The Hunt For Big Fish with Larry Dahlberg

I made my first prototypes of a 5" swimbait based on a Mr. Wiggley, however I want mine to be rigged on a 1/8 jig head. I'm having trouble getting the swimming action out of it when I burner it back, I can impart a decent action when I jig it up and down on a slow retrieve. I really want that "wiggley" side to side action in my final lure. Does anyone have any tips or advice for making this type of bait? I.E. softener ratio, lure design, size or thickness? Any info will be much appreciated. Thank you.

There are so many variables it's impossible to say for sure. The first few things to mess with: Will it swim properly without the jig head? Experiment with the length of the jig hook. If the "stiff" area, i.e., area where the jig and hook is embedded in the lure, is too long the tail won't wiggle.
make tail, or rear of lure thinner. Taper lure more steeply. Make material softer. Cut slots in sides.
good luck,
keep trying!
best
L

Thanks for the info Larry. Ill try those modifications and see what comes of it.