I was wondering if anyone likes to fish these baits here in Texas. I was thinking the other day and realized I had never really fished a large (over 6 inch) Swim bait so I wanted some feedback before I purchased. This bait has the thumper tail and judging from vids Ive seen I think it'll work ok. Who here uses huds in Texas? Any nice fish pics? And no Mr. Long, I'm not talking to you, haha.

No....

Seems like it's mostly a California thing.

Not really....there is a swimbait only store at Fork plus tackle shops are selling the big baits like crazy. It's pretty nationwide at this point.

Kinda of expensive bait for this application but go throw that big thing on the Brazos in the dam tail race below PK especially when they are releasing above minimum(which they have been doing for a long time now) in a shad color. Big stripers love them. Switch to rainbow trout color in the winter when the state is stocking rainbow trout below the dam. Bass fishing? It certainly works but takes a certain mind set or dedication. I�m sure some will argue but it�s not a numbers game once you move up in bait sizes. I invested a little in them but my attention deficit disorder usually gets in the way with being completely committed. FYI: the firefighter/fisherman above^^^ makes (or at least used to make) some nice mid-sized swimbaits with good quality, action and price I had purchased at Anglers Pro Tackle in N. Richland Hills.

I may have to stop by and check those swimbaits out....

We used to throw 12 inch long AC plugs back the late 80's at Fork and clobber them! If you know you're around big fish NEVER be afraid to throw a big bait!

I know Triton Mike Bucca, and use his Bll Shad for big swimbaits. WORKS VERY WELL on bigger fish. He has some videos to watch if interested. Hope this helps. Tight lines, keep safe and good luck.

Thad Rains

Before Lake Monticello closed down the plant, there were a couple of guides that were throwing big swim baits with clients and had some exciting videos posted,..
don't hear much about big swim baits at Fork, but they throw lots of 5-6 inch ones...

Try and find content called "Southern Trout Eaters". Cant remember the guys name in the video but he opened my eyes to the swimbait scene. Good stuff. Have a 68 Hud tied on my swimbait rod all the time.

You have to have a different mindset when throwing the bigger baits. You're not trying to catch a fish, you're trying to catch the biggest fish. That's not to say they are never numbers baits - I've had several 20+ fish days throwing swimbaits. But to be honest, you are probably going to zero more often than not. But if you are willing to put in the time and not get frustrated, you can catch the fish of a lifetime.

You can definitely get bit on the Hud here in Texas. My best days have been SLOW rolling it on the bottom. I always tell people new to the big bait craze, stick to 3 baits to start out with. For soft plastics a bait like the ones Mark Perry pours or the big 6.8 Keitech get crushed. As Thad mentioned, the Bull Shad is a must. It's most effective burning it like a spinnerbait. Finally a glide bait like the River2Sea S-Waver 168. The Tactical Bassin' guys have some of the best info and technique videos out there.

Another under utilized use for these baits is as a locator. These baits generate a lot of followers. I know a lot of tournament guys throw the biggest bait they have first thing to locate some fish. Then switch to the more conventional tackle

Once you gain confidence, the sky's the limit on big baits from $20 to several hundred dollars. I am on the very lower end lol.

I�ve thrown many a large swimbait and the Hudd is probably on the bottom of my list. Very little action compared to others.

Big swim baits were/are the ticket on Athens...

What are the top if hyds are not for soft plastic?