Lure of the Month: American BaitWorks, NanoSwim
by Terry Madewell
The key to Crappie fishing success can be as simple as having a lure that can be fished in multiple ways and is productive on different targets. The ability to meet various conditions is crucial during the summer, when several fishing options may be productive on a given lake.
Not having to change lures or re-rig because the specific targets change is an advantage.
American BaitWorks entered the crappie-fishing market last year with a line of baits covering several scenarios. One specific lure has distinguished itself from other baits because its profile makes crappie want to eat it in multiple scenarios.
This lure is the American BaitWorks NanoSwim, a 2-inch soft plastic bait, and it has been selected as the July 2025 CrappieNOW Lure of the Month.
Jason Sealock, an angler and fishing educator for more than a quarter century, has fished the NanoSwim in multiple crappie fishing scenarios since its release. He said the lure’s effectiveness covers most crappie fishing situations, but that’s only part of the promise; the NanoSwim’s profile has proven to be highly productive for catching crappie during summer conditions, sealing the deal.
“The lure is effective year-round, but its profile blends perfectly with summertime fishing patterns,” Sealock said. “Patterns vary even on a single lake but certainly across the crappie’s national range. I want a lure that allows me to fish different types of targets without having to continuously re-rig. The NanoSwim does this effectively.”
Sealock said the NanoSwim’s basic profile features a shad body with a wedge tail, providing a subtle, tight-pitched, and unique swimming action. Sealock said the NanoSwim is a highly effective cast-and-retrieve lure and ideal for forward-facing sonar use.
“The American BaitWorks scent attractant, ‘Baitfuel,’ is built into every lure, so no scent additive is required,” he said. “Plus, the flat sides of the lure enhance returns when using forward-facing sonar.
“It’s effective when retrieved over large targets such as fish attractors and large brush piles, common crappie locations during the summer,” he said. “I often find crappie loosely congregated in a general area during the summer. The cast and retrieve attraction of this lure excels in this situation, enabling me to cover a lot of water quickly and effectively.”
Sealock said the lure skips exceptionally well on the water, making it ideal for fishing docks. It has the right amount of elasticity to load up and shoot docks without being difficult to rig.
“Working the summer shade offered by docks can be a game-changer, so it’s a tactic in my arsenal,” he said. “The wedge tail doesn’t catch water, so accuracy isn’t impaired, and the NanoSwim has built-in elasticity, making it practical and durable for fishing docks. But the elasticity isn’t taken too far, where rigging can be a chore.
“The lure is ideal for slow trolling because the action remains excellent at slow speeds,” he said. “The year-round versatility is enhanced via the ability to fish the lure in the shallow water under a float during spring, or any season when crappies move shallow.”
Sealock pairs the NanoSwim with Crappie Magnet’s Double Cross Jig Heads, providing an ideal bait-holding companion. These jigheads are available in various sizes to suit different fishing scenarios.
The NanoSwim is available in 10 color patterns, with a generous 18 lures per package.
As crappie fishermen, we’ll do anything reasonable to catch our targeted species. So, when a specific lure simplifies the process with a profile ensuring crappie-catching productivity, anglers are in for a treat, perhaps a winner-winner crappie for dinner feast.
Terry Madewell of Ridgeway, S.C., has been an outdoor communicator for nearly 50 years. He holds a degree in Wildlife and Fisheries Management and has a long career as a professional wildlife biologist/natural resources manager. He is passionate about sharing outdoor adventures with others.
