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A "Tail" of Two Baits: Baitsanity Explorer Gen 2 Swimbait
Updates (continued)
  Resin
and Sound continued: I asked why some
of the same generation baits sounded slightly different from one another, for
example, the Hatchery Trout versus the TW Steelhead. Fahad explained that they
have found even the most subtle differences between the bait finishes can alter
sound and that the reason the baits with gloss have a different sound from matte
patterns is that the extra gloss layer adds a layer of thickness which causes
the bait to have a tinnier sound.
Comparing the two new HatchMatch
tails
A Tale of Two
Baits: The original HatchMatch tails enabled anglers to change the bait's
profile but due to the rigidity of the tail’s substructures, the baits would
behave similarly. To refine the tail action, as well as deliver the double-bump
action that Baitsanity is famous for, the HatchMatch tails were redesigned with
a slightly flexible skeleton which enables the tail to slightly flex at the end
of each glide.
The Swaggy Paddle Tail was
originally designed for toothy predators and is the largest Hatch Match tail
yet. To enhance durability and longevity it is made out of silicone material
versus PVC
The two newest
tail options this season include the Shad Tail and the ultra-large Swaggy Paddle
Tail. The Shad Tail is the most radically designed HatchMatch 2.0 tail to date
and features a much more custom-looking forked tail design and is
semi-transparent due to the use of PVC material. The bait immediately changes
the entire profile of the bait, making it look shorter and stouter, resembling a
gizzard shad, big threadfin, or even a herring.
We did an autopsy on one of the
earlier Explorer standard tails to see the difference in the Bait Connect
sub-structure
The newest Hatch Match tails
feature a larger more flexible cage that has been designed to allow greater
movement of the tail independently from the connection point. This helps deliver
a more lifelike and aggressive kicking action
Not only does
the new Shad tail give the Explorer a much more custom swimbait look, but it
dramatically alters the glide action. I found the bait exhibited a really clean
and snappy glide and was among the most responsive tail yet. Since pairing the
various Explorer swimbaits with the Shad tail, it has become my most productive
configuration, my go-to tail option, and by far my favorite Hatch Match tail
option yet.
I’ve already super-glued one tail a few times as it has been chewed so
frequently.
The Shad Tail is made of PVC and
is semi-translucent. It reminds me of a hand poured custom swimbait tail
The second new
tail option, the Swaggy, is the largest paddle that Baitsanity has introduced to
date. This tail features a boot-tail design that is designed to move more water
and deliver a very aggressive kicking action. The company originally developed
this option specifically for Pike and Murray Cod anglers, and to make sure that
the tail could stand up to these toothy predators, it is constructed from
silicon instead of traditional PVC.
One of the most compelling design
elements of the Explorer Gen 2 is the Bait Connect interchangeable tail system.
Adding the Shad Tail dramatically changes both the profile and action of the
bait making it feel fresh and new
The Swaggy is
best fished with slow-sink and suspending Explorer models and is designed for
sub-surface work where a more aggressive tail action is required. I found this
tail good for conditions where the water was not as clear, fish were holding
deeper, or when they were simply more aggressive. The silicon material is
considerably more durable than the PVC tail options and even after multiple
strikes, I found that the tail still looks new.
Comparing the size and profile of
the Swaggy (left) with the older Hatch Match paddle tail (right). The Swaggy
will only be available in silicone and this one green semi-translucent colorway
What I really like about both
the new Shad and Swaggy tail options is that they dramatically change both the
profile and action of the Explorer, expanding the ways that you can fish it
effectively, and helping make the baits feel fresh once again.
It is
interesting how switching out the Shad Tail on the existing Explorer makes it
look and feel like a completely new glidebait, and learning new ways to fish the
bait has been both fun and rewarding.
Hatchery Trout equipped with the
HatchMatch paddle tail 2.0 in Green Pumpkin colorway. Not to be confused with
the larger Swaggy this smaller paddle is a good mid-sized option that still
delivers a lot of movement on both straight and reel/pause retrieves
New Bones:
A final update to the Explorer series this season is the introduction of the
Explorer Bones configuration, basically a body-only version of some of the
latest patterns in floating or slow sink/suspending models. These Bones versions
come with the Gen 2 body but no tails, hooks, or even split rings for $65.99
each, which is about 20 dollars less than a standard Explorer Gen 2.
One of the newest and arguably
flashiest pattern yet is the Electric Shad is exclusively available in Bones
configuration
So why would
anyone want to buy Bones? Turns out there are many anglers like myself that
already have an existing arsenal of Explorer swimbaits and tails and are looking
to simply replace a body, add an extra of a favorite pattern, or simply need
another bait with a different sink rate.
The back of the Bones box
highlights the many tail options in the Bait Connect system
Like many
anglers, the first thing I often do is switch out split ring and hook hardware
on my swimbaits as well. I like the floating version of the Hatchery Trout
pattern so much and have plenty of tails with which to configure that the Bones
has been a cheaper and convenient option with which to bolster my arsenal.
My new favorite configuration is
the Explorer Gen 2 foiled patterns with the Shad Tail
Conclusion:
If there is one thing that I’ve learned about Baitsanity, it is that the
company is all about adapting and upgrading. It is not a signature of their bait
design, but the way in which they operate in general. The latest resin
formulations, improved patterns, new sink rates, and growing diversity of tail
options make the Explorer Gen 2 both relevant and effective seasons after the
bait’s introduction. The Shad and Swaggy Tail especially help make the bait feel
more custom, enable it to be fished differently, and add another level of
versatility to this proven glidebait.
Baitsanity continues to refine the
Explorer Gen 2 Series. One of the hallmarks of the company is they never seem to
stop improving or adding options to their baits. Today the enhancements to the
Explorer 2 make it better than ever and I wouldn't be surprised if a Gen 3 is
already in the development
As Baitsanity
continues to introduce new products like their Chimera Shad or expand
collaborations including the Tuggin Rod with custom rod builder Leviathan, and
even hand-painted exclusives with Garrett Customs, it is great to see them
continuing to develop and support the platform that started it all. The Gen 2
Explorer, a lure that won our Best Value Award back in 2021, is not just a
better value three years later, but is a better swimbait overall.
Looking for
Baitsanity Explorer
Gen 2, Bones and
HatchMatch 2.0
tails? Try
Tackle Warehouse
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