The problem in Fla and most natural lakes in the South is the
cover is thick and bass love the thickest part. So you just
can't get the bait in front of them. I have had good success
throwing big Sluggos and Senkos arround hydrilla rafts and
lilly pads.  However; on open reservoirs they should work just
fine. I've caught plenty of 3 to 5lb bass on 9"
Swimbaits. The thing to realize is that you have to adjust
your expectations. No matter where you fish a big swimbait
(including Ca.) the bites will be few but big.