After catching a good number of quality largies on swimbaits I'll probably be dedicating most of my time chucking them.. So my main question to us north-easters(although a bass is a bass so any info from anybody is greatly appreciated ) how much is too much? Is throwing a 12" bait for 7,8,9lb+ bass an overkill? I got a 12" MS Slammer, it's really just 10.5" still a BIG bait... I dont want to waste my fall throwing a bait that intimidates fish under DDs

 

 

 

Would love to hear first hand experiences with the 12" Slammer, but anyone who throws baits bigger than 8in is good help..

 

 

Tight lines bassresource

Interesting topic. I have an 8" Hudd coming this very morning (can't wait). I too wonder how many DD bass are out in these NE waters. I know in the spring they might fatten up to DD and maybe the fall-frenzy, so I don't know. I'm gonna start with an 8 incher and see what that yields.

 

But let's keep everyone posted on our progress.

 

Take lots of pictures & measurements, but remember to throw em' back!!

Im curious cause i got plenty of places to fish where there's 5-7lbs and a few places that's been know for 8-11lbs...

 

Obviously most people throwing big baits are after trophy's and there's no denying that some places in the NE hold big bass. Question is how big for are northern bass...?

 

Should we think no different than the guys out west or down south for targeting these 8,9,10s??

Im curious cause i got plenty of places to fish where there's 5-7lbs and a few places that's been know for 8-11lbs...

 

Obviously most people throwing big baits are after trophy's and there's no denying that some places in the NE hold big bass. Question is how big for are northern bass...?

 

Should we think no different than the guys out west or down south for targeting these 8,9,10s??

 

 

Yup. Same mindset if you ask me. A 7 lbs. bass will eat an 8" swim bait, all day long, no problem.

 

A 12" seems a little big (to me), but until recently, I'd have told you that an 8" was ridiculous and wouldn't ever work, LOL. But YouTube (and personal experience) has taught me different.

 

But throwing an 8" WILL catch trophy fish. I mean, they catch those 10, 15, 18 pound fish on 8" swims all year long. We don't have those 15, 18 pounders up here, but going on the California example, those baits will bring out the biggest we (do) have, no question.

8" really is about the right size even for southern and western swimbait users- I also find that anything bigger does not do real well.  Hud designer, triple trout maker, etc., all state that the  bigger baits (10,12 inch plus) will catch fish, you just may not really see the cost vs. benefit of using anything larger than the 8" baits though.

I will admit that the only time I throw anything bigger is for muskys- however I have never caught a big bass on a musky lure over 10".

Does not make it 100% correct, no, but again, over a 8" and you start to get diminishing returns.

 

8inchs in my opinion is big enough to first attract a big fish, but not too big to make them turn without eating every time. Additionally, that size is right for typical forage.  I am sure an occasional 12-13 inch bass or crappie do get eaten- but the softer younger ones I have always assumed are preferred forage.

Im' in the NE and I've caught alot of 20"+ bass in my reservoir but none on swimbaits bigger than 6"

I do throw swimbaits > 6" but have not gotten hits on them.

Most caught on 4-6" lures

Im' in the NE and I've caught alot of 20"+ bass in my reservoir but none on swimbaits bigger than 6"

I do throw swimbaits > 6" but have not gotten hits on them.

Most caught on 4-6" lures

 

 Which reservoir? Try throwing the bigger baits on a Full or New moon. Those moon-phase days, really bring out the big goons! Also, I hear that like snakes or other animals, the (biggest) fish feed every few days, so to target the biggest fish your lake has, one should fish it 2-3 days in a row.  Seems like it makes sense...

8inch is about the biggest ! Im going out Friday night and hoping to slay some pigs this full moon!!