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The Keitech Swing Impact FAT is a soft plastic swimbait that has gained immense popularity among anglers for its versatility, lifelike action, and effectiveness in attracting a wide range of fish species. Whether you’re targeting bass, perch, or even larger predators like pike or zander, this lure has earned a reputation as a go-to lure. In this review, we’ll explore the features, performance, and overall value of the Keitech Swing Impact FAT lure.
Design and Build Quality
Size and Shape
The Keitech Swing Impact FAT comes in various sizes, ranging from 2.8 inches to 5.8 inches, making it adaptable to different fishing scenarios and target species. The “FAT” in its name refers to the lure’s thick, robust body, which gives it a substantial profile in the water. This body shape not only makes the lure look more like a real baitfish but also helps it displace more water, adding to its overall effectiveness. Experimenting with sizes and colours have caught me a few good fish recently.
Material and Durability
Keitech is known for its high-quality materials, and the Swing Impact FAT is no exception. The lure is made from a dual-injection process that uses two different densities of plastic. The body is heavily salted, giving it weight and a natural feel that is said the fish tend to hold onto longer after biting. Despite its softness, which is essential for creating lifelike action, the lure is durable and can withstand multiple strikes before needing to be replaced.
Tail Design
One of the standout features of the Keitech Swing Impact FAT is its boot-shaped paddle tail. This tail is designed to produce a wide, rolling action, even at slow retrieve speeds. The tail’s large surface area creates significant vibration and movement in the water, which is crucial for attracting fish, especially in low-visibility conditions. The tail’s action remains consistent regardless of the speed of retrieval, making it versatile across various fishing techniques.
Performance on the Water
Lifelike Action
The Keitech Swing Impact FAT is renowned for its lifelike swimming action. The combination of its thick body and active paddle tail creates a natural and enticing movement that closely mimics a struggling or fleeing baitfish. This realistic action is one of the main reasons why the lure is so effective in attracting a wide variety of predatory fish.
Versatility Across Species
One of the major strengths of the Swing Impact FAT is its versatility. It can be used to target a wide range of species, including bass, perch and even larger predators like pike and zander. The different sizes available allow anglers to match the hatch, choosing the right size that best mimics the local forage.
Effective in Various Conditions
The Keitech Swing Impact FAT performs well in different water conditions, whether you’re fishing in clear water, stained water, or even in low-light conditions. Its tail action and body profile create enough disturbance and visual appeal to draw in fish, even from a distance. The lure’s effectiveness doesn’t diminish with changes in temperature, making it a reliable choice year-round.
Rigging Options
The Keitech Swing Impact FAT’s design makes it compatible with various rigging techniques, enhancing its versatility even further.
- Jig Head: A simple jig head is perhaps the most common way to rig this lure. It allows the swimbait to swim naturally and is particularly effective for covering different depths.
- Texas Rig: For fishing in heavy cover or vegetation, the Texas rig is a great option. It keeps the lure weedless, allowing you to fish through structure without getting snagged.
- Drop Shot: This finesse technique is ideal when targeting fish that are suspended or when you need to present the lure more subtly.
- Chatterbait Trailer: Adding the Keitech Swing Impact FAT to almost any chatterbait significantly enhances the overall action, vibration, and attractiveness of your setup. The lure’s dynamic paddle tail creates an enticing, lifelike swimming motion, while the added bulk amplifies the chatterbait’s natural vibrations, making it even more irresistible to predatory fish.
Colour Selection
Keitech offers the Swing Impact FAT in a wide range of colours, catering to different fishing environments and preferences. Whether you’re looking to match the hatch with natural colours like “Tennessee Shad” or “Green Pumpkin,” or need something more vibrant like “Chartreuse” for murky water, there’s a colour option for every situation. Personally, I really like the Black option. These can be difficult to get hold of here in the UK as the results speak for themselves.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Lifelike Action: The lure’s realistic movement is one of its biggest strengths, making it highly effective across various species.
- Versatility: Suitable for multiple rigging methods and effective in different water conditions.
- Durability: Despite its softness, the lure holds up well against repeated strikes.
- Wide Range of Sizes and Colours: Allows for precise matching to local baitfish and fishing conditions.
Cons
- Cost: The Keitech Swing Impact FAT is priced higher than some other soft plastics on the market, which might be a consideration for budget-conscious anglers.
- Softness: While the softness of the lure is essential for its action, it can lead to quicker wear, especially after multiple strikes.
- Availability: Some colours are difficult to obtain, so it’s well worth investing in a few packets of lures when they are available.
Conclusion
The Keitech Swing Impact FAT is a top-tier soft plastic swimbait that delivers on all fronts: action, versatility, and effectiveness. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a beginner, this lure is a valuable addition to your tackle box, capable of attracting a wide range of species in various conditions. While it may be slightly more expensive than some other options, its performance on the water justifies the cost. If you’re looking for a reliable, high-performing lure that can consistently help you land more fish, the Keitech Swing Impact FAT is well worth the investment.
