Origins and Naming
The Finnish swimming plug, often known as the "Finnish swimmer," traces its origins back to Finland. The name comes from the original designs developed in Finland, particularly those by renowned lure maker Lauri Rapala. Rapala's innovative approach in the 1930s led to the creation of a lure that mimicked the natural swimming action of a wounded baitfish, revolutionizing fishing techniques worldwide.
Usage
Finnish swimming plugs are particularly effective in shallow waters, near structures, and in areas with submerged vegetation where deeper diving lures might snag. Larger swimmers have the highly unique ability to imitate both eels and large baitfish like bunker.
Eels: A Finnish Style Swimmer rigged with an oversized flag or bucktail fished in very shallow water will appear very eel like. As the lure wobbles, a serpentine rolling movement of the tail will naturally occur. Keep in mind this lure will be swimming just above a rock bottom or in and around boulders where stripers will be expecting to see eels.
Large Baitfish: Since these swimmers are designed to swimmer at very shallow depths, the presentation from below with their slightly wider shoulders will be that of a large baitfish’s silhouette. This is a handy feature as you can present a large offering without the massive casting weight of a huge plug.
Shallow Trolling Plug: Trolling shallow swimmers in flats, shallow canals, channels and along shoreline is an extremely effective technique to cover large amounts of skinning water. Since OG Finish style swimmers wobble at even the slowest of speeds, they are ideal candidates for kayak trolling.
Body Shape and Profile:
Classic OG swimmers have a wider and longer profile compared to modern "SP" style swimmers. This broader and more elongated design helps in creating a pronounced wobble and flash, which is highly effective in mimicking larger baitfish.
Lip/Bill Design:
The lip design is crucial for a good OG swimmer. A sturdy, well-angled lip (typically plastic or metal) determines the depth and wobble of the lure. It should be designed to dive to the desired depth quickly and maintain a consistent swimming action. OG swimmers generally have a lip for shallow diving and a pronounced side-to-side wobble.
Pull Eye Design: The pull eye in an “OG” Finnish-Style Swimmer is either straight or turned down:
Straight Pull Eye: Aligned with the body, providing a tighter faster wobble and shallower dive. Ideal for calm water and shallow conditions.
Turned Down Pull Eye: Angled downwards, creating a wider, more erratic wobble and enabling the lure more stability when fished on heavier leaders and outfits. Best for rough conditions.
Material and Durability:
The Original “OG” Finnish-style swimmers were made of wood, providing a natural buoyancy and action. Modern versions may use durable plastics and highly engineer weighting systems that maintain the same action while offering increased durability. Quality construction ensures the lure can withstand repeated strikes and rough fishing environments.
Through Wire Construction: A hallmark of high-quality OG Finnish Style swimmers, through-wire construction runs a single wire through the entire body of the lure, from the pull eye to the hook hangers. This design enhances durability and ensures the lure can handle the stress of powerful fish without breaking.
Hook and Hardware: High-quality hooks and durable split rings are essential. Modern swimming plugs designed for catch and release should have just one hook, either a single treble or j-style hook on the belly (which we recommend) or a single j-hook on the back of the lure. Strong, corrosion-resistant hardware is a must for longevity and reliability.
Color and Finish: OG swimmers come in various color patterns to mimic local forage species. Effective colors often include the classic colors like bone, black and olive. A reflective or holographic finish can add extra flash and attract more fish.
Versatility and Application: Classic OG swimmers should perform well in various conditions:
Shallow Water Structure: Ideal for skimming just below the surface in estuaries and around structures.
Heavy Gear: Larger Swimmers should be calibrated to swim beautifully on heavy gear with heavy leaders to land and release trophy fish quickly.
Rough Conditions: A well-designed swimmer should be able to be fished in both rough and calm conditions, maintaining stability and action even in the choppiest of waters.
Sizes:
OG swimmers come in various sizes to match prevalent baitfish. Historically Finnish stle swimmers have been used to imitate larger baitfish vs the smaller “SP” style versions that are perhaps more common today.
Conclusion
A good classic OG swimmer combines a wide and long profile, effective lip design, through-wire construction, quality materials, and versatile application. Whether fishing in shallow, calm waters or deeper, rough conditions, the classic OG swimmer remains a reliable choice for targeting predatory fish.
