Huddleston Baits 2024
CarolinaBoy4Life reply :
Does anyone here use an Huddleston swimbait's? Was thinking about getting the 6in. version to fish here in North Carolina just wanting some feedback on how you like them and how you rig them? Thank's guys!
SPEEDBEAD. reply :
Swimbaits don't work well at all. I dont know why anyone even throws those. 
Primus reply :
On 6/27/2013 at 2:41 AM, SPEEDBEAD. said:Swimbaits don't work well at all. I dont know why anyone even throws those.
Speed is kidding of course, he is one of the best swimbait throwers on the eastern half of the country. Regarding the Hudd baits I prefer the regular 8" bait over the regular 6". If you choose to go that route you will need a big boy rod to throw it such as a Dobyn's 867 or Low Down Custom rod with a large reel such as a Shimano 301 Curado spooled with 20-25 lb line. Look up Butch Brown rigging if you are using the ROF 5 (sinks 5' over a 10 second span ). Some will use heavy mono or braid line instead of the wire material if you don't want to get crimps and all that right away. The ROF 12 ( sinks app 12' every 10 seconds ) is great for fishing faster or deeper, it does come with a jig hook. Some fish it as is but many cut the jig hook off and do their own version of the Butch Brown style rigging method to lower the odds of the fish throwing the bait.
For the smaller size I prefer the 68 model which is the 6" Hudd profile with the tail from the 8" bait to move more water. Regarding rods you can probably start with a flipping stick if need be but a Dobyn's 795 will work well for baits in this size range. Both 68 models have the jig hook.
Other soft swimbaits that I like would include the Real Prey Alewife ( very durable ), 7" Rago BVD , 6" River to Sea, Matt lures tournament series and 316 Rising Sons are also highly regarded. Don't be afraid to add nail weights to some of these if necessary to get the action you want.
Bluebasser86 reply :
The 6" weedless Hudd is a great bait that I love pulling through weeds. Haven't ever tried the 8" but I've heard it swims even better and it catches big fish. The little 4" weedless shad is an amazing little fish catcher too.
Comfortably Numb reply :
6" weedless or 68 special are good starters. 8" is a bit intimidating and as said needs more stout gear. I prefer ROF 12. Perch works great in northern lakes and Rainbow trout works anywhere.
J Francho reply :
QuoteFor the smaller size I prefer the 68 model which is the 6" Hudd profile with the tail from the 8" bait to move more water
This is my Hudd of choice, here in NY. I use a custom rod built off the same blank as the Saint Croix LTBC79HF "Swimbait" rod, with a Calcutta and 20# CXX.
CarolinaBoy4Life reply :
Thank's for all the info guy's. The only rod I have now that I even think would handle the huddleston 6in. is a 7'6 H Carbonlite with a Daiwa Millionare S Reel. I bought it for a first swimbait setup would that be decent to start off with?
00 mod reply :
I throw the 68's as well. They weigh a bit over the 2 oz rating on the carbonlite, but I will tell you that it will work. Start with that since you already have it and see how deep you want to get into the swimbait addiction. Oh, I mean these bait don't work. 
Jeff
A-Jay reply :
From the other night ~ The "68" is good.
A-Jay
Jrob78 reply :
The 68 is awesome. It's big enough to be considered a big bait but small enough that it isn't overwhelming if you're just starting out. They are releasing them pretty regularly now too. I really like the new "blueback herring" color. I'm ready for the weedless 68's.
CarolinaBoy4Life reply :
Yeah I like the size and look of that 68. What kinda setup do you throw it on? Line?
A-Jay reply :
I use the Shimano Calcutta 300D filled with 20lb big game mono mounted on an Okuma swimbait rod.
A-Jay
GoneFishi'n reply :
I use an Okuma Guide Select Heavy 7'11" and a Lews Speed Spool. I would not recommend using a reel like I am because it strips the gears and just blows the reel out fishing 8" huddlestons and basically anything 2oz and up. A Shimano Cardiff 300 and the Okuma rod is the best set up for your first swimbait set up. I also prefer the 8" over the 6" because you get a bigger tail thump and a much bigger profile even though its 2" bigger then the 6".. I'm getting a 68 soon and I think I will like it more then the 8". All of my 6" weedless Hudlestons tore straight out the harnesses. I'm glad Ken pulled them off the shelfs because the hook up ratio was not the good at all. He is revdoing the though so hopefully I can get my hands on them when he does.
Comfortably Numb reply :
Lob cast work well with these baits.
mikeeasttn reply :
I throw the 68 on a heavy bass rod with 15# P-Line CXX to a med heavy Shimano Swimbait rod with 20# CXX. The heavy bass rod with 15# line is really a little light but will work.
SPEEDBEAD. reply :
Low Down Custom 8' H and 8'6" H Production rods, also have a custom Loomis wrapped by a fella on here named Alpster.
Lexa, Curado and Cardiff all get used.
CarolinaBoy4Life reply :
Well I'm gonna have to get a swimbait specific rod it sound's like. Maybe the Okuma Guide Big Bait's rod is what I'm looking at for a starter. Pair it with a Daiwa Mill. S to start off and learn with.
SPEEDBEAD. reply :
On 6/27/2013 at 10:56 PM, CarolinaBoy4Life said:Well I'm gonna have to get a swimbait specific rod it sound's like. Maybe the Okuma Guide Big Bait's rod is what I'm looking at for a starter. Pair it with a Daiwa Mill. S to start off and learn with.
That combo will suit you just fine.
I started off with two different Okuma rods and they served me well. My regular fishing buddy now has my 7'6" H and it still performs flawlessly. It's less sensitive than the custom rods but it is a very serviceable swimbait stick.
CarolinaBoy4Life reply :
What about the reel? I see on *** the Okuma Millionaire S reel. It's cheap but it has some good reviews.
SPEEDBEAD. reply :
I know a guy that throws BIG stuff with a Millionaire S. He likes it, speaks very highly of it and catches some really good fish.
I think the reel should do fine for you. The 7'6" H Okuma is what I would recommend.
Diggy reply :
On 6/27/2013 at 11:00 PM, SPEEDBEAD. said:That combo will suit you just fine.
I started off with two different Okuma rods and they served me well. My regular fishing buddy now has my 7'6" H and it still performs flawlessly. It's less sensitive than the custom rods but it is a very serviceable swimbait stick.
How sensitive of a rod would you need for this? I would imagine the feel would be noticeable of a fish that big on a moving bait. Im asking not sharing a sarcastic opinion. Do they take them subtly at times or is it hard to tell 5oz from 5lbs 5oz?
SPEEDBEAD. reply :
You'd be surprised how lightly a fish can pick up a soft swimbait dragging slowly across the bottom. A lot of guys have the misconception that every bite is this bone jarring car crash. Quite the opposite.
The other thing is being able to tell weeds from a soft bite, running into a log instead of a bite, being on mud or in rocks. Doesn't necessarily help with bite detection all the time but definitely lets you know if you are where you need to be.
Big baits, big soft baits particularly, are not any different than fishing a jig really. I want to be as connected to what that bait is doing as humanly possible. It instills confidence if I know what is going on when I can't see it.
CarolinaBoy4Life reply :
Thank's for all the info man. I know who to turn to when it come's to swimbait's now! Haha
J Francho reply :
QuoteBig baits, big soft baits particularly, are not any different than fishing a jig really.
Quite possibly the key element to success with big baits.
Comfortably Numb reply :
You dont need a specific rod for the 6". Any heavy rod will work. A MH works fine for me too.
roadwarrior reply :
On 6/27/2013 at 5:39 AM, 00 mod said:I throw the 68's as well. They weigh a bit over the 2 oz rating on the carbonlite, but I will tell you that it will work. Start with that since you already have it and see how deep you want to get into the swimbait addiction. Oh, I mean these bait don't work.
Jeff
Well, I piggy-backed with Jeff on his last order of the heavier version and have one
of his lighter versions that I borrowed several months ago. I have fished the Hudds
approximately 6 hours, two of which were during a strong bite (DD22 & swim jigs).
I have yet to get a single strike.
SPEEDBEAD. reply :
On 6/28/2013 at 12:49 AM, roadwarrior said:Well, I piggy-backed with Jeff on his last order of the heavier version and have one
of his lighter versions that I borrowed several months ago. I have fished the Hudds
approximately 6 hours, two of which were during a strong bite (DD22 & swim jigs).
I have yet to get a single strike.
If you were fishing the Hudd as fast as a DD22 or swim jig, I think you might be doing it wrong.
roadwarrior reply :
Okay...So I need to slowly drag the Hudd on the bottom?
BaconStealer303 reply :
Do you think these big swimbaits would be effective in N. IL waters? Thinking about trying one out
Thanks
J Francho reply :
On 6/28/2013 at 1:24 AM, BaconStealer303 said:Do you think these big swimbaits would be effective in N. IL waters? Thinking about trying one out
Thanks
No, they only work in CA, PA, and NY waters, lol.
I say have at it! Stay dedicated....look at Speed's results.
BaconStealer303 reply :
Thanks for the quick reply haha. Well i might just have to try it out. Sounds fun
Primus reply :
On 6/28/2013 at 1:24 AM, BaconStealer303 said:Do you think these big swimbaits would be effective in N. IL waters? Thinking about trying one out
Thanks
Absolutely, I catch fish on these baits in Michigan it can't be much different. I've caught bass as small as 2-1/2 lbs on an 8" Hudd but the fish are usually at least 3 lbs plus based on my experience with the potential for the fish of a lifetime.
RoachDad reply :
On 6/27/2013 at 2:25 AM, CarolinaBoy4Life said:Does anyone here use an Huddleston swimbait's? Was thinking about getting the 6in. version to fish here in North Carolina just wanting some feedback on how you like them and how you rig them? Thank's guys!
Dude, how big is that fish in your profile picture? It looks enormous.
CarolinaBoy4Life reply :
Honestly didnt have a scale but it was every bit of 9lbs. Caught in Brown's Summit, NC out of a farm pond. It may have been double digit's but I try to stick with the lower end when guessing haha.
SPEEDBEAD. reply :
On 6/28/2013 at 1:24 AM, roadwarrior said:Okay...So I need to slowly drag the Hudd on the bottom?
I know you are good with a jig. Like I said, think of it that way.
If the bass are feeding "down" then dragging with a heavier bait is better. If they are feeding "up" then you should employ a slower sinking bait. Again, these come with the caveat of "typically."
6 hours total and two hours during a hot bite are not enough. How much time have you spent throwing jerkbaits and dragging a splitshot rig with a shiner? Comparatively more I'm sure.
It's just another tool in the box although it is a rather difficult one to get accustomed to.
SPEEDBEAD. reply :
Also, they are not hollow belly swimbaits.
I liken those to spinnerbaits in the manner and location in which I would fish them.
J Francho reply :
Guys, Wayne is spilling the beans here....pay attention!
Crestliner2008 reply :
My 2c.....large, Hudd-type baits produce. However, the time you have to invest into presenting them is disproportionate to the your success ratio. I've tossed 8" Hudds for 8 hours - most times only about 6 hours. I've caught two bass on these. One 4.5 pounds and one that measured 6.1 pounds. I've tossed several other makes of quality swimbaits for long periods of time as well. In my opinion, if a bait cannot produce at least one quality bite in a day of fishing, then I have serious doubts as to it's deserving of a spot in my arsenal.
I give a lot of credit to those aficionados that can maintain a level of confidence to continually toss these large baits. I have no doubt that they are responsible for the largest bites in any fisherman's career. However....is that the level of "fun" you deserve? If it is, more power to you. For me, I'll fish my jigs, crankbaits, stickbaits and topwaters. And I'll have "fun" doing it.
MarkH024 reply :
On 6/28/2013 at 2:46 AM, Crestliner2008 said:My 2c.....large, Hudd-type baits produce. However, the time you have to invest into presenting them is disproportionate to the your success ratio. I've tossed 8" Hudds for 8 hours - most times only about 6 hours. I've caught two bass on these. One 4.5 pounds and one that measured 6.1 pounds. I've tossed several other makes of quality swimbaits for long periods of time as well. In my opinion, if a bait cannot produce at least one quality bite in a day of fishing, then I have serious doubts as to it's deserving of a spot in my arsenal.
I give a lot of credit to those aficionados that can maintain a level of confidence to continually toss these large baits. I have no doubt that they are responsible for the largest bites in any fisherman's career. However....is that the level of "fun" you deserve? If it is, more power to you. For me, I'll fish my jigs, crankbaits, stickbaits and topwaters. And I'll have "fun" doing it.
I think that is a very fair and respectable view of the topic Crestliner. I think of the large swimbaits for bass to be just like fishing for trophy musky. You're not going to get bit every hour...or day perhaps..sometimes weeks. But when you do, it is very rewarding as big baits do attract big fish. So just as you said, if you enjoy it...go for it. If a person rather catch numbers then perhaps this isn't the technique best suited for that fishermen. Great discussion so far, and great information!
00 mod reply :
I caught this one on my 1st cast.
Then the very next morning caught this one.
That being said, they were the only 2 fish caught so far on Hudds. I have chunked them quite a bit since then as well. Both were caught on a 68 slow crawling it on the bottom! I'm putting in the time looking for that monster again!
Jeff
roadwarrior reply :
I'm going to fish the Hudd until I catch a fish. I'll keep a general account of time spent
and then we'll see how big the fish is that's caught. Don't think I'm discouraged, maybe
the real issue is not knowing how to fish the darn thing!
p.s. I have caught a lot of fish on Mattlures Baby Bass. However, none have been close
to a PB, so the time/ reward trade-off just did not seem worth it to me. I have been through
5 or six of the lures and still have one left. Maybe I will try spending a little more time with
that lure, too.
CarolinaBoy4Life reply :
Wow man those are some nice hog's! Just placed an order for an Okuma Guide Series Swimbait rod. Hopefully I'll catch some hog's off it!
gr8outdoorz reply :
On 6/28/2013 at 4:02 AM, roadwarrior said:I'm going to fish the Hudd until I catch a fish. I'll keep a general account of time spent
and then we'll see how big the fish is that's caught. Don't think I'm discouraged, maybe
the real issue is not knowing how to fish the darn thing!
p.s. I have caught a lot of fish on Mattlures Baby Bass. However, none have been close
to a PB, so the time/ reward trade-off just did not seem worth it to me. I have been through
5 or six of the lures and still have one left. Maybe I will try spending a little more time with
that lure, too.
RW,
Throw them out at the civic center. Go to the back corner next to the small bridge. Throw it as far as you can into the deep area and let it sink to the bottom. Then SLOWLY reel it back up that small ledge while hugging the bottom. I have caught 4 good bass out there with Hudds doing that exact retrieve. If you would like, I'll meet you out there Sunday morning & fish them with you.
Carlton
1234567 reply :
Jeff stuck some pigs on the 68 for sure!
The 68 is a small bait but still garners the attention of bigger bass. I throw mine with a Curado 200 E5 and a 7 foot heavy rod and have 0 problems. I guess I'm saying is that you don't need an expensive big rod and big reel for these baits.
GoneFishi'n reply :
For the 6" no, but the 8" yes you do need a powerful reel with gears made for big baits and a big rod. The 6" is a small bait in the swimbait department. I throw a 6" on a duckett heavy action and it performs well with it.On 6/28/2013 at 7:36 AM, 1234567 said:Jeff stuck some pigs on the 68 for sure!
The 68 is a small bait but still garners the attention of bigger bass. I throw mine with a Curado 200 E5 and a 7 foot heavy rod and have 0 problems. I guess I'm saying is that you don't need an expensive big rod and big reel for these baits.
WRB reply :
I agree the 68 ROF 12 is a excellent choice in the smaller pure swimbaits. The 68 isn't easy to come by, the price is in the $20 range. I also would not fool around modifying the 68 or 6" Hudd, it is small enough for 4# + bass to get inside their mouth, as bass usually strike a swimbait by the head.
Every swimbait angler I know start out fishing them too fast. Make a short cast and watch the swimbait closely, it glides through the water with a natural tail swimming action, slow is better than even a moderate retrieve.....slow swimmer catch bigger bass, and that is why you should be fishing a swimbait.
Casting retrieving a swimbait for hours takes a lot of dedication, you may not get any strikes the first few trips.
Fish high % big bass locations; major points, under water islands or humps, larger bait migration routes.
Don't waste your time pounding the bank and hoping to find a big bass.
Swimbait fishing is like worm and jig fishing, slow down.
When you do get a strike, don't panic and rip the rod back too fast, instead reel faster to load up the rod before hook setting. This gives the bass a moment to turn with the swimbait and get a good hold of the head into it's mouth where the hook can make contact into mouth tissue .
The standard 6" ROF 12'is a good swimbait and you fish it exactly the same....slowly, it's not a crankbait!
Your tackle should be OK, a little too fast action, a good swimbait rod will be easier to cast for hours. 20 lb mono like Big Game or similar line cast very well and works good for then 6" or 68 Hudds. Don't over look Little Cripper 6" Trash Fish.
Good luck.
Tom
Mattlures reply :
One more thing to add. Lube your baits. It will increase your hook ups and it will help your baits tare less
roadwarrior reply :
On 6/28/2013 at 4:18 AM, gr8outdoorz said:RW,
Throw them out at the civic center. Go to the back corner next to the small bridge. Throw it as far as you can into the deep area and let it sink to the bottom. Then SLOWLY reel it back up that small ledge while hugging the bottom. I have caught 4 good bass out there with Hudds doing that exact retrieve. If you would like, I'll meet you out there Sunday morning & fish them with you.
Carlton
I will be there!
-Kent
Crestliner2008 reply :
On 6/28/2013 at 4:02 AM, roadwarrior said:I'm going to fish the Hudd until I catch a fish. I'll keep a general account of time spent
and then we'll see how big the fish is that's caught. Don't think I'm discouraged, maybe
the real issue is not knowing how to fish the darn thing!
p.s. I have caught a lot of fish on Mattlures Baby Bass. However, none have been close
to a PB, so the time/ reward trade-off just did not seem worth it to me. I have been through
5 or six of the lures and still have one left. Maybe I will try spending a little more time with
that lure, too.
Byron Velvick has a great swimbait article in this month's (July/Aug) issue of Bassmaster Magazine. A worthwhile read.
roadwarrior reply :
Fished the Hudd exclusively for nearly three hours Sunday morning.
The fish won again, not a touch.
A-Jay reply :
On 7/3/2013 at 1:58 AM, roadwarrior said:Fished the Hudd exclusively for nearly three hours Sunday morning.
The fish won again, not a touch.
So what did you learn Kent ?
A-Jay
Jrob78 reply :
68 Weedless goes on sale Thursday!
roadwarrior reply :
On 7/3/2013 at 4:28 AM, A-Jay said:So what did you learn Kent ?
A-Jay
Well, I'm sorry to report that I just don't like throwing this big bait. Perhaps a more technique specific
rod would help, but I really don't think this is for me. However, I'm going to stick with it until I catch a
fish! Now that I at least know how I am suppose to be retrieving the Hudd, the chances of a strike
have probably increased dramatically.
A-Jay reply :
On 7/3/2013 at 10:51 PM, roadwarrior said:Well, I'm sorry to report that I just don't like throwing this big bait. Perhaps a more technique specific
rod would help, but I really don't think this is for me. However, I'm going to stick with it until I catch a
fish! Now that I at least know how I am suppose to be retrieving the Hudd, the chances of a strike
have probably increased dramatically.
Cool.
I am no expect, but we both know that having the right tool always makes the job easier.
A-Jay
GoneFishi'n reply :
I want to get one so bad!!!On 7/3/2013 at 7:44 AM, Jrob78 said:68 Weedless goes on sale Thursday!
PABASS reply :
Cant wait till I get more time on the water to try these swimbaits, have not got a line wet in a month and its killing me and no time in the future as well ugh..
CPBassFishing reply :
Got a 6" ROF 5 Silver/Green in my TW order today. Was gonna get a 68 weedless but I needed other stuff. Also got a decoy hydra tail which is basically a 5" 68 special (big fat tail). Got that in a bluegill color.
mnbassman23 reply :
On 7/5/2013 at 11:07 AM, CPBassFishing said:Got a 6" ROF 5 Silver/Green in my TW order today. Was gonna get a 68 weedless but I needed other stuff. Also got a decoy hydra tail which is basically a 5"
68 special (big fat tail). Got that in a bluegill color.
let me know how you like the hydra trail after you've fished it. I almost got the same exact bait in my tw order yesterday but decided to wait. I'd like to get a few for this fall if their decent baits.
SPEEDBEAD. reply :
The Hydra Tail is a good bait, pretty darn small in the swimbait world though.
A 12" fish would have no problem getting that bait in it's mouth.
CPBassFishing reply :
On 7/5/2013 at 8:26 PM, SPEEDBEAD. said:The Hydra Tail is a good bait, pretty darn small in the swimbait world though.
A 12" fish would have no problem getting that bait in it's mouth.
LOL I was going to get an 8" Hudd but decided I would give the 6" a try first after seeing the $28 price tag on the 8".
Hooligan reply :
I'm odd man out, I guess. I prefer the 6" ROF5 for about 85% of my Hudd fishing. I've caught some genuine Midwestern pigs on them, often in tournaments. I've taken to throwing a Hudd when I really need a kicker in the boat on day 2. Seems like it is usually a Hail Mary situation, but it is ultra rare that it doesn't produce.
As far as setup- I've got two that I throw. #1 is a Shimano Crucial MH. Some say its too stout for fishing Hudds and the like, but I absolutely love it for the purpose. On that is either a Lexa 300, Calcutta 300, or Daiwa Pluton. (Not all three of those rods are in the boat at the same time with me...). The second setup I use more for 8" Hudds and big wood baits: that's the Loomis 956 with a Calcutta D 300.
All that said I've got 1/10 the experience with swimbaits as guys like Speed and Francho. It isn't until the past three years or so that I've begun to rely on them more in tournaments. I still don't have ultimate faith in them, but I am learning to, for sure.
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