So, we finally get Huddlebugs at the local Sportsman's Warehouse, and I CANNOT wait to throw them, after reading all the great reviews from you "big bass" guys in Cali!

But, here's the issue...they are pre-rigged with weights protruding from the bottom side and a small "line tie??" coming out of the bottom near the crawdad's head (please see attached photo).

I know that I am a complete amateur, but I can't help but feeling like I should know how to rig this !  However, I just can't figure it out by myself. :'(

So, I just turn to you guys, because I KNOW that you guys know how to use them properly!  Any advice would be GREATLY appreciated!

Hook a splitshot/dropshot hook through the wire, point up.

I prefer to remove the weights and run them on a 1/4-3/8 oz jighead. Football head.

Many thanks, Jay...you 'da man!  I appreciate the help!

No problem bud.

may i suggest a 1/4oz spot remover, just take off the weights, they work great in nh

This article has some good details on rigging/fishing it.

kayl, thanks for the link...that was a great article!  It gets my blood pumping just thinking about it!  We're going on a trip to a new lake on Wed. for trophy ("supposedly") smallmouth, so I'm jacked!

From another buddy, I got a link to Huddleston's homepage, where there are several videos posted on rigging it, and it sinking right-side up.  You can see them here: http://www.huddlestondeluxe.com/huddlebug.html

And, yes, I did have to go back to Sportsman's tonight to pick up a couple more goodies, thanks to the recommendations I have already rec'd (darn Bait Monkey just will NOT get off my back  ;D  ), namely some football jigs, a couple Spot Removers, and, of course, those little mini size 4 and 6 dropshot hooks...I don't know how you're supposed to keep a fish on the hook with one of those little squirts!

I am still open for any more advice, as I know that there are a lot of experts on here!  I really do appreciate it, and I will be sure to post a review of how the trip goes on Wed.!

Screw that size 4-6 nonsense

Just use a size 1-1/0 owner mosquito or comparable

Screw that size 4-6 nonsense

Just use a size 1-1/0 owner mosquito or comparable

Will that affect the balance of the lure, or change it's action in any way?

I would certainly feel more confident with the bigger hook, but I wouldn't want  trade "action" for my weak confidence!

not at all. this bait has no action imo.you just crawl it painfully slow. that is why i use a fottball head typically, because you can rig it so that it moves tail first and fish it faster by hopping.

SKU: 1340_06 Octopus Hook.... 6's work best

You can set the right away, because the fish hit them hard!

MYself, I hook the bug through the wire, then I hook a little piece of the head on to the hook and drag it across the bottom.