Sebile Magic Swimmer 228: the giant swimbait for trolling catfish

Trolling the Magic Swimmer is one of the most effective ways to cover a big lake in search of a catfish without knowing exactly where it's holding. This lipless jointed swimbait built its reputation offshore on tuna and bass, but its 228 mm fast-sinking size has found a very serious second life on freshwater catfish.

Three versions, one choice that actually matters

The Magic Swimmer comes in floating, sinking, and fast sinking. For catfish trolling, the fast sinking version is by far the most used: it lets you drop to the target depth quickly and hold it there even at low boat speed — something the floating or lightly sinking versions struggle with on a slow troll. Save those other two for casting near the surface over shallow water.

How the jointed body generates its swim

The Magic Swimmer has no lip — it's the shape of the body itself, jointed in three sections, that generates the undulation. The slightly humped nose slices the water and creates alternating turbulence on each side, which sets the whole body in motion even at very low trolling speed. That lets this lure stay believable well below the minimum speed a lipped crankbait needs — a real edge in winter or cold water, when catfish won't chase down a fast-moving meal.

Rigging: planer board or drift

Two approaches dominate for this XXL size:

• A weighted planer board, run in-line off the main line with enough weight to hold the lure at target depth while the boat moves slowly. This is the most effective way to cover a large volume of water.
• A slip-float drift rig, letting the Magic Swimmer work open water while the boat drifts with the wind or current — a quieter approach, often productive once motorised trolling has already been worked hard on a spot.

Either way, check the stock trebles: on a fish that can top 1.5 m, they're often the weak link in the rig. Many catfish anglers swap them for reinforced trebles or strong singles rigged in tandem.

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Trolling gear for catfish

This isn't a casting technique, and the gear reflects that:

• Rod: a dedicated trolling rod or a heavy-power 2.10-2.40 m rod with a soft-enough action to absorb sudden lunges without breaking on the hookset.
• Reel: a robust casting or heavy spinning reel that holds strong braid over a long line-out distance.
• Line: 40-60 lb braid paired with a strong fluorocarbon or coated leader (roughly 80-110 lb).
• A solid rod holder on the boat: the drag of a 228 mm Magic Swimmer at trolling speed creates constant tension you don't want to hand-hold for hours.

On this kind of trolling, boat speed matters more than colour choice. Find the speed at which the lure swims best first, then fine-tune the colour.

Colour by light

• Daytime, clear water: natural roach or bream tones, to stay believable against a fish with time to look it over.
• Night or stained water: black or purple, silhouettes that stand out clearly against low ambient light — contrast carries further than realism here.

The Magic Swimmer 228 isn't the only big bait that trolls up catfish: the Sandra 23cm from Delalande covers a slower, closer-to-bottom approach on a jighead rather than a straight troll. The two complement each other well depending on whether you're hunting fish in open water or holding near bottom.

Knowing which stretch to troll before the boat even goes in is exactly what CarnaFish helps with: a photo of the lake and its banks, and the AI points you toward the most likely areas for the season and the day's conditions.

For the full strategy — spots, timing, rigs — see our complete catfish lure guide.

FAQ

Which Magic Swimmer version should I use for catfish?

The fast sinking (FS) 228mm version, best suited to open-water trolling. The floating and sinking versions work better for surface or near-surface casting.

Do I need a planer board to fish the Magic Swimmer for catfish?

Not strictly required, but strongly recommended for trolling: a weighted planer board holds the lure at a constant depth as the boat moves, far more effective than casting on such a large volume of water.

What trolling speed should I use with the Magic Swimmer 228?

Slow to medium, and above all constant. The jointed body stays active even at very low speed, making it a good cold-water choice when catfish won't chase a fast-moving bait.

What gear do I need for trolling catfish with this lure?

A heavy 2.10-2.40 m rod with a soft action, 40-60 lb braid, and a strong fluorocarbon or coated leader around 80-110 lb. A solid rod holder on the boat is essential for this kind of extended fishing.

Can I cast the Magic Swimmer 228 instead of trolling it?

Yes, especially in floating or sinking trim over shallow water, but the fast-sinking 228 really shines trolled or drifted, where its ability to get down quickly is a real advantage.

What colour should I use at night for catfish?

Black or purple: these dark silhouettes stand out clearly against low ambient light and carry contrast further than natural tones, which suit daytime clear-water fishing better.