The Phat Paddle is a paddle-tail swimbait hand-poured in Texas by WM Bayou. Its wide, thumping tail puts out vibration bass feel from a distance — a true search bait for covering water, locating active fish, and triggering reaction strikes. Designed to float. $6.99.

How do you rig the Phat Paddle?

Weighted swimbait hook (1/4–1/2 oz, 4/0–5/0 — the most popular, weedless), jighead (1/4–1/2 oz open hook for open water), scrounger head (hard wobble on a faster retrieve), underspin (adds flash), or multiple baits on an A-rig to imitate a shad school. Steady medium retrieve and let the tail do the work — start fast, then slow down until the fish tell you what they want.

When is the Phat Paddle most effective?

Fall shad spawn and migrations (September–November), post-spawn summer when bass school and chase baitfish on points and flats, cloudy days when bass roam shallower, and anytime bass are actively feeding on shad. It's a search bait: cover water fast, then slow down once you find fish.

Is it good for tournament fishing?

Yes — paddle tails are a top tournament bait when fish relate to baitfish, and the Phat Paddle's thumping vibration outperforms subtler baits when bass chase shad in open water. It's also an A-rig staple for multi-fish limits in clear reservoirs.

What colors does it come in?

Ghost Shad, Oil Slick, Mr. Natural, Silver Fish, Holo Fish, Guacamole, Honey, Tilapia Magic, Black and Blue, Green Pumpkin, Ghost Green. $6.99.

Why buy from WM Bayou?

Hand-poured in Texas from premium plastisol. Every bait is poured, packed, and shipped by us — Texas-made, proven action.