MLF Featured Bait: Optimum Baits Boom Boom Line-Thru Swimbait

JUNE 29, 2021 • MLF • CHAMPIONS CLUB

Developed by swimbait expert and Bass Pro Tour angler, Fred Roumbanis, the Optimum Boom Boom Line-Thru Swimbait delivers an increased hook-up and land ratio to give anglers the upper hand when battling big tournament-winning fish. Thoroughly researched and developed to replicate the tight vibration of a shad, the Optimum Boom Boom Line-Thru Swimbait combines design elements from several Optimum swimbaits to create a quivering head movement, tight body roll, and thumping tail kick, which contributes to its one-of-a-kind “panicked action.”

Packaged with a premium Mustad treble hook, the Optimum Baits Boom Boom Line-Thru Swimbait’s line-thru design allows the bait to slide up the line once a fish is hooked to eliminate leverage, which greatly increases landing ratios and reduces damage caused to the bait during the fight. Perfect for fishing in open water and around high percentage targets, the Optimum Boom Boom Line-Thru Swimbait is covered in lifelike details such as, pectoral fins, anal fins, 3D eyes, gills, and textured scales that provide an additional level of realism to fool even the wariest of bass. Available in a selection of custom hand-poured colors, the Optimum Boom Boom Line-Thru Swimbait is sure to help you put bigger fish in the boat.

“As a touring pro angler, I know the importance of a ‘one big bite.’ Why not use a bait that can produce several big bites a day? Our goal here at Optimum Baits is to create the ultimate tournament-approved swimbait that works from coast-to-coast.” – Fred Roumbanis, MLF Bass Pro Tour angler

How to Rig

To rig the line-thru swimbait, you’ll need to run your line of choice through the plastic insert at the front of the swimbait body. Fred always utilizes fluorocarbon line, opting for 10-pound test in clear water and moving all the way up to 20-pound line when fishing this swimbait in stained water around heavy cover. For most conditions, 15-pound fluorocarbon is a solid choice. A key indicator of the ideal line choice will also be determined by the desired running depth. The thicker the line, the higher this bait will sit in the water column while maintaining a steady retrieve. Once threaded through the other end of the insert, tie the line using a strong knot, like a Palomar, to the treble hook and then insert one of the trebles into the belly of the bait. It is recommended that you insert the treble that allows the eye of the hook to lie flush against the belly of the bait to prevent drag and allow for the ideal “panicking action” that is key to triggering bites.

How to Fish

Roumbanis notoriously utilizes this swimbait throughout the year. Let it sink for 4-5 seconds to allow it to hover in the 4-5-foot range. Start out by holding the rod tip up and reeling the slackline with a slow and steady retrieve. A “double thump” of the bait indicates a strike. If the wind is calm, this allows for the rod angler to be maintained closer to the surface of the water. Allow the bait to hover for an extended period at a uniform depth in the water column.

Fred recommends an 8-foot Dobyns Boom Boom Signature Series swimbait rod. A reel with a 6:1 gear ratio and moderate inches per turn allows for the ideal retrieval speed. Fred provides his in-depth take on color selections and tricks he utilizes to trigger strikes in the June edition of Unpacking with the Pros.