Torn On Casting Rod For 4" Weightless Senko 2024
T-Rick reply :
Hello,
I am really torn up on which casting rod to buy to throw weightless senkos. I am new bass fisherman and I am learning that 4" senkos are really hitting on my local lake. I've been catching them pretty well using a very, very old spinning rod and a cheap but new Abu spinning reel. I really want to starting using more baitcasters and was looking into something new to try to start throwing weightless 4" senkos.
I already have a BPS Carbonlite MF 7' casting rod paired with a BPS Pro Qualifier 6.4:1. I've been using this to throw weighted tubes and plastics.
For the weightless, I've been considering the St. Croix Avid casting rods and will put on another PQ 6.4:1. I was specifically looking at the AVC69MLXF, AVC68MXF, and AVC66MF.
Any suggestions on which rod to choose? Perhaps I am creating a problem I don't need as maybe I should just use the Carbonlite rod.
Thanks,
T-Rick
masterbass reply :
The carbonlite you have would be perfect for senkos. I use have 2 rods for senkos: dx743 and a carbonlite. The dx is my absolute favorite, but I also feel like the carbonlite is an excellent rod. Very sensitive for a $100 rod. I hear great things about the avid though and I would go with either the 68mxf or 66mf. The only st croix I ever used was a mojo which I sold. Not a fan, but the avid is supposed to be on another level.
Alonerankin2 reply :
The croix ml xf sounds pretty sweet!
Jeff H reply :
You definitely don't want the 6'9" ML/XF. Any of the others will be just fine.
Cgrinder reply :
A 4" Senko and hook should be about 1/4 oz. What's your budget? I'd be more looking at reel than rod. The M Carbonlite should work but the PQ doesn't really like to go under 3/8 oz in my experience.
masterbass reply :
I cast 4" senkos on my pq all the time. The medium rod should load just fine.
T-Rick reply :
On 7/21/2014 at 10:14 AM, Cgrinder said:A 4" Senko and hook should be about 1/4 oz. What's your budget? I'd be more looking at reel than rod. The M Carbonlite should work but the PQ doesn't really like to go under 3/8 oz in my experience.
I was looking to spend around $200. I have a PQ reel sitting on a A-rig rod which doesn't get much use. I was thinking, light plastic rod first then a new reel in the off season.
On 7/21/2014 at 10:21 AM, masterbass said:I cast 4" senkos on my pq all the time. The medium rod should load just fine.
How many internal breaks do you have on?
Thanks!
Darren. reply :
I throw weightless tiny flukes wacky rigged with size 2 Gammy drop/split shot hooks.
Thrown with Chronarch 50e, one on a 6' MF Field & Stream rod, the other (not as well for obvious reasons) on a 6'2-3" Carbonlite, MF. Was 6'6" until one of our pups stepped on the tip...
That's about the lightest I can cast, and granted not 20 yards, but I can whizz 4" Senkos a good long ways.
masterbass reply :
On 7/21/2014 at 10:33 AM, T-Rick said:I was looking to spend around $200. I have a PQ reel sitting on a A-rig rod which doesn't get much use. I was thinking, light plastic rod first then a new reel in the off season.
How many internal breaks do you have on?
Thanks!
I have 2 brakes on and the magnetic set about half way. I have absolutely no problem casting 4" senkos as far as I want. You don't need a special finesse reel for them. They cast like a bullet.
Mike2841 reply :
I use the 6'8" mxf avid spinning for 4" senkos, don't know if there's any difference between the spinning and casting.
OkobojiEagle reply :
My goal in fishing is to catch fish... You're successful using your current spinning combo, why change.
oe
Tywithay reply :
The new 7'3" med-xfast Crucial is going to be a fantastic senko rod. Good length for casting and hook sets.
Chris at Tech reply :
On 7/21/2014 at 10:13 AM, Jeff H said:You definitely don't want the 6'9" ML/XF.
Why would you say that? I think this would be a fun rod for 4" senkos.
WIGuide reply :
The St. Croix M/XF and ML/XF rods will work for this application. I throw my 4 straight tail worms on a Legend Tournament Bass "Wacky Style" spinning rod. I know the casting rods are built on the same blank so I don't think you'd have any issues throwing on on the casting model.
BiteFiend reply :
Your carbonlite should would be a pretty ideal rod for a 4" senko IMO. In fact as I was reading your post, I was thinking 7'MF. I prefer a fast action when it comes to lighter baits because I feel like the softer tip makes it easier to cast. Unless you are unhappy with your carbonlite, I wouldn't see a need for a new rod. I have a couple of premiers that I like, so I can imagine the Avid would be a pretty sweet stick. I just don't know that there's really a need for it unless you are simply upgrading.
T-Rick reply :
On 7/21/2014 at 8:11 PM, OkobojiEagle said:
I've been catching them pretty well using a very, very old spinning rod and a cheap but new Abu spinning reel. I really want to starting using more baitcasters
My goal in fishing is to catch fish... You're successful using your current spinning combo, why change.
oe
The rod that I am using is most likely 30 years old and time for a change as I've just gotten back into fishing recently. While I am catching fish, I am certainly out-fished by my buddy in the boat. While I know an awful lot goes into being out-fished but the gear is due for an update and upgrade.
On 7/21/2014 at 10:08 PM, Cptn. Backlash said:Your carbonlite should would be a pretty ideal rod for a 4" senko IMO. In fact as I was reading your post, I was thinking 7'MF. I prefer a fast action when it comes to lighter baits because I feel like the softer tip makes it easier to cast. Unless you are unhappy with your carbonlite, I wouldn't see a need for a new rod. I have a couple of premiers that I like, so I can imagine the Avid would be a pretty sweet stick. I just don't know that there's really a need for it unless you are simply upgrading.
I've never really given the carbonlite a shot at the senko. I threw it once and backlashed and switched up to tubes and 1/2 ounce or less cranks. That rod currently has 15lb Invizx spooled on and I'm thinking that is a little too heavy for the 4" senko. If I am going to throw the 4" senko on the MF carbonlite, I'm thinking I should go to an 8lb test mono or flouro. Right?
The Fisher reply :
Falcon LowRider Split Cast 6'7" MH Weightless Worm
Extra Fast 12-20lb 1/4-3/4oz $139.99
At TW
BigMoneyGrip reply :
I use a Falcon Cara T7 micro in the finesse jig and a Curado 50E. This combo will sling a weightless 4" way out there. This is my favorite rod and reel.
Cgrinder reply :
On 7/21/2014 at 10:33 AM, T-Rick said:I was looking to spend around $200. I have a PQ reel sitting on a A-rig rod which doesn't get much use. I was thinking, light plastic rod first then a new reel in the off season.
Solid plan. Do you require versatility from this rod or is it going to spend near-%100 of its time throwing 4" Senkos? Phenix's new Maxim rod line has two ML power rods rated 1/8-3/8 and 1/8-1/2 oz, priced at $109 and $119 I believe. I am going to be trying the 6'10" ML for a 4" Senkos and Baby Rage Craws. They're not quite out yet though, but if Phenix's other ML blanks are any indication, they are going to be good rods. The M power rods could also be quite good for your needs. The rods should pair very well with a Shimano Chronarch 50E, a readily available favorite for weightless plastic duty, but we'll talk about that in the off season.
To answer another question, 15 lb. fluorocarbon is too much in my opinion. I would try 10 lb. I personally like Red Label's 10 lb; $10.99 for 250 yd. Be sure to treat it with Line and Lure Conditioner.
new2BC4bass reply :
On 7/21/2014 at 8:11 PM, OkobojiEagle said:
I've been catching them pretty well using a very, very old spinning rod and a cheap but new Abu spinning reel. I really want to starting using more baitcasters
My goal in fishing is to catch fish... You're successful using your current spinning combo, why change.
oe
Are you trying to put St. Croix out of business? You are suppose to be telling him to buy one of each. Oh yeah...This isn't TT. Forgot. 
Nothing wrong with wanting to upgrade your gear. Personally I switched from spinning reels to baitcast reels for the vast majority of my fishing. It wasn't because I couldn't catch fish on the spinning gear....I simply prefer baitcast reels. Fishing sucks in my area and the baitcast reels are what keep me getting out there. I have purchased a few new-2-me spinning reels as my old ones were El Cheapos. They see very little use.
OP, I personally use 8# mono on the majority of my Medium power rods. However, a friend uses 15# for just about everything. Even for lighter baits. His rod really whistles on the cast. You do need to have the reel set just right, and have a little experience behind you using baitcast reels. Pretty sure I couldn't pick up one of his rods, and throw a light bait nearly as far as he does. However, I can with my gear even tho I don't have his powerful cast.
BiteFiend reply :
15 lb flouro is pretty stiff line for a 4" weightless senko. Especially since you are fairly new to casting reels. If you need a heavy line like that, I'd look into either mono or braid. I have braid with a flouro leader on a lot of my set ups and really like it. I would recommend 25 lb braid with a 10-15 lb flouro leader. Or if your water is clear, 10 lb stright flouro. I don't like anything less than that on a baitcast reel.On 7/21/2014 at 11:04 PM, T-Rick said:The rod that I am using is most likely 30 years old and time for a change as I've just gotten back into fishing recently. While I am catching fish, I am certainly out-fished by my buddy in the boat. While I know an awful lot goes into being out-fished but the gear is due for an update and upgrade.
I've never really given the carbonlite a shot at the senko. I threw it once and backlashed and switched up to tubes and 1/2 ounce or less cranks. That rod currently has 15lb Invizx spooled on and I'm thinking that is a little too heavy for the 4" senko. If I am going to throw the 4" senko on the MF carbonlite, I'm thinking I should go to an 8lb test mono or flouro. Right?
Either way, I'd start with different line before buying so similar of a rod to one you already have.
Superdumper reply :
My favorite set up I currently have is a 13 *** on a med 7 1 *** black with 30lbs braid. This is solely used for 4 inch senkos. Can't beat the price on the rod n just replace the reel with ur pq and ur ready to go
T-Rick reply :
On 7/22/2014 at 12:18 AM, Cgrinder said:with a Shimano Chronarch 50E, a readily available favorite for weightless plastic duty, but we'll talk about that in the off season.
Thanks but the itch is coming on very strong. I may jump on a reel soon too.
T-Rick reply :
On 7/21/2014 at 11:41 PM, BigMoneyGrip said:I use a Falcon Cara T7 micro in the finesse jig and a Curado 50E. This combo will sling a weightless 4" way out there. This is my favorite rod and reel.
Is the Curado 50E no longer available and is the Chronarch 50E it's replacement? I might pull the trigger on a reel today too.
BigMoneyGrip reply :
Yeah, the Chronarch 50 is pretty much the same as the Curado 50. Go ahead and get it, you won't regret it!
Delaware Valley Tackle reply :
50/51E is about as good as you're going to get for a finesse bait cast reel unless really want to open up your wallet.
T-Rick reply :
On 7/23/2014 at 11:22 PM, Delaware Valley Tackle said:50/51E is about as good as you're going to get for a finesse bait cast reel unless really want to open up your wallet.
Thanks. I picked up a 51E along with the AVC68MXF. I spooled it up today with 8lb trilene XL mono and made about 6 casts tonight at dusk. Caught one of my first cast so I was happy and didn't really worry about distance. I'll have to give it a workout sometime this weekend.
Thanks for all the replies.
BigMoneyGrip reply :
I would use fluoro for that. I have 8lbs Invizx on mine and love it. Mono give up too much sensitivity in my opinion.
T-Rick reply :
On 7/27/2014 at 12:43 AM, BigMoneyGrip said:I would use fluoro for that. I have 8lbs Invizx on mine and love it. Mono give up too much sensitivity in my opinion.
I may go with flouro at some point but I figured I'd use mono to start out with the light weight in case I am backlashing often.
Jeff H reply :
On 7/21/2014 at 9:17 PM, Chris at Tech said:Why would you say that? I think this would be a fun rod for 4" senkos.
Well, I guess I don't know the exact conditions involved for him but where I'm at Senko's are usually fished around rather heavy weed cover. I have handled that 6'9" ML/XF rod more than once and d**n if I can figure something to use it for. It has no power to it at all in my opinion. He picked the best one already, the 6'8" M/XF is a MUCH better choice for 4" senko's. I have most of the Avids that are rated M/XF or ML/XF in both casting and spinning but not this one. You might have some fun with it but if there is any cover involved it will quickly prove to be the wrong choice.
Chris at Tech reply :
On 7/27/2014 at 12:41 PM, Jeff H said:Well, I guess I don't know the exact conditions involved for him but where I'm at Senko's are usually fished around rather heavy weed cover. I have handled that 6'9" ML/XF rod more than once and d**n if I can figure something to use it for. It has no power to it at all in my opinion. He picked the best one already, the 6'8" M/XF is a MUCH better choice for 4" senko's. I have most of the Avids that are rated M/XF or ML/XF in both casting and spinning but not this one. You might have some fun with it but if there is any cover involved it will quickly prove to be the wrong choice.
I think the rod's got more power than you're giving it credit for. Mine has landed my biggest LM ever, 8-15. I use it for shakey heading but also other finesse presentations on or near heavy grass. I've also had A ton of fun throwing small scroungers and 1/4 oz rooster tails for hybrids.
In my time with the m/XF, I'd certainly use it for 5" senkos but not the 4"
Sounds like you prefer a bit more power, I prefer a bit less 
DogBone_384 reply :
""The carbonlite you have would be perfect for senkos. I use have 2 rods for senkos: dx743 and a carbonlite. The dx is my absolute favorite, but I also feel like the carbonlite is an excellent rod. Very sensitive for a $100 rod."
What Masterbass said X2 - I have a Carbonlight with a Johnny Morris B/C reel on it and it throws 4" Senkos just fine.
sofarfrome reply :
IMHO...either of these will do the trick. I use the 6'10" with a Abu Garcia REVO MGX.
*** *** Black Casting Rod 6'10" Medium *** *** Black Casting Rod 7'1" Medium
Jeff H reply :
On 7/27/2014 at 7:24 PM, Chris at Tech said:I think the rod's got more power than you're giving it credit for. Mine has landed my biggest LM ever, 8-15. I use it for shakey heading but also other finesse presentations on or near heavy grass. I've also had A ton of fun throwing small scroungers and 1/4 oz rooster tails for hybrids.
In my time with the m/XF, I'd certainly use it for 5" senkos but not the 4"
Sounds like you prefer a bit more power, I prefer a bit less
Well, given that testimonial I must say I'm humbled. Either that fish was near death (I presume not) or you are very skilled. I have nothing to add that could come near matching that and unless I move south, never will. I am impressed, really, because to me that rod (and any like it) is powerless in pursuit of bass.
Yes, I prefer more power. The M/XF Avids are my finesse rods. I find them ideal for this and yet know many guys would go lighter than I do. For me, the ML/XF's are great panfish rods, where many would definitely go even lighter for those fish.
T-Rick reply :
On 7/27/2014 at 12:43 AM, BigMoneyGrip said:I would use fluoro for that. I have 8lbs Invizx on mine and love it. Mono give up too much sensitivity in my opinion.
After hitting the water today, I have started thinking about going with a braid with a flour leader. Before I do that, I better start learning a new knot :-)
T-Rick reply :
On 7/27/2014 at 8:17 PM, DogBone_384 said:""The carbonlite you have would be perfect for senkos. I use have 2 rods for senkos: dx743 and a carbonlite. The dx is my absolute favorite, but I also feel like the carbonlite is an excellent rod. Very sensitive for a $100 rod."
What Masterbass said X2 - I have a Carbonlight with a Johnny Morris B/C reel on it and it throws 4" Senkos just fine.
Yes, today I fished both the Avid/51E (8lb mono) and the carbonlite/BPS PQ (8lb flouro). Both were fine throwing the 4" senko.
As I improve with a baitcaster, I hope to get some additional distance out of both.
Thanks for all the advice.
T-Rick
adam lancia reply :
I only use braid with a fluoro leader, the Alberto knot is the best I have found so far. It's easy for me to tie and it's not bulky.
new2BC4bass reply :
On 7/26/2014 at 10:56 AM, T-Rick said:Thanks. I picked up a 51E along with the AVC68MXF. I spooled it up today with 8lb trilene XL mono and made about 6 casts tonight at dusk. Caught one of my first cast so I was happy and didn't really worry about distance. I'll have to give it a workout sometime this weekend.
Thanks for all the replies.
Excellent choice. I'm sure you will only get better with practice. Although I have a few bags of Senkos I've only fished them a couple times. Mostly due to lack of patience. However, they are all my daughter uses. Not that she gets to fish a lot. Especially the past year because of a new baby. I spooled her reel with 12# Neon Tangerine Siege. Should make line watching much easier. I've also got some in 8# that I put on one of my Curado 51Es. Will have to find some patience and give the Senkos another try. Too good a lure to let sit in my tackle box.
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