Leroy, I also have the 7'9" exheavy and like it a lot. I dont think it is a good rod for the Hudd. or any of the other big rubber baits. It will cast them, but I would not feel confident in the hook set with a big rubber bait. I use it for the smaller baits, like the 6.5" Little Charlie. The 7" M.S. slammer fishes pretty sweat on it to. I have also used it to fish big crank's and big 3/4oz-1oz spinnerbaits. over all I have been very happy with its performance and for the price I dont think it can be beat.