Ultimate senko rod 2024
Nathan.bass.canada reply :
Hey guys!
I've recently sold my go to rod that I used for senkos, and to be honnest, I'm not really sure why. It was an st-croix avid 7'0" Medium fast 2pc paired with a older stradic ci4+. I thought it the cork on the handle felt too big in hand and I prefer split grips, the newer stradics on my other rods also felt superior to this one; thats why I sold it. So, here I am looking for a new rod and was wondering, what would be the ultimate senko rod for weightless wacky or texas and light senko applications. I am now considering maybe even a baitcaster like an aldebaran mgl on a nrx or another spinning setup. I NEED HELP FINDING THE ONE. Sensitivity is key and overall weight also.
drooling over a baitcaster finesse setup but wondering if its really a good idea over spinning.
thanks,
nathan
jimmyjoe reply :
On 3/5/2019 at 12:29 PM, Nathan.bass.canada said:
drooling over a baitcaster finesse setup but wondering if its really a good idea over spinning.
No, it's not. I have both, and I've used both. With a spinning rig, getting the senko to sink vertically is easy. With a baitcaster,. it's not. Sometimes, you have to pull line off the reel to keep enough slack to drop the senko straight. I don't like that. If you don't mind it, then go for the casting rig. You won't need a true BFS outfit for senkos, though. They're heavy enough to handle with a lighter action medium power rod and somewhat lighter line. I've used 8 and 10 lb., and both were OK. jj
jbsoonerfan reply :
Zodias 6'8" M or 7' ML. I have not owned neither of those rods, but I have owned a few Zodias rods and they are great.
Jrob78 reply :
Senkos are heavy and cast like a rocket, I use MH casting gear and usually 14 pound fluoro. Nothing finesse about them weight wise.
jbsoonerfan reply :
On 3/5/2019 at 12:46 PM, Jrob78 said:Senkos are heavy and cast like a rocket, I use MH casting gear and usually 14 pound fluoro. Nothing finesse about them weight wise.
Same. I can fish a weightless on MH spinning gear all day.
Nathan.bass.canada reply :
On 3/5/2019 at 12:41 PM, jimmyjoe said:No, it's not. I have both, and I've used both. With a spinning rig, getting the senko to sink vertically is easy. With a baitcaster,. it's not. Sometimes, you have to pull line off the reel to keep enough slack to drop the senko straight. I don't like that. If you don't mind it, then go for the casting rig. You won't need a true BFS outfit for senkos, though. They're heavy enough to handle with a lighter action medium power rod and somewhat lighter line. I've used 8 and 10 lb., and both were OK. jj
Thanks for the reply! I might not understand fully why the bait would have trouble falling straight? Are you fishing very deep water?
Nathan
On 3/5/2019 at 12:44 PM, jbsoonerfan said:Zodias 6'8" M or 7' ML. I have not owned neither of those rods, but I have owned a few Zodias rods and they are great.
Killer sticks for sure! Certainly another rod to consider, but are you talking casting or spinning?
thanks!
On 3/5/2019 at 12:46 PM, Jrob78 said:Senkos are heavy and cast like a rocket, I use MH casting gear and usually 14 pound fluoro. Nothing finesse about them weight wise.
Awesome! what rod do you use? And what advantages do you see over spinning?
On 3/5/2019 at 12:49 PM, jbsoonerfan said:Same. I can fish a weightless on MH spinning gear all day.
Thanks again for another reply, i do have a Mh spinning setup that works great for skipping docks but looking for another combo for open water and further distance.
thanks!
jbsoonerfan reply :
I had the Zodias 7 M spinning and the 7'2" H casting. I fished the spinning on a Ci4 and wish I would have never sold it.
Jrob78 reply :
On 3/5/2019 at 1:01 PM, Nathan.bass.canada said:Awesome! what rod do you use? And what advantages do you see over spinning?
I have a few rods I use but they are all custom, my favorite is a 7'3" MH Lamiglas blank but I don't remember what the actual numbers are and they don't make it anymore. I don't use spinning gear unless I absolutely have to, which isn't often. I think a 5" Senko weighs like 3/8oz so something with a fast action in that weight range will work. I just like having a decent amount of power to set a large hook on a long cast. If you fish them wacky rigged with a small open hook you can get away with a lighter rod.
jimmyjoe reply :
On 3/5/2019 at 1:01 PM, Nathan.bass.canada said:I might not understand fully why the bait would have trouble falling straight? Are you fishing very deep water?
When you cast out something .... anything .... with a baitcaster, you're controlling the line for either the whole cast or the last part of the cast, at splashdown. So there is very little or no slack in the line. The bait sinks on an arc, not a straight line, kinda like a swing on the swingsets on a playground. If you pull loose line off the baitcaster right after splashdown, the line has more slack, and the bait sinks on a straight, vertical line, not an arc. Go to a swimming pool (I know, I know. Not at this time of year.) and look at what the lure (or lures) are really doing. Yes, it's applicable to deep water, like you noted. But it's just as pertinent to shallow water if you keep your casts held to a shorter distance. Mine are.
With a spinning rig, you have automatic slack line at splashdown by virtue of uncontrolled cast tension. You can increase that slack by 1) simply lifting the rod tip as you close the bail, or 2) not closing the bail right away. Personally, I lift the rod tip, because I want the bail closed so that I can set the hook if the fish hits the senko right on the initial fall. I see people doing it both ways, however, and they seem equally successful.
BTW .... I use a lighter action medium power rod for one reason. If the Senko hits bottom and no fish picks it up, I'll have to drag it or hop it. A lighter rod lets me feel that, just a little bit better. Guess I'm just not a sensitive kinda guy. ???????? jj
scbassin reply :
I use a Dobyns Champion XP DC 733C FH.It's a very good Senko rod
ike8120 reply :
I bought a Dobyns Fury 702SF and putting on a KK Sharky lll 2000. This is what fit into my budget. Haven't fished it yet.
Brad Reid reply :
I'm solidly in the jimmyjoe camp here regarding using spinning gear to toss Senkos and the various plastics you describe. If you are EVER going to use spinning reels, why someone would choose something else for one of the fishing presentations it offers the greatest advantage would be tough for me to square.
I do get, though, that some people just prefer casting reels so much that they become very, very good at working Senkos and other finesse tactics with them. I actually saw one of the pros on a televised MLF tourny the other day using casting reels for a Senko . . . and he was peeling off line after every cast to get a straight, slow drop, not a pendulum drop where the plastic swings back toward the boat.
The reel, for me would be a 3000 Stradic Ci4+, if cost isn't an issue; and, the rod would be one of the right length for how you fish (it'd be different from the bank or a boat or a kayak for me), but I'd value sensitivity over power or casting distance. Just because a Senko can be tossed a mile doesn't mean one often needs to do.
So, a 7', M power, fast tip for spinning rod with your split grip preference is a real workhorse with application range.
I'd go ML before I'd go MH.
It's going to take time for you to get over selling your "go to" set up, likely some nightmares, waking up in a sweat. Getting your next Senko rod and reel selected right is your best chance to sleep peacefully. Ha!
Brad
MIbassyaker reply :
Also in the spinning camp, here -- the ease of getting a vertical fall is unmatched, especially at a distance, which I want in clear water.
I use a M-XF 6'8" Avid X, which is just perfect for weightless plastics.
TOXIC reply :
Not to sound like a pompous arse but having been with Yamamoto for 20+ years and having done hundreds of seminars and demonstrations with Senko's (I can't vouch for any other knockoff). I have always recommended a spinning setup and always will. That's not to say you can't fish them on a baitcaster, many do and are very successful, but if you really, really get into the multiple ways to fish a Senko, a spinning rod is just the right tool for the job. A Senko is, without a doubt a finesse bait. It's meant to be thrown on light line and weightless for most applications. Weightless, I throw no more than 6lb test mono. You can rig a Senko with braid and leaders and weight just like any other plastic and it will produce but.........where is really outperforms all others is weightless. I'm sure I've posted a long winded explanation at one point or another so I won't do it again. Glen also has a good article here on the site. My favorite rods are a CastAway Skeleton and a Quantum Smoke. Length and power tailored to your preference.
TBAG reply :
I currently fish a weightless Senko on a GL2 802s which is a 6'8" M-XF paired with a Stradic Ci4+, so I'm in the spinning camp too.
I purchased a Dobyns 702s Sierra during the last sale and might try that too. I've never tried to throw a weightless Senko on any of my BC setups.
junyer357 reply :
I use a dobyns champion 683sf. Love the sensitivity of it. I also use yellow 15# pp8 braid for line watching, occasionally with a flouro leader.
I tried for a while with my st croix avid 6'8" med xf worm rod, but i find they sink straight down alot better on a spinning gear, and it also much easier for me to skip too.
Deeare reply :
I use a spinning setup 100% of the time when fishing senkos and I always fish them weightless.
For rods the glx is the most sensitive rod out there IMO BUT I can also say I love high end dobyns and st croix. Kistler is having a 21% off sale now and I just bought a helium so that might be an option for you. Not sure what your budget is but I never buy a high end rod unless it’s at least 20% off retail.
Good luck!!
FryDog62 reply :
I exclusively use a baitcaster now, but would use spinning for Senkos if I could. Wrist injury/surgery permanently cured me of spinning rods a few years ago.
I have maybe the most expensive baitcasting set up available just to try to duplicate what I could with Senkos on spinning. It’s close but when it comes to true finesse, especially wacky style, go spinning.
kschultz76 reply :
Also in the spinning camp here. Generally my go to rod has been a St Croix Legend Extreme (recoil guides) M/XF spinning with a Stradic CI4+. Last year I started using my Megabass Destroyer Addermine as well which also worked well. This year will be testing out a Kistler H3 LightMH Fast spinning rod for them too.
Ive tried them on casting gear, and agree with all the above on the slack line challenges. However around heavier cover I think there’s an argument for a casting rod and heavier line, but it becomes less of a finesse approach at that point. In these situations I’ve used my LTB M/XF casting and my Kistler H3 LightMH Fast casting rods.
Nathan.bass.canada reply :
On 3/5/2019 at 9:31 PM, Deeare said:I use a spinning setup 100% of the time when fishing senkos and I always fish them weightless.
For rods the glx is the most sensitive rod out there IMO BUT I can also say I love high end dobyns and st croix. Kistler is having a 21% off sale now and I just bought a helium so that might be an option for you. Not sure what your budget is but I never buy a high end rod unless it’s at least 20% off retail.
Good luck!!
Interesting! You sure glx over nrx? And for the price I will never pay full price either! Thanks for the tip!
On 3/5/2019 at 9:32 PM, FryDog62 said:I exclusively use a baitcaster now, but would use spinning for Senkos if I could. Wrist injury/surgery permanently cured me of spinning rods a few years ago.
I have maybe the most expensive baitcasting set up available just to try to duplicate what I could with Senkos on spinning. It’s close but when it comes to true finesse, especially wacky style, go spinning.
Wow! Curious to know what that setup would be... :P . Thanks for the information it seems spinning really is the way to go!
On 3/5/2019 at 9:52 PM, kschultz76 said:Also in the spinning camp here. Generally my go to rod has been a St Croix Legend Extreme (recoil guides) M/XF spinning with a Stradic CI4+. Last year I started using my Megabass Destroyer Addermine as well which also worked well. This year will be testing out a Kistler H3 LightMH Fast spinning rod for them too.
Ive tried them on casting gear, and agree with all the above on the slack line challenges. However around heavier cover I think there’s an argument for a casting rod and heavier line, but it becomes less of a finesse approach at that point. In these situations I’ve used my LTB M/XF casting and my Kistler H3 LightMH Fast casting rods.
I was also looking at th Xtremes. Already have a few and another one is always fun (I LOVE the grips). But I was just checking others opinion on casting. Really seems spinning is the deal
Thanks!
WSOzzie reply :
On 3/5/2019 at 12:44 PM, jbsoonerfan said:Zodias 6'8" M or 7' ML. I have not owned neither of those rods, but I have owned a few Zodias rods and they are great.
+1 on the Zodias 6’8” M. I’ve paired it with a Smoke S3 and YoZuri 6lb for both Ned rigs and Senkos. Like you, I’ve wanted to shake it up a bit with a finesse baitcasting set up. I have a Dobyns Champion 702 ready to go this spring. Thought I’d try shakey heads and senkos.
ResoKP reply :
Maybe I'm weird but I use both spinning and baitcaster for senkos...
I prefer spinning for wacky rigged and baitcaster for texas rigged...
Just me or..?
Brad Reid reply :
On 3/5/2019 at 8:14 PM, TOXIC said:Not to sound like a pompous arse but having been with Yamamoto for 20+ years and having done hundreds of seminars and demonstrations with Senko's (I can't vouch for any other knockoff). I have always recommended a spinning setup and always will. That's not to say you can't fish them on a baitcaster, many do and are very successful, but if you really, really get into the multiple ways to fish a Senko, a spinning rod is just the right tool for the job. A Senko is, without a doubt a finesse bait. It's meant to be thrown on light line and weightless for most applications. Weightless, I throw no more than 6lb test mono. You can rig a Senko with braid and leaders and weight just like any other plastic and it will produce but.........where is really outperforms all others is weightless. I'm sure I've posted a long winded explanation at one point or another so I won't do it again. Glen also has a good article here on the site. My favorite rods are a CastAway Skeleton and a Quantum Smoke. Length and power tailored to your preference.
Preach on, Toxic, preach on!
No doubt about it that while the Senko can be fished many ways, on many sorts of equipment, where it really shines is taking advantage of its unique fall through the water column and using the gear that optimizes that aspect.
As you and others know, this is how Gary Yamamoto, himself, fishes nowadays and has for years. Gary has gone almost exclusively to spinning tackle, eschews long casts and violent hook sets . . . for short and accurate casts; and, soft sweeping motions to pin fish.
By the way, Yamamoto and I are neighbors in a manner of speaking! His resort and private lakes are about 20 minutes away from where I live on Lake Athens here in Texas. I need to get down there one day and give his lakes a go. By reservation only, as I recall.
Brad
FryDog62 reply :
“I prefer spinning for wacky rigged and baitcaster for texas rigged...“
In general, I agree with that statement above. You’ll get better distance skipping a wacky style Senko with a spinning rod, but I think get better hook setting power and ability to pull fish away from cover, docks, etc with a baitcasting set up.
“Wow! Curious to know what that setup would be... 
. Thanks for the information it seems spinning really is the way to go!“
I have a Loomis NRX 7'1" Medium 852C JWR and Daiwa Steez SV TW that I use to skip wacky worms. You can dial it in very well, probably 90% as efficient at skipping as a spinning rod/reel. But I do like the NRX/Steez better for hook set, muscling the fish...
waymont reply :
On 3/5/2019 at 8:14 PM, TOXIC said:Weightless, I throw no more than 6lb test mono.
Do you have trouble getting a good hook set? If you texpose the hook 6lb seems really light to me.
dodgeguy reply :
7 ft medium fast Johnny Morris Patriot rod with Lew's tournament pro 8.3 . 10 lb seaguar Tatsu.
TOXIC reply :
On 3/6/2019 at 1:49 AM, waymont said:Do you have trouble getting a good hook set? If you texpose the hook 6lb seems really light to me.
Not in my experience. My preferred way to rig a weightless Senko is Texas rigged on a 4.0 Gamakatsu EWG hook. The only time I have ever broken off on a hookset is if I got lazy and didn't retie when I should have. I have a hard time stopping fishing to retie. Sometimes I press my luck. Just as an example, I have caught many catfish up to 8lbs on this setup, bass over 6lbs, 5lb smallmouth and even a 14.9lb snakehead. I have been using BPS Excel mono. There's a neck to setting the hook where you really cross their eyes but don't "snap" the rod. It's the snap that breaks you off.
WRB reply :
I use Major Craft NAS-WJ701MH with Stractic 2500 spinning reel for the application the OP inquired about. Very popular rod with tournament anglers.
If you want a cork split grip then Dobyns DC 703 SF rod is excellent and well balanced.
Tom
ResoKP reply :
On 3/6/2019 at 2:11 AM, TOXIC said:My preferred way to rig a weightless Senko is Texas rigged on a 4.0 Gamakatsu EWG hook.
I thought Gary Yamamoto recommends 3.0 offset round bend worm hook no?
Is 4.0 EWG better?
Paul Roberts reply :
I've come to a pretty specific rig for my lightly-weighted/weightless soft plastics/stick-worm rods; I have two: a spinning and a casting.
This is the only presentation type (along with drop-shot; these rods are also my DS rods) in which I want a fairly light power tip. I hate wimpy-tipped rods in general, except here. Since bass will often hold onto a soft plastic lure, and are even apt to swallow them, I use the softer tip to "weigh the line”. That is, add tension to see if that tap was indeed a fish, or a stick. If it's a fish, I'll feel "life" down there.
For this type of fishing I want a sensitive rod, which means a very light rod in weight, and some length (for the mechanical advantage), which means quality high modulus graphite to avoid clubby-ness.
My weightless soft plastics/stick-worm/DS spinning rod is a 7ft Kistler LTA, rated a M, 8-14lb. It weighs just under 4oz. My casting rod is a Browning Midas Boron 6’10” M 8-15lb, that weighs 4.7oz. Again, both double as M DS rods.
Nathan.bass.canada reply :
On 3/6/2019 at 2:24 AM, WRB said:I use Major Craft NAS-WJ701MH with Stractic 2500 spinning reel for the application the OP inquired about. Very popular rod with tournament anglers.
If you want a cork split grip then Dobyns DC 703 SF rod is excellent and well balanced.
Tom
Cool setup! Surprised a MH is needed for weightless... exept if gou fish around structure like docks or thick bush/weeds
On 3/6/2019 at 2:43 AM, Paul Roberts said:I've come to a pretty specific rig for my lightly-weighted/weightless soft plastics/stick-worm rods; I have two: a spinning and a casting.
This is the only presentation type (along with drop-shot; these rods are also my DS rods) in which I want a fairly light power tip. I hate wimpy-tipped rods in general, except here. Since bass will often hold onto a soft plastic lure, and are even apt to swallow them, I use the softer tip to "weigh the line”. That is, add tension to see if that tap was indeed a fish, or a stick. If it's a fish, I'll feel "life" down there.
For this type of fishing I want a sensitive rod, which means a very light rod in weight, and some length (for the mechanical advantage), which means quality high modulus graphite to avoid clubby-ness.
My weightless soft plastics/stick-worm/DS spinning rod is a 7ft Kistler LTA, rated a M, 8-14lb. It weighs just under 4oz. My casting rod is a Browning Midas Boron 6’10” M 8-15lb, that weighs 4.7oz. Again, both double as M DS rods.
I like the idea of the double rig, might use one of my standard rods for casting heavier senkos and get a feather light combo spinning setup for weigtless
TOXIC reply :
On 3/6/2019 at 2:41 AM, ResoKP said:I thought Gary Yamamoto recommends 3.0 offset round bend worm hook no?
Is 4.0 EWG better?
Personal Preference. I like the 4.0 EWG because it cut my gut hooked fish by clients waaaaay down. I adopted it for myself.
Nathan.bass.canada reply :
On 3/6/2019 at 1:20 AM, FryDog62 said:“I prefer spinning for wacky rigged and baitcaster for texas rigged...“
In general, I agree with that statement above. You’ll get better distance skipping a wacky style Senko with a spinning rod, but I think get better hook setting power and ability to pull fish away from cover, docks, etc with a baitcasting set up.
“Wow! Curious to know what that setup would be...
. Thanks for the information it seems spinning really is the way to go!“
I have a Loomis NRX 7'1" Medium 852C JWR and Daiwa Steez SV TW that I use to skip wacky worms. You can dial it in very well, probably 90% as efficient at skipping as a spinning rod/reel. But I do like the NRX/Steez better for hook set, muscling the fish...
Holy guacamole that combo cant be too heavy! Looking maybe at a nrx-steez/stella combo of something of that nature
FryDog62 reply :
On 3/6/2019 at 3:21 AM, Nathan.bass.canada said:Holy guacamole that combo cant be too heavy! Looking maybe at a nrx-steez/stella combo of something of that nature
I think including hook, line and Senko the entire rig comes in just under 10 ounces. Something my surgically-repaired wrist appreciates 
Bass_Fanatic reply :
I’ve got a Megabass Destroyer X7 EMFT. It is the sweetest Senko rod I’ve ever used. Not cheap, but sweet!
Maico1 reply :
A few of my favorites to throw weightless 5 " senko's are NRX 802C / Conquest 50 DC , NRX 803C / Conquest 50 DC and NRX 893C / 16 Metanium MGL on the spinning side NRX 803S /Stella 3000 AR and NRX 822S SYR / Stella 3000HG FI. ....
Matt_3479 reply :
I love throwing a senko, weightless t-rig mainly, then wacky, then weighted, even Neko rigged. I’ve throw them on 6’6” medium spinning, 7’ medium spinning, 7’1” medium casting, 7’ mh casting, 7’5” h casting, 7’4H (more of a mediumheavy) and sure the spinning is probsbly the better way to fish it, but 9 out of 10 times I throw it on a casting rod and have never felt like I might be missing out. Last year i was throwing a weightless t-rig senko on 7’ casting medium heavy in 35-50’ of water nailing larger smallies!
Plan on adding an nrx or glx 893c (7’5 medium heavy) specifically for deeper water senko fishing this season! Can’t wait to try it out!!
Jcj90 reply :
Dobyns fury 703sf with a 2500 shimano. I fish 8lb mono or 15lb braid. Tried casting setups a few times with senkos and didn’t like it.
haggard reply :
QuoteI've recently sold my go to rod that I used for senkos, and to be honnest, I'm not really sure why. It was an st-croix avid 7'0" Medium fast 2pc paired with a older stradic ci4+
If it was your go-to then, and if you're already familiar with the brand, consider just getting a modern version of the same.
Maybe a 7'0 Avid M/F 2 piece with a current Stradic CI4+.
(Opinion) I wouldn't go down the finesse baitcaster rabbit hole. Almost did that once and unless you have $ to spare or really enjoy the fine tuning experience and experimenting, stick with a spinner for light techniques.
For weightless worms how about a 7'0 Avid medium light with Stradic CI4+ 2500.
My personal pref & rec is an Avid 6'9 ML/XF with Stradic CI4+ 2500 and light copoly. Disclaimer: I haven't fished it yet. But hoping it's going to be a favorite this season for light techniques including weightless & wacky worms (also neds, drop shot).
Avids won't help with your split grip requirement though; I think they're only in full grip.
MIbassyaker reply :
On 3/7/2019 at 10:41 AM, haggard said:
If it was your go-to then, and if you're already familiar with the brand, consider just getting a modern version of the same.
Maybe a 7'0 Avid M/F 2 piece with a current Stradic CI4+.
(Opinion) I wouldn't go down the finesse baitcaster rabbit hole. Almost did that once and unless you have $ to spare or really enjoy the fine tuning experience and experimenting, stick with a spinner for light techniques.
For weightless worms how about a 7'0 Avid medium light with Stradic CI4+ 2500.
My personal pref & rec is an Avid 6'9 ML/XF with Stradic CI4+ 2500 and light copoly. Disclaimer: I haven't fished it yet. But hoping it's going to be a favorite this season for light techniques including weightless & wacky worms (also neds, drop shot).
Avids won't help with your split grip requirement though; I think they're only in full grip.
The regular Avid wont help..... The Avid X, however, is a split grip:
My pick for Ultimate Senko Slinger: the 6'8" M-XF
Nathan.bass.canada reply :
Okay guys, so this happenned. I really think after reading all ol your commemts spinning is the way to go. Starting looking around and found a great deal on a stella c2000s FI. Maybe went full on crazy but I'm thinking I'll like it :P. Now ill wait a bit before getting a rod to match. Surprised how light the stella is.
greentrout reply :
ugly stik spinning 6'6" med gx2 ... fish is caught ... reels fit and no warranty problems ... high stick all day long ...
good fishing ...
NathanDLTH reply :
The two combos I use for senkos are Tatula Elite AGS 7’ MMH/F w/ Daiwa Zillion SV or Tatula LT 2500 w/ Cronos 7’ Medium Fast. Both are great tossing them weightless or Texas rigged, but the spinning is bit better throwing wacky senkos.
TBAG reply :
Man, this thread has me summoning the bait monkey. I'm now considering ditching my older Loomis GL2 802s Senko rod for something else. ????
Junger reply :
On 3/11/2019 at 5:21 AM, NathanDLTH said:The two combos I use for senkos are Tatula Elite AGS 7’ MMH/F w/ Daiwa Zillion SV or Tatula LT 2500 w/ Cronos 7’ Medium Fast. Both are great tossing them weightless or Texas rigged, but the spinning is bit better throwing wacky senkos.
I just got the TAEL 7' AGS M/MH and love it. Throws a weightless senko a mile, and I'm even chucking a 1/16oz + TRD a long ways too. I'm using 6lb Yo-zuri Hybrid, what are you using?
Diggy reply :
I use a Megabass EMTF when I plan to fish them, but honestly I can fish them on anything like most people.
Dens228 reply :
I have a BassX in MH/Moderate that I bought a couple years ago. First it was a crankbait rod until I upgraded to an AvidX. Then is sat unused until I decided to use it for weightless plastics............it is perfect and only $100.
johnmyers reply :
I use GLX 852s or GLX 852c both work well for me
Dan Bures reply :
On 3/5/2019 at 1:24 PM, jimmyjoe said:When you cast out something .... anything .... with a baitcaster, you're controlling the line for either the whole cast or the last part of the cast, at splashdown. So there is very little or no slack in the line. The bait sinks on an arc, not a straight line, kinda like a swing on the swingsets on a playground. If you pull loose line off the baitcaster right after splashdown, the line has more slack, and the bait sinks on a straight, vertical line, not an arc. Go to a swimming pool (I know, I know. Not at this time of year.) and look at what the lure (or lures) are really doing. Yes, it's applicable to deep water, like you noted. But it's just as pertinent to shallow water if you keep your casts held to a shorter distance. Mine are.
With a spinning rig, you have automatic slack line at splashdown by virtue of uncontrolled cast tension. You can increase that slack by 1) simply lifting the rod tip as you close the bail, or 2) not closing the bail right away. Personally, I lift the rod tip, because I want the bail closed so that I can set the hook if the fish hits the senko right on the initial fall. I see people doing it both ways, however, and they seem equally successful.
BTW .... I use a lighter action medium power rod for one reason. If the Senko hits bottom and no fish picks it up, I'll have to drag it or hop it. A lighter rod lets me feel that, just a little bit better. Guess I'm just not a sensitive kinda guy. ???????? jj
I understand and accept the pendulum action as described. It would seem to me that this anomaly would occur on the initial cast only. I have no way of knowing how many senkos are hit on the first free fall, but I suspect as many or more strikes happen while retrieving. If this is the case....then spinning tackle for Ned rigs lose their edge during retrieve. I'm interested to know how many of you are hit on senkos during the initial drop and how many are hit during the retrieve?
Allen Der reply :
On 3/25/2019 at 12:57 PM, Dan Bures said:I understand and accept the pendulum action as described. It would seem to me that this anomaly would occur on the initial cast only. I have no way of knowing how many senkos are hit on the first free fall, but I suspect as many or more strikes happen while retrieving. If this is the case....then spinning tackle for Ned rigs lose their edge during retrieve. I'm interested to know how many of you are hit on senkos during the initial drop and how many are hit during the retrieve?
I'd say at least 75% for me come on the initial drop. The way I primarily fish senkos is pitching to sparce cover and weed edges
ChrisD46 reply :
On 3/5/2019 at 6:26 PM, ike8120 said:I bought a Dobyns Fury 702SF and putting on a KK Sharky lll 2000. This is what fit into my budget. Haven't fished it yet.
*Great rod , however the 702SF is a ML finesse rod for things like a Ned rig or drop shot . You could wacky rig or nose hook a 4" ~ 5" Senko (drop shot) , however for weightless T-Rig using a 3/0 ~ 4/0 EWG hook you would want to move up to at least the medium power 703SF to drive that larger hook home ... I'm afraid the 702SF would be over matched in that scenario .
ike8120 reply :
On 3/25/2019 at 8:33 PM, ChrisD46 said:*Great rod , however the 702SF is a ML finesse rod for things like a Ned rig or drop shot . You could wacky rig or nose hook a 4" ~ 5" Senko (drop shot) , however for weightless T-Rig using a 3/0 ~ 4/0 EWG hook you would want to move up to at least the medium power 703SF to drive that larger hook home ... I'm afraid the 702SF would be over matched in that scenario .
This was on the recommendation of the Dobyn's staff I also have the 703
Fishin' Fool reply :
On 3/25/2019 at 12:57 PM, Dan Bures said:I understand and accept the pendulum action as described. It would seem to me that this anomaly would occur on the initial cast only. I have no way of knowing how many senkos are hit on the first free fall, but I suspect as many or more strikes happen while retrieving. If this is the case....then spinning tackle for Ned rigs lose their edge during retrieve. I'm interested to know how many of you are hit on senkos during the initial drop and how many are hit during the retrieve?
100% of my confidence in fishing a senko is casting and letting fall on a slack line. I will cast it out let it sit lift and drop 3 times and then reel in. I have 0% confidence working it back to the boat.
michaelsrex reply :
On 3/12/2019 at 12:21 AM, Diggy said:I use a Megabass EMTF when I plan to fish them, but honestly I can fish them on anything like most people.
Older or newer model?
Fishes in trees reply :
Good topic - ultimate rod for what might be the ultimate bait. Good to see that different folks have different opinions.
Me - I've went back and forth on this dilemma, going back and forth from baitcasting to spinning and back again, several times now.
My current thinking on this set up for throwing wacky senkos is a spinning set up, because I like the drops I get better with it. compared to the arcing drop one gets with bait casting gear (without feeding it line).
Currently I'm using a 7' Fenwick HMG MY/ extra fast and a 1000 size Shimano reel / 20 lb braid or 14 lb Fireline with a fluorocarbon leader.
The big issue with spinning gear is strike detection on a slack/semi-slack line. I address this issue by using a line that is relatively easy to see and I find that you ALWAYS see the line move before you feel the bite with this set up. Works for me so far. Now, when I get some spare funding and can afford a Pixy or some other appropriate very light bait casting set up, I'll probably change back or more than likely I just keep both in the boat and change back and forth.
RPreeb reply :
Well, looks like I'm in the right ball park with the setup I bought yesterday. I've been using the only spinning rig I owned, and was not that thrilled with it, as it was bought for inshore saltwater and was just too heavy for most of what I wanted here. I went with a BPS/Cabelas Fish Eagle 6'6" ML F and a Pflueger President 30 spooled with 8# Stealth Braid.
I seem to be at least in the general range of what I see most in this thread. Feels good in my hands, and I hope to at least get out to the town pond in the next week to have a go with it and see if I can hook a couple of the dinks that live there.
The Fisher reply :
I use an old Falcon Low Rider MH Fast bait caster rated 3/16-5/8 for 5” wacky Senko. For the 4” I use a St Croix Avid 6’8” M Extra Fast spinning rod with the same rating
fishindad reply :
On 3/27/2019 at 8:48 AM, Fishin' Fool said:100% of my confidence in fishing a senko is casting and letting fall on a slack line. I will cast it out let it sit lift and drop 3 times and then reel in. I have 0% confidence working it back to the boat.
My experience mirrors FF’s. Almost all my notes are on that initial drop and lift and I rarely if ever get bit working it back to the boat. I fish clear natural lakes and rivers FWIW.
TBAG reply :
I think I'm going to ditch my Loomis GL2 802s for an Avid X 68 MXF for my dedicated spinning Senko setup (both weightless TR'd and Wacky). Any thoughts? Am I just wasting money by switching?
I've never fished an Avid X but own several ScIII Avid casting rods and enjoy them thoroughly.
Choporoz reply :
Fascinating range of answers.
I'm not too surprised, however. I've thrown senkos on $25 ML spinning rods....all the way up to a $350 7'4 HF BC that has senkos listed as a primary technique by the mfr.
JLBBass reply :
no such monster......................if there was, then this question would not exist.
Diggy reply :
On 3/27/2019 at 9:30 AM, michaelsrex said:Older or newer model?
older
Nathan.bass.canada reply :
On 3/28/2019 at 2:25 AM, TBAG said:I think I'm going to ditch my Loomis GL2 802s for an Avid X 68 MXF for my dedicated spinning Senko setup (both weightless TR'd and Wacky). Any thoughts? Am I just wasting money by switching?
I've never fished an Avid X but own several ScIII Avid casting rods and enjoy them thoroughly.
I had the standard avid in those specs and loved it. But as mentionned earlier, I sold it. I have no doubt the avid x is another great rod. I have not handled a ton of gl2 but by the ones that i have, they have felt inferior to avids
tight lines :)
Currently looking at NRX, legend xtreme as I already have 3 and love them, or maybe the new shimano poison adrenas. Dont really know what to go for. I have not handled any nrxs as no stores around me carry them. I can get an xtreme for a great price and I dont feel like waiting for the adrenas to be available in canada.
any thoughts? Matching with a stella 2000
thanks
ChrisD46 reply :
On 3/27/2019 at 8:48 AM, Fishin' Fool said:100% of my confidence in fishing a senko is casting and letting fall on a slack line. I will cast it out let it sit lift and drop 3 times and then reel in. I have 0% confidence working it back to the boat.
^^This^^ ... If I don't get bit - I reel in quickly and cast to another spot - I believe it is a waste of time to work a senko all the way back to the boat .
TOXIC reply :
On 3/28/2019 at 6:06 PM, ChrisD46 said:^^This^^ ... If I don't get bit - I reel in quickly and cast to another spot - I believe it is a waste of time to work a senko all the way back to the boat .
Did you know with the right rod action, you can mimic the initial fall at least 3 or 4 more times on the average cast? While I agree, a high percentage of your bites will come on the initial fall, don't discount the ability to get a bite after that. I catch a lot of fish after the first fall by lifting the rod tip quickly and allowing the senko to "freefall" again. I have done a lot of Demos in the Bass Pro Tanks that highlight what I call "bird dogging" by bass. They follow the senko to the bottom and then position themselves nose down and circle the bait. It was quite a sight to see 4 or 5 bass all in a circle with their noses to the bottom and their tails straight up circling the bait. By slowly moving the bait, one would almost always dash in and grab it.
Fun Fact: The Swim Senko was developed after Gary noticed how many fish were chasing the regular Senko back to the boat.
BassThumb reply :
I use a Dobyns Sienna 704SF 7' MH/F spinning rod with 20lb braid and a 12-15lb flouro leader. Most of my Senko fishing is around and under docks. I never felt there was an advantage to fishing them on baitcasting tackle, regardless of style of presentation.
d-camarena reply :
Im broke af. But im currently using a daiwa airdx mh with a revros 3000. 20lb braid to a 10lb mono leader. It works great, hage caught a lot of fish on that setup
frenchy reply :
I Have been throwing senkos on a set up similar to the one you sold. I am using the Avid X 6'8" MXF with a stratic CI4 3000. Great set up
Westcoast reply :
I use a nrx 803s with a Stradic ci4+,I like it as it has some balls to pull fish away and out of cover as senkos are not always a finesse technique for me.
Bankbeater reply :
I like to throw the 4” senkos with a spinning setup, for senkos around 6” I like to use a baitcaster. For me it’s just personal preference.
Further North reply :
On 3/28/2019 at 6:06 PM, ChrisD46 said:^^This^^ ... If I don't get bit - I reel in quickly and cast to another spot - I believe it is a waste of time to work a senko all the way back to the boat .
Depends on what's between where I cast and the boat.
If there is structure in the way back, I work through it.
Further North reply :
I use a St. Croix Avid-X 6' 8" MXF with a Abu Garcia LTX for T-rigged Senkos. Lime green 30# Suffix 832 to a 7# or 8# hybrid leader about seven or 8 ft long. 1/0 or 2/0 EWG hook.
My Wacky rig is a 6' 10" St. Croix Legend Xtreme MLXF with a Quantum EXO 25 reel. 20# braid (usually Power Pro, but can vary depending on what's on sale, it doesn't matter) to the same hybrid leader as above. Whatever wacky hook I have also works.
I've acquired a 7' 9" TFO GIS Inshore MLMF that I hung an Aldebaran on it'll get a shot at the T-Rigged spot as soon as the ice gets off the lakes. Initial dry ground practice testing says it's in the ballpark.
FishTank reply :
G Loomis 893C GLX......
fishwizzard reply :
On 4/4/2019 at 3:06 AM, Further North said:I use a St. Croix Avid-X 6' 8" MXF with a Abu Garcia LTX for T-rigged Senkos. Lime green 30# Suffix 832 to a 7# or 8# hybrid leader about seven or 8 ft long. 1/0 or 2/0 EWG hook.
My Wacky rig is a 6' 10" St. Croix Legend Xtreme MLXF with a Quantum EXO 25 reel. 20# braid (usually Power Pro, but can vary depending on what's on sale, it doesn't matter) to the same hybrid leader as above. Whatever wacky hook I have also works.
I was looking at the 6'3" SC rods, both the M/XF and the ML/XF for senko use. I bought my "ultimate senko rod", a MB Addermine, this winter and while I love it's power/action, I am having a hard time getting used to a spinning rod that long, most of my other ones are right around 6'.
If you had to pick one for both t-rig and wacky, would you go M/XF or ML/XF?
Further North reply :
On 4/4/2019 at 9:40 AM, fishwizzard said:If you had to pick one for both t-rig and wacky, would you go M/XF or ML/XF?
I don't know. I'd lean towards M/XF, but that's baitcasting vs. spinning. I get a better feel for my line and rod with bait casting, but YMMV.
6'3" is too short for me, I'm a long rod guy, so there's a lot of subjectivity in the middle here...
fishwizzard reply :
On 4/4/2019 at 9:44 AM, Further North said:I don't know. I'd lean towards M/XF, but that's baitcasting vs. spinning. I get a better feel for my line and rod with bait casting, but YMMV.
Oh, I didn't realize your M/XF was a casting rod. I have an Avid M/XF casting rod but don't know if their casting and spinning rods are 1:1 in terms of power and taper.
The Pond King reply :
There's not much better than a G. Loomis GLX 842c paired with a Metanium MGL spooled with Daiwa J Braid in chartreuse.
Trying to save up for a Conquest 842s and already pulled the trigger on an Stradic CI4+ 3000. Maybe this set up will be the ultimate senko rod in the future, but for now, the GLX and Metanium are more than enough.
Further North reply :
On 4/4/2019 at 9:50 AM, fishwizzard said:Oh, I didn't realize your M/XF was a casting rod. I have an Avid M/XF casting rod but don't know if their casting and spinning rods are 1:1 in terms of power and taper.
I don't either.
I can tell you that the 6' 10" Legend Xtreme MLXF will let you know if bass 4 feet from your Senko bats an eyelash at the bait...
TBAG reply :
Well I'm getting ready to replace my 802s with a St. Croix 68MXF either in Avid X or Legend Tournament. I own several regular Avids but have never handled the X. So, is it worth the extra $50 to upgrade to the Legend Tournament over the X?
As far as reels go, I plan to probably pair the rod with a Stradic Ci4+ 2500. How does that reel balance with the 68 St. Croix? Are there better options regarding reel or size?
Nathan.bass.canada reply :
On 4/4/2019 at 10:27 PM, TBAG said:Well I'm getting ready to replace my 802s with a St. Croix 68MXF either in Avid X or Legend Tournament. I own several regular Avids but have never handled the X. So, is it worth the extra $50 to upgrade to the Legend Tournament over the X?
As far as reels go, I plan to probably pair the rod with a Stradic Ci4+ 2500. How does that reel balance with the 68 St. Croix? Are there better options regarding reel or size?
I know when I had my avid 7'0 with a 2500 ci4+ balance was near PERFECT. I personnaly do not think the tournament is a big upgrade from the avid. But the Xtremes... oh boy, different animal
Nathan.bass.canada reply :
On 4/2/2019 at 10:29 PM, Westcoast said:I use a nrx 803s with a Stradic ci4+,I like it as it has some balls to pull fish away and out of cover as senkos are not always a finesse technique for me.
Kinda like that idea! Does it balance out well? Thinking of getting at least a 7'+
Westcoast reply :
On 4/6/2019 at 12:11 PM, Nathan.bass.canada said:Kinda like that idea! Does it balance out well? Thinking of getting at least a 7'+
It balances well. And you have the right idea to get a 7’ plus length. That’s the only thing I wish was to get something slightly longer like the 852s
Nathan.bass.canada reply :
Hey guys.
Here is my final debate, hesitating between, the NRX, conquest, or st croix legend xtreme all either 7 or 7'6" as a medium fast. Any thoughts?
Thanks!
Further North reply :
On 4/7/2019 at 12:38 PM, Nathan.bass.canada said:Hey guys.
Here is my final debate, hesitating between, the NRX, conquest, or st croix legend xtreme all either 7 or 7'6" as a medium fast. Any thoughts?
Thanks!
I like long rods, but they sacrifice accuracy.
What is important to you?
Nathan.bass.canada reply :
On 4/7/2019 at 9:56 PM, Further North said:I like long rods, but they sacrifice accuracy.
What is important to you?
I already have a skipping rod for close quarter docks and weed patches, this one should be more of an open water rod but I am leaning more towards the 7 footer in case I do closer prescise stuff.
Nathan
Matt_3479 reply :
On 4/7/2019 at 11:22 PM, Nathan.bass.canada said:I already have a skipping rod for close quarter docks and weed patches, this one should be more of an open water rod but I am leaning more towards the 7 footer in case I do closer prescise stuff.
Nathan
So why don’t you cut it in the middle and try the nrx 872s? 7’3” medium extra fast. Kind of in between the two
Nathan.bass.canada reply :
On 4/8/2019 at 7:08 AM, Matt_3479 said:So why don’t you cut it in the middle and try the nrx 872s? 7’3” medium extra fast. Kind of in between the two
Sounds like a great option, but whats better between nrx conquest or xtreme?
Further North reply :
On 4/8/2019 at 7:19 AM, Nathan.bass.canada said:Sounds like a great option, but whats better between nrx conquest or xtreme?
That's going to be a Ford/Chevy argument.
The real answer is "neither", the question you should be asking is, "Which do I like best?"
There is no "best" here, and the only person you have to please is yourself.
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