Sluggo, Hogy, etc - Larger fish on front hook?

[Mr. Sandman]

I am not catching a damn thing on those rubber eels this year. Last year I hammered fish with them, this year I can't buy a hit. I have even put them on when getting fish every cast with plugs...and NOTHING for 10 casts...I couldn't take it any longer, switched back to a plug and was on with the first cast.
I am loosing confidence with rubber. And it is not me either, I am hearing similar stories from others too.

[luds]

Originally Posted by Mr. Sandman

I am not catching a damn thing on those rubber eels this year. Last year I hammered fish with them, this year I can't buy a hit. I have even put them on when getting fish every cast with plugs...and NOTHING for 10 casts...I couldn't take it any longer, switched back to a plug and was on with the first cast.
I am loosing confidence with rubber. And it is not me either, I am hearing similar stories from others too.

I think it probably is you. Do you think bass have become hip to our rubber scams and now won't be fooled? You will probably crush them on rubber next year and won't even remember this post. That's just how it goes. I had countless 25# plus fish on 9" needles and 3-4 oz. diving swimmers last year but this season I can't buy a hit on either. Does that mean they suck? No!!!!! It was probably me just like it's probably you or your presentation with the rubber or it's just not what they will take right now.

As far as which hook, I have seen large bass taken on the back hook over the past few seasons. So much so that I would feel a little inadequate with a sluggo or rigged bait or eel that was not tandem rigged.

[Sea Flat]

Originally Posted by Mr. Sandman

I am not catching a damn thing on those rubber eels this year. Last year I hammered fish with them, this year I can't buy a hit. I have even put them on when getting fish every cast with plugs...and NOTHING for 10 casts...I couldn't take it any longer, switched back to a plug and was on with the first cast.

I am loosing confidence with rubber. And it is not me either, I am hearing similar stories from others too.

With the exception of one week early in June in the canal all of my bass this year have been on Hogy's. 7" bone to be exact. It has been unbeatable for me this year. Sometimes I think that soft plastics can be hard to present with bigger gear. Maybe this is what is happening to you. Anyway, don't give up on the soft plastics.

Good Luck