Big Hammer Question

I'm planning to hit the salt soon (i hope) and wanted to try using swim baits for rocks and lings.

I ordered some 4 oz lead heads (8/0 hook) on ebay and now I'm trying to decide on plastics.

What size do you guys prefer?  5" or 6.5"?  Keep in mind that I'll be using a fairly large lead head.

Oh, and any color suggestions would be appreciated too.

Thanks in advance,
Stuart

Go big! I like the big SledgeHammers. 9", I think.

Where you fishing this weekend, Stu?

I see... Go big or go home!  Your success is proven, so I'll have to get some of those.
But damn, that's going to break to bank. 

I'm hoping to head out in a couple weeks, up in your neck of the woods.  Will drop you a line before I go.  Thanks Dusin!

Stuart

I prefer the 6.5 or 7" not sure of exact size.  Fav colors are Silver Phantom, Olive Herring, and Pacific Chovy

Go big! I like the big SledgeHammers. 9", I think.

+1
I will also use the 6.5 in ones. I like Toast, Pacific Anchovie,  and anything with red on it.

Get the 6.5" and some 9" sledge hammers. I rig a stinger hook on my sledge hammers. Favorite color is Redrum.

I'm also a fan of the 6.5 inchers, but sometimes you need to downsize for schooled up blacks or blues.


Or, if you're in a kelp bed it can be tons of fun poking a hole in the kelp with your paddle and dropping in a 5" Big Hammer on a 1.5 oz lead head.

My go to colors are pearl, bay smelt, and any variation on chartreuse or fire tiger.

I prefer 6.5" Pacific 'Chovy.  It works great for rockfish and lingcod.

I'm also a fan of the 6.5 inchers, but sometimes you need to downsize for schooled up blacks or blues.

+1

Thanks for the tips guys. 

Stuart

We were doing good on the 6.5 in reds and greens.

Speaking for myself, 6.5 is perfect for halibut and lingcod.  5" for rockfish.  Most times, rockfish tease by only tail grabbing the 6.5", that gets old quick.  I've tried the 9" sledgehammer and find them too big for how I like to fish.  Big Hammers are pretty much all that I fish with. 

Hope that helps..., here's some eye candy.

I'd run chovies on a barbless rig.  Have fun, Stuart.   

I wish the 9" were thicker where the leadhead goes in. I use the 6.5".

I'd run chovies on a barbless rig.  Have fun, Stuart.   

Can you share a picture or drawing if how you'd rig it?