Are Swimbaits Good for the Environment?

The PVC plastic used in the construction of swimbaits has been a source of controversy, since a lost non-biodegradable swimbait can be destructive in some fragile water systems. In response, many manufacturers have begun experimenting with different types of flexible polymers [source: Sorum].

When To Use Bass Fishing Swimbaits

­Ask a ­fisherman what the most effective lure is, and he'll most likely name whichever bait he used to land his last big catch. This is why many bass fishers swear by swimbaits, while others have been unwilling to move away from the lures that have given them success in the past.

Because of their size, swimbaits are best suited to catch lunkers. And while for many years they were mostly used for off-coast fishing, swimbaits are garnering a reputation for snagging big bass in lakes as well.

Swimbait enthusiasts insist that these lures can be used anywhere, anytime. What's more, manufacturers offer a wide variety of swimbaits for use in different conditions. Knowing what and where the bass that you're trying to catch eat, will help you choose the appropriate lure.

So if you're going after largemouth bass, you'll want a rainbow trout swimbait. If you're fishing during high-grass season, you may want to use a hollow swimbait and float it above the weeds.

Some anglers prefer using swimbaits during the colder months when fish swim in shallow waters, on windy days or during the summer when they're fishing closer to the bottom.

You may find that swimbaits work well on their own. Other bass fishers switch between plastic lures and live bait. Even so, more and more bass fishermen are realizing that when other baits fail, swimbaits can fool the smarter bass.

Swimbaits are designed to imitate the prey of various fish living in a variety of conditions. Can you guess how many different swimbaits are made? Read on to find out how many types of swimbaits exist.