how to prevent split swim baits

I have been using Big Hammer 7in swimbaits on 4 oz jig heads with good success. However, they tend to split where they insert into the thick part of the jig head. Does anyone have suggestions on how to prevent that? Alternatively, does anyone know where to buy thicker swimbaits? Someone gave me a really nice thick one one time, but I have no idea where they got it. thanks

When I make my jig heads I cut off the spur. You can then put the soft bodies on and super glue them to the back of the jig head.

Like MartianFish stated, superglueing works well if you were to do that with the jighead. I use AA swimbaits and the 5" baits have never split for me. Hope this helps!

Thanks Martian I'll give cutting off the barbs a try.

Thanks Liam I'll try AA swimbaits. Their description online even says extra chunky to prevent splits.

Honestly i have major issues with AAs splitting- especially the 2 color ones.  I stopped buying them and just use big hammers and keitechs now.    The split i got on AAs wasnt even like OPs pic, it was like they poured two cold plastics on top of each other. you could pull the layers apart like an onion.  The big swimbaits they make stay on the head for about an hour before the bait splits itself like youve filleted it.

Honestly i have major issues with AAs splitting- especially the 2 color ones.  I stopped buying them and just use big hammers and keitechs now.    The split i got on AAs wasnt even like OPs pic, it was like they poured two cold plastics on top of each other. you could pull the layers apart like an onion.  The big swimbaits they make stay on the head for about an hour before the bait splits itself like youve filleted it.

Yeah, I've seen some shitty swimbaits split like you described, evenly down the 2 colors. 

I used to just cut the barb off the jighead and most times it will prevent it from splitting.

I recommend lingling jigs... Their rattle paddle swimbaits are great quality and their jigheads are tuned pretty well to match them.  A bit pricey on their own, but they have deals every now and then that make it worth the purchase.  http://www.linglingjigs.com/

I put both of these on the jigheads last saturday and they split by sunday morning...   ended up taping one and trying to super glue it together.... I will not buy more

Reduce the size of the barb with a file, then taper the lead insert to a finer entry point than the jig head came with.  Then drip some super glue on the shaft of the jig head Insert swim bait body and let dry. Once swim baits split after being used super glue isn't as effective. Instead take some light mono, ten pound test, and make multiple wraps to pull the split together. Lasts for awhile.

....and/or get a small piece copper or metal tube. if you can file the ends to get it sharp. You can cut a plug out of the swimbait, glue or zip-tie it to the jig. I zip-tie most plastics. The fish do not seem to mind. A torch lighter will melt them back together, if needed, right on the water.

Another option is to core out a hole for the jig head barb so it doesn’t stretch and tear the bait when you insert it.

Try heating up a nail, sticking it into the head of the bait, giving it a little spin, then pulling it out.


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I buy Lancer jigs there already together and only split after being nailed by many fish.

I zip tie em behind the head between the barb, just right, not to hard cuz it’ll cut the plastic, if you get it just right it lasts until the tail gets macked

I zip tie em behind the head between the barb, just right, not to hard cuz it’ll cut the plastic, if you get it just right it lasts until the tail gets macked

That gets my vote.  Berkley Gulp grubs tear easily.  Then I discovered 4 inch zip ties.

I got this device from Fishermans Warehouse for poking a hole into a swimbait to prevent cracking.  A drop of glue helps to stop slippage.