I have started using swimbaits here in Texas, mainly on Lake Austin. I'm predominently a big jig (one oz and over) fisherman, flipping the hydrilla, with 65lb test Lynch line and Oldham jigs. I have three over 10lb and one just under 13lb in the last couple years. Since surfing this site for a while now i've started trying some of the ideas you guys are have success with. I have been throwing an 8inch Huddleston trout, ROF5, on an old Team Daiwa 7-6inch flipping stick with 30lb braid. My first time out throwing the bait a couple months ago, I had a big follower on about the third cast. Did not see the fish, only the shadow. About three casts later, i had a 5lb fish hit the bait about 15 feet in front of me. Saw the whole thing. The fish attacked the bait and kind of rolled over on it, I was able to wait until i knew she had the treble before setting the hook. Today, similar thing, about 15 feet from the boat i had a 10lb plus fish roll over the bait, right at the boat. Thought i waited long enough to sweep the hookset, but ended up pulling the bait away.

Do you guys set the hook like a topwater bait,,,,only after you feel a pull? Or kind of like a crankbait and just keep constant pressure, trying to work the hooks in. I get some crazy looks from other boats around here when that swimbait splashes down!!

First off... 8" huddleston on 30 lb braid... ARE YOU INSANE!!! Then again... I don't trust braid of any size :)

Hook sets... Obviously the fish has to get the bait in it's mouth before you stick them. It sounds like your fish aren't eating it very well. With big rubber baits especially, the fish really needs to fully inhale it to get a solid hook set. Once they do have it in their mouth set hard. It takes some power to move the bait towards the front of the fish's mouth and the hooks to sink in. A greasy scent helps here.

For the most part it sounds like you just need more aggressive fish than anything. When they suck the bait down their throat things work out more smoothly.

Ditto on the 30lb braid ... I would swap that for 25 mono for sure, or if you really feel the need to use braid, 65 or 80lb braid. 30lb braid is just frightening x(

The Huddleston definitely gets bit, but I have heard a lot of stories of missed and lost fish, and I don't know why that is... each bait has it's own characteristics that can affect how the fish eat it, so maybe they just go after the Huddleston a certain way that can lead to them not getting hooked, I don't know. I'm hoping to get the ROF 5 tomorrow so we'll see how it goes. I caught one 9lber on the ROF 16 on a bed and it stayed hooked.

OK OK, i'm off the braid. Will be respooling with the mono. I'm definitely convinced that this bait will catch big fish here. The lake i'm fishing has no trout, never has. Water temp has always been too high to support stocking. I'll also try the Megastrike to see if that helps.

Hey Alan, im from texas too. When you get that big one dont go around braggin' we gotta keep all of these texas fisherman away from throwing swimbaits. Its my secret weapon.;) ;) ;)