Conclusion

While it is certainly true that swimbaits are just plain fishy lures, whether or not they will work at other lakes and under other conditions is probably for the most part dependant on whether there is some type of forage in the body of water that is of the approximate size and shape of the swimbait.  I think they are effective bluegill imitators, and I know that they represent a golden shiner to a tee, but if you're throwing a 5 inch bait to a fish that's keyed in on 2 inch threadfin shad they probably aren't going to be very interested.  But if you've got some shiners, small bluegill, or perhaps even some perch in your home lake, it might be time to call out to California, hop on the Internet, or somehow get your hands on some of these unassuming fish catchers!