So my new Castaic swimbait is not running true, tried bending the eye of the hook some with not much resolve. Should I use a good quality split ring to fix my issue?

Try that first. I have the same ones and they did that also. i bent the eyes and they were a bit better, but I didn't really like them and I went to Huddlestons and some others most of the time instead. 

This one was giving to me for free. I plan to order some Hudds, but I have a question for you. Since I will be using the Hudds in the pond that I fish, and from what I can tell the only type of baitfish present are bluegills, what color pattern from the link below should I go with?

http://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Huddleston_Deluxe_6_Trout/descpage-HD6T.html?from=detroph

I have thrown every single Huddleston there is in places where there are no baitfish that look a thing like the one I was throwing and it didn't matter, unless the water was CRYSTAL clear and even then they still hit it, but not as much as the ones that looked more like what they eat on a regular basis like trout in the stocked areas out west, etc.. 

The REAL problem with a lot of the Castaic Swimbaits is the weight transfer system. The weighting system is wrong and they wont run true no matter what you do. I really just like to throw the Huddlestons, the BBZ and BBZ=1 and Baby BBBz, a few Rago baits and a few Black Dog baits. Thats all I really need. Now the Japanese baits like I sent back are a whole different breed though, but for the most part, those baits I mentioned are all you need here to catch some huge bass. 

I would actually contact Castaic themselves and send the bait back. They usually send another or even 2 baits but they are going to be the same. lol 

Steve listed all good swimbaits,alot better than castaic but i also like the osprey

http:///www.tacklewarehouse.com/Osprey_Tournament_Talon_Top_Hook/descpage-OTTH.html?from=detroph

Also ABT Lures Banshee Swimbait is a good hard swimbait iv caught alot of bass on these in the bluegill color and the 6inch are in i bought seveal of them but have not used the 6inch but there going to catch some big bass thats forsure

http://www.tacklewarehouse.com/ABT_Lures_Banshee_Swimbait/descpage-ABTBS.html?from=detroph

Who makes the BBZ line?

David301 at August 7, 2011 at 10:29 AM

Who makes the BBZ line?

never mind..I figured it out...SPRO

Just placed an order for a 6" ABT Banshee, Hudd 6" deluxe trout and a 6.5" Mega Charlie.

Cool I can't wait to see the pictures of the bass that take those baits there. lol 

forsure, abt and hudds are really good,Im going to go throw the osprey and 6 inch abt when its cools down today

Think I will be headed to BPS tomorrow and look into trading the St Croix rode I just purchased. I feel it is to heavy for the 6"  baits that I will be throwing.

Modifying swimbaits can alter the action(for the good or bad).. Also, if you reel it in too fast or slow it can mess up the intended action of the bait/lure. My experience with swimbaits has been that Huddlestons are unmatchable. The best on the market. As far as less expensive swimbaits that don't come pre-rigged the Yum Money minnow works great. As far as swim jig trailers immitating baitfish the Roboworm E-Z Shad is the best out there.

To make my Castaics run true i tied a 1/8 or 1/4oz. weight to the ring on the bottom of the bait. Worked like a charm. I'll try and post a picture of one tomorrow

On alot of swimbaits you can put them in boiling water for like 30 seconds, take them out, and then dip them in cold water. This puts them back into their original shape. Matt from Mattlures recommends doing this to his bluegills if their fins ever get bent.