Bratcher

I've witnessed this also. I saw a 4-5 lb bass washed up dead with around a 2 lb bass stuck in it's mouth. Insane for sure!

I think downsizing the rear hook would also work. Use one short enough that cant reach to the top of the tail and catch. I'd try downsizing the hook before I removed it, or if you remove it and just use the front make sure it still tracks like you want it to.

I've had same problem with back hook wrapping around and catching on some swimbaits and what I do that works is take a section of rubber band and weave it through everything, then pull slack enough so that it doesn't pull treble to one side or the other, then snip the ends off. Use a rubber band thick enough to hold itself in place without having to tie it. The tension of the band will be enough to keep the treble from slinging around and catching. Here is a pic to better explain what I mean.

Can't go wrong with these for the price. H20 Xpress jointed sungill. About $5 at Academy.

just when I think I have enough lures after my last fix they pull me back in.

awe crap. You d**n enablers

I'd go with 4/0 max but prefer 3/0, but like MassYak said most aren't long enough so try and find longer ones that get back to the slot. I use a 3/0 for the 3.8" Kietechs. Also try an underspin if you haven't yet! This one made by Owner is my favorite way to fish a Kietech Fat. I have had more luck with using them with this underspin vs just a weighted swimbait hook.

The Savage gear line through trouts are an awesome bait for the money! If I were you next one I'd try would be a Huddleston weedless bluegill - But one disclaimer be prepared to wait. Mine took 5 months to come in.. And for that reason you might also check out the Savage Gear 3D Bluegill. It has a fixed treble both top and bottom - and the bottom can be removed to make it easier to go through heavy cover. You also couldn't go wrong with getting another Savage Gear trout in a different rate of fall and/or color. I have several Huddleston trouts and honestly prefer the Savage Gears - they swim a little better (in my opinion) and for the price you don't feel as bad when you tear one up because they are about 1/3 the cost. Here is the Huddleston weedless bluegill I just got in. It has a large hook in head and it has an open pocket where the plastic is easily pushed down. I haven't used it much yet so I'm not sure about hookup yet but one thing I like about it is I feel I can drag it through just about any cover without getting it hung up. Another one to consider would be the Huddleston 68 Special trout. It is their 6" size trout with a larger tail of their 8" which is supposed to have more swimming action. Here are some more swimbaits I have although I can't speak on how they are to use much because I haven't gotten the chance to throw most of them yet. Just have a lure addiction like most here. The Huddleston 68 special is the one top right of the box.

It would be cool if Rapala joined the large swimbait game, but I doubt it. From video above sounds like it will be a new jerkbait.

I plan on purchasing the Okuma Guide Select A Series Swimbait rod in 7'11" in XH. I've heard good reviews and moderate price at $124 https://www.tacklewarehouse.com/catpage-OKUMARDS.html?from=basres

I'm going to recommend the Big Bite Baits Swim Minnow, mainly because they are on sale at Tackle Warehouse at 75% off for $1.98 for a 4 pack. I have the 5" version in the perch color and have had good luck with them. I don't know if they have as good of action as the Keitech's because I haven't used those yet but they are very durable. They are coated in some kind of silicone or plastic clear coating which makes them more durable while the inside is softer. The only downside to these is the fin on the top that makes rigging with a standard 4/0 to 5/0 size swimbait hook not work so great as you can see from the pics. You could rig it with the hook barb to the side so that the fin works as a weed guard but it might not track as straight. You could also just cut the fin off. What I do though is just rig it with a standard nose weight swimbait / alabama rig type hook. ps don't buy these out before I get my next order in! I think Tackle Warehouse has them on sale because Big Bite Baits is discontinuing them. I could not find them on their site. Here is link https://www.tacklewarehouse.com/catpage-BIGBITBAITS.html?from=basres