Big Hammer Lures

The Big Hammer 5" Swimbait puts a substantial baitfish profile and a distinctive square tail on your favorite jig head. Fish it on a steady wind along a kelp edge, count it down beside structure, or work it near the bottom for halibut. You control the depth and pace through head weight, retrieve speed, and sink time rather than being locked into one presentation.

On a coastal drift, that flexibility matters: start with a swimming retrieve above the structure, then slow down and let the next cast reach deeper water. The same 5-inch body lets you explore different parts of the water column without changing lure style. Bodies are sold individually, so you can build a color rotation without buying a full pack of each pattern.

Put Your Swimbait at the Right Depth

A bait that passes above feeding fish or drags constantly through rocks is difficult to fish effectively. Pair this body with a Big Hammer Swimbait Jig Head and select enough weight to maintain control in the current. Rig the body straight so the tail can move freely, then check the swim beside the boat or bank before making a full cast.

The advantage is an adaptable soft-plastic setup with a replaceable body. The tradeoff is that soft plastic can tear, and an exposed jig hook can snag in dense kelp or rock crevices. Carry spare bodies and work cover edges rather than expecting a snag-free presentation.

The Right Pick for a Bigger Baitfish Profile

Choose the 5-inch size when you want more presence than a small finesse swimbait while keeping a straightforward cast-and-retrieve presentation. It is a useful option for calico bass, sand bass, halibut, and lingcod around coastal structure, bays, and kelp edges. For a larger silhouette, compare the Big Hammer 6 1/2" Swimbait and match your tackle to the heavier total rig.

Simple Shape, Flexible Setup

• 5-inch soft-plastic body: a baitfish-style profile for inshore swimbait fishing.
• Square tail: the defining tail shape of the Big Hammer design.
• Separate jig-head rigging: adjust head weight for depth, current, and retrieve speed.
• Color choices: baitfish patterns, darker silhouettes, and contrasting tails.
• Sold individually: mix colors and carry replacement bodies.

One Size, Shared Specifications

Dial In the Retrieve Before Changing Colors

Steady swim: cast, allow the bait to reach the desired depth, and retrieve at a controlled pace along open kelp edges or above structure. Start with manageable current and enough visibility to observe the rig's action near you.

Countdown and swim: use a repeatable sink count to explore deeper water. Increase head weight if current prevents you from maintaining the intended depth, but use the lightest head that still gives you control.

Bottom-oriented presentation: for halibut or fish holding low, let the rig reach bottom, then use short lifts and a slow swim just above it. Maintain line awareness on the fall and avoid leaving the head wedged in rocky cover. Choose a rod rated for the combined body and jig-head weight.

Choose Color for the Water in Front of You

Start with Pacific Chovy, Sardine, Green Sardine, or Bay Smelt when you want a baitfish-style look. Try Pearl for a simpler light-colored profile. Silver Phantom and Midnight Phantom offer contrasting chartreuse tails; Toasted has a dark tail. Treat these as starting points, then let water clarity, light, local forage, and fish response guide your choice.

Tackle Express Tips

• Mark the hook exit: lay the head beside the body before threading it on. A straight body is the first thing to check if the rig rolls or tracks sideways.
• Change one variable: adjust sink time or retrieve speed before switching both head weight and color. It is easier to repeat a productive presentation.
• Inspect after each fish: check the nose for tearing and the tail for damage. Replace a body that will no longer stay straight on the head.

Before You Rig One Up

Is this a pack or a single swimbait?
Each purchase is one 5-inch swimbait body, sold individually.

Does it come with a jig head?
No. Choose a separate jig head with a hook that fits the body and enough weight for your depth and current. Check the fit rather than selecting a head by weight alone.

Should I fish it fast or slow?
Start with a steady retrieve that keeps the bait at the intended depth. Slow down for bottom-oriented fish or increase the pace when fish respond to a moving bait. Recheck tail movement whenever you change the rig.

Choose your color above and pair it with a suitable jig head to build your next inshore swimbait setup at Tackle Express.

Why Anglers Reach for Big Hammer Swimbait Heads

Big Hammer Swimbait Heads are precision-engineered jig heads built specifically to pair with Big Hammer swimbaits, delivering balanced, lifelike swimming action that turns follows into strikes. The signature flat-head design stabilizes the bait at any retrieve speed, while premium hooks ensure solid sets and keep fish pinned all the way to the boat or bank.

Built for Big Hammer Swimbaits

The main advantage is purpose-built compatibility. These jig heads match the body shape and weight distribution of Big Hammer swimbaits, so you get a natural, level swim right out of the package — no tuning, no tweaking, no wasted casts. The flat-head creates a wide, rolling action that mimics wounded baitfish, and the hook placement is optimized for short-striking fish.

The Problem It Solves

Generic jig heads often cause swimbaits to roll, dive unnaturally, or ride off-center — killing the realistic action that triggers strikes. Big Hammer Swimbait Heads eliminate that frustration with a purpose-built design that keeps your bait swimming true at any speed, from a slow crawl to a fast burn.

What Makes Them Stand Out — and What to Watch For

Advantages: Purpose-matched to Big Hammer swimbaits for perfect balance, flat-head design for stable swimming action, premium sharp hooks, available in 9 colors and 7 weights, and proven across both freshwater and saltwater fisheries.

Considerations: Designed specifically for Big Hammer swimbaits — while they work with other soft plastics, you'll get the best results when paired with the intended bait. Pack counts vary by size (3 per pack for smaller weights, 2 per pack for larger).

The Right Pick If...

You fish swimbaits for calico bass, striped bass, largemouth bass, pike, or musky and want a jig head that delivers consistent, natural action without constant adjustment. These are ideal for anglers who fish kelp beds, offshore structure, freshwater lakes, and rivers where a realistic presentation makes the difference.

Best Fishing Techniques

• Slow Retrieve: A steady, slow wind lets the flat-head work its magic — the bait swims with a wide, natural roll
• Bounce and Swim: Hop the bait off the bottom, then retrieve slowly — deadly over structure and through kelp
• Countdown Method: Let it sink to the desired depth, then retrieve at a speed that keeps it in the strike zone
• Swim and Pause: Retrieve with periodic pauses to mimic an injured baitfish — strikes often come on the pause

Best Conditions

• Water Clarity: Effective in both clear and stained water — use natural colors (Plain, White, Brown) in clear water and bright colors (Chartreuse, Red, Yellow) in stained or murky conditions
• Structure: Excellent around kelp beds, rocky structure, weed lines, and drop-offs
• Depth: The 7-weight range (3/16oz to 1.5oz) covers shallow flats to deeper structure — match the weight to the depth and current
• Season: Productive year-round, especially strong during baitfish migrations and when gamefish are actively feeding on bait balls

Best For

• Species: Calico bass, striped bass, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, pike, musky, halibut, and other swimbait-eating gamefish
• Techniques: Swimbaits, slow retrieve, structure fishing, kelp-bed fishing, countdown method
• Environments: Inshore saltwater (kelp beds, reefs, bays), freshwater lakes, rivers, and reservoirs
• Angler Level: Beginner to advanced — easy to fish effectively, but rewards experienced anglers who can dial in the right weight, color, and retrieve for the conditions

Key Features

• Flat-Head Design: Creates stable, natural swimming motion that mimics wounded baitfish
• Premium Hook Construction: Sharp, durable hooks in sizes 2/0 through 5/0, matched to each weight
• Purpose-Built for Big Hammer Swimbaits: Engineered for perfect balance and action right out of the package
• 9 Color Options: Plain, Red, Chartreuse, White, Yellow, Black Red Eye, Green, Brown, and Black
• 7 Weight Options: 3/16oz through 1.5oz to cover shallow to deep presentations
• Pack Quantities: 3 per pack for 3/16oz–1/2oz sizes, 2 per pack for 3/4oz–1.5oz sizes

Models & Specs

• 3/16oz — 2/0 Hook — 8 colors (Plain, Red, Chartreuse, White, Yellow, Black Red Eye, Green, Brown) — 3 per pack
• 1/4oz — 2/0 Hook — 8 colors (Plain, Red, Chartreuse, White, Yellow, Black Red Eye, Green, Brown) — 3 per pack
• 3/8oz — 2/0 Hook — 8 colors (Plain, Red, Chartreuse, White, Yellow, Black Red Eye, Green, Brown) — 3 per pack
• 1/2oz — 4/0 Hook — 8 colors (Plain, Red, Chartreuse, White, Yellow, Black Red Eye, Green, Brown) — 3 per pack
• 3/4oz — 4/0 Hook — 8 colors (Plain, Red, Chartreuse, White, Yellow, Black Red Eye, Green, Brown) — 2 per pack
• 1oz — 4/0 Hook — 8 colors (Plain, Red, Chartreuse, White, Yellow, Black Red Eye, Green, Brown) — 2 per pack
• 1.5oz — 5/0 Hook — 6 colors (Plain, Red, Chartreuse, White, Yellow, Black) — 2 per pack

Weight: 0.2 lbs per pack | Brand: Big Hammer

Tackle Express Tips

• Match the Hatch: Choose a head color that contrasts slightly with your swimbait body — a darker head with a lighter body creates a natural silhouette that triggers more strikes
• Weight Matters: Use the lightest weight that still lets you feel the bottom or maintain contact — lighter heads produce a more natural, slower fall that fish can't resist
• Keep a Color Rotation: Carry at least 2–3 colors per trip. Start with natural tones in clear water and switch to brighter colors if the bite is slow or water is stained

Frequently Asked Questions

Do these work with other swimbait brands, or only Big Hammer?

While they're optimized for Big Hammer swimbaits, these jig heads work well with most soft plastic swimbaits of similar size. You'll get the best action and balance when paired with the intended Big Hammer baits, but they're versatile enough for general swimbait fishing.

What's the difference between the 2/0 and 4/0 hook sizes?

The 2/0 hooks are paired with the lighter weights (3/16oz–3/8oz) and are ideal for smaller baits and lighter line. The 4/0 and 5/0 hooks come on the heavier weights (1/2oz–1.5oz) and are built for bigger baits, bigger fish, and heavier cover where you need more hook gap and holding power.

How many come in a pack?

Pack counts vary by size: the 3/16oz, 1/4oz, 3/8oz, and 1/2oz sizes come 3 per pack, while the 3/4oz, 1oz, and 1.5oz sizes come 2 per pack.

The Big Hammer Perch Grub is a compact, versatile soft grub built for anglers who fish both salt and fresh water. At 1.75 inches, it's the right size for a wide range of species — from surf perch, halibut, corbina, and croaker in the surf zone to crappie, bass, panfish, and smallmouth in freshwater lakes and rivers. It also works well on smaller saltwater bass and shallow rockfish when fish are keying on smaller forage.

Rig it on a light jig head and work it slowly through the surf, along structure, or over shallow flats. The grub tail produces a natural, pulsing action on the retrieve that draws strikes even from finicky fish.

Key Features

• 1.75" profile — compact size ideal for perch, crappie, panfish, and finesse presentations
• 25 per pack — great value for high-volume surf and freshwater fishing
• 18 colors available — wide selection for matching local forage in salt and fresh water
• Versatile applications — surf, inshore, shallow rockfish, freshwater lakes and rivers
• Target species — halibut, surf perch, corbina, croaker, crappie, bass, panfish, smallmouth

Specs

The Big Hammer 3" Swimbait gives you a compact baitfish profile for freshwater bass and inshore fishing. Its square tail adds swimming movement to a simple retrieve, while the unrigged soft-plastic body lets you choose a jig head to suit the depth and current. Sold individually, it's an easy way to build a color selection without buying a full pack of each pattern.

Downsize When the Forage Is Small

When fish are feeding on small baitfish, a larger swimbait isn't always the right starting point. This 3-inch body offers a smaller presentation for swimming along rocky edges, working bay structure or covering freshwater shoreline. Start with a steady retrieve, then add brief pauses to change the bait's pace rather than relying on constant rod movement.

Choose it for a compact, jig-head-rigged approach to largemouth bass, calico bass, spotted bay bass and halibut. An exposed-hook setup is straightforward to rig and fish, but it can catch weeds or snag rock. Keep it above heavy cover, and carry spare bodies because soft plastic can tear during fishing.

Match the Head to the Water

Pair the body with a suitably sized Big Hammer Swimbait Jig Head. Check that the hook fits the short body without crowding the tail. Start with the lightest head that lets you maintain the depth you want; increase weight when current or deeper water makes the bait difficult to control.

For shallow edges and calmer water, swim it steadily above bottom. Around deeper structure, let it sink before retrieving and use occasional pauses to return it to the strike zone. For halibut, try a controlled retrieve close to sandy bottom, avoiding excessive slack. These are starting approaches, not fixed depth or weight prescriptions.

A Color for Your Starting Point

Use shad- or smelt-style patterns as a starting point when matching local baitfish. Pearl offers a light-colored alternative, while a darker pattern can provide a different silhouette. Let water clarity, light and the forage you see guide your choice, then change one variable at a time so you can judge the response.

Key Features

• Compact 3-inch soft-plastic swimbait body.
• Distinctive square-tail design.
• Unrigged body for a jig-head setup suited to your conditions.
• 15 selectable color patterns.
• Sold individually so you can mix colors.
• Useful for freshwater bass and inshore swimbait presentations.

Models & Specs

Tackle Express Tips

• Thread the body straight onto the hook. Test it beside the boat or bank and re-rig if it tracks unevenly.
• Mark where the hook should exit before rigging so the body stays straight and the tail remains free to move.
• Carry a natural baitfish pattern and a contrasting option. Adjust retrieve speed before changing both color and head weight.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this a rigged lure or a replacement body?
It is an unrigged soft-plastic swimbait body, sold individually. Choose a suitable jig head separately.

What jig-head weight should I use?
Choose by depth, current and retrieve speed, not lure length alone. Start light and increase weight only when you need more depth control, while checking hook fit on the 3-inch body.

Can I fish it in freshwater and saltwater?
Yes. Use it for freshwater bass or an inshore presentation for calico bass, spotted bay bass and halibut. Match your hook, leader and tackle to the fish and structure.

When should I choose a larger profile?
Stay with the 3-inch body when you want a small baitfish presentation. If you want a slightly larger, more detailed profile, compare the Big Hammer 3.5" Full Body Swimbait.

The Big Hammer 6 1/2" Swimbait gives you a larger baitfish profile for calico bass, striped bass, and largemouth bass when a smaller soft bait does not match the forage. Its soft-plastic body and square tail make it a versatile jig-head presentation: swim it along an open kelp edge, count it down beside a point, or slow the retrieve over deeper structure.

Picture a drift past a kelp line with baitfish showing just outside the cover. Rig a body straight, let it settle to the depth you want, and bring it back on a controlled wind. You can change head weight and sink time as conditions change without abandoning the larger profile. Each body is sold individually, making it easy to carry a few color choices and replacement tails.

Match Larger Forage Without Locking In One Depth

Choose this size when you want a more substantial silhouette than a compact swimbait, particularly around larger baitfish. A separate jig head lets you adjust the rig for current and depth. For a smaller presentation or a step down in profile, compare the Big Hammer 5" Swimbait.

The tradeoff is tackle demand: match your rod to the combined weight of body and head, not just the head alone. Soft plastic can tear after bites, and an exposed jig hook can snag in thick vegetation or broken rock. Keep spare bodies handy and work open lanes or cover edges.

Rig Straight Before You Cast Far

Pair the body with a Big Hammer Swimbait Jig Head sized to fit its depth and length. Lay the hook alongside the body first, note the exit point, and thread the plastic on without bunching it. Check that the body sits straight and that the tail moves freely during a short test retrieve.

Head weight depends on water depth, current, line, and retrieve speed. Use the lightest head that keeps the bait under control at your intended depth. Confirm hook fit on the actual body rather than assuming every head of the same weight has the same hook dimensions.

Best For Bigger-Profile Swimbait Fishing

Reach for this bait when fishing calico bass along open kelp edges, stripers around points and bait schools, or largemouth bass outside weed lines and over submerged structure. It can also be worked as a larger soft-bait option for pike and musky with species-appropriate tackle and bite protection. Start where feeding activity or visible forage gives you a reason to use a larger profile.

A Simple Body With Room to Adjust

• 6 1/2-inch length: a substantial baitfish-style profile.
• Square tail: a broad tail surface for a swimming presentation.
• Soft-plastic body: rig on a separate, appropriately sized jig head.
• Freshwater and inshore applications: adapt the rig to your target fish and local conditions.
• Sold individually: select colors and spare bodies without committing to a full pack of each.

Shared Specs Across the Color Lineup

Find the Depth, Then Set the Pace

Steady swimming: use a controlled retrieve along structure edges or outside vegetation. Begin with a speed that keeps the bait tracking straight, then adjust to the fish's response.

Countdown fishing: repeat a sink count after each cast to explore a consistent depth. Extend the count to search deeper, and shorten it when the rig contacts cover too often. Wind and current can change the sink path, so treat the count as a repeatable reference rather than an exact depth measurement.

Lift and swim: allow the rig to settle near structure, lift it clear, and swim it forward before letting it fall again. Maintain awareness of the line on the drop and keep the head out of rock crevices. In stronger current, adjust weight or casting angle before simply retrieving faster.

Start With a Color You Can Explain

Pacific Chovy gives you a dark back with a light belly, while Olive Herring offers an olive-and-gold look. Calico Hunter and Red Calico Hunter provide layered brown and orange tones with contrasting bellies. Halloween II and Creeping Death offer darker backs over warm-colored bodies; Toasted adds a black tail. Use these visual differences to start with a forage match or a contrasting silhouette, then change color based on fish response rather than expecting one pattern to fit every day.

Tackle Express Tips

• Check the total rig: choose a rod with a lure rating suited to both the soft body and the jig head.
• Test beside you: if the bait rolls or pulls to one side, straighten the body before changing your retrieve.
• Store tails straight: avoid folding the tail under other tackle, and inspect the nose and hook exit after each fish.

Before You Choose Your Color

What makes Big Hammer Swimbaits so effective?
The square tail gives this soft swimbait a unique action initiates aggressive strikes.

Is a jig head included?
No. Select a separate head that fits the body, then choose its weight for your depth, current, and tackle.

When should I choose this over the 5-inch size?
Choose the 6 1/2-inch body when you want a larger forage profile and have tackle suited to the complete rig. Step down when a smaller bait better matches the forage or presentation you need.

Pick your color above and build a larger-profile swimbait setup with Tackle Express.

The Big Hammer 3.5" Full Body Swimbait is a compact, high-action soft swimbait built to trigger feeding responses from a wide range of predatory fish. Its realistic baitfish profile and Big Hammer's signature square tail design produce an aggressive kicking action and natural body roll that pressured fish can't ignore — whether you're working structure in the surf, kelp beds, or freshwater flats.

Molded with textured scales, gill plates, lifelike eyes, and detailed fins, the 3.5" profile matches the size of common forage species and excels on a jighead, swim jig, or drop shot rig. Available in 9 proven colors to match any water condition or forage.

Key Features

• Realistic full-body profile — textured scales, gill plates, eyes, and fins for maximum visual appeal
• Square tail design — produces aggressive kicking action and body roll on the retrieve
• Versatile rigging — jighead, swim jig, or drop shot
• 9 colors available — Sexy Smelt, Ledge Crawler, Rainbow Trout, Green Sardine, Surf Smelt, Red Rum, Bay Smelt, Pacific Chovy, Red Calico Hunter
• Sold individually

Specs

The Big Hammer Sledge Hammer is 9 inches of serious fish-catching plastic. A proven calico machine at the Southern California islands for years, its lifelike swimming action and durable construction make it a seek-and-destroy bait for big fish — in both salt and fresh water. It's also highly effective for lingcod, striped bass, largemouth, pike, and musky.

Key Features

• 9" profile — maximum presence for targeting trophy-class fish
• Lifelike swimming action — natural body roll and tail kick on the retrieve
• Durable construction — holds up through repeated strikes and aggressive fish
• 3 colors available — Red Calico Hunter, Fry, Toasted
• Pairs with War Bait Slayer Heads for a complete big-fish setup
• Sold individually

Color Note

In 2020, Toast was updated to Toasted — same proven color with the addition of a black tail for enhanced contrast and effectiveness.

Specs