Which BBZ-1 size should I choose?

The 5 inch (24 g) casts on light gear and goes after perch, pike, zander and black bass. The 6 inch (59 g) sits between the two. The 8 inch (about 140 g) is made for big pike, with a proper big bait rod.

Floating, slow sinking or fast sinking, which one should I get?

It all depends on the depth you want to work. The floating one stays up high, the fast sinking one drops quickly. The slow sinking one drops about 30 cm in 2 seconds, and it's the one on this page.

Which rod should I use for the BBZ-1?

For the 5 inch, light gear is enough. The 8 inch calls for a proper big bait rod, for example a 50 to 150 g casting rod. The 6 inch sits in between.

Why does the BBZ-1 have such a reputation for pike?

It swims perfectly, even slowly, with a flag-style action. The 8 inch is one of the very first hard big baits used for pike, with thousands of big fish to its name.

SPRO BBZ-1 Slow Sinking: jointed swimbait for pike

Our take

The SPRO BBZ-1 is a true swimbait classic for pike. It swims beautifully, even at low speed, and it's super effective! We carry it in all three sizes, from 5" to 8".

At a glance

5" (12 cm): 24 g, the little brother of the range (Swimbait 50)
6" (15.2 cm): 59 g
8" (20 cm): about 140 g

Action: slow sinking, drops about 30 cm in 2 seconds
Jointed body in 3 sections, flag-type swimming action
Hooks: 2 Gamakatsu treble hooks
Realistic swimming action and realistic finish
UV colours to match water clarity
Bill Siemantel signature model

Three sizes, one flag-style swimming action

Three sizes for every predator

The 5" (12 cm, 24 g) is the little brother of the range, also known as the Swimbait 50. It keeps the DNA of its bigger siblings, with a realistic profile and a natural swimming action. Easy to cast on light gear, it goes after perch, pike, zander and black bass. It's the swimbait for prospecting any water.

The 6" (15.2 cm, 59 g) carries the signature of Bill Siemantel, a world-renowned swimbait expert. A bit more compact than the original BBZ-A Trout, it is built on the same principles. The 8" (20 cm) is back. It's one of the very first hard big baits used for pike, with thousands of big fish to its name, and its action hasn't lost a thing.

Slow sinking: how to fish it

The BBZ-1 comes in three actions, so you can pick the one that fits the depth you want to work.

Floating, to fish close to the surface
Slow sinking, which drops gently (30 cm in 2 seconds)
Fast sinking, to go deeper

Here we're talking about the slow sinking. You can let it drop a little, then retrieve it slowly. It swims perfectly at low speed, with that flag-style action along its 3 sections. Small tip: a sharp jerk at the start, then one or two more during the retrieve, make it turn 180 degrees and draw in followers.

Its 2 Gamakatsu trebles are solid. The hookset is efficient and you don't lose the fish during the fight. The UV colours let you match water clarity. On the other hand, it sinks, even if slowly. To fish just under the surface, the floating version will suit better. The 8" also calls for proper big bait gear, like a 50 to 150 g casting rod.