The only reason I dont throw 8"+ baits is if Im throwing jigs or frogs, and I live in WA, not CA, FL, TX like most of the people that do. When I first got to WA i was like everyone else, 1-2 pounders with an occasional 4 on the senkos, spinnerbaits, cranks, yadda yadda. After I did my research on the swimbaits, I went for it. I didnt get one fish over 5lbs(dont get too big in WA) until I threw swims all the time. I know people that have never caught one over 5 and they grew up here, I got I think 12 over 5 last season on swims only. A few on jigs and frogs, but nothing even close to the swimbaits. This is my personal experience, but the difference is I throw the ALL the time, not like most that throw them for 5 minuntes and set it down. Sure I go a couple trips without a fish, but when I do catch its quality. Sure they catch small fish, but there isnt anything that catches quality(over 4lbs for me is quality) like swimbaits except jigs. Of course big ones will hit senkos, cranks, yadda yadda, but nothing except jigs comes close to the consistency of swimbaits. I have seen the light and it shines very very bright.
Please dont get me wrong, Im not knocking any other way of fishing, Ive done it all. If you guys do a good amount of research, you might also see this bright light, and trust me its bright! I did hours and upon hours of research, then took the expensive swimbait plunge. I will never look back ever again. Do not look at it like a fad or something that will pass. There is a reason people like me spend good amount of cash on one lure, its because we are hog hunting. If you want quantity, dont throw swimbaits, if you want quality and a better chance of hog bass, dont hesitate to toss the big baits around, no matter where you live. Im not talking paddletails or anything under 8" for that matter, im talkin quality swimbaits with quality terminal tackle.
I hope to see more people that dont seem to "believe" take the plunge. Its a very fun way of fishing and could bring you more hogs than ever.