Hey Talor,
I use those style of swimbaits in the bays here in San Diego and catch a ton of bay bass. I always use a 7ft hvy rod because I fish real deep and have a lot of line out. The fish wont hold the bait long so you have to stick them fast. Thats were the stiff rod helps. Fresh water bass maybe diferent but if you find your self missing hookstes try a low stretch line(fluoro) and a fast rod. You will hook alot more fish.