Paddle tail swimbaits are versatile lures that can be effective in a variety of fishing conditions and situations. Here are some appropriate conditions or situations for using a paddle tail swimbait based on the video context provided:

1. Warmer Months: During the spring through fall, when the water temperatures are higher, bass are more active and likely to respond to a faster retrieve. You can use a paddle tail swimbait to target these active fish, especially along weed lines. A faster retrieve that keeps the swimbait just below or breaking the surface can provoke reaction strikes from bass.

2. Early Morning: In the early morning, particularly if the sun is hitting the water's surface and bass are targeting topwater lures, a paddle tail swimbait can be a more subtle alternative to buzzbaits to keep the topwater bite going.

3. When Fish are Bottom Feeding: If you know that bass are feeding on bottom-dwelling prey like gobies, sculpin, or crawdads, a paddle tail swimbait can be effective. Letting the swimbait sit on the bottom and then slowly crawling it to mimic these prey types can be particularly successful in colder months when crawfish are hibernating.

4. Clear Water Conditions: Paddle tail swimbaits are excellent choices in clear water environments because they provide a natural look and movement. They can be used in place of spinnerbaits or crankbaits, especially when there's a good wind blowing onto a bank, which can make the swimbait appear even more natural to bass.

5. Deep Water Fishing: In the summer, when bass are deep and chasing shad, paddle tail swimbaits can be effective for targeting schooling bass. Using electronics to locate the schools and then choosing a compact, heavyweight swimbait can trigger reaction bites. The weight of the jig head can vary depending on the depth and desired retrieve speed.

6. Versatile Fishing: Paddle tail swimbaits are not only effective for bass but can also catch a variety of species. They're a good all-around lure to have, especially in the spring.

Remember to match your tackle to the conditions. A medium-heavy rod with a lighter action tip can be ideal for casting these lighter swimbaits and for detecting bites. Line choice can vary from heavier fluorocarbon to braid, depending on the cover and clarity of the water.

In summary, paddle tail swimbaits are a go-to lure for many situations. Whether you're targeting bass near the surface, along the bottom, in clear water, or deep water, there's a paddle tail swimbait presentation that can be effective. Adjust your retrieve speed, weight of the jig head, and tackle setup to suit the specific conditions you're fishing in.