Ep. 8: Gary Reyes of Reyes Swimbaits on Custom Baits & Big Calico

Guest: Gary Reyes (Reyes Swimbaits)

Hosts: Daniel Dahlin ([FISH]rx), El Charly, Luke Dean (Bait Slingers / Artemis Charters)

Episode 8, recorded live on February 28, 2023, is where several key ideas on the show first took shape. Gary Reyes breaks down the fast-wind technique for big calico, weedless swimbait fishing in the kelp, and how color design influences what fish actually see underwater.

In This Episode

• Fast-wind technique — burning the bait with the rod tip high to trigger strikes on the rise
• Weedless big swimbaits — accessing kelp structure with single-hook setups
• Color theory for baits — contrast and light refraction influencing visibility underwater
• 3D printed mold process — faster iteration and more detailed bait design
• Bait versatility — fishing multiple brands based on application, not loyalty
• Trout patterns for calico — large, high-calorie profiles triggering bigger fish

Where the Fast-Wind Technique Started

This episode marks the first detailed breakdown of the fast-wind technique. Instead of slow-rolling through structure, Gary’s approach is to burn the bait and let it rise toward the end of the retrieve.

The strike happens when the bait changes direction — mimicking a baitfish trying to escape. That moment forces the fish to commit.

This concept gets expanded further in Episode 29, where the technique is refined and broken down in more detail.

Fishing the Water Others Avoid

The weedless swimbait setup changes where you can fish. Instead of avoiding kelp and heavy structure, this approach lets you cast directly into those zones where bigger fish hold.

There’s a trade-off — fewer bites overall — but the quality of fish increases. It’s a shift from numbers to targeting larger, less pressured fish.

This aligns with how calico position in structure-heavy environments. The calico bass guide expands on how and why fish hold in these areas.

Why Color Matters Underwater

Gary’s color approach comes from a design background. Instead of focusing only on matching baitfish, he considers how colors interact with light underwater — which colors absorb, reflect, or contrast at depth.

This results in high-contrast, visible baits that stand out in different water conditions. It’s a different way to think about color — not just what looks realistic, but what the fish can actually see.

Why This Episode Matters

This episode matters because it introduces several core ideas that show up throughout the series: speed as a trigger, structure as the key to bigger fish, and color as a functional tool.

For SoCal anglers, this is a starting point for understanding how small changes in presentation and positioning can lead to significantly better results.

Watch the full episode on the Time On The Water YouTube channel. New episodes every Tuesday at 6 PM.

Note: This episode was originally recorded as part of Is This Mandatory, the show that became Time On The Water. Daniel was fishing and building baits under the name Dahlin Baits at the time — the brand is now [FISH]rx.