hudd 68 weedless hookset and fight

[txchaser]

Lost at least three fish this weekend on a hudd 68 weedless, and so I'm looking for advice. I use this setup for big keitechs, glidebaits, etc and haven't had problems yet, so I figure it's something I'm doing. Some were just a bite, a set, then left with nothing, some were fish on, but then lost. 

 

22lb defier armilo mono

okuma swimbait rod (1-4oz) - feels like a mod or mod+ bend. 

tatula 150 reel

 

I guess it's heavier than the keitechs, and so more leverage, and doesn't have trebles like a glide. I was in a spot with some likely big fish, so I wasn't thinking "try to ski the fish", was more in "stay in control, don't overrespond" mode. 

 

Advice?

 

[Drew03cmc]

Set the hook and grind the fish in, period. If you give an inch, the fish will use the weight of the 68 weedless and it'll come off. Also, you might try a heavier rod. The weedless 68 needs a heavier rod due to having to move all the plastic out of the way. 

[Hammer 4]

I used the Okuma rod that you mentioned, found the tip to be a tad soft for the weedless hudds. Switched over to a Dobyns 8' Champion heavy. Hook sets improved a bunch. I also wound up using 40 lb braid for the 68 weedless hudds, which imho helped.

 

Lately I've been throwing the 68's on 17 lb Sufix Elite, seems to work o.k. Also may try them on 17 lb Sufix Advanced at some point.

I'm using the Tatula 200, but the 150 should be o.k.

[Hammer 4]

A top hook is always going to increase your hook up ratio, however, the weedless 68 can go where the top hook version will usually get hung up.

In the late spring and summer times, for example all city park ponds and lakes get a bunch of vegetation which makes it tough to toss the top hook hudd.

I've caught several nice bass, all in the 6 lb and up range on the weedless hudd.

I find that giving the bass a second or two longer, then Jack em hard gets the job done.

[txchaser]

On 5/10/2021 at 12:19 AM, Drew03cmc said:

Also, you might try a heavier rod.

 

On 5/10/2021 at 12:34 AM, Hammer 4 said:

found the tip to be a tad soft for the weedless hudds. Switched over to a Dobyns 8' Champion heavy

 

On 5/10/2021 at 3:55 AM, Hammer 4 said:

I find that giving the bass a second or two longer, then Jack em hard

 

Thanks yall. Message recieved. As I'm thinking about that rod, the action really is a better treble hook setup. Dang. Bait monkey go on and get in here, I know you are watching. 

 

 

On 5/10/2021 at 12:34 AM, Hammer 4 said:

Also may try them on 17 lb Sufix Advanced at some point.

That's an interesting idea - I have some of it, and I love the line, esp the low stretch. 

 

As much as I'd like to fish the open hook, the dominant cover around here is weeds, so the 68 fits that really well. I'm curious to see if it catches more than a similar sized keitech... my guess would be in clearer water, yes, but otherwise no. Any insights there? 

[WRB]

Doyouneed a weedless Hudd? If not add a Butch Brown Top rigged treble hook.

Tom

[txchaser]

11 minutes ago, WRB said:

Doyouneed a weedless Hudd? If not add a Butch Brown Top rigged treble hook.

Tom

Unfortunately, yes. Pretty weedy 11 out of 12 months here, in 90% of the places I fish. Well, at least in sub 10 FOW. So to your point this summer I probably can if I'm out deeper. 

[WRB]

A good weedless swimbait is 3:16 Mission Fish.

Also use 25# Armillo with Hudd.

[Lasher]

On 5/11/2021 at 10:35 PM, WRB said:

A good weedless swimbait is 3:16 Mission Fish.

Also use 25# Armillo with Hudd.

I just picked up a few swimbaits from this company.  I got the 8in Rising Son which is 3.5 ounces.  Now I need a rod strong enough to throw it.  My problem is I don't fish enough big swim baits that often and would like to find a setup that could handle this and possible other presentations and techniques.

[J Francho]

My initial experience with weedless Hudds was nothing short of heartbreaking.  You really need an x-heavy swimbait rod for these.  The Okuma Guide Select A Series 7-11 XH is what I use, and is great for this.

[evilcatfish]

In my experience with weed less hudds a heavier and or less moderate rod, and low stretch line helps. Also, I typically laugh at super hard/dramatic hook sets, but with a weed less hudd you gotta put the hammer down. 
 

Above said, I no longer buy any Huddleston products. 

[WRB]

If you like the Okuma GS-A series rod then XH is a better choice for heavy top hook and weedless Hudds.

I preferred IROD Gen 3 XH swimbait rod, overall better construction and lighter weight. $150.

Tom

[Hammer 4]

My swimbait rods are the Irod gen III's. Great rods for a very good price.

[txchaser]

On 5/14/2021 at 6:52 PM, WRB said:

If you like the Okuma GS-A series rod then XH is a better choice for heavy top hook and weedless Hudds.

I preferred IROD Gen 3 XH swimbait rod, overall better construction and lighter weight. $150.

Tom

@WRB can you confirm which rating that irod is? the XH as listed on TW says 8-12 oz. Just want to make sure I'm not misreading something. 

 

[WRB]

IRG805SB XL-Swim XHeavy is 3-10 oz lures, TW May have listed the Mag XH

Tom

[GetFishorDieTryin]

On 5/9/2021 at 8:49 PM, txchaser said:

Lost at least three fish this weekend on a hudd 68 weedless, and so I'm looking for advice. I use this setup for big keitechs, glidebaits, etc and haven't had problems yet, so I figure it's something I'm doing. Some were just a bite, a set, then left with nothing, some were fish on, but then lost. 

 

22lb defier armilo mono

okuma swimbait rod (1-4oz) - feels like a mod or mod+ bend. 

tatula 150 reel

 

I guess it's heavier than the keitechs, and so more leverage, and doesn't have trebles like a glide. I was in a spot with some likely big fish, so I wasn't thinking "try to ski the fish", was more in "stay in control, don't overrespond" mode. 

 

Advice?

 

Make sure the fish has a good bite on it before you go to set.  They can hold onto one for a long time and don't be afraid to put a little tension on the line before you set the hook.  Prey doesnt just give up right away it struggles and most of the time any resistance will just cause the fish to take it deeper, much like a jig.  Also lose the mono, especially with a softer tipped rod.