Favorite Swimbait for Lings.

Just wondering which is your favorite size and color of swimbait that produces the best for you to catch lings and if different which works the best for Vermillion.
I have tried different ones but do not have allot of luck with them. I usually use the shrimp flies with an anchovy but looking to up my game.

Just wondering which is your favorite size and color of swimbait that produces the best for you to catch lings and if different which works the best for Vermillion.
I have tried different ones but do not have allot of luck with them. I usually use the shrimp flies with an anchovy but looking to up my game.

Don't get stuck on the colors, anything will work.  I really doubt RF and lings actually look at the color of swimbait before biting.  They bite bare hooks and wrenches so I think color isn't that critical for these fish.  As for size, 6" is a good size IMO. 

I generally start with a 4oz Lancer Copper Waterdog and also have a rod rigged for Herring if the Lancer isn't doing it. https://lancerjigs.com

I've had the same success ratio with a shrimp fly vs a swimbait for verms.  Last time I got some good verms it was a 6oz jighead on a big hammer 5" Senorita.

the same swimbait with lings, Halloween colored and senorita.

Just wondering which is your favorite size and color of swimbait that produces the best for you to catch lings and if different which works the best for Vermillion.
I have tried different ones but do not have allot of luck with them. I usually use the shrimp flies with an anchovy but looking to up my game.

Don't get stuck on the colors, anything will work.  I really doubt RF and lings actually look at the color of swimbait before biting.  They bite bare hooks and wrenches so I think color isn't that critical for these fish.  As for size, 6" is a good size IMO.

Yeah don’t overthink color. Beyond 50’ deep most colors wash out unless it’s glow.

I also use something in the 6” range. Combine that with a 6oz or so jighead for a package around 7 inches. Not too big for rockfish and a good snack for lings.

Here’s that combo....

Here some more proof that they like swimbaits...
Gold and white on a 6oz@ 130 ft. Also the rockfish liked it as well!

Color doesn't really matter, but when it does...I like root beer/motor oil color 

I like Branson Baits for lings (7.75" Sea Slugs w/ 4-6oz jig head)

https://bransonbaits.myshopify.com/products/bigfoot-swim-bait-4-pieces

The last couple verms that I caught were on diamond jigs w/ hoochie.

my take on swimbaits is pretty basic:
lighter colors on brighter days, darker colors on darker, overcast days

verms seem to often prefer a white swimbait, but sometimes white produces nothing and they want a darker, or even a red swimbait. depth and what food is available are other considerations. "Match the hatch" even applies to big rubber baits!

if your aren't getting bit, trying another color might help as fish can be finicky at times. Other times they'll bite on a wrench

I generally start with a 4oz Lancer Copper Waterdog and also have a rod rigged for Herring if the Lancer isn't doing it. https://lancerjigs.com

I second the 4 oz Copper waterdog. My go to swimbait in trinidad

Here some more proof that they like swimbaits...
Gold and white on a 6oz@ 130 ft. Also the rockfish liked it as well!

++ for the ‘yonce swim bait

Mine is simple, cheap & old school (Elk goers will know) Kalin's 8" Octogambo rootbeer curly tail.
I think more than half of rockfish I caught from kayak are with this (you can check my AOTY entries to see).
I usually match that with red or chartreuse jig-heads.
1 pk is usually ~$8 and comes with 6 swim tails, so can't beat the price. If you can find it, just keep a pack in your tackle box.
Other than that I really like the 6.5" BigHammers but they're pretty pricey. I try to stock up when they're on sale. They're pretty soft, so I think they get good action, but get chewed up quick.
People say fish can't see the color, but I think they just see the color different then we do (some different spectrum of lights especially in deep), so I tried to mix some colors.
for example, when I use chartreuse jig heads I match with red or orange tails. I think when bites are tough, you need give them something that they react that day, so I just hope the one of the color will get their attention. Otherwise, you can scent the $hit at them too.
Good luck

The Reds hit White Pearl colored swim bait the last 2 weekends.