Where to Buy Swimbaits
As I’ve accelerated my descent into the swimbait vortex, I continue to try to figure out which ones will work best on the waters I fish, and then how to acquire those baits. For most of the non-mass-produced items, the latter part is easier said than done. It can be downright difficult to spend money, as this is a world of low volume, “drops” and flippers.
The best way to learn about this stuff, I presume, is to go to an event like “The Gathering” organized by Swimbait Universe. Hanna and I are headed there in a couple of weeks and we’re cautiously optimistic about how much we’ll learn and how much we may spend.
But what if you can’t make it to The Gathering? Or if you don’t live in a swimbait hotbed like California or Texas? Or there’s no store near your house that sells them? Where can you get some of the limited-supply lures? In many cases, the only way may be through the manufacturers themselves, so when you identify a bait or baits that you want, get on that baitmaker’s waitlist or mailing list and prepare to act fast when something becomes available. If you don’t have the time or patience for that, or the luck to “win” on a drop, or want something slightly more common, you might have to go online to get a fix.
I couldn’t find a single resource that listed the places that might carry these less common baits – so I decided I’d put one together. Hopefully the list below helps out those of you who likewise ran into that problem.
Here’s who I’m not including in this survey:
Stores that only sell widely-available lures. If they don’t have anything you can’t get at Bass Pro Shops, there’s no need for me to include them.
Stores that are primarily or exclusively affiliated with a single manufacturer, like the 3:16 shop at Lake Fork.
Stores that may have great inventory, but don’t have a meaningful online sales portal. For example, Mark’s Outdoors near Birmingham, Alabama is an excellent tackle shop, but you can’t click a few buttons on their site from home and have a low-volume swimbait at your door.
Stores that I don’t know about. This list is not exhaustive. As noted above, while I’m not new to buying tackle, I am new to the swimbait world – so if you know of others, please send a message and we’ll add them to the list.
Also, except where indicated, I am not vouching for any of these retailers. I’ve ordered from a handful of them, and visited a few, but not the majority (yet). Caveat emptor.
Web Resources
Swimbait Universe Facebook Page – This has been the single most valuable resource for me. Not only are there frequent individual sales and trade options, but there are spirited debates about which swimbaits are best for which circumstances. Just lurk and read for a while before you make any big purchases.
Swimbait Underground – Another very good and very active forum, with a “Black Market” section dedicated to sales of swimbait-related gear. They also have an affiliated store.
Major Online Retailers with Good Selections
Tackle Warehouse – If you fish for bass, you’ve probably ordered from them, and they have a solid mix of major manufacturers and smaller, niche gear. I’ve never had anything but flawless service from them.
The Hook Up Tackle – This Arizona retailer has great video explanations of their stock and an unparalleled supply of Megabass.
Outdoor Pro Shop (AKA Monster Fishing Tackle) -- Not as well-known as the first two, but it’s where I got my DRT Tiny Klash, so they’re definitely a player.
Smaller Online Retailers with Solid Swimbait Selections
Modern Outdoor Tackle – I just discovered this retailer near Table Rock, and they carry (but may not have in stock) hard-to-find items like KGB Chad Shads, Golden Belt Customs, Big Game Customs, Toxic Baits and Fish Everything.
MGC Fishing – I have no idea how a shop in Massachusetts got so dialed into the swimbait scene, but they have a variety of brands you’ll be hard-pressed to find elsewhere, including Lanciotti, Legrady, Tater Hog and Rafa Custom Baits.
McKee Outdoors – This Tennessee store doesn’t seem to update their Facebook page or website regularly, but owner Matthew McKee frequently advertises the availability of brands like KGB, DRT and Taddo through his personal FB page.
Japan Import Tackle – The gateway for lots of hard-to-find Japanese brands, available through this site or his partner retailers.
Carolina Fishing Tackle – The first place I ever saw a really large collection of swimbaits for sale was at CRT’s Bassmaster Classic booth a few years ago. I keep meaning to stop by the shop as I drive through Charlotte, but there hasn’t been a good time of late.
Bait WrX – Not quite as many of the custom-level items as some of the others, but it was where I first saw the KGB products in person when I visited Springfield for a Bass Fishing Hall of Fame banquet.
J&H Tackle — NY shop known for their saltwater gear, but a surprising selection of big freshwater baits, too.
California Shops
Alabama
Scottsboro Tackle Company – I stopped in Scottsboro specifically to visit this store on the way to the 2020 Bassmaster Classic. It’s where I bought my first Huddlestons.
The Tackle Trap – I’ve visited this store in Boaz several times when at Guntersville for Classics and I’ve always spent more than I intended.
Texas
Other US Local Retailers
Foreign Retailers that Ship to the US
Ichiban Tackle – The website is a little wonky, and the shipping may be pricey, but they have some JDM items (both new and used) that you seemingly cannot get elsewhere.
Shimreels – I’ve purchased several lures (with “free shipping” built into the price) from this store in Singapore and I’ve been impressed with their selection and service, although the website is a little clunky.
ADDITIONAL VIDEO RESOURCES
If, like me, you’re still trying to figure out which swimbaits fit your budget and your fishing needs, start with the websites listed at the top, but you may also want to check out the following YouTube channels:
