When the team at Baitsanity first showed me the prototype GX 2.0 tail I got really excited. This design adds significant length to the design and features three soft segments to create even more displacement in the water, while further influencing the bait's gliding action.

Putting the Explorer Gen 2 with the Hatch Match Tail to work. During the warmer months the extra thumping action of the paddle style tail was the ticket

With the Hatch Match GX 2.0 tail snapped into place the Explorer looks like a completely different bait. The tail section looks long but also quivers with even the slightest action imparted on the bait. This also extends the bait's original 9" length to a massive 10.8" inches. As with the original Hatch Match tails there are options that perfectly match all of the new patterns, including the matte Raw and a new exclusive Tackle Warehouse Steelhead pattern, which is the probably most realistic looking trout patterned Explorer to date.

The Explorer Gen 2 with the Hatch Match GX 2.0 delivers the widest glide yet with this bait

Though the long bait may look a little odd outside of the water it really comes to life underwater.

Equipping the Hatch Match GX 2.0 tail breathes new life into the Explorer's low speed retrieves. In this configuration the bait is easier to glide in bursts than ever before and the soft PVC tail will deliver a secondary thump that looks like a frantic tail kick. The bait really comes to life when twitched on slack line, or retrieved in quick power bursts.

Baitsanity has also released new ultra-thick TPU lure wraps that can easily accommodate the Explorer fully equipped with the GX 2.0 tail

When fishing the Explorer Gen 2 and GX 2.0 tail combo I found that fish really reacted to the altered action. They would follow the bait and strike it on the latter part of the glide, or sometimes completely surprise me by railing the bait during the pause.

Over time I found the best way to impart maximum gliding action was to remove the split ring and tie my line directly to the bait itself. This enables the most instant and snappy action when twitched, creating the widest glides, and generating that unique follow-up tail thumping action.    

Each of the Baitsanity tails not only changes the look of the bait but the action and fishing style. Don't be afraid to get creative and mix up those retrieves and find the combination that the fish react to most

Price and Applications: Baitsanity has continued to improve and add new functionality to their Explorer Glidebait with the new BaitConnect equipped Gen 2 models. The Hatch Match tail gives the bait a different profile and hard paddle tail thumping action, while the GX 2.0 basically transforms the bait into a completely different ultra-wide glide. I enjoyed a lot of success over the last season with the new tail design, not only because it allowed for differentiated presentations, but also because the ultra wide gliding action helped me keep the bait in productive strike zones longer.

Cal fished a Ghost Explorer Gen 2 all season on the Delta and decided that the bait needed a little extra flair...

In terms of build quality the latest crop of Explorer baits feature improved overall finishes, and the rubber fins seem to stay attached to the baits better. Patterns like the Carp, Kokanee, and Shad exhibit photo realistic wrap style finishes that match the hatch but interestingly the colors that have actually produced the best for have been the white Ghost and matte Raw patterns. There are certain times that a light colored swimbait just gets it done, and especially when targeting both bass and stripers. Of course if there isn't a pattern that quite fits your needs these white patterns are also easy to paint, like Cal did on his white bait, if you are feeling adventurous with an airbrush or rattle can.

...so he custom painted the bait. The Ghost and Raw patterns are great patterns to select should you desire to unleash your inner-artist and pick up an airbrush or rattle can

With the new patterns and flexibility of all the Hatch Match tail options the Explorer is more than just a glide bait, but rather a more complete glide arsenal, that can be configured and deployed to match what your local fish are most likely to key in on. With all of these improvements it is impressive that Baitsanity continues to offer the Explorer Gen 2 at the same $69.99 price as the original.