You can throw the Gantarel Jr on a frog rod. Good one to start with, especially in Texas waters (shaped more like a gizzard or bluegill than the s-waver). It also swims more consistently than the s-waver. The s-waver is a good starting lure because it’s relatively inexpensive, but it has a tendency to blow and roll out (takes some experience and rod manipulation to fish it effectively). Some may argue the Gantarel isn’t a true glide bait, but it has a nice, consistent S curve swim on a simple slow retrieve. If you don’t have a swimbait rod, the Gantarel Jr is what I’d get first.

I have always been under the impression that glide baits are single jointed.

S-Waver or Sneaky Pete for a budget option

Hinkle are the chit! A little pricey


I have a couple of the original Fat Back Herring baits that are awesome. I am not sure if he still makes baits, but his were the best value out there back in the day.

Not so sure about Sneaky Pete, had one come in and the line tie was busted in half. Had the replacement come in and the line tie had been soldered, looks like garbage and I wouldn’t trust it to hold a large fish.

I would argue that the 3:16 Workhorse 8" Glide is smoother and works better than the Hinkle but you can't get them either!

You have to wait til they "drop" then bid on them. If you are lucky you can get them for a mere $400.

That's correct.

I had a good teacher.....

Yes, the traditional definition is one joint. What if a lure has one joint, is shaped like a glide bait, but doesn’t glide?
I also argue the Gantarel isn’t a glide bait. It’s more versatile than most glides. It can S curve glide, it can tight wobble, and twitch 180. Due to its versatility, low cost, and ease of fishing I’d recommend it as someone’s first gliding swimbait over most others (especially in Texas waters) Don’t limit yourself by categorizing by appearance. Judge lures by their actions and productivity, not by what they look like or are marketed as.

I guess now baits can identify as whatever they want to be.

I don't limit how I use baits. I just have always been taught a glide bait only has a single joint. :Fantarels are nice swimbaits. cheers:

Glide baits can be have single joints or no joints. If a swimbait has 3 or more joints it is a swimmer or a wake bait. Some great entry level glide baits are the S-Waver 168, Project Swimbait glide, Savage gear shine glide. If your willing to take the leap of faith and spend more money then the options are many. I like the Hypershad, by Swimbait Garage, Workhorse by 3:16, Pizz Baits S2, Mike Bucca Shad and gill glide, DS Customs 8" and 10" glide and Zimmer Bait company Instigator and KGB Chad Shad. Word of advice would be to start with $15-$30 glide baits and see if that style of fishing suits you. Swimbaits are a deep rabbit hole. However there is not any other lures that can retain their value or in some cases increase in value like custom made swimbaits. It is definitely not for everyone.

S Waver , can’t beat the price

Yes sir!! It catches fish in any body of water. Proven fish catcher

I just ordered a bluegill and bone S-Waver from Harpeth River Outfitters. This site is have a good sale going on right now.