish are keyed in on baitfish, VMC swimbait heads will catch them. They are a versatile, fish producing weapon for your tackle arsenal.
VMC Swimbait’s Superior Hook Design for Better Hookups
One of the biggest fish catching advantages of VMC swimbait heads is the superior hook design. VMC utilizes specialty swimbait hooks that are built for solid hook penetrations and high hookup ratios.
So what exactly makes their hook design better? Firstly, VMC swimbait hooks have a custom bend specifically engineered for swimbaits. This specialized bend improves the hook gap and angle of penetration. Compared to standard jig hooks, VMC’s bend results in solid hookups even on subtle bites.
The hook points themselves are extremely sharp out of the package for easy penetration. A needle sharp point really helps drive the hook home. VMC also grinds the barb in just the right way to prevent deflecting on hooksets.
When you feel that “tick” and swing to set the hook, VMC’s ultra sharp point will find paydirt in the fish’s mouth. Even lazy short strikes turn into hooked fish thanks to the exceptional design.
VMC takes it a step further by forging their swimbait hooks. The forged construction makes the hook strong, without compromising the important shape and penetration. Cheaper hook brands tend to be weaker and prone to bending under pressure.
With a VMC swimbait hook securely set in a big fish’s jaws, you have the confidence it has the strength to handle the fight and get that fish in the boat. No heartbreaking straightened hooks!
How Does the Hook Design Improve Hookups?
In summary, VMC’s excellent swimbait hook design improves hookups in the following ways:
- Custom bend for better gape and angle on hooksets
- Extremely sharp out of package for easy penetration
- Precisely ground barbs to prevent deflecting
- Strong forged construction to handle big fish
Combine all these factors and you have a hook with style, shape, sharpness and strength ideal for swimbaits. The difference truly is in the details with VMC!
While hook design plays a big role, it does require solid rod work by the angler too. Make sure to use rods with a fast action tip to quickly drive the hook home. Don’t be afraid to lean into your hookset!
Dialed in gear and accurate hooksets let you fully capitalize on VMC’s excellent hook qualities. Spend some time casting VMC swimbait heads and focus on consistent, aggressive hooksets. You’ll quickly gain confidence in the exceptional penetration and hookup power.
Mustad Swimbait Vs. VMC Swimbait Jig Heads Comparison
When it comes to swimbait jig heads, VMC and Mustad are two of the most popular brands on the market. But how exactly do they compare in terms of quality and fish catching ability?
Looking first at components, VMC utilizes higher grade, forged hooks compared to Mustad’s cheaper wire hooks. VMC hooks are sharper out of the package, more durable, and maintain their edge better over time.
The head design itself gives VMC another advantage. While Mustad sticks to mostly generic ball heads, VMC has a wide selection of specialized swimbait head shapes. These unique shapes like cones and bullets give swimbaits more natural action.
Paint quality on VMC swimbait heads is also noticeably better. Their powder coated and durable paint jobs outperform Mustad’s paint, which chips and fades easier. This helps maintain a realistic, attractive look.
Now let’s talk about the actual fishing results between the two. Anglers choosing VMC overwhelmingly have higher hookup ratios compared to Mustad. The sharp forged hooks of VMC simply stick and land more fish.
Real World Feedback from Anglers
Looking at feedback from real world testing by anglers, VMC swimbait jig heads consistently get rave reviews:
- “VMC hooks are crazy sharp right off the card. Hookups went way up switching from Mustad.”
- “The action of VMC’s swimbait heads looks so much more natural than basic round heads.”
- “I can’t believe how much better VMC paint holds up vs. other brands I’ve used.”
- “Landed fish on VMC swimbait heads that would have thrown the hook with other jigs.”
For anglers chasing trophy fish, confidence in gear and solid hookups is a huge factor. The feedback shows that VMC delivers better performance and results to keep big fish pinned.
While less expensive, Mustad swimbait jig heads lack many of the key fish catching features VMC offers. At the end of the day, your goal is to catch fish. VMC swimbait heads will definitely help you achieve that goal!
VMC Swimbait’s Variety of Weights for Any Depth
One of the biggest advantages VMC swimbait jig heads have over other brands is the wide range of weights available. VMC offers weights from finesse sizes all the way up to giant heavyweights. This vast selection lets you fine tune your swimbait presentation for any fishing depth.
For starting shallow, VMC has ultra light swimbait heads down to 1/16oz. This allows throwing weightless-style swimbaits on light spin tackle. The subtle presentation is perfect for mimicking small baitfish in shallow areas.
In the medium zone, VMC’s 3/8oz to 3/4oz sizes cover a lot of day to day fishing needs. With a 4-5 inch swimbait, these models let you probe 10-15ft depths at a moderate retrieve speed.
When you want to hit deeper haunts, VMC goes all the way up to 8oz models. Even with big swimbaits, you can tick the bottom in 30+ feet of water. No other brand has this range of swimbait head weights to play any depth.
Choosing the Right Weight for the Conditions
How do you know what weight VMC swimbait head to use? Follow these key factors:
- Depth – Heavier for deeper, lighter for more shallow.
- Current – More weight to penetrate current and stay down.
- Cover – Lighter to slowly finesse fish tight to cover.
- Swimbait Size – Match heavier weights to bigger swimbaits.
Adapting your VMC swimbait jig weight for the conditions is crucial to staying in the strike zone and matching the hatch. Don’t be afraid to experiment to see what weights fish respond best to.
The right weight also depends on the swimbait size you are throwing. A good rule of thumb is to use weights equal to or heavier than your swimbait length. For example, a 5″ swimbait pairs well with a 5/16oz or 3/8oz VMC head.
Leverage the wide selection of VMC swimbait heads to put your bait right in front of fish at any depth. Dialing in the perfect weight will get you more bites!
How to Rig Your Favorite Swimbaits on VMC Jig Heads
A key to success with VMC swimbait heads is properly rigging your favorite swimbaits to match the jig. While it may seem simple, following some key steps will ensure your swimbait sits right and has maximum action.
First, pick the appropriate VMC jig head size and weight. You want it to match the size of your swimbait. A good starting point is matching the head weight to the bait length.
Next, line up your swimbait and jig head. Insert the hook point into the nose of the swimbait so the hook comes out the bottom center of the bait. This centers the weight for great action.
Now rotate the jig head so the hook is aligned straight with the swimbait body. This prevents an unnatural twist in the bait.
Push the jig head further into the swimbait until the bend is buried and flush with the bait. Add a drop of super glue on the jig collar for security.
And that’s the proper way to rig up with VMC swimbait heads! Taking those extra steps results in a swimbait that tracks straight and has an incredibly lifelike swimming motion. It makes a big difference in drawing vicious strikes.
Troubleshooting Swimbait Rigging Issues
To avoid rigging problems, watch out for:
- Hook too small – Can’t bury properly and falls out.
- Hook too big – Restricts bait movement.
- Hook alignment – Causes swimbait to track sideways.
- Head too light – Throws action off and loses depth.
Take your time rigging up with VMC swimbait jig heads. Proper alignment and sizing will give you a presentation dialed in for maximum fish catching success. With the right rig, you can fully utilize the fish catching potential of VMC’s excellent jig heads.
VMC Swimbait Heads for Weedless & Snag-Free Fishing
One of the biggest advantages of VMC swimbait jig heads is their ability to allow fishing weedless and snag-free in heavy cover. Their specialty hook design and weedguards make them excel at ticking cover for big strikes.
The key is taking advantage of VMC’s swimbait hook offset and open gap. This allows Texas rigging your swimbait weedless by burying the hook in the body.
Push the hook deep so just the tip is exposed. This lets you swim and roll your bait over grass, wood, docks, and thick brush without hanging up.
For even better weedless capability, check out VMC’s Hidden Swimbait Weedless Jig Head. It has a screw-lock to hold your swimbait perfectly straight and weedless for probing thick vegetation.
You can swim these weedless rigs with complete confidence through the nastiest cover. VMC’s specialty hooks will slide and glide over anything, allowing access to spots other lures can’t reach.
Deflecting Off Cover
Even for exposed hooks, VMC’s conical swimbait head shape helps deflect off objects to prevent snags. The smooth contour causes your swimbait to roll and bounce off cover instead of getting pinned.
This ability to bump off logs, rocks, and other debris opens up fishing areas that would eat up standard jigs. You can cover water thoroughly and keep your bait in the most productive zones.
VMC’s weedless rigging abilities allow putting your swimbait among the fish, even in gnarly cover. Big bass love using vegetation and wood as ambush points to attack prey. Match the hatch with a weedless VMC swimbait presentation and hold on!
Fishing VMC Swimbait Heads: Best Rod, Reel & Line Setup
To fully utilize the fish catching qualities of VMC swimbait jig heads, having the right rod, reel, and line setup is important. Matching your gear properly allows you to maximize your success.
For rods, a 7-7’6” heavy power, fast action rod is ideal. The strong backbone helps drive big hooks on hooksets, while the fast tip gives you sensitivity to feel bites.
As for reels, opt for a high speed baitcaster in the 7.1:1 gear ratio range. The fast retrieve lets you quickly take up slack line to drive hooks home before a fish can react.
For line, braided lines around 15-20lb test work best. Braid gives you great sensitivity for feeling subtle picks up and provides strength to land hard fighting fish.
Customizing Your Setup
You can customize and fine tune your gear for VMC swimbait heads based on factors like:
- Cover – Heavier rod to pull fish from heavy vegetation.
- Depth – Lighter line if fishing deeper than 15 feet.
- Current – More reel speed to pickup slack against strong current.
- Swimbait Size – Match rod and line strength to swimbait size.
Tackle selection allows you to get the most out of VMC swimbait heads for your specific fishing situations. The right setup transmits bites, provides solid hooksets, and handles fighting fish.
Investing in a dedicated swimbait rod and reel is worthwhile. But you can also carefully match your existing gear to the size of swimbait jig heads you are throwing.
Pay close attention to adjusting drag for solid hooksets too. Smooth drags that don’t slip are key. Ultimately the right tackle complements VMC’s excellent jig head design.
Top VMC Swimbait Jig Colors for Maximum Success
Picking the best colors for your VMC swimbait jig heads is critical for mimicking natural prey and triggering savage strikes. Having confidence in a few go-to colors makes a big difference.
All-white is one of the most versatile options. It imitates baitfish bellies and stands out in clear water. The contrast draws reactions from fish.
For stained or murky water, opt for brighter colors like chartreuse or orange. These bold hues get attention when visibility is low. A little chartreuse mixed with white is extremely effective.
Another top producer is black/blue, which mimics the dark top to light bottom pattern of many baitfish. This natural contrast appeals to big predators.
Flashy metallic or holographic colors are great attention grabbers. Gold, silver and rainbow shades create flash and vibration to trigger reaction bites.
Translucent options like pearl, shad and smelt colors realistically mimic the translucency of baitfish. The subtle sheen excels for neutral colored water.
Matching the Hatch
Beyond having confidence colors, it’s wise to match the profile of local forage. If shad are prevalent, natural shad patterns work. Where trout are key forage, trout imitations produce. Adapting to what fish are feeding on makes a difference.
When unsure of what to throw, experiment with colors and keep switching until you get bit. Pay attention to the conditions and choose appropriately. You’ll build confidence in colors that consistently work in particular situations.
Having versatility with VMC swimbait heads involves keeping an arsenal of proven colors confidently tied on. That allows quickly adapting your swimbait depending on factors like light level, water clarity and active prey. Dialing in the right colors elevates your chances for success.
Best Swimbaits to Pair with Your VMC Swimbait Heads
While VMC makes excellent jig heads, you need high quality swimbaits to complete the package. Certain swimbaits pair exceptionally well to take full advantage of VMC’s designs.
The Keitech Swing Impact is arguably the most versatile swimbait for VMC heads. It has great built-in action and fits the hooks nicely. The Easy Shiner 4.8 is a top producer.
Zoom Swimmer swimbaits are another excellent option. They are affordable, readily available, and have proven fish catching ability. The 4 and 5 inch sizes work well.
For added realism, Strike King Perfect Plastic Swimbaits have detailed finishes and 3D eyes. The 4 and 5 inch models match up nicely with VMC heads.
When imitating trout, the Savage Gear Line Thru Trout is incredibly lifelike. Rig it on lighter VMC heads for trout or landlocked salmon.
Matching Jig Head Size
A key for action and presentation is properly matching swimbait size with the VMC jig head size:
- 3-4” Swimbaits – 1/16oz to 1/4oz VMC Heads
- 4-5” Swimbaits – 1/8oz to 3/8oz VMC Heads
- 5-6” Swimbaits – 3/8oz to 1/2oz VMC Heads
- 6-8” Swimbaits – 1/2oz to 1oz VMC Heads
Pairing your swimbait’s size and profile to the appropriate VMC jig head maximizes its built-in action. The balance and swimming motion will be optimized to trigger savage strikes.
Test out some of the recommended swimbaits on VMC heads dialed to the proper weight. You’ll quickly gain confidence in how well they complement each other to catch fish.
VMC Swimbait Heads Excel for Bass, Pike, Trout & More
While VMC swimbait jig heads are commonly used for bass, they excel at catching many different types of fish. The key is adapting your swimbait setup to match the target species.
For trophy largemouth bass, standard VMC swim jigs paired with 4-6 inch paddle tail swimbaits work exceptionally well. The bass can’t resist the natural swimming action.
When chasing giant pike, upsize to heavier 1oz+ VMC heads and pair with 6-10 inch single hook swimbaits. This big meal profile triggers pike to blast your swimbait.
For trout and panfish, scale down to 1/16oz and 1/8oz finesse VMC heads. Pair with 3-4” bodies on light line for an irresistible subtle presentation.
Even for species like walleye, white bass and stripers, VMC heads help mimic the baitfish they feed on. The swimming action triggers reaction bites from aggressive fish.
Adapting to Conditions
To get the most out of VMC swim jigs:
- Use lighter tackle for finesse presentations
- Go heavier for big swimbaits and vegetation
- Enhance action with blade trailers in cold water
- Slow down retrieves for lethargic fish
The versatility of VMC swimbait heads allows customizing your rig for the conditions and species you are targeting. Their excellent design gives you an edge across a wide variety of fishing applications.
Don’t limit yourself to just bass fishing with VMC heads. Explore using them for other species that pursue baitfish. You’ll find the action is equally effective on a variety of gamefish.
How to Fish VMC Swimbait Heads – Retrieve Speed & Depth Tips
Fishing with swimbaits can be an extremely effective technique for catching big bass, but having the right swimbait head is crucial. VMC Swimbait Jig Heads are designed specifically for swimbaits to impart great action and achieve the proper depth. Follow these tips on how to fish them for optimal results.
Start Slow
When retrieving VMC Swimbait Heads, start with a slow, steady pace. Unlike crankbaits which require a constant, moderate retrieve speed, swimbaits shine when the retrieval is varied. Begin reeling slowly, pause briefly, then continue reeling. The pauses will create a fluttering action that mimics wounded baitfish and prompts reaction strikes.
Watch Your Rod Tip
Pay close attention to your rod tip when reeling in VMC Swimbait Heads. The tip should lower and bounce back up during the pause, indicating the swimbait is rising and falling through the water. If not, increase the length of your pauses. An animated retrieve is essential for these baits to look natural.
Count It Down
Counting down the retrieve, like counting down a swim jig, can be deadly with VMC Swimbait Heads. For example, reel steadily while counting down from 5 to 1, pause for 2-3 seconds, then repeat. Counting down enables you to control the bait’s action and depth precisely.
Vary Retrieve Speed
Alternating slow and fast retrieves during a single cast is a great way to trigger reaction strikes. Reel fast for several turns, then slow way down, then speed back up again. Changing speeds makes the swimbait appear injured as it moves erratically through the water.
Watch Your Line
Pay attention to your line when reeling VMC Swimbait Heads. If it veers off course or moves unnaturally, it’s an indication something is wrong with the bait’s action. Experiment with slowing down or pausing until you dial in the most natural swimming motion.
Use Rod Taps
Sharply snapping your rod tip towards the bait during a pause adds extra action to your retrieve. The sudden rod movement makes the swimbait dart erratically like a fleeing baitfish. Rod taps are especially helpful when fishing swimbaits in cold water when lethargic fish need an extra trigger.
Lengthen Pauses
If you are not getting bit on your initial retrieves, try lengthening your pauses up to 5-10 seconds. The longer pauses let the swimbait sink lower in the water column before slowly fluttering back up. This can put the bait right in front of inactive bottom-hugging bass.
Burn It Occasionally
Burning the swimbait by reeling as fast as possible is a good way to potentially trigger reaction strikes. Ripping the bait past structure allows aggressive fish only an instant to react. Follow up a super-fast burn with an abrupt pause to completely change the bait’s action.
Pay Attention to Depth
Keep track of approximately how deep you are fishing VMC Swimbait Heads as you retrieve them. Baits that run too shallow may need pauses lengthened. If it is running deeper than intended, speed up the reel to keep it higher in the water column.
Set the Hook!
Once you feel the strike, immediately set the hook by swiftly sweeping your rod backwards. VMC Swimbait Heads feature super sharp hooks that penetrate easily, so no need to pause before setting. Remember to set hard to drive those hooks home on big bass!
Change It Up
Continually experiment with different retrieves until you find what is triggering strikes each day. Speed, depth, action and location within the water column can all impact swimbait effectiveness. Skillful anglers know how to adapt and change tactics based on the fish’s mood and environmental factors.
Following these tips will help you get the most out of your VMC Swimbait Heads. Mastering an enticing retrieve takes practice, but the big bass payoffs are well worth the effort. So grab some VMC swimbaits, get out on the water, and start honing your presentation!
VMC Swimbait Head Fishing – Best Seasons & Conditions
VMC Swimbait Heads are deadly bass lures, but knowing when and where to fish them is critical to success. Understanding seasonal patterns and paying close attention to conditions will help you maximize your swimbait fishing. Follow these tips to identify the prime times and scenarios to break out your arsenal of VMC swimbaits.
Early Spring
As water temperatures begin rising into the low 50s in early spring, it’s time to tie on VMC Swimbait Heads. Early spring bass are hungry after a long winter and aggressively strike swimbaits ripped over freshly submerged vegetation. Focus on areas warmed by the sun.
Post-Spawn
Immediately after the spawn when water temps reach 60-65 degrees is a phenomenal time for VMC Swimbait Heads, especially on cloudy, windy days. Target main lake and secondary points where post-spawners roam in search of food. Burn the bait over submerged wood cover.
Summer – Low Light
Fishing VMC Swimbait Heads in low light conditions during the summer can be amazing. Focus on dawn, dusk, and night periods. Bass hunt baitfish when shadows appear and lights disappear. Patiently work the edges of weedlines and boat docks.
Fall Transition
As leaves start changing and water cools into the 60s, big bass go on a fall feeding frenzy. Rip your VMC Swimbait Heads over shallow grass flats, pausing around isolated wood cover to trigger violent strikes from chunky fall bass.
Cloudy or Rain
Overcast skies and light rain create ideal conditions for burning swimbaits aggressively with VMC Swimbait Heads. Low light makes baitfish vulnerable targets and prompts predators to actively feed. Keep moving and cover water under dreary skies.
Wind Blowing Into Shorelines
When the wind blows into shoreline vegetation or wood cover, position yourself upwind and cast VMC Swimbait Heads into the breeze. Let the wind push your bait right to whereinactive bass are hiding. Hang on tight!
Current Seams
Fish will sit in current seams behind structure waiting to ambush prey. Cast VMC Swimbait Heads across the seam, then work with the current to imitate helpless bait getting swept downstream. Keep the line tight to feel subtle bites.
Shad Spawn
When shad move shallow to spawn in late spring, mimicking them with VMC Swimbait Heads is deadly. Shad patterns in pearl colors ripped over spawning flats will get inhaled. Have a rip bait rod ready for heart stopping strikes.
Post Cold Fronts
After a strong cold front passes, slowly fishing finesse VMC Swimbait Heads on light line is key. Light presentations fished patiently along deep structure is your best bet in these fussy conditions.
Stained Water
Dirty, muddy water calls for bright colors and loud noises. Tie on chartreuse or orange VMC Swimbait Heads and rip them aggressively to appeal to the bass’s lateral line senses when visibility is poor.
Clear Water
In clear conditions scale down to more natural hues and subtle action. Slowly swim smaller profile VMC Swimbait Heads mimicking bluegill or perch along visible cover. Stealth and realism is critical.
Grass Edges
Work the outside edges of grass beds, stopping VMC Swimbait Heads at every opening. Bass tuck tight to cover and ambush prey that skirts the perimeter. Precision casts and controlled retrieves produce best along grass.
Baitfish Schools
When you find balls of shad or perch on your fish finder, it’s time to go into ambush mode. Make long casts past the bait, let the swimbait sink, then burn it right through the baitfish, triggering savage reaction bites.
Submerged Roads/Trails
Underwater roads and structure contours create underwater highways for migrating baitfish. Follow these travel routes with VMC Swimbait Heads, making key casts around intersections and channel edges.
Isolated Cover
Single docks, stumps, brush piles, and stickups provide perfect ambush points for big bass. Skip VMC Swimbait Heads past the cover, then swim them by enticingly. Isolated targets give focused fish no choice but to strike.
As you can see, picking the prime times and dialing into productive conditions is critical to swimbait success. Match the hatch with appropriate VMC Swimbait Heads for the season, water clarity, weather, and other environmental factors. Stay observant on the water, remain flexible in your approach, and hang on tight for the bass of a lifetime!
Finding the Best Deals on VMC Swimbait Jig Heads
VMC Swimbait Jig Heads are a must-have for any serious swimbait angler, but they can get pricey. Here are some tips to help you find the best bargains on these highly effective bass catching tools and save some dollars in your tackle budget.
Shop End of Season Sales
Retailers will often discount swimbaits and swimbait heads at the end of peak fishing seasons to make room for new inventory. Check online and local tackle shops right after spring and fall for markdowns on VMC heads before new models arrive.
Buy Multiples
Purchasing multi-packs of VMC Swimbait Heads saves significantly over buying individual packs. Many online retailers offer special pricing on 3, 5, and even 10 packs. Consider sharing bulk purchases with fishing buddies.
Look for Discounted Colors
Less popular colors like chartreuse or bubblegum pink will frequently get discounted as stores try to liquidate overstock inventory. If the color doesn’t matter, go for the deals on odd colors.
Shop Clearance Sections
Retailers like Bass Pro Shops and Tackle Warehouse have clearance sections online and in-store. Check these often for discounted VMC Swimbait Heads as new merchandise arrives.
Sign Up for Email Lists
Most major tackle retailers offer discounts for email subscribers. Sign up to receive regular promo codes and notifications about flash sales on VMC Swimbait Heads and other topwater gear.
Check eBay Auctions
eBay often has auctions for new and used VMC Swimbait Heads at big discounts. Search for sellers with positive feedback and fast shipping when bidding.
Buy Used Gear
Check Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace and garage sales for gently used VMC Swimbait Heads. As long as the hooks are sharp, used heads work just fine and deliver big savings.
Join Loyalty Programs
Outdoor retailers like Cabela’s offer special pricing and members-only deals for credit card and loyalty program members. Sign up to receive routine discounts on VMC Swimbait Heads and other gear.
Wait for Holiday Sales
Major holidays like July 4th, Memorial Day, and Labor Day typically bring big tackle discounts both online and in local shops. Buy VMC Swimbait Heads around these sales events.
Ask for Price Matching
If you find a lower price somewhere else, ask your retailer to match it. Many stores will honor price matches on VMC Swimbait Heads to keep your business.
Save on Shipping
To save big on shipping from online retailers, meet minimum order amounts for free shipping or select the slowest delivery options.
Use Cash Back Sites
Check cashback websites like Rakuten for bonus percentages back when shopping major tackle retailers online. The extra cashback on top of other discounts really adds up.
Buy Ugly Colors in Bulk
If color consistency matters less, buy ugly color combos like chartreuse/orange in bulk packs for the deepest discounts on VMC Swimbait Heads.
DIY Custom Paint Jobs
Jazz up cheap solid color VMC Swimbait Heads with custom paint jobs at home. A little creativity saves big bucks with this do-it-yourself trick.
With some smart shopping strategies, you can keep your tackle box stocked with VMC Swimbait Heads without breaking the bank. Follow these tips to catch all the biggest savings and still haul in the trophy bass.
Rigging VMC Swimbait Heads Weedless with a Screw Lock
Fishing swimbaits in heavy cover requires weedless rigging to prevent frustrating hang-ups. Screw locks allow you to rig VMC Swimbait Heads weedless in seconds for fishing dense vegetation without sacrificing action or hooksets. Here’s how it’s done:
Select Your Swimbait Head
Choose your VMC Swimbait Head based on the size of bait and weight needed to reach the strike zone. Opt for weedguards if fishing extremely thick mats. Match the head size to your swimbait body for proper balance and action.
Screw on Chatter Stopper
Thread the screw lock or chatter stopper onto the shank of the VMC Swimbait Head. Place it near the eye, leaving just enough space for the keeper ring. Hand twist it down tight against the head.
Insert Swimbait Body
Slip the end of your soft plastic swimbait onto the bend of the hook so the head locks it in place. Push it up flush with the chatter stopper to completely conceal the hook point.
Apply Keeper Ring
Slide the keeper ring over the hook point and onto the shank. Position it snug against the tail of the swimbait to hold the bait securely in place during casts and retrieves.
Test Weedguard
Check that the chatter stopper fully shields the hook tip when the lure is pulled through cover or bounced on the bottom. Adjust it forward if the hook catches at all.
Consider Trailer Hook
For bigger swimbaits, add a treble hook or siwash trailer hook linked to a split ring on the belly. This helps hook fish that short strike the tail.
Match Your Rod
Rig your weedless VMC Swimbait Head on a heavy powered, fast action rod to maintain solid hooksets through the weedguard. Stronger rods also control big baits better.
Go Heavy on Line
Spool up with 20-30 lb braided line, which provides strength to rip through vegetation on the hookset. Set your drag tighter than usual to drive hooks through the bait.
Use Strong Hooksets
Allow fish to fully inhale the bait, then sweep your rod horizontally and reel rapidly to bury the hook through the weedguard into the fish’s mouth. Be aggressive!
Keep It Moving
Employ steady, continuous retrieves to keep the swimbait moving above and through the grass. The constant motion prevents it from catching in the weeds.
Watch Your Line
Observe the line for any unnatural movement, pausing or jerking that indicates a strike. Quick reaction and sharp hooksets are critical for success.
Rip and Pop
Aggressively ripping the swimbait above grass and sharply popping slack on pauses makes the bait flash enticingly and draws savage strikes.
Fish Around Edges
Target the outside edges of grass lines, openings in vegetation, and holes in mats where bass station to ambush passing prey. Keep casts tight.
Check Your Leader
Inspect your leader frequently for nicks and abrasions from the grass that can lead to break-offs. Retie often to avoid losing trophy fish.
With these screw lock rigging tips, your big swimbaits will glide smoothly over thick aquatic vegetation and deliver more hookups on monster bass! You’ll lose fewer baits in the weeds and put more giant fish in the boat.
Why Anglers Swear By VMC Swimbait Heads for Big Fish
For serious anglers chasing trophy fish, having the right gear can make all the difference between an epic catch and coming home empty-handed. When it comes to swimbait heads, seasoned bass fishermen and weekend warriors alike swear by VMC Swimbait Jig Heads as their secret weapon for hooking into lunkers.
So what makes VMC’s swimbait heads so effective for tempting big fish? Here are 15 ways these speciality jig heads give anglers an edge:
1. Extra-strong hook
VMC swimbait heads feature super sharp, sturdy hooks made from strong high carbon steel. This prevents bend outs or breakage when fighting powerful fish that make deep runs and head shakes when hooked. You can have confidence that the hook will hold and not fail at the moment of truth.
2. Custom skirt collar
The collar on VMC heads is designed to hold soft plastic trailers and skirts in place and prevent slippage. The ridges grab the bait tightly so it won’t slide down the shank of the hook when casting or retrieving.
3. Realistic eyes
The 3D prismatic holographic eyes on VMC Swimbait Heads add lifelike detail that can provoke reaction strikes from predatory fish. The eyes move and flash in the water, mimicking wounded baitfish.
4. Awesome paint jobs
From natural shad patterns to bright attractor colors, the immaculate finish and paint on VMC heads replicates baitfish perfectly. This helps draw fish in for a closer look.
5. Premium components
VMC doesn’t cut corners. All components including hooks, wire, paint and eyes are premium quality, enhancing performance and durability. You get what you pay for with VMC’s excellent construction.
6. Multiple sizes
VMC Swimbait Heads come in a wide range of weights from 1/8 oz up to 2 oz to match any swimbait size, depth and current condition. With all the size options, you can fine tune your presentation.
7. Weedless designs
Models like the VMC Heavy Duty Swimbait Head feature a recessed line tie and flattened head that allows baits to glide over vegetation and structure without hanging up. Great for fishing over grass beds and wood.
8. Balance and control
The shoulders of VMC heads are designed for stability so baits track straight on the retrieve and swim balanced with the head down. This allows for better control and a more natural, lifelike action.
9. Flexible appendages
Certain VMC Swimbait Heads have flexible legs, antennae and other appendages protruding from the head for extra flair. These movement triggers instinctive strikes from reactionary fish.
10. Realistic finish
From matte backgrounds to reflective metallic finishes, VMC heads have a realistic look. Some models incorporate scales into the molding. All the details combine to mimic real forage.
11. State of the art design
VMC has a dedicated pro staff that field tests lures to dial in designs and performance. The result is highly refined swimbait heads that catch more and bigger fish.
12. Versatile for all techniques
VMC Swimbait Heads can be rigged many ways – weighted swimbaits, paddle tails, umbrella rigs, lipless cranks, jerkbaits and more. You can fish them however you want with confidence.
13. Quick, easy rigging
A fast-locking instant bait collar allows for quick trailer changes when conditions change. No glue required. You can easily swap colors and length on the water.
14. Made in the USA
As a trusted American tackle brand, VMC manufactures all their swimbait heads domestically at their headquarters in Springfield, Missouri under strict quality control.
15. Trusted by the pros
Top professional fishermen on the tournament scene rely on VMC swimbait heads because they know they perform. If the big names put their faith in them, recreational anglers can too.
When chasing lunker bass, pike, trout and other trophy fish, using the right gear is critical to success. Savvy anglers who want a leg up for landing personal bests swear by VMC Swimbait Heads. With premium components, refined designs and details that trigger vicious strikes, it’s easy to see why they’re a go-to for seasoned fishermen.
Next time you’re gearing up to tempt monster fish, be sure to have an arsenal of VMC swimbait heads tied on and ready for action. They could help you land that fish of a lifetime!