Swimbait Republic Glideway 176 test & review

SWIMBAIT REPUBLIC GLIDEWAY 176

If something gained popularity, and it’s not just a trend, it’s fishing with swimbaits. Both hardbaits and softbaits but also hybrids that combine the best of both worlds. Swimbaits come in various sizes and shapes, but also different price ranges. Some products are commercial, and some are thought out very well. View here: Swimbait Republic Glideway 176

In this article we are taking a little dive into the Glideway 176 from Swimbait Republic. A brand which is not really known amongst everyone who likes to fish for pike and zander, but mostly known amongst Bass fisherman. Swimbait Republic is a Spanish brand which is simply focussed on high quality swimbaits.

As the name reveals the Swimbait Republic Glideway 176 is 17,6cm’s in length, weights 80 grams and is equipped with strong BKK hooks.

But what makes the this swimbait unique to others?

It’s the balance and action. It’s super versatile yet super easy to adjust. Making it a great allrounder for many predatory species.

Straight out the package the Glideway 176 is not rigged yet. You only have to attach the hooks to it’s body and you are ready to fish.

Weight
The Swimbait Republic Glideway 176 has 2 cavity’s on the downside of it’s body. Straight out of the package this swimbait is a floating model. But once you add one of the included weights into the cavity, you change the action from floating to suspending. And that’s where the magic happens: The bait suspends perfectly, mimicking a fish that’s just hanging around. This can create a superb hanging time which convinces a lot of fish into a strike. The balance on this bait is so good, something Swimbait Republic put a lot of time and effort in.

If you want to have a sinking bait you can easily add another weight and your lure slowly sinks. This way you can vary with different water depths.

Fish it above the weeds? Possbile!

Fish it half way and let it hang? Possible!

Fish it deeper and let it sink down on a stop? Possible!

If you want to change back to floating, you can grab one of the trebles and eaisly get the weight out. You can also add and purchase extra stickers weight separately. 

Action
Not only is the weight adjustment something which makes this bait very versatile, it’s the action!

Steady retrieved: The Glideway 176 has a beautiful S-curve which is also present with a very slow and very fast retrieve. It just always swims very naturally.

Spin and stop: If you make a few spins on your reel the swimbait makes a perfect S-curve, when you abruptly stop the bait it shoots out in one direction. By simply waiting and giving it a little hangtime you can create the perfect strike moment for fish that were already following, or fish that law deeper to shoot up and grab the bait.

Jerks and twitchs: You can vary in jerks and twitches and the speed you do this. You can create aggresive attacks during summer or create more time for an attack when the fish is slow, for example during winter.

Tail
Last but not least! The tail is adjustable and every swimbait comes with a standard tail and an extra tail in a different color. Great to adjust to the color of water you are fishing, or just to try out something you’d prefer!

You can also add different colours tails: shop here

Our opinion
Swimbait Republic really made a beautiful and versatile lure which is really tested through and thought out very well. The design is chique, yet minimal and very attractive to predatory species. The colorworks are really need and work great on all types of water. The weight design is just something which makes this bait unique and unlike others. It’s like having a 3-in-one lure. This bait is gaining popularity amongst many predatory anglers and we are very happy to have them in the shop but also in our tacklebox for our next adventures.

Pro’s: Versatility, weight system, high quality on everything (hooks, rings, tail, colorworks, material and finish)

Con’s: Actually nothing, but if you are new or just into fishing and get snagged easily this bait might be turn out expensive.

Shop here: Swimbait Republic