Guaranteed To Catch Bass 2024
roadwarrior reply :
There seems to be a lot of members that are not catching bass, some are just starting out and a few have never caught one. If that's where you are, then this short piece is for you. If you want to start catching some bass, follow these instructions EXACTLY, no modifications or adjustments.
Equipment:
Medium or Medium Heavy Power/ Fast Action spinning rod and reel.
#6 Yo-Zuri Hybrid, Ultra Soft, P-Line or XL.
Gamakatsu 4/0 EWG Offset Worm Hooks.
1 bag GYCB 5" Senkos, watermelon with black flakes (194)
1 bag GYCB Fat Ika (194)
Place:
A pond at least 5 acres in size, preferably with some bottom features or contour. Or, if you have access to big water, a well defined cove, not a bay. Whether you fish from a boat or the shore, you will fish exactly the same way.
Method:
Start with the Senko. Cast parallel to the bank, 10-15 yards off the shoreline. Let the bait sink to the bottom, count to 30 (as in 30 seconds) then move the Senko 6-12" with a slow horizontal sweep, allowing the bait to fall on slack line. Count to 10, then repeat. Continue all the way back, move ten steps forward and repeat.
Fish the ENTIRE shoreline regardless of whether you see cover or structure. Fish two Senkos and if you are still not catching bass, switch to the Fat Ika and fish it until you lose it. Don't switch back and forth. Fish the Fat Ika EXACTLY like you fished the Senko.
To make this testing fair, you need to spend at least one hour out fishing, two would be better. You can't hurry and you must stay focused. If you don't catch a bass after two trips or four hours of fishing, you need to find new water.
Low_Budget_Hooker reply :
Know also that if you follow these steps, RW will be able to explain to you later all the different things you will have learned without even knowing it, whether you caught or not.
Fishing like this, with soft plastics in general, will build skills that will help you learn most other baits with ease. This is a "slow" type of fishing. The hardest, (mentally-patience-wise) yet one of the most productive. Follow these instructions to a "T" and successs will be eminent. Get this tactic under your belt and you'll be surprised how ahead of the game you are when you move on to other types of baits and lures.
Most important: Pay attention to every little detail. You will be picking things up (retaining in memory) without even knowing it.
Great post RW, way to help out.
jomatty reply :
this is incredibly good advice. if you want to catch fish there is no better way imo to consistently get bit. this is what i tell anyone, new to fishing or not, when they tell me they are never catching fish.
keep a close eye on your line and let it fall on a slack line and you cant go far wrong.
this is what got my young son and wife hooked on fishing (although thet used a wacky rig but same basic idea)
good advice RW,
matt
MALTESE FALCON reply :
THANKS ROADWORRIOR,
I DON'T SEEM TO HAVE THE SUCCESS WITH SENKOS THAT EVERYBODY ELSE DOES. I HAVE CAUGHT A FEW ON SMOKE PEARL BLUE #229 AND BUBBLEGUM #240 JUST NOT CONSISTANTLY. AS SOON AS OUR WEATHER CLEARS I'M GOING TO TRY YOUR SUGGESTION.
THANKS ALOT,
FALCON
SPEEDBEAD. reply :
Following those instructions will definitely be a challenge for me. I would really like to develop the patience to perform those tactics that you describe.
I am more of a run-and-gun type, but I have become very aware of my lack of patience. Thanks for the post and reminding us all that a slow presentation will often produce results.
Wayne
Siebert Outdoors reply :
I have to agree RW. If someone follows that to a T, I think its would almost physically impossible not to catch a fish. .
Simple advice and very effective.
LBHQuoteMost important: Pay attention to every little detail.
IMO, if this is one of the most important things a fisherman can do.
Jolicious reply :
RW- for us rookies out here, could you go into a little detail about the difference between a well defined cove and a bay please?
thank you.
roadwarrior reply :
Generally a well defined cove will have a tributary channel, often with graduated banks on at least one side. A cove provides some protection and a food base for bait fish which attracts predators. A bay, by contrast is usually associated with the main body of water, an indentation of the shoreline, and tends to have a less fertile environment.
Jolicious reply :
Thank you sir.
Brian_Reeves reply :
You're right. Senkos and Fat Ikas are proven fish catchers, regardless of the mood the fish are in. The color is a good one too. Watermelon/black or watermelonseed will work in just about any color water. If they aren't biting senkos or ikas today, then they will be soon. That's just about a proven fact anywhere I fish. I always have one tied on, though I use baitcasting gear instead of spinning gear. That's because I suck with spinning reels though, not that there is anything wrong with them.
guest reply :
Kudos to RW for picking up on the fact many newer members are struggling. His advice re: Senko in the 194 color is excellent. Be advised, color does matter. The 194 is sold at Wal-Mart and other major retail outlets (like Sears).
Jomatty also makes an excellent point. When fishing soft plastics you MUST be a line watcher. Many "hits" are not strikes that you will feel. Often you see the line twitch or move off to side, or just do something different. Remeber, if it's not a natural movement than it's no doubt a fish. Set the hook !!!!!
PS> getting the slack out before setting the hook is important. You need to reel down untill the line is taut then set the hook.
Back in the "rubber worm" days, you had to pretty quick or the fish would drop the bait, but now with all the salt and flavor built into the lures, the bass hold on. Don't panic. Just reel in the slack and when 99% of the slack is out give a sharp jerk. It's the rod tip that needs to move so get your writst into that hook set.
Good luck and have fun.
roadwarrior reply :
Aint Texan,
I want the people not catching bass to use smaller diameter line (#6) and I prefer Hybrid or P-Line because is has a higher breaking point than a true 6 lb test line. For a lot of guys, particularly when you are new to the game, throwing weightless soft plastics and using light line on a baitcaster can be challenging.
gatrboy53 reply :
the only thing i would disagree w/ is starting an inexperienced bass fisherman out on 6# test line.the slightest mistake a 6# test is popped.
roadwarrior reply :
#6 Hybrid is 11.9 lb test.
P-line #6 is rated 8.4 lbs, but I think it's stronger than that.
Siebert Outdoors reply :
IMO the senko was designed to throw on spinning equipment along docks, weedline edges, or other open ambush points. I use 8lb flourocarbon on a 7'1" BSR852 rod. Makes an excellent senko rod.
You guys with patience problems should fish a senko over suspended fish in about 20+ ft of water. You will learn patience real quick or go crazy. 
This lure also works very well in cold water. That slow fall wiggle is just a fish producing lure.
IMO the senko is like a tube. There is no wrong way to fish it. Anyway it is fished it will work!
Patience is a Virtue, and virtues are rewarded with big fish. 8-)
FatBoy reply :
QuoteStart with the Senko. Cast parallel to the bank, out 10-15 yards. Let the bait sink to the bottom, count to 30 (as in 30 seconds) then move the Senko 6-12" with a slow horizontal sweep, allowing the bait to fall on slack line. Count to 10, then repeat. Continue all the way back, move ten steps forward and repeat.
I have one question about this. At what angle to the shore are you talking about making your cast. If you cast parallel to shore, you can't get the bait 10-15 yds out (heck, if you REALLY cast parallel to the shore you will NEVER get the bait off the shore at all). The angle is important because the closer to parallel the longer the cast and the farther you will have to get the bait back to you. The more perpendicular the cast, the less time the bait will spend in the strike zone.
Is 45 degrees a good compromise between length of cast and length of time the bait is in the strike zone?
BASS fisherman reply :
Two more tips to add to Rw's post- Sometimes you won't get a bite because your worm is hitting the water to hard/loud. To counter this simply stop the line from comming off of the reel. If using a spinning reel, I grab the line seconds before the worm hits the water. If using a baitcaster, simply stop the spool by placing your thumb on it, as you would to stop the spool anyway. The worm will have a near silent entry to the water. It takes a little practice, so keep at it.
When walking around the shore, target the outside edges in any emergent weeds that you can see. Most of the time the active bass will be on the points of the weed beds, and the inactive bass will be on the inside turns.
roadwarrior reply :
Touche'
FatBoy,
You are technically correct unless there is an outcropping that allows you to stand out from the general shoreline. I suppose 45 degrees is reasonable, but it is important to try to fish "approximately" parallel to the bank in order to keep the bait in the strike zone.
BASS Fisherman,
I think a big splash attracts bass, but with these baits, that is not really an issue.
guest reply :
Great post Roadwarrior. I can tell you I was reluctant to try Senkos, and when I did RW steered me to the senko thread at the beginning of FAQ and I fished senko(knock offs) as much as any other bait WITH THE HIGHEST SUCSESS RATE OF ALL MY FAVORITES. Listen to him nd LBH in this area they really know their stuff
BASS fisherman reply :
QuoteBASS Fisherman,
I think a big splash attracts bass, but with these baits, that is not really an issue.
From my experience, not as much as yours, lol ;D, I have found that the majority of the time, yes a splash or a kerplunk noise will attract bass, but not always. Just last night, I was throwing a black senko with blue flakes, at night. The first 25 casts I threw normal, and didn't get a bite. Then I started stopping the bait, for a silent entry. I caught 2 within 10 minutes. I have had a few other times that I noticed the same pattern. The bass were spooky, and only hit a lure or bait with a silent entry. Next time your throwing a senko, and not getting many bites, try the silent entry, I gaurantee more bass. At least in Pa it works like that. I know Im weird, but Im not crazy. :-/ ;D
The first big bass 5+ lb I got, I had noticed that the bass were turned on by a certain kerplunk of the senko hitting the water. I continued throwing the senko into the air and into a thick weed bed. As soon as the senko hit the water, I had a 5lb 4oz LM bass hit the senko. I wrestled her out of the weeds, and I had my first nice bass. It was 2am when I caught her in case you all are wondering.
Banor reply :
IMO what we consider a "silent" entry is still enough of a splash to attract/excite an aggressive bass even at a distance.
Great advice RW. When you are losing confidence or not producing and getting frustrated it's time to get back to the basics! I will probably find myself getting back to those basics this weekend in a tournament. I generally fish the senko and any soft plastics for that matter in the way you've described but sometimes catch myself lacking the patience or getting in a hurry and not staying slow enough when the pressure is on.
Thanks for the reminder!
B
wacky rig reply :
About 3 weeks ago, I put away the trick worms and started using 5" senkos. I went looking for the healthiest grass at my home lake and began working both the inner and outer edges of it. After four trips, I am fully convinced that this bait lives up to all the hype, perhaps even surpasses it. I perfer tossing a wacky rig (imagine that), but numbers were caught with a w/l tx-rig also. The trick worms are staying in the tackle for now.
Brian_Reeves reply :
QuoteAint Texan,I want the people not catching bass to use smaller diameter line (#6) and I prefer Hybrid or P-Line because is has a higher breaking point than a true 6 lb test line. For a lot of guys, particularly when you are new to the game, throwing weightless soft plastics and using light line on a baitcaster can be challenging.
I suppose you're right, but I don't think you grasp how bad I suck with a spinning outfit. I'd end up foul hooking myself in the nose lol. I'm horrid with those things. You're absolutely right though. Light line does suck on a bait caster unless you're really used to it. I use a 14# Silver Thread myself, but for the newer anglers, baitcasters or heavier line isn't very easy to learn with. I was a saltwater fisher long before fresh and grew up on baitcasters. If I could do it all over again, I'd learn a spinner, but I'm too far gone in my ways.
island bassin reply :
Respect to RW , many thanks
Low_Budget_Hooker reply :
Don't worry about the splash, concentrate more on paying attention to your line, especially as it sinks. Often you'll see the line jump, twitch or just plain start taking off.
Reel in the slack while lowering your rod tip towards the direction the line is going and then set the hook.
When I fished ponds from shore, I would quitely approach, sometimes even crouching, and cast VERY parallel to the shore for the first cast. Maybe 2 ft off the shore. I do this on the left and also the right. From there, I will fan cast that area till I have exhausted all angles from bank to straight out in front of me.
Then I'll move( making sure I released all the fish RW just turned me on to of course ) to another spot on the shore, as far away from the last spot as possible and repeat. Keep doing this till you've covered all the reachable water.
Low_Budget_Hooker reply :
Off topic replies have been moved to [link=http://www.bassresource.com/bass_fishing_forums/YaBB.pl?num=1158616241]This Thread[/link]
Vyron reply :
All the rigs :
Norm reply :
Roadwarrior-
Does your advice change any for time of day or time of year? I decided to learn bass fishing in the middle of summer this year, and so far from what I can tell, that is one of the hardest times of the year to catch fish unless you go pretty late at night/early morning--or at the least I haven't learned much other than patience so far. (Which should have me well prepared to try your advice!)
Low_Budget_Hooker reply :
Early spring to late fall. Plastics are extremely versatile.
Vyron- You forgot to add the only one I use ??!! :-/ :'(
Vyron reply :
my mistake sorry
Sam reply :
I thought you were going to suggest using dynamite.
Good advice.
Patience, patience and patience.
Think like a bass.
Thanks for Bass Fishing 101.
fishbear reply :
ok, I am in. The student/newbie/frustrated fisherman here is going out this weekend and use this strategy.
I need to feel that jerk on the OTHER end of the line for a change!!!! ;D
Bassassasin12 reply :
thats the simplest way to catch a bass without using live bait I can think of. Rw is right it almost is guaranteed fish if there are bass in the palce you are fishing. That is how I started out and I am sure many others have started out like this as well.
roadwarrior reply :
Norm,
Summertime is my very best season. That is when I have caught ALL of my 10+. I fish soft plastics year-around, but this is why I posted this thread: This particular approach works ALL OF THE TIME!
Maybe you haven't noticed, but several members have caught their PB in the last thirty days. Wassup with dat? Temperatures are trending down, but this EXACT tactic will continue to work, in every part of the country.
BTW,
All but one of my best bass have been caught on the hottest, bluebird days of the summer around midday.
bass2187 reply :
This is pretty much what I have been doing the past few days i have been fishing. Mostly been using the fat ika however, its a fantastic bait. Got my line snapped by something big today, was on for a second and then realised it was hooked and took off before the drag could work.
I have however had a couple problems with the ika. That is i am not getting a hook set sometimes. I think it is just the way i am setting it. Probably need to add a little snap to it. I have noticed sometimes when i bring back the lure after i had a fish on and lost it that the lure position hasnt changed. I am pretty sure the fish were just holding it in there mouth and running with it. My other problem with it was that i kept getting hook ups deep in the mouth and in what i would consider the cheek of the fish. Tore some fish mouths up and felt bad. Now i debarbed my hooks and that fixed my problem. Hopefully didnt mess up my hook ups though.
All in all its a fantasic bait and i havnt even had it that long. I even had one fish jump out of the water and grab the ika as i was pulling it out! ;D
Had my parents by me a few more packs of them for when they come down here to fish and visit with me! 
Mike
Norm reply :
QuoteNorm,Summertime is my very best season. That is when I have caught ALL of my 10+. I fish soft plastics year-around, but this is why I posted this thread: This particular approach works ALL OF THE TIME!
Maybe you haven't noticed, but several members have caught their PB in the last thirty days. Wassup with dat? Temperatures are trending down, but this EXACT tactic will continue to work, in every part of the country.
BTW,
All but one of my best bass have been caught on the hottest, bluebird days of the summer around midday.
I'm glad to hear that. All these dry runs I've had are disconcerting! I should try to hit the lake this weekend and give it a shot.
KYbass1276 reply :
I would like to see some of your guys results so if you don't mind please post them when you go out next. Senkos deffinatly got me hooked using soft plastic's. The best beginner bait out there. I don't want to go off topic but I wouldn't worry about a splash using these baits. It's been my experiance that when using a senko and it makes a splash upon entry it will spook the bass for a couple seconds but they will turn around to see what spooked them and come back for it
fishbear reply :
I do have one question for RW or any of you knowledgeable "gentlemen" ;D on this subject.
Will any tube the size of the Fat Ika work? I have gone to my local Wally World and looked on Bass Pro's website, and can not find that brand.
Maybe someone here in the N. Georgia area can point me in the right direction.
roadwarrior reply :
A Fat Ika looks like a solid tube, but the action is completely different. I like tubes, too. Tubes are killer, but they are not Fat Ika. The Kinami Palm Tree is the same bait marketed by Gary Yamamoto's son.
You can buy the Fat Ika direct: www.baits.com
fishbear reply :
Thanks,
gonna place an order today......
Vekol reply :
This is the technique I learned this summer as a result of a challenge on the Member Challenge contest. My 18 year old son taught me how to do it. I started trying it on a small, clear stream near my house--and was amazed at how the bass reacted to the bait. I found out quickly that, at least under those conditions, they would immediately charge to within inches of the bait. Sometimes they would grab it and take off, sometimes they would inhale it, and move off slowly. The one constant is that if you set the hook and missed, that particular fish would not attempt to eat it again. Completely disinterested. I can attest, you do what RW says and you will catch bass. I have not tried Fat Ika's yet, but I think that's coming.
Fishin Phil reply :
The thing I love about Senkos is they are relativly cheap so I attack stumps, brush, trees with confidence in my casts. When I fish from shore I walk around with a bag of Senkos (or Ikas) and a few hooks in my license holder. Thats it. Somedays I run out of hooks.
Vorlin reply :
QuoteStart with the Senko. Cast parallel to the bank, out 10-15 yards. Let the bait sink to the bottom, count to 30 (as in 30 seconds)
Good deal... casting parallel to the bank with a cast somewhere in the 30-45 foot range. The only thing you didn't specify was about how far off shore or how deep the water should be but I figure 2-6 feet is simple enough and should produce good results... but I do have one question:
Quote...then move the Senko 6-12" with a slow horizontal sweep, allowing the bait to fall on slack line. Count to 10, then repeat. Continue all the way back, move ten steps forward and repeat.
Ok, the bait is on the bottom after 30 seconds and it's been there long enough for a tentative fish to have picked it up after watching the fall, got that part. What I have a hard time imagining is that a slow horizontal sweep of 6-12" isn't going to come close to picking the bait up off the bottom, which is not a problem. What confuses me is how is a bait that hasn't left the bottom going to fall on slack line?
Or do you mean give it a little slack after moving 6-12" so that a bass has some slack to pick it up and start to take it off somewhere to eat it?
My point being, it sounds as if the bait never leaves the bottom, which is fine. It's just that combining that with the word "fall" caused a facial tick as I tried to imagine it in my mind
Great advice though and I notice many of the things that have helped me to catch bass on plastics... but your approach is more fine tuned than mine. I'll be trying it before the weekend is out!
Thanks,
Vorlin
roadwarrior reply :
Your cast should place the bait 10 to 15 yards off the bank.
A slow horizontal sweep of 6 to 12 inches will move either lure off the bottom. Play with this in clear, shallow water and you will see exactly what kind of action you have while fishing.
Fish Chris reply :
All great advice RW. My "guaranteed" method is the good old fashioned Night Crawler :-)
Not to mention that everything else that swims will eat a crawler too. Lots of bonus fish :-)
They can even catch big bass...... but I only use crawlers for big bass, in very specific, isolated circumstances..... otherwise "artificial lures" generally make it "easier" to stick the big ones.
Peace,
Fish
fishbear reply :
I was wondering if we could make this thread a sticky like the one on Carolina rigs, so it does not get lost...... It would make a great reference tool IMHO. I have read and reread this thread about 5 times now, and I can not be the only one, can I????
Rattlinrogue reply :
Thanks for the info,RW.I'm gonna try this the next time that I go bassin'.I'm using a 4" Senko green pumpkin/watermelon.I'll have to really focus on SLOW.Thanks again!
roadwarrior reply :
Hey Coach,
I'm pretty sure this thread isn't for you, but if you don't usually fish soft plastics, this is the way to start.
fishbear reply :
Roadwarrior, you are DA MAN! I took your advice on Saturday. I went out and fished nothing but Senkos and Fat Ikas. I hooked 10 fish, only landed 4 though. Lost one monster fish. Weather was about 45-50 first thing in the morning, went to 75 by mid day. Water temp was in the low to mid 70s.
One question though, I rigged the Fat Ika just like you explained, but every fish I lost was hitting the Ika. All but the big one, spit the hook. I was using an 8 ft. pole, with a limber tip, but good back bone. Now, admittedly, I was not swinging for the fences on the hook set, is that wrong??? Just trying to figure out what I was doing wrong to keep losing fish.
Thanks
roadwarrior reply :
fishbear,
You need a firm tip to fish ALL soft plastics. You don't need a "Bill Dance" hook-set, you need SHARP hooks and a "snap-set". (Without raising the butt of the rod, reel down quickly and dip you rod. When you feel the fish, snap the upper portion of the rod with your wrists and forearms. This will drive a sharp hook into the fish.)
Although the Fat Ika has a relatively thick body, it is soft. You should be using 4/0 or 5/0 EWG hooks.
Hook-ups should not be a problem.
fishbear reply :
OK, that explains a lot. To limber a tip on the rod.. I was using the 4/0 EWG hooks though, so I had that part right. I will switch to a stiffer rod, I have several of them. As for the hook set, that is what I was trying to do. I hate that swinging for the fences hook set, I am afraid I will throw myself out of my boat for one thing ;D. So with a limber tipped rod, I was not getting the hook to penetrate, :-[.
Thanks again for the tips.... They really worked.
senile1 reply :
I'm getting in on this discussion late, but just because I like to give RW a hard time, nothing in this life is guaranteed. However, if you're one of those on this forum who is having some troubles hooking up with some bass, his advice should be heeded.
mudcatwilly reply :
RW knows his stuff. I started with senkos, caught some bass and thought I was an expert angler - wrong! I had to go back to basics and learn how to fish again before I figured out that attention to detail is the difference between a good day and getting skunked.
GAMEOVER reply :
Trust him on the Fat Ika suggestion.. I never in my life had such a plastic that produced so much. Once you buy a bag or two you will probably get hooked.
fishbear reply :
QuoteTrust him on the Fat Ika suggestion.. I never in my life had such a plastic that produced so much. Once you buy a bag or two you will probably get hooked.
Gameover, I am already hooked. I was fishing with a couple of Fat Ikas a buddy lent me. I have already placed an order for 50.00 worth over the net... ;D.
I am a believer. If it continues to produce, it may just become my new confidence bait.
Now, if I could just catch a darn fish on a spinnerbait! :-/ :-/
Redtail reply :
Fishbear - I'm with you on the Spinnerbait - I'd hate to say how many casts I've made with those things with almost no success. Fat Ika is my go to bait as well.
bubbler reply :
What itme of year would RW's tatics work.
roadwarrior reply :
Year around in the South, although the fishing can still be a little slow in the winter. As you move further north, the fishing sesason shortens.
ga_hawghauler reply :
just wanted to say my hat is off to Rw for taking the time to help people who struggling to catch fish or who are just getting started. Great post and great advice
Andrew Coleman reply :
if i am fishing muddy or cold water, should i change anything?
fishinfiend reply :
I have never heard of senkos or fat ikas before joining this site and I am so glad that I have joined. In just this past week, I have caught
40-50 bass out of a few small ponds in my area over a 4 day span on watermelon senkos 8-)
roadwarrior reply :
Quoteif i am fishing muddy or cold water, should i change anything?
You will have to wait until it warms up a bit. These baits fished as I described work best in relatively shallow water and higher water temperatures. When "spring" arrives in your area, the Senko and Fat Ika will work for you, too.
8-)
32251 reply :
Never tried the Ika bait. Who has a good deal on them and what would be a good price for a pack of them.
Castamasta reply :
im gonna have to try this some time sounds like a good method. nice post!
T-rig reply :
Fat Ika's work period!
Blue Streak reply :
Well done RW this is a very informative post, you have covered all of the basics. If you are not a patient fisherman you will learn to be with this method, there is just not any way to rush it. Hope this inspires some of our other more expierenced members to share their knowledge.
Blue Streak reply :
By the way, I think the YoZuri line is a key ingredient to the success of this method. It is outstanding line, 6# diameter with 11.9# test,soft with little memory. I use it on baitcasting and spinning equipment. I urge you to buy a spool of this and try it you're gonna love it
DrumintheSuds reply :
Fishing Senko type baits requires a different mindset just like jig fishing or spinnerbait fishing but there is no doubt a reason why people catch fish after fish with it.
Take it as a challenge and work the thing until you "figure it out". I learned by fishing a private pond I know like the back of my hand. I know where every stump, laydown and pebble is in the entire body of water. I know where the fish "always" stage for an ambush. I took the senko and threw to these spots until I figured out what made them strike it. I fished it the next time and the next and when they adjusted I figured out why and adjusted my approach as well. I wrote like hell in my log book and now I have made it a deadly bait.
I had a lot of fun in the process as well....
LSUFisher reply :
Hello everyone, my first post and it is a bit late on this thread!
Anyway, my question goes all the way back to page 3 where Vyron posted pictures of some different rigs (Thank you!). I'm very new to bass fishing, and wanted to make sure I was correct in thinking the 2nd picture is of a wacky rig.
Also, people talk alot about t-rigging them, and for a while I thought that was texas rig. But then they say weightless t-rig, which makes me think it is something else (I always thought texas rigs had weights).
Trying a 5 inch watermelon out today/tomorrow on our camping trip, I hope it works as well as some of you say, very excited!
Thanks in advance
Grey Wolf reply :
QuoteHello everyone, my first post and it is a bit late on this thread!Anyway, my question goes all the way back to page 3 where Vyron posted pictures of some different rigs (Thank you!). I'm very new to bass fishing, and wanted to make sure I was correct in thinking the 2nd picture is of a wacky rig.
Also, people talk alot about t-rigging them, and for a while I thought that was texas rig. But then they say weightless t-rig, which makes me think it is something else (I always thought texas rigs had weights).
Trying a 5 inch watermelon out today/tomorrow on our camping trip, I hope it works as well as some of you say, very excited!
Thanks in advance
WELCOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
2nd picture is wacky rigged.
The senko weighs 3/8 oz. You don't need a weight.
There are no absolutes in life , you can rig anyway you want.
FishingMastah1 reply :
Wait, on the "slow horizontal sweep" do you sweep back and forth? Or one direction? And take ten steps? ten steps to the side? Sorry just confused about this method.
Bassin_Fin@tic reply :
Dude T-Rig, that second fish is a FOOTBALL!! Beautiful!
Going way back in this thread to the discussions of a quiet entry or splashy: One thing I truly believe is the skittering sound of skipping or gliding a senko or fluke across the top of the water really turns them on and makes them curious. Practice this! I skip it even when I am not trying to reach underneath cover
roadwarrior reply :
QuoteWait, on the "slow horizontal sweep" do you sweep back and forth? Or one direction? And take ten steps? ten steps to the side? Sorry just confused about this method.
1. Move the bait forward 6-12"
2. Move down the bank to new water
3. Technically a Texas Rig (T-rig) involves a weight, but "T-rigged, weightless" has become a common term. The bait is hooked up the same, but without a weight.
8-)
FishingMastah1 reply :
How should I rig it, T rigged or wacky? I keep losing them wacky rigged (the bait)
roadwarrior reply :
T-rigged, weightless and weedless.
8-)
rondef reply :
Nice write up RoadWarrior. My fishing improveddramtically once I learned how to fish plastics. They always produce for me.
Hoover reply :
This is one of the best threads I have read. I know it has been asked before, but can't this thread be made into a sticky?
roadwarrior reply :
Bring up your "User CP" at the top of this section.
Hit "Posts".
Under "Posts" you will see "My Favorites".
You can add up to 20 threads to keep for yourself.
Laurentino reply :
RW, are you rigging your Fat Ika backwards? Thanks for the good information.
TournyFish001 reply :
I believe he does- skirt up/backwards T rigged weightless
indy basser reply :
Qucik question, If fishing from a boat do you want to throw it out 15 yards from shore and parellel to the shore too? Or do you do this because the bait will eventually work back to the shore? What are the bas relating to at this 12-15 yard spot? I always throw my baits pretty close to the shore and try to work them back along cover. Is this not the best way to do it? Sorry my quick question turned into a few more .
indy basser reply :
1 Last question I promise. What is the windy day alternative to this tactic considering these 2 baits are being fished weightless? Just add weight to them? If so what kind, jighead, bullet, carolina rig?
roadwarrior reply :
No.
The baits are heavy and very aerodynamic. You should have no problem fishing them weightless in the wind.
8-)
donbeatya reply :
and also if you've got the ability first throw a spinner bait thru the area to prone for active bass but this is exactly what i do i throw an active bas type bait then follow with a senko and the a shaky head rig i catch bass all day
nashkcn reply :
i will definetly take your advice! thanks. what if you are using the type of hooks the Gamakatsu 4/0 EWG Offset Worm Hooks, how do you avoid the stumps and weeds underneath. do you use a weed less hook, which i use mostly now, and how do you avoid it.
roadwarrior reply :
Tex-posed, skin hooked. You will still hang-up occasionally, it's the price you pay for fishing where bass live. Stated another way, "If you ain't getting hung, you ain't fishing in the right place!"
8-)
bassbanger reply :
Durn good post THanks RW! I am gonna devote my fishing next week to this in a new lake. I have yet to actualy land more than 1 bass in a trip dont ask me why?
-Randy
tonyla reply :
thanks for the great post. As a novice (I have only been at it 20 years) I appreciate the lesson. I have a couple questions though. Why that particular line selection? is it feel, durability?
I have always read that you lift up the rod tip to move the worm through the water, you suggest a horizontal sweeping motion. Does this motion allow the worm to swim differently?
Again thanks for the advise
Tony
roadwarrior reply :
#1 The Yo-Zuri Hybrid Ultra Soft has virtually no memory "in use".
Thin line (#6 is .010" diameter) allows maximum action from the bait.
#2 A horizontal sweep moves the bait forward, but only lifts it a few
inches, much like a crawdad actually moves.
8-)
tonyla reply :
thanks, very informative. I have been doing well with your bait suggestions. I miss a lot fish though and I wondering if its the braided line after reading the braided line thread. I bought the yoruri line and will try it.
again thanks
firefightn15 reply :
RW, I just found this thread from '06 that you started. I've used search, but unfortunately I missed this one. Short of holding my hand this is exactly the type of tutorial I've been looking for. Thanks a million, even if I am a little late. Can't wait for the weekend to give it a whirl!
roadwarrior reply :
Well, I don't think you will be disappointed.
Good luck!
8-)
zbigbadaaron reply :
Awsome article!
Black Bass reply :
Thanks RW. Another one of your instructive posts now resides on my harddrive. Keep them coming, I've got lots of room
BassBandit35 reply :
Hate to break it to you RW. Wacky rig weightless is guaranteed anytime and anywhere.
Big Tom reply :
I have had this bookmarked forever. It really works...my first ever senko fish came using the procedures and techniques roadwarrior describes in this thread.
NitroMan reply :
Great article!!!
firefightn15 reply :
Ran with RW's suggestion this morning, but had no hits. Was ready to go back to the shallows with the spinner bait, but decided to run the gamut one more time, only throwing cranks. Wow, I found them. And twice the size I was used to. Normally catch 2-3 lbers, but I immediately was catching them at 4lbs right were RW said they should be.
Why nothing with the plastics? I had 10-15 ft of water, no current, sand and rock bottom, and was carolina rigged with trick sticks. Should I have maybe been rigged differently?
adclem reply :
Great article, looking forward to using this great information.
Thanks,
Uncle Leo reply :
Used the weightless Senko method on a spot where I normally would have caught them on a T-Rig, Super Brush Hog. Normal method was a no go. Used a weightless Senko just as RW decribed but with 8 lb line, too weedy for 6 lb. Caught 6 bass in 15 minutes. Moral of the story, "Try something different today".
grimlin reply :
I guess i need to find a new state....I haven't caught anything off senkos or the fat ika the last 3 trips.
I fished ford lake,Belleville lake and Lake Erie...Not one bite off anything.
I hate to say it,but i'm ready for Fall now.
Uncle Leo reply :
I fished St Clair last year, the LM and SM gobbled up the Senko's. It is not far from you give it a try.
Bassboss reply :
I agree with everything.....but, the line lb test. But I do here that yo-Z has a heavier lb test than marked. But I would say 8-10lb. I find that one of the most frustrating thing in fishing is beak offs, not only do you lose the fish, but your hook and bait.
RW, what is your reason for such light line?
roadwarrior reply :
Low visibility, better bait action, more bites, improved line
management and for the most part, I fish structure in open
water, not cover.
#6 Yo-Zuri Hybrid and Hybrid Ultra Soft is 11.9 lb test.
8-)
aceman387 reply :
im a newbie and before this summer had never bought senko worms before, actualy never heard of them ,after reading so many positive posts about them i went ahead and bought some and had nothing but good luck with them . first i wanted to say thanks rw for your posts on them and also how to fish them had i not stumbled upon these forums and your posts i wouldnt have caught very many fish this past summer
rondef reply :
Good advice RW, you can't go wrong with the senkos.
IDbasser reply :
I wasn't to keen on using senkos until I read this post this summer and the post about senkos from members on this forum.
J-B reply :
Thanks for the lesson. I will give it a try this weekend.
J-B reply :
This worked great RW. I tried it this past Saturday and in the first 2 hours I landed 3 lm in the 3-4 pound range, a 7 pounder and a few greedy lil crappies (have not had those bite plastics before). Thanks again.
BassinNewbie reply :
<---------------------taking notes.
voyager reply :
Roadwarrior,
I am a newbie. As a newbie I am looking for a bass setup in which I can use a variety of different baits as I learn. In your post you mention a med. - medium/heavy power, fast action rod. How critical is length? Do I want 6.6' or 7'?
Also, what about gear ratio for the reel?
- voyager
roadwarrior reply :
Welcome aboard!
Use what you are comfortable with, 6 1/2' or 7', it doesn't really
matter. I prefer Medium Power/ Fast Action for an "all-around"
rod, but I fish mostly structure in open water on ponds, lakes
and rivers. If you fish cover (grass, weeds and timber), you
might prefer Medium Heavy Power.
Your all-around reel should be a 2500 series spinning reel or
6.2:1 baitcaster. Both are pretty standard in all brands, but I'm
a Shimano Man.
For line I suggest Yo-Zuri Hybrid Ultra Soft #6 for spinning tackle
and #12 for baitcasting. I also treat my line with KVD Line & Lure
Conditioner.
Good luck!
voyager reply :
Thanks!
I am looking at a Shimano Stradic MgFB with either a Shimano Crucial or St. Croix Avid spinning rod (rods 6'6" med. fast).
- voyager
roadwarrior reply :
Look at the Avid AVS68MXF.
voyager reply :
Ok, I was looking at the Avid AVS66MF, but you think the extra 2 inches and the xtra fast action would be the better way to go?
Also, what can you tell me about my reel choice?
roadwarrior reply :
On sale at Cabela's:
http://www.cabelas.com/prod-1/0049274122385a.shtml
Regarding the rods, take a look at both. Although they seem
like they would be about the same, in fact they are significantly
different.
90x reply :
I dont know why but I have never caught fish on a senko before. I have caught them on almost all of my soft plastics. I understand the patience lesson, but with senkos i do not know why i never get bit. I always fish them near weedline and other structures. I have just dont know why.
voyager reply :
QuoteRegarding the rods, take a look at both. Although they seem
like they would be about the same, in fact they are significantly
different.
Stupid question, but when I am comparing the rods what am I looking for? Just the way they feel in my hand?
dmac14 reply :
Components, like the guides and reel seat.
voyager reply :
But, the two rods (see above) have the same components and reel seats, etc. They are made by the same manufacturer and come from the same series. The difference is the length and the action...
dmac14 reply :
O well then preference and what you would use it for mostly. Longer rods=more distance, shorter rods= better accuracy
kelltech reply :
Ok, followed the instructions, fished 4 hours with absolutely no results. I must admit defeat and confess I could possibly be the worst bass fisherman in the world... I doubt I could catch a cold if I were ice fishing naked ;D
FishDontLikeMe1301600221 reply :
QuoteOk, followed the instructions, fished 4 hours with absolutely no results. I must admit defeat and confess I could possibly be the worst bass fisherman in the world... I doubt I could catch a cold if I were ice fishing naked ;D
somebodys "instructions" will only go so far and MAYBE work for you if your lucky...i wouldnt really use instructions off the net for a lake say 5 min from your house for the fact yea most techniques work on all lakes but for your lakes i wouldnt listen here id go ask the guys that fish your lake ones that you see there often.see what they are doing,what they are using,when where how and what times they fish and why.not only can they give you some nice info and show you how and where to fish and what to use/try but you can also gain a fishing buddy out of the experience.dont get me wrong the posted instructions on here work great and will point you in the right direction,take these and put them in your head but dont follow them to the T,go to your lake and ask those guys and implant theyre instructions in your brain.cause my lake is different then your lake,same fish but necessarly dont always act or do the same mannor in this lake or that lake.just my .02
J-B reply :
That is good advice. It is a very good idea to ask other anglers in your area what techniques they use in your area. Also, try different colors, different speeds and different rigs. The shaky head rig with a floating worm works good in the summer time as it gets the worm to the bottom but allows it to stand up and wiggles as you move the tip of the rod. If it is hot weather where you are at, the bass will most likely be deeper in the water and not along the shores. I have been having luck with watermelon/red flake and baby bass colors lately. Where you are at blue, pumpkin or white might work better. You will just have to try the colors and see what works. With darker, murky water the darker colors tend to work best. If the water is clear use colors like white, pumpkin, baby bass...light colors. Cast into the shallow water and play with the rod, take note on how the worm reacts in reaction to how you move the rod. Use those movements when you cast into deeper water. Keep at it. Over time you will get better at it and catch more fish. Never give up! We all got stumped once in a while. Quite frequently when we first started bass fishing.
FishDontLikeMe1301600221 reply :
QuoteThat is good advice. It is a very good idea to ask other anglers in your area what techniques they use in your area. Also, try different colors, different speeds and different rigs. The shaky head rig with a floating worm works good in the summer time as it gets the worm to the bottom but allows it to stand up and wiggles as you move the tip of the rod. If it is hot weather where you are at, the bass will most likely be deeper in the water and not along the shores. I have been having luck with watermelon/red flake and baby bass colors lately. Where you are at blue, pumpkin or white might work better. You will just have to try the colors and see what works. With darker, murky water the darker colors tend to work best. If the water is clear use colors like white, pumpkin, baby bass...light colors. Cast into the shallow water and play with the rod, take note on how the worm reacts in reaction to how you move the rod. Use those movements when you cast into deeper water. Keep at it. Over time you will get better at it and catch more fish. Never give up! We all got stumped once in a while. Quite frequently when we first started bass fishing.
x2..good info..also one more HUGE IMPORTANT factor when you fish (if your a new angler and just starting out) PAY ATTENTION TO THE WEATHER...thats one of the most important factors to fishing that new guys dont think of. warm/cold fronts,storms,hot-cold,day after heavy rains,wind,moon phases.it all has to do and effects the lakes and the fish (how they feed,theyre moods) and try fishing at duck right b4 night thats some of the best fishing ever,ON ANY LAKE!!! i prefer early dawn sunrise and just b4 nightfall.nightfall topwater strikes,theres nuttin like it.but most importantly dont give up.also if you dont use them try using fish attractant sprays i.e gulp,megastrike,jj's magic and so on.and if anything next time SLOW down,most new guys tend to fish to fast,i know i did when i started out.so with that said...good luck and have at it again
kelltech reply :
Thanks for the encouragement guys, I was trying to be funny but I will never quit! Might swap lakes a bunch but I will post a pic very soon of a first bass
kelltech reply :
SWEET!
Using this technique, caught the first small mouth today just as the sun was about to set! Man he was small but the important thing is the fish was caught ;D
Had to modify a bit, Wal Mart of course doesn't carry Senkos so I was using Berkley 5" wacky crawlers, watermelon with black flakes.
FishDontLikeMe1301600221 reply :
welcome to the club now lol....congrats!!!!
MuahMan reply :
Not sure if it's rude or not to reply to a thread this old but here it goes.
I've tried the Senko too. It certainly takes extreme patience to use the bait weightless in anymore than 3-4 feet of water. Also they don't seem as durable as other soft plastics. Sometimes when I miss a strike or land a fish and it's too messed up for the hook to stay in any longer; I rip a bit of the end off and turn it around thus multiplying my bag of Senkos. Senkos are not my ultimate go to bait yet. That spot is still reserved for the 4" and 6" Zoom Lizards in Chartreuse. FOR ME anyway this thing will catch fish when absolutely NOTHING ELSE will. I don't care if it's 100 degrees and sunny, or 60 degrees and cloudy. I've caught more 4-6# fish on the 4" zoom lizard than every other lure in my tackle box and I'm pretty sure I have them all! Don't sleep on the 4" or 6" in Zoom lizard in Chartreuse with the 1/4oz bullet weight. AWESOME action and you can work it much faster or slow as the Senko if need be. I think the color works because every other boat on planet earth is throwing black or watermelon at them! Just my 2 cents.
Sherlock 60 reply :
Senkos have been my go-to bait for several years now. The best Senko advice I ever got was "If you think you are going too slow...slow down."
Baiz reply :
I'm a beginner and hope to be a pro amature and like to improve my patience, my tactics .
and I got some live night crawlers, and 4 inches yellow greenish berklies but I only have hooks and slipshots, would this be enough to do.
thrawn67 reply :
How do you hook them?
Through the front like a grub? or in the middle or something to get both ends to move? the senkos that is
Thank you
SoFlaBassAddict reply :
For the application in this thread, weightless texas rig.
soccplayer07 reply :
have not seen this post in a while...
SkilletSizeBass. reply :
I just discovered this post. Great post RW and all that has contributed.
I'm going to try these suggestions this spring. I've added the post to my favorites. Thanks
ziltoid reply :
That's the problem with most bass fisherman. Sadly when I was younger, I spent a LOT of time probably scaring the crap out of bass with worms moving at the speed of light.
I actually landed my first bass on a worm during summer when I was much younger, fixing a birds nest of all things.. Bait sat there about 20+ seconds, I reeled in the slack line after fixing the nest and all the sudden there was a beauty on the other end, about 3 1/2lbs, not bad for a first bass !
Chaz Hickcox reply :
QuoteQuoteThat is good advice. It is a very good idea to ask other anglers in your area what techniques they use in your area. Also, try different colors, different speeds and different rigs. The shaky head rig with a floating worm works good in the summer time as it gets the worm to the bottom but allows it to stand up and wiggles as you move the tip of the rod. If it is hot weather where you are at, the bass will most likely be deeper in the water and not along the shores. I have been having luck with watermelon/red flake and baby bass colors lately. Where you are at blue, pumpkin or white might work better. You will just have to try the colors and see what works. With darker, murky water the darker colors tend to work best. If the water is clear use colors like white, pumpkin, baby bass...light colors. Cast into the shallow water and play with the rod, take note on how the worm reacts in reaction to how you move the rod. Use those movements when you cast into deeper water. Keep at it. Over time you will get better at it and catch more fish. Never give up! We all got stumped once in a while. Quite frequently when we first started bass fishing.x2..good info..also one more HUGE IMPORTANT factor when you fish (if your a new angler and just starting out) PAY ATTENTION TO THE WEATHER...thats one of the most important factors to fishing that new guys dont think of. warm/cold fronts,storms,hot-cold,day after heavy rains,wind,moon phases.it all has to do and effects the lakes and the fish (how they feed,theyre moods) and try fishing at duck right b4 night thats some of the best fishing ever,ON ANY LAKE!!! i prefer early dawn sunrise and just b4 nightfall.nightfall topwater strikes,theres nuttin like it.but most importantly dont give up.also if you dont use them try using fish attractant sprays i.e gulp,megastrike,jj's magic and so on.and if anything next time SLOW down,most new guys tend to fish to fast,i know i did when i started out.so with that said...good luck and have at it again
X3 I've gotten most of my best advice from a Catfisherman who fishes for food out of a little jon boat. He see's stuff and goes places I would never think of because I am racing by it in my Javelin. He's been fishing my water for food for about 20 yrs. When he says 'go here' or 'try this' I usually do extremely well (when I am smart enough to listen, still bull headed sometimes).
skey44 reply :
Ok, just got done fishing this technique, and I have to say I've never fished this slow before! The only little problem I had was I didn't get hit in my favorite bank spot until I got a short strike reeling in quickly tight to the bank ( end of cast) there fore I decided they wanted something moving( saw big bass chasing 2" Shad schools wouldn't look at the senko!). Then decided to liven up the retrieve a bit with jerks pops and shorter pauses, next cast caught a dink ( at least something not complaining)! I'm going back out to a different spot with only my hooks and senkos, I'll update on how it goes.
Senkoman12 reply :
QuoteIMO the senko was designed to throw on spinning equipment along docks, weedline edges, or other open ambush points. I use 8lb flourocarbon on a 7'1" BSR852 rod. Makes an excellent senko rod.You guys with patience problems should fish a senko over suspended fish in about 20+ ft of water. You will learn patience real quick or go crazy.
IMO the senko is like a tube. There is no wrong way to fish it. Anyway it is fished it will work!
Patience is a Virtue, and virtues are rewarded with big fish. 8-)
i can throw aweightless senko on bc gear easily and you are right there is no wrong way to fish them, i was flippin them once and caught a ton
skey44 reply :
Still no luck with senko, lots of active bass and bait. Decided to try and " match hatch" with original rapala tried all kinds of retrieves, saw a lot of chasers some small some 3#+ no hits though tried every retrieve I could think of slow fast medium twitching jerking stop and go etc. Just not able to entice a hit. Also tried swim jig that looked a little like the Shad that were schooling tried every retrieve I could think of again, still chasers but no go? I caught a good one (15") there yesterday on a large spinner bait slow rolling it. But only caught one from 8am-12pm. I'd like to catch more and some larger ones seeing as many nice fish as I do. The very slow method with the senko didn't really seem to work in this situation? Should I be trying something different?
Senkoman12 reply :
QuoteStill no luck with senko, lots of active bass and bait. Decided to try and " match hatch" with original rapala tried all kinds of retrieves, saw a lot of chasers some small some 3#+ no hits though tried every retrieve I could think of slow fast medium twitching jerking stop and go etc. Just not able to entice a hit. Also tried swim jig that looked a little like the Shad that were schooling tried every retrieve I could think of again, still chasers but no go? I caught a good one (15") there yesterday on a large spinner bait slow rolling it. But only caught one from 8am-12pm. I'd like to catch more and some larger ones seeing as many nice fish as I do. The very slow method with the senko didn't really seem to work in this situation? Should I be trying something different?
trust me if they are that active they will hit something
skey44 reply :
Well, finally got a good hit on the senko around noon (twitching a little more when moving it instead of just a slow movement, also cut down on the splash on entry). Felt good and heavy... but of course the drag was too loose on my reel and didn't get the hook set. I will try again later this evening, need to get the recommended color (right now only have the watermelon w/large black and red, and baby bass colors) can't find the fat ika around locally. I'll ask if they have them next time I guess. Will update on any further developments.
skey44 reply :
trust me if they are that active they will hit something
I guess I am just missing something then.
Bassin_MO reply :
Can someone answer this for me if possible - will other senko-like baits work for this technique? I mean, I know they will probably work if fished right, I guess my question is - are senkos (the real deal) made a special way to give the enticing action, or will any other brands work in place. I ask because I got a pack of Strike King Shim-E-Sticks at Wal-Mart for a low price. Will these work in place of the senko?
Thanks!
Big Tom reply :
QuoteCan someone answer this for me if possible - will other senko-like baits work for this technique? I mean, I know they will probably work if fished right, I guess my question is - are senkos (the real deal) made a special way to give the enticing action, or will any other brands work in place. I ask because I got a pack of Strike King Shim-E-Sticks at Wal-Mart for a low price. Will these work in place of the senko?Thanks!
You shouldn't have any problem catching bass on those baits. I have used a variety of Senko style baits with success on all of them.
skey44 reply :
I got a pack of the strike king from wall e world and cannot stand the way they smell, like yum baits( sassafrass?) I hate it and have no confidence in this smell at all, might be just my reaction to the smell? I have the specified baits now senko by gyb and fat Ila, now the terrible part.... I have to fish all morning again to test this theory proper
TJHfishin reply :
hey rw i'm just wondering are u rigging the fat ikas up side down or with the nose at the eye of the hook or the tentacles. just wondering and what an amazing post i'm going go back to the basics for awhile to.
TJHfishin reply :
i dont know if u guys have a dicks around you guys but my dicks sells all the gary yakamotos for under 6 dollars and theres that sponsor on here that sells odd and end senkos and ikas for cheap as well i think 8 dollars is way to exspensive. but then again i have a lucky craft fetish lol
roadwarrior reply :
Quotehey rw i'm just wondering are u rigging the fat ikas up side down or with the nose at the eye of the hook or the tentacles. just wondering and what an amazing post i'm going go back to the basics for awhile to.
4/0 EWG Gamakatsu Offset Worm Hook; skirt forward;
weightless and weedless.
8-)
skey44 reply :
Agh, well I guess I fished the Ika backwards! Still no luck this morning again, but the weather seemed to effect the bite. Does anyone know what might have happened we had storms roll through last night, the weather was much cooler and cloudy today. I didn't see the normal action I usually see around cover (near bank) most of the top pops were way out in the middle and few and far between. Throwing the senko and ika near surface action, no bites at all. I think some of the surface action were carp? I had confidence At the time, but now looking back it seems like it may have been a hopeless situation.
skey44 reply :
Found both baits for 6.99 at my local tackle shop.
Syppy reply :
Yeah, having a problem with this lately too. Never caught anything on jigs before, and so far haven't been able to get this to work. The only fat Ika's I could find anywhere around here were green/pumpkin and so far I haven't any sort of bites on them and I'm fishing SLLLOOOWWW. Starting to almost get discouraged.
I'm going to spots where I've caught before, got it rigged skirt up, no weight. What on earth could I be doing wrong?
jignfule reply :
We just had Dick's open up last month here. Fat Ikas $7.49 & the only store around that carries them. So yesterday was the first time I tried them out. I tore it up on smaller fish, missed a lot til I move up to a 5/0( ran out of 4/0) Caught nothing big on them, but then yesterday was a tough day for bigger fish no matter what I was throwing. Anyway I was really impress by the Fat Ika, had to go buy more today.
Hammer 4 reply :
QuoteYeah, having a problem with this lately too. Never caught anything on jigs before, and so far haven't been able to get this to work. The only fat Ika's I could find anywhere around here were green/pumpkin and so far I haven't any sort of bites on them and I'm fishing SLLLOOOWWW. Starting to almost get discouraged.I'm going to spots where I've caught before, got it rigged skirt up, no weight. What on earth could I be doing wrong?
I fish Ika's pretty often, in High Pressure city park lakes. One thing I found was, if the sit there, twitch repeat doesn't seem to work. I'll toss it out there, let it sit for 20-30 secs. then pop it about 12" off the bottom, and let it fall on semi slack line, you Need to take up the slack as quick as possible, as 99% of the time, they will hit the Ika on the fall. They tend to inhale the Ika's, so it's easy for the bass to get hooked deep...so be ready.
Daddyodo reply :
Thank you for the tips! Can't wait to get out and try it. Gave up my day off tomorrow to gain some overtime. Where are my priorities???
T-rig reply :
I haven't used the Fat Ika for while but today it proved again that it catches fish when everything else doesn't work.....
bigbill reply :
The number 1 bass bait of all time is the plastic worm. In the early 70's we used the creme 6" black worms with a spit shot rig. All of a sudden the split shot rig was new a while back. Thanks to my cousin because he kept his nose in field & stream back then and passed it all on to me.
I have a ritual of baits i go thru most of the time. I use a rapala, manns baby 1 crank, BPS topnocker and a rebel BIG claw crawfish crank. Add some scent and most of the time one will or all will catch fish.
I think what really matters is where were fishing and what time were fishing as to where the bass are and in what mood.
I'm having fun just casting and practicing my presentations. I need more practice too. We need to stay focused on what were doing all the time too. Clear your mind of everything else and just stay focused on fishing. BB
I fish from shore and have a rocky point were i tried jigs for the first time. I used a 3/8oz football jig in green pumkin with a pork trailer on a baitcasting setup. I casted it out straight down the rocky point to the edge of the weedline and hopped it along the rocks slowly. Then i nailed my first LMB on a jig right away. Think jigs, think crawfish and go to the rocks for success.
roadwarrior reply :
Nice fish T-Rig!
Great pic, too.
SoFlaBassAddict reply :
Darn nice fish right there. Now thats how you bring back an old thread. Way to go.
MFBAB reply :
Someone mentioned the bass getting hooked deep with the Ikas, I fish a lot of finesse plastics on light or no weight and this can be a problem. The best solution I've found is to mash the barb, it really doesn't seem to hurt the catch ratio and releasing the fish is a lot easier. I don't do that on jigs or pegged t-rigs though because with the weight right at the hook I think they can throw it pretty easily
bobbyc reply :
Anyone fish the ika on a jig?
Cecil reply :
QuoteThere seems to be a lot of members that are not catching bass, some are just starting out and a few have never caught one. If that's where you are, then this short piece is for you. If you want to start catching some bass, follow these instructions EXACTLY, no modifications or adjustments.Equipment:
Medium or Medium Heavy Power/ Fast Action spinning rod and reel.
#6 Yo-Zuri Hybrid, Ultra Soft, P-Line or XL.
Gamakatsu 4/0 EWG Offset Worm Hooks.
1 bag GYCB 5" Senkos, watermelon with black flakes (194)
1 bag GYCB Fat Ika (194)
Place:
A pond at least 5 acres in size, preferably with some bottom features or contour. Or, if you have access to big water, a well defined cove, not a bay. Whether you fish from a boat or the shore, you will fish exactly the same way.
Method:
Start with the Senko. Cast parallel to the bank, 10-15 yards off the shoreline. Let the bait sink to the bottom, count to 30 (as in 30 seconds) then move the Senko 6-12" with a slow horizontal sweep, allowing the bait to fall on slack line. Count to 10, then repeat. Continue all the way back, move ten steps forward and repeat.
Fish the ENTIRE shoreline regardless of whether you see cover or structure. Fish two Senkos and if you are still not catching bass, switch to the Fat Ika and fish it until you lose it. Don't switch back and forth. Fish the Fat Ika EXACTLY like you fished the Senko.
To make this testing fair, you need to spend at least one hour out fishing, two would be better. You can't hurry and you must stay focused. If you don't catch a bass after two trips or four hours of fishing, you need to find new water.
Good post
Cecil reply :
QuoteI haven't used the Fat Ika for while but today it proved again that it catches fish when everything else doesn't work.....
That's a freakin monster!
What did it weight?
philsoreel reply :
HEAR HEAR!!! All who glance at senkos and say, " I've tried them but they're nothing special." Follow RW's guidelines and you won't be sorry. It's crazy how effective this simple set-up can be. Not just catching numbers but it produces weight. Never was much on the old senko before reading this. After reading and following the directions it only took two trips before I went and bought a dedicated senko rig. Good stuff.
BONZ reply :
Read the entire thread. Couldn't determine how the Senko is supposed to be rigged:Wacky style or weightless T-Rig? Also, what does skirt forward mean on the Fat Ika?
roadwarrior reply :
You can rig it either way; I fish the traditional weightless T-rig.
"Skirt forward" means the bait is rigged so the skirt leads rather than follows.
The hook is attached to your line on the skirted end.
Camanche reply :
I just read this entire thread. RW, thank you for the post and for keeping it up over the past 5 years! I've moved from Wisconsin to California, and am having a heck of a time getting back on track... so this is the perfect post for me. Time to get back to the basics! I do have a few questions.
Must a cove have an active tributary channel to be considered? Here is a picture of one, I do not think there are any active inlets. Should this still be a good spot to try?
I have not had as much luck in this area of the lake... but I have not tried this method and perhaps I have not given it enough of a chance. The best area I have found so far are the rock dikes that edge another part of the lake. Here is picture:
The problem that I run into with working the bottom here is getting hung up on these rocks. If I let it fall and sit, it can slip deep into the rocks which almost always causes a hang up.
What would you recommend in this situation?
secretagnt reply :
Kudos to you RW .... This a grat read even for us more experienced anglers .... We all lose sight of the patience virtue in fishing sometime ....
roadwarrior reply :
Camanche,
Man, the cove you posted looks great to me. I would focus on the points,
both primary and secondary. As far as getting hung goes...it's just part
of the deal. Rig your soft plastics weedless, that will help.
On a different note, I'm having good luck right now fishing small to medium
size soft plastic swimbaits: Berkley Hollow Belly, Shadalicious, Keitech
Swim Impact Fat and Matt Lures Baby Bass. These baits rarely get hung. The
technique is cast and retrieve, the lures produce the action, not the fisherman.
Good luck!
Brand0n reply :
I fish a local lake with finicky bass and I just started using senkos. I use a baitcaster with a 6'6" mh rod. What would be good # test and line type? Looking into yo-zuri hybrid for senkos and t-rigs
ChiCityBasser reply :
I read the article and ordered some of the Fat Ika baits after finding them on the tackle warehouse site since Cabelas doesn't carry them. I wanted to give them a try this weekend and didn't want to pay extra for expedited shipping. Next stop ebay and I found them but not in the color RW suggested. I ended up with watermelon/small gold/large black flake #323. I used a 5/0 EWG hook but also put a worm rattle inside and made it out to a couple of the local lakes. I got hits but kept missing fish because I was too anxious to set the hook. I made it to a small farm/retention pond and wanted to put some time in just getting use to fishing it since I fish cranks mostly. My first cast a fish hits it on the fall but I miss him on the hook set. Next fish same thing I missed because I set the hook too early. I work my way around to other side of the lake and again first cast a fish takes it but this time I wait til I'm sure he has it and set the hook on a 2.5lb fish. I ended up getting three more before the Ika was ripped off by a jumping fish. I fished it on a 7' MH/F Field & Stream Tec Spec Tube/jigging rod with a Quantum Kinetic PTi-B20 with 30# Cajun Braid.
Thanks RW for the article and thanks to you I'm now Senko and Fat Ika educated.
lou304 reply :
Hey RW I have a question? Do you see any problem with using a 4/0 owner twistlock in place of the Gammy EWG? i just get sick of having my baits bunch up on a T-rigged EWG, which doesn't happen with the twistlocks. Just wondering.
kidnikarus1 reply :
Patience is key. I grew up fishing in new york strictly on crank bait. Started fishing senkos when I moved to virginia and did not have much luck until I found a stream that has a horrible dragonfly problem. The dragon flies would land on my rod my arms and my head. When I would stop bouncing my worm to swat the dragonflies off me I was hooking up with bass. Now I always do a 30 count before I move mt bait and it works wonders,
roadwarrior reply :
Twist locks are great. Take a look at Moaner Hooks, too.
ClackerBuzz reply :
Finesse fishing is one of my weak spots so I’m glad I came across this post. Thanks RW.
I think I miss fish on senko’s a lot bc I set the hook too fast. I was doing the same thing with frogs. Someone suggested I wait till the bass takes the frog, lower my rod and count to 3 before setting the hook. That helped a lot. But then someone else suggested I wait until I “feel the weight of the fish on my line”. I don’t set the frog until I literally feel the bass pulling it under. That helped tremendously. Would you suggest waiting for the same pull with senkos? Or should I go with ole “let the fish tell me how to set the hook”?
I’m also interested in floating plastics for shaky head/drop shot/Carolina rigs. I know there are great floating worms on the market. I’ve read about Big Bite Bait Squirrels, Strike King 3x Finesse worms (supposed to be super durable/elastic), and Roboworms to name a few. Does anyone have a preference? I’m leaning toward the Strike King b/c of durability (4” for drop shot in shallow; 7” for shaky head in pond slight algae/leaves on bottom).
I use the same cast approach with a fan configuration and it has been deadly with spinnerbaits, chatterbait, buzzbait, jigs, swimjigs.
Re: Bring up your "User CP" at the top of this section.
Hit "Posts".
Under "Posts" you will see "My Favorites".
Where is the “User CP”?
Thanks
roadwarrior reply :
No.
When you feel the "tick-tick" set the hook. The "snap hookset" is my recommendation:
When you detect a bite, reel down QUICKLY to eliminate slack in the line, then "snap" your
wrist lifting the rod tip with your hands without changing the position relative to your body.
You don't need a "Bill Dance" hookset to drive the hook home.
Bigbarge50 reply :
Re-reading this thread reminded me about the IKA's I bought last time I read this to switch up from the senko I always throw. I def need to give the IKA's more of a chance this spring.
Also a huge amount of praise to RW for keeping this thread chugging all these years. Guys like that make this site the greatest..... and it is really appreciated.
cabrela reply :
Greeting from Portugal!
Sorry for the delay....
Great thread roadwarrior!!!
Kristo.Agui001 reply :
RW what would you suggest for guaranteed catches in urban canals filled with peacock bass? (Techniques and lures)
roadwarrior reply :
The new Rage Tail Menance rigged naked with the tail horizontal or verticle as a swim jig trailer has been working great
around here, but that's been for largemouth bass. I have never fished for peacock, but it seems to me that the BIG attraction
is large topwater lures with lot's of action, worked fast!
Post your question in "Other Species" for more and better responses.
real_horror_show reply :
Hey RW, I was so frustrated with the small lake I have been fishing that I was about to give up on it. Then I came across this post and my hope has been restored. I can't wait to get out there and try this. I'm using a 6'6" MH rod on a baitcaster with 8lb test...will this be okay? Cant wait to pick up some Senko's and IKA's and hit the water. I will post the results, hopefully some pics(if they are big enough to take pics of) Thanks for keeping this thread up, you have restored hope in this frustrated noob.
roadwarrior reply :
Your gear will probably be just fine, just check your Senko often. Weightless soft plastics have
a tendency to go airborne. When that happens, baitcasters can turn into cotton candy.
Shewillbemine reply :
I'm one of those newbies attempting to get back into bass fishing after an 8 year hiatus. To date, I've only caught 2 fish on lures: a panfish on a small jig and a bass on a crankbait. I've had plenty plenty of success with live bait (crawlers for bass) and stinker baits (catfish/carp) but I want to join this crazy world of bass fishing!
To top it all off, I'm in southern CA which I've read means we have huge bass that are finicky as hell. I'd love to visit the other parts of the country where it seems all you do is drop a jig and 10 bass clamp on.
Anyways, I tried your advice RW and although I did not catch a fish, I got my second bite ever on a lure (Senko). On the 5th/6th cast from the bank, I followed your strategy and had the Senko about halfway back to me. I looked down for a brief second and when I looked up, my line had changed immediately from slight slack to taut and moving away from me. I reeled in for a half second and set the hook--all I got was an empty line with no fish, no Senko and no Gamakatsu.
My best guess is that my 8 year old line was just not up to par and/or my knot tying skills need revisiting.
I didn't get another bite that day but I'm hoping this experience contributes to more progress. Thanks RW and everyone in this forum!
roadwarrior reply :
Too funny!
Line is cheap, buy some that's new. I count that as "success" even though
you didn't actually catch a fish, you got bit!
As far a kali-forn-ya goes, some of our guys catch both numbers and size.
Hopefully they will reply on this thred with a few specifice suggestions on the
where, what and when.
real_horror_show reply :
i tried the senko worms for about 2 weeks, didnt get a bite. Took them to the river with me this past sunday and the SMB couldnt stay off of them. I caught 15 keeper size in about 1 hours time. Cant wait to go back and do it again!
Shewillbemine reply :
Caught 2 bass for the first time on plastics today, specifically the Senkos! Though I've had years of successful fishing with baits, there's something so special about catching bass on a lure you're actually working and simulating out in the water.
I'm sure plenty of you have felt this experience and it's why the sport is so darn addicting! Both fish took my Senko on the fall after a few twitches from the bottom. My line just went straight and started moving away from me--set the hook and BAM! That unmistakable feeling of a throbbing fish on the other end.
Looking forward to more of these catches. This is especially sweet since it happened in SoCal where bass fishing is relatively more difficult.
BenRias reply :
Whew! I spent the past few days reading through the entire 13 pages of posts hoping someone else had asked this question (nope.) That said, here's my beginner's question: What do you mean by "Fish two Senkos"? Will it break down after a certain number of casts? The previous times I've used Senkos, they do fall apart after a while, but that's bec the spot I fish is fairly heavy on the pads and grass. If I were to go to a less covered shoreline, will the Senko still fall apart from normal use?
roadwarrior reply :
Well, without reading through the entire thread, I don't know exactly what you are referring
to. Senkos are soft which is one of the reasons bass love them! I usually catch several fish
per Senko. The main issue is that the fish often throw the bait off the hook and the Senko is
lost.
"From a human perspective, they're like Twinkies."
Curved reply :
On 10/10/2012 at 2:57 AM, roadwarrior said:Well, without reading through the entire thread, I don't know exactly what you are referring
to. Senkos are soft which is one of the reasons bass love them! I usually catch several fish
per Senko. The main issue is that the fish often throw the bait off the hook and the Senko is
lost.
"From a human perspective, they're like Twinkies."
No need to read the whole thread! He's talking about your original post 
For what it's worth I've spent many hours at my lake fishing Senkos, and I think they're fished out on that lure. I'll catch maybe a fish a trip with Senkos, but I can switch to some other finesse goodies and catch 10 or 20 in the same timeframe. Over at the river Senkos work better, but I still believe in other lures more. In particular, the Powerbait Twitchtail I've been using on a splitshot for a few weeks now ... man is that a numbers catcher! I use basically the same technique as you describe (thank you!), but with a small spltishot.
retiredbosn reply :
This thread should be pinned. Great info for noobs and experienced anglers alike. I owe my intro to senkos to this thread up to that point I thought they were a gimmick, man was I wrong!
roadwarrior reply :
In the top section of "General" we have a number of sub-sections. This particular thread is
pinned with others under "Best Of BassResource". There are two other "begginner" topics
associated with this one.
retiredbosn reply :
Thanks that makes it easier to refer ppl to. And thanks for this thread.
gramps50 reply :
On 9/18/2006 at 7:03 PM, roadwarrior said:Fish the ENTIRE shoreline regardless of whether you see cover or structure. Fish two Senkos and if you are still not catching bass, switch to the Fat Ika and fish it until you lose it. Don't switch back and forth. Fish the Fat Ika EXACTLY like you fished the Senko.
RW: Great article, thanks for taking the time to write it. I do have one question, you say to Fish 2 senkos, not excatly sure what you mean here. Could you explain please. Thanks
sfc_Allen reply :
Well like others have done I read and reread this article. Went out to one of the lakes on post that has lots of bank fishing room. Spent over an hour trying this and got no bites at all.
I also tried a white spinnerbait, buzzbait and a jig. Real frustrating when I can't get bites. Gonna try it at another lake soon.
Hope to get this to work for me, only 3 fish since I started in April. Vr Earle
roadwarrior reply :
On 11/3/2012 at 9:06 AM, gramps50 said:RW: Great article, thanks for taking the time to write it. I do have one question, you say to Fish 2 senkos, not excatly sure what you mean here. Could you explain please. Thanks
Well, the point is that I want you to focus on what you are fishing at the moment, not contemplating what you will fish next.
unionman reply :
It doesnt have to be Senkos or Ikas. A worm or a tube will work also. Sorry RW, just saying. Newbies need options based on price and availability.
roadwarrior reply :
On 11/13/2012 at 9:34 AM, unionman said:It doesnt have to be Senkos or Ikas. A worm or a tube will work also. Sorry RW, just saying. Newbies need options based on price and availability.
Well, maybe...But that's not the "Guarantee".
BTW...
Under really tough conditions at Guntersville last spring, I caught the Big Bass (7-7)
on a Fat Ika during the BassResource Road Trip.
unionman reply :
Your right. Senkos work but I started on a 7" power worm and I was "hooked" ever since. You really have to try hard to fish em wrong. I understand your guarantee though and it IS great advice for beginners. Hopefully it works for a few and when they are seasoned anglers they can pass on some knowledge as well!
gripnrip reply :
I wish I would have seen this thread before Friday. I spent 3 hours at a pond. I tried a Luck-E-Strike square bill and a 5" magnum worm. No luck. It was mid 50's and a slight breeze. A cold front came through Wednesday causing the morning temps to drop quite a bit. I have never had any confidence in senkos. I went to Bass Pro today and picked up some senkos. They didn't have any fat Ika's. I'll give this a shot next time out!
Jacob Krahenbil reply :
On 9/18/2006 at 8:51 PM, MALTESE FALCON said:THANKS ROADWORRIOR,
I DON'T SEEM TO HAVE THE SUCCESS WITH SENKOS THAT EVERYBODY ELSE DOES. I HAVE CAUGHT A FEW ON SMOKE PEARL BLUE #229 AND BUBBLEGUM #240 JUST NOT CONSISTANTLY. AS SOON AS OUR WEATHER CLEARS I'M GOING TO TRY YOUR SUGGESTION.
THANKS ALOT,
FALCON
i live by a 5 inch green pumpkin or watermelon senko it will catch fish just keep on casting
nascar2428 reply :
This is absolutely some of the best advice on this site. Every bank fisherman should heed this advice. I have caught more fish using this basic technique than all of the others combined. Thank You RW, for this wonderful piece of advice!!
JickleFish reply :
On 9/18/2006 at 7:03 PM, roadwarrior said:There seems to be a lot of members that are not catching bass, some are just starting out and a few have never caught one. If that's where you are, then this short piece is for you. If you want to start catching some bass, follow these instructions EXACTLY, no modifications or adjustments.
Equipment:
Medium or Medium Heavy Power/ Fast Action spinning rod and reel.
#6 Yo-Zuri Hybrid, Ultra Soft, P-Line or XL.
Gamakatsu 4/0 EWG Offset Worm Hooks.
1 bag GYCB 5" Senkos, watermelon with black flakes (194)
1 bag GYCB Fat Ika (194)
Place:
A pond at least 5 acres in size, preferably with some bottom features or contour. Or, if you have access to big water, a well defined cove, not a bay. Whether you fish from a boat or the shore, you will fish exactly the same way.
Method:
Start with the Senko. Cast parallel to the bank, 10-15 yards off the shoreline. Let the bait sink to the bottom, count to 30 (as in 30 seconds) then move the Senko 6-12" with a slow horizontal sweep, allowing the bait to fall on slack line. Count to 10, then repeat. Continue all the way back, move ten steps forward and repeat.
Fish the ENTIRE shoreline regardless of whether you see cover or structure. Fish two Senkos and if you are still not catching bass, switch to the Fat Ika and fish it until you lose it. Don't switch back and forth. Fish the Fat Ika EXACTLY like you fished the Senko.
To make this testing fair, you need to spend at least one hour out fishing, two would be better. You can't hurry and you must stay focused. If you don't catch a bass after two trips or four hours of fishing, you need to find new water.
While I love Senkos, if you are just starting, and don't have a high budget, go with some YUM Dingers. They have the same action as Senkos, but don't rip as easily.
Wfo123 reply :
How are you rigging the senko ? whacky or t rig?
Heron reply :
On 9/4/2014 at 4:23 AM, Wfo123 said:How are you rigging the senko ? whacky or t rig?
I suspect since the recommended hook is a 4/0 EWG...its probably T-rigged.
Heron reply :
This certainly is a fine enough thread to be worthy of a pinning.
Heron reply :
RW - you ought to make a video demonstrating this technique. Youtube viewers and Bass resource members alike, would enjoy watching this being done first-hand.
cabrela reply :
On 9/4/2014 at 4:50 AM, Heron said:RW - you ought to make a video demonstrating this technique. Youtube viewers and Bass resource members alike, would enjoy watching this being done first-hand.
X2!
roadwarrior reply :
On 9/4/2014 at 4:23 AM, Wfo123 said:How are you rigging the senko ? whacky or t rig?
T-rig, weightless & weedless.
FrogFreak reply :
It's amazing how this advice is still great after all this time. It's also a true testament to the success of the Senko that it works across the country.
It reminds me of a video I watched awhile ago. Ike was showing his "panic box" that had some old tried and true methods that he goes to when the bite is tough (inline spinner, ball jig and twister tail etc.). I think we all get caught up in the newest and greatest lures and presentations and forget what got us there. The point is, this thread isn't just for the new angler. I think it helps us that have been doing it for awhile as well. To that end, I went out and bought some more Senkos and the 4/0 Gammys. Gary Y should pay you for this thread RW!!
sk8ter107 reply :
I tried this at a new pond I found and didn't catch a single fish. Threw a KVD 1.0 squarebill on before I left and caught a fish first cast. Why won't the Senko/Fat Ika work but crankbait will?
Brian6428 reply :
On 9/7/2014 at 5:34 PM, sk8ter107 said:I tried this at a new pond I found and didn't catch a single fish. Threw a KVD 1.0 squarebill on before I left and caught a fish first cast. Why won't the Senko/Fat Ika work but crankbait will?
Just a coincidence. No lure can be truly guaranteed to catch fish every time, but the senko is probably the most consistent lure for simply catching fish.
datkins reply :
Sorry to resurrect such an old thread, and hopefully I didn't miss this somewhere in my read through of the topic, but is there a way to adapt this for smaller fish? There's a creek nearby where I like, and there are definitely some bass in there. Nothing crazy, around 3# or so, but definitely in there because 1) you can see them swimming sometimes and 2) I've been fishing in this creek several times with a friend of mine whos managed to catch at least a couple every time we've gone.
I've tried using exactly the same bait he was using, green pumpkin magic super fluke, and emulating his technique as best I could, twitch-twitch-pause from what I could tell, but I've not caught anything there. I've been several times on my own as well and used a ton of different lures and soft plastics, but only manages to catch a few blue gill and one enormous snapping turtle.
Reading this thread is encouraging that I may yet still catch one of these bass, which coincidentally would be my first bass ever to catch, but I think that the baits you recommend may be too big for the size of the fish I've seen in this area.
Any advice on how to scale this down or adapt it to fit that situation?
bigturtle reply :
In the world of fishing, there is no such thing as a "guaranteed catch".
If you arent catching them, use another bait, or use a different worm. 3lb bass should have no problem hitting a senko of that size though. If you want to downsize, try thinner worm in 3-4" size
roadwarrior reply :
On 4/20/2015 at 12:28 PM, datkins said:...but I think that the baits you recommend may be too big for the size of the fish I've seen in this area.
A 5" Senko is definitely not too big and the Fat Ika is the equivilent of a Twinkie to fish!
Give them a try, I don't think you will be disappointed.
-Kent
Senko lover reply :
On 4/20/2015 at 6:39 PM, roadwarrior said:A 5" Senko is definitely not too big and the Fat Ika is the equivilent of a Twinkie to fish!
Give them a try, I don't think you will be disappointed.
-Kent
I have caught bass (hooked in the lip!) on a 5-inch senko that were smaller than the bait. Don't worry about size, just throw it.
Arv reply :
datkins reply :
Thanks for the follow up guys. Stopped by Dick's today and picked up some Senkos, thought they're not the exact color. They're "Watermelon Magic." I could find any Fat Ikas though, so I'll probably give it a go in the next couple of days with just the Senkos and see what happens.
Some follow up questions regarding retrieve technique: When you say "...move the Senko 6-12" with a slow horizontal sweep..." do you mean just move the tip of the rod sideways instead of up and down? And as far as leaving enough slack, do you reel any at all after you've made the sweep. or do you reel some in before you start the move?
Sorry if these are basic questions. As I said, I've not caught any bass before, so I'm just trying to give myself the highest chance of success possible.
livemusic reply :
I read quite a bit of this thread and then realized it is 9 years old!
Do people still like the Fat Ika? What hook do you use? Do you find a more effective soft plastic bait than Fat Ika? I have been using flukes, weightless, with success. As well as SK Finesse Elaztech worm on shakey head jig. I had been using Fluke but caught 15 yesterday on the latter.
datkins reply :
You guys were absolutely right, the 5" Senkos worked great!
My 2nd cast of the morning I ended up with my line over a branch. As I was reeling it up I hooked a fish and it stayed on all the way up until it got to the branch, then jumped off, and my hook got caught so I lost that and one worm. The very next cast I had another fish on the line but it snapped my line or the hook came untied, not sure which.
I moved down the bank to a couple of other spots, and finally caught what I think was about a 4lb. fish! Then I moved on to one more spot and caught a little 1-2lb. one.
Overall, pretty stoked I decided to go out this morning, and I can't wait to keep honing my technique.
BrownBear reply :
Nice fish and congrats!
datkins reply :
I couldn't resist the urge to go out again this morning. After about 2 hours, 1 fish jumping of, and about 10 "This is my last cast"s, Ifinally managed to reel in this good looking fish!
I also stopped by a local tackle shop looking for some Fat Ikas. They didn't have any, but I did find another squid-like bait that I'm going to give a try. I'll let you know how it goes!
MichaelCopeland reply :
On 9/18/2006 at 7:03 PM, roadwarrior said:There seems to be a lot of members that are not catching bass, some are just starting out and a few have never caught one. If that's where you are, then this short piece is for you. If you want to start catching some bass, follow these instructions EXACTLY, no modifications or adjustments.
Equipment:
Medium or Medium Heavy Power/ Fast Action spinning rod and reel.
#6 Yo-Zuri Hybrid, Ultra Soft, P-Line or XL.
Gamakatsu 4/0 EWG Offset Worm Hooks.
1 bag GYCB 5" Senkos, watermelon with black flakes (194)
1 bag GYCB Fat Ika (194)
Place:
A pond at least 5 acres in size, preferably with some bottom features or contour. Or, if you have access to big water, a well defined cove, not a bay. Whether you fish from a boat or the shore, you will fish exactly the same way.
Method:
Start with the Senko. Cast parallel to the bank, 10-15 yards off the shoreline. Let the bait sink to the bottom, count to 30 (as in 30 seconds) then move the Senko 6-12" with a slow horizontal sweep, allowing the bait to fall on slack line. Count to 10, then repeat. Continue all the way back, move ten steps forward and repeat.
Fish the ENTIRE shoreline regardless of whether you see cover or structure. Fish two Senkos and if you are still not catching bass, switch to the Fat Ika and fish it until you lose it. Don't switch back and forth. Fish the Fat Ika EXACTLY like you fished the Senko.
To make this testing fair, you need to spend at least one hour out fishing, two would be better. You can't hurry and you must stay focused. If you don't catch a bass after two trips or four hours of fishing, you need to find new water.
Is this being Texas rigged weightless or with a bullet type weight? Or is it rigged a different way? Also I use 50lb Power Pro Spectra braid, should I use a leader? If so how long should it be? The water I fish is pretty murky. I have a 6'6" MF spinning rod with 6.2:1 gear ratio. I don't have real senkos but I have Yum Dingers, will those work?
tcbass reply :
On 7/14/2017 at 11:43 AM, MichaelCopeland said:Is this being Texas rigged weightless or with a bullet type weight? Or is it rigged a different way? Also I use 50lb Power Pro Spectra braid, should I use a leader? If so how long should it be? The water I fish is pretty murky. I have a 6'6" MF spinning rod with 6.2:1 gear ratio. I don't have real senkos but I have Yum Dingers, will those work?
I've never used a leader but I use 15lbs. Power Pro braid, not 50lbs; a leader might be a good idea.
I've tried Yum Dingers, BPS stickbaits, nothing worked as well as the old Senko. I also use a rubber tubing so that I don't lose so many Senkos.
MTPanda reply :
On 7/14/2017 at 11:43 AM, MichaelCopeland said:Is this being Texas rigged weightless or with a bullet type weight? Or is it rigged a different way? Also I use 50lb Power Pro Spectra braid, should I use a leader? If so how long should it be? The water I fish is pretty murky. I have a 6'6" MF spinning rod with 6.2:1 gear ratio. I don't have real senkos but I have Yum Dingers, will those work?
Texas rigged weightless is probably the better way to go with a Gamakatsu EWG 3/0 hook. Senkos weightless falling action is really unique and the bullet weight will make it fall down too fast without the unique fluttering/wiggling action. I always use a fluorocarbon leader of around 6 ft, Seaguar Invizx, anywhere from 8lbs to 14lbs, depending on the type of cover I'm fishing. Yum Dingers should work but I personally prefer Senkos. The unique falling action the senko possesses is quite amazing, especially wacky rigged.
I've caught my personal best of 5.97lbs off a wacky rigged senko but I was drop shotting it around 25ft, slowly tugging it along the bottom. I would get hung up in the treelines and gently shake it off and get hit hard right after breaking free of the structure. I told my friend to do the same and he landed his pb of 3.97lbs the same day.
Just a few days ago I tossed a weightless texas rigged senko parallel to some tulles and instantly got nailed by this 3.84lber
If you look beyond the fish, I tossed my senko directly in front of those tulles and slightly jerked and paused the senko only twice and then I got a huge bite.
Wagster reply :
What a great and informative post. If I'm not getting bit on the Senko I try skipping it across the water. Sometimes this drive the bass crazy.
MichaelCopeland reply :
On 7/14/2017 at 2:29 PM, MTPanda said:
Texas rigged weightless is probably the better way to go with a Gamakatsu EWG 3/0 hook. Senkos weightless falling action is really unique and the bullet weight will make it fall down too fast without the unique fluttering/wiggling action. I always use a fluorocarbon leader of around 6 ft, Seaguar Invizx, anywhere from 8lbs to 14lbs, depending on the type of cover I'm fishing. Yum Dingers should work but I personally prefer Senkos. The unique falling action the senko possesses is quite amazing, especially wacky rigged.
I've caught my personal best of 5.97lbs off a wacky rigged senko but I was drop shotting it around 25ft, slowly tugging it along the bottom. I would get hung up in the treelines and gently shake it off and get hit hard right after breaking free of the structure. I told my friend to do the same and he landed his pb of 3.97lbs the same day.
Just a few days ago I tossed a weightless texas rigged senko parallel to some tulles and instantly got nailed by this 3.84lber
If you look beyond the fish, I tossed my senko directly in front of those tulles and slightly jerked and paused the senko only twice and then I got a huge bite.
I don't have any flourocarbon line, however I do have Trilene XT green low vis mono in 14lb and 20lb. Will either of those work well for a leader?
new2BC4bass reply :
On 7/14/2017 at 11:43 AM, MichaelCopeland said:Is this being Texas rigged weightless or with a bullet type weight? Or is it rigged a different way? Also I use 50lb Power Pro Spectra braid, should I use a leader? If so how long should it be? The water I fish is pretty murky. I have a 6'6" MF spinning rod with 6.2:1 gear ratio. I don't have real senkos but I have Yum Dingers, will those work?
No leader required. A brother-in-law...and my fishing partner when I visit Florida...uses nothing but 40# PowerPro on all his rods (all spinning). Loves it because he seldom loses a lure. Catches plenty of fish and not just dinks either.
roadwarrior reply :
Lighter line is what I recommend. #4 or #6 Yo-Zuri Hybrid or Seaguar InvizX on spinning tackle.
The rigging is weightless and weedless using a #4/0 EWG Offset Worm Hook. I fish Troker, Gamakatsu
and Daiichi X-Point. Pick your favorite color, but I ONLY fish the GYCB Senko. Another alternative
is the Magic Lure.
MTPanda reply :
On 7/14/2017 at 7:29 PM, MichaelCopeland said:I don't have any flourocarbon line, however I do have Trilene XT green low vis mono in 14lb and 20lb. Will either of those work well for a leader?
I personally use fluorocarbon line as just my preference. I live in Southern California where a lot of our lakes are highly pressured with clear water so I tend to use more finesse techniques like dropshot so I always have a fluro leader tied to my braid. I only tend to use mono as a leader when I'm tossing some topwater but you can go ahead and try to fish without a leader or with the mono leader, either way you'll still catch fish if you fish the senko in the right areas and fish it slow and subtle. Good luck!
Yeajray231 reply :
I like a 3/0 for the 5" senko. It lets the tail wiggle much more. 4/0 is a must for the fat ika, 3/0 is simply too small..
Straight braid will work just fine.. you should try a floro leader for weightless plastics , not only is it less visible but it sinks helping the bait get down slightly faster which seems to be the ticket for me in the summer. I do just fine using straight braid and have for years. Plenty of 20+ fish days , but since I've started using a floro leader my confidence has heightened ever more, even if it is a placebo (;
fishwizzard reply :
I have started fishing the Ika a bit and am having a lot of luck with it. In addition to several nice bass I have caught a few sunfish, a eastern water snake, and a large bullfrog. All caught casting to pads and then slowly popping it into the water.
I am still up in the air about what hook to use. So far I am using a 5/0 Owner Rig-n-Hook and a 4/0 Owner Beast. The Rig-n sits close to the plastic, is very weedless, and gives decent hooksets, but the plastic's lifespan is poor. The Beast sticks out a bunch and snags a lot. But it gives almost perfect hooksets and I have gotten 6-8 fish on a single plastic with them.
MichaelCopeland reply :
On 7/14/2017 at 8:15 PM, new2BC4bass said:
No leader required. A brother-in-law...and my fishing partner when I visit Florida...uses nothing but 40# PowerPro on all his rods (all spinning). Loves it because he seldom loses a lure. Catches plenty of fish and not just dinks either.
Cool deal, thank you.
On 7/15/2017 at 12:42 AM, MTPanda said:
I personally use fluorocarbon line as just my preference. I live in Southern California where a lot of our lakes are highly pressured with clear water so I tend to use more finesse techniques like dropshot so I always have a fluro leader tied to my braid. I only tend to use mono as a leader when I'm tossing some topwater but you can go ahead and try to fish without a leader or with the mono leader, either way you'll still catch fish if you fish the senko in the right areas and fish it slow and subtle. Good luck!
I'm on vacation next week, unfortunately it'll be spent in my area of Louisiana. Gonna have to try it out with my Yum Dingers. Can't really afford real senkos. Thank you for the advice.
On 7/14/2017 at 10:47 PM, roadwarrior said:Lighter line is what I recommend. #4 or #6 Yo-Zuri Hybrid or Seaguar InvizX on spinning tackle.
The rigging is weightless and weedless using a #4/0 EWG Offset Worm Hook. I fish Troker, Gamakatsu
and Daiichi X-Point. Pick your favorite color, but I ONLY fish the GYCB Senko. Another alternative
is the Magic Lure.
What exactly is the magic lure?
MichaelCopeland reply :
@road warrior yesterday I bought some 2/O and 3/O Gammy EWG offset hooks(red) and some Strike King Watermelon Red Black Shim E Sticks. This morning I went to Indian Creek Reservoir in Woodworth, Louisiana. First time I've ever been there. I used my 3/O Gammy EWG and one of the SK Shim E Sticks along with my 6'6" Lew's Carbon MF Speed Stick spinning rod with straight 50lb Power Pro Spectra braid. First cast, reeled up my slack waited 30 secs, drug it about a foot and a half or so. Let it sit for 15 secs and went to drag it again and felt weight(never felt a bite) and started reeling in. I want to thank you for the advice. I now have a new PB! My scale wasn't working right, so I have to guess, but it's at least 2lbs or so. It's twice the size or so of my first two bass that were roughly a lb or so. That technique definitely works. Only caught one today, still a lot more bank areas to fish from out there. Didn't have enough time, with all the people that were there to do much more fishing before it started to rain a little. Thanks again, you're the man!
MTPanda reply :
On 7/16/2017 at 4:20 AM, MichaelCopeland said:@road warrior yesterday I bought some 2/O and 3/O Gammy EWG offset hooks(red) and some Strike King Watermelon Red Black Shim E Sticks. This morning I went to Indian Creek Reservoir in Woodworth, Louisiana. First time I've ever been there. I used my 3/O Gammy EWG and one of the SK Shim E Sticks along with my 6'6" Lew's Carbon MF Speed Stick spinning rod with straight 50lb Power Pro Spectra braid. First cast, reeled up my slack waited 30 secs, drug it about a foot and a half or so. Let it sit for 15 secs and went to drag it again and felt weight(never felt a bite) and started reeling in. I want to thank you for the advice. I now have a new PB! My scale wasn't working right, so I have to guess, but it's at least 2lbs or so. It's twice the size or so of my first two bass that were roughly a lb or so. That technique definitely works. Only caught one today, still a lot more bank areas to fish from out there. Didn't have enough time, with all the people that were there to do much more fishing before it started to rain a little. Thanks again, you're the man!
Congrats man! Nice fish there man. Keep casting and experimenting
MichaelCopeland reply :
On 7/16/2017 at 7:38 AM, MTPanda said:
Congrats man! Nice fish there man. Keep casting and experimenting
Thank you very much! I appreciate that. I'm on vacation next week and I plan on doing as much experimenting as possible. Hopefully catching a new PB, but at least catching. That technique is definitely a new confidence one for me. Bass Resource has really helped me get this far and I'm confident it will get me even further.
NYWayfarer reply :
When fishing shallow ponds from shore I never get skunked if I wacky rig Yum Dingers using an "O" ring. If I don't get anything with the 5" version I downsize to 4" and then 3" if need be.
Match the colors to the local forage. In my pond Green Pumpkin is deadly.
MichaelCopeland reply :
On 7/16/2017 at 11:10 AM, Finesse Wayfarer said:When fishing shallow ponds from shore I never get skunked if I wacky rig Yum Dingers using an "O" ring. If I don't get anything with the 5" version I downsize to 4" and then 3" if need be.
Match the colors to the local forage. In my pond Green Pumpkin is deadly.
The one small pond I have access to, I haven't caught anything in yet. Not even sure if there's any bass in it. Just will have to fish them a little more often to see. I'm gonna have to try the wacky wig again, only tried it once and not really sure I was doing it right. Couldn't find any wacky rig hooks, the day I was thinking about them, but I did see some weedless bait holder hooks and bought some to try the wacky rig. Don't know if those hooks will really work for that or not, haven't given it a proper go just yet. Gotta look into the local forage colors also, but the color worms I've had success with are tequila sunrise and junebug red for u tail worms and watermelon red black for senko style worms. I've gotten bit on green pumpkin with chartreuse tipped tail but no catch yet.
Will Bass reply :
Thanks for the heads up on the Fat Ika! I went out New Year’s Day and tried this for the first time. It was windy in the lower 30s and I did really well. You are correct you have to watch the line. Half the time I received no obvious bites but my line would stop mid drop and sit there. Other than that get ready and hold on!
BubbaBassin’ reply :
I tried this for a good two hours to no avail. Yet I see other fisherman pull up bass here often. ?
RJ27 reply :
Hey guys, new member here! I have to thank the OP and other members here. I used this formula to catch my first bass Tuesday!
It was small but still fulfilling to know that all the time spent reading and researching paid off.
Cant wait to hook the next one!
Thanks again guys!
roadwarrior reply :
Congratulations!
Bluechip68 reply :
Wow. Followed this advice today and caught 4 - several 4 lbs + . Thank you sir!!!!
roadwarrior reply :
Nice fish, great pic!
txchaser reply :
This thread has helped me take other people fishing and get on quality fish pretty consistently, without a lot of complication, exposed hooks flying around or getting snagged, and in a lot of different conditions. Especially the Fat Ika reverse rigged.
Thank you @roadwarrior
JWBII reply :
Thanks for such an informative post! I am new to fishing and am having a great time learning.
What would you suggest using instead of the Fat Ika? I have looked everywhere here in Houston and can’t find anywhere that stocks them. BPS, Dick’s, Academy, Fishing Tackle Unlimited..... etc etc....
Hammer 4 reply :
On 7/6/2019 at 10:19 AM, JWBII said:Thanks for such an informative post! I am new to fishing and am having a great time learning.
What would you suggest using instead of the Fat Ika? I have looked everywhere here in Houston and can’t find anywhere that stocks them. BPS, Dick’s, Academy, Fishing Tackle Unlimited..... etc etc....
Order them from TW. https://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Yamamoto_Fat_Ika_10pk/descpage-YAFI.html
Zanza7 reply :
Started fishing the local ponds again and the OP definately works. I followed it to a T
Wizzlebiz reply :
On 9/18/2006 at 7:03 PM, roadwarrior said:There seems to be a lot of members that are not catching bass, some are just starting out and a few have never caught one. If that's where you are, then this short piece is for you. If you want to start catching some bass, follow these instructions EXACTLY, no modifications or adjustments.
Equipment:
Medium or Medium Heavy Power/ Fast Action spinning rod and reel.
#6 Yo-Zuri Hybrid, Ultra Soft, P-Line or XL.
Gamakatsu 4/0 EWG Offset Worm Hooks.
1 bag GYCB 5" Senkos, watermelon with black flakes (194)
1 bag GYCB Fat Ika (194)
Place:
A pond at least 5 acres in size, preferably with some bottom features or contour. Or, if you have access to big water, a well defined cove, not a bay. Whether you fish from a boat or the shore, you will fish exactly the same way.
Method:
Start with the Senko. Cast parallel to the bank, 10-15 yards off the shoreline. Let the bait sink to the bottom, count to 30 (as in 30 seconds) then move the Senko 6-12" with a slow horizontal sweep, allowing the bait to fall on slack line. Count to 10, then repeat. Continue all the way back, move ten steps forward and repeat.
Fish the ENTIRE shoreline regardless of whether you see cover or structure. Fish two Senkos and if you are still not catching bass, switch to the Fat Ika and fish it until you lose it. Don't switch back and forth. Fish the Fat Ika EXACTLY like you fished the Senko.
To make this testing fair, you need to spend at least one hour out fishing, two would be better. You can't hurry and you must stay focused. If you don't catch a bass after two trips or four hours of fishing, you need to find new water.
Is the spinning rod due to the light lure? I dont really use a spinning rod much unless Im in salt or brackish waters.
new2BC4bass reply :
On 9/19/2019 at 2:16 AM, Wizzlebiz said:Is the spinning rod due to the light lure? I dont really use a spinning rod much unless Im in salt or brackish waters.
No. It is for a straight fall. Baitcast reel will cast a 5" Senko with no problem, but it is harder to get the straight fall. Pull line out, but watch out you don't give yourself an overrun if you want to use a baitcast reel.
the reel ess reply :
On 7/14/2017 at 7:29 PM, MichaelCopeland said:I don't have any flourocarbon line, however I do have Trilene XT green low vis mono in 14lb and 20lb. Will either of those work well for a leader?
Yes. I don't use any fluoro either. Lately, I don't use any leader with braid.
Wizzlebiz reply :
On 9/18/2006 at 7:03 PM, roadwarrior said:There seems to be a lot of members that are not catching bass, some are just starting out and a few have never caught one. If that's where you are, then this short piece is for you. If you want to start catching some bass, follow these instructions EXACTLY, no modifications or adjustments.
Equipment:
Medium or Medium Heavy Power/ Fast Action spinning rod and reel.
#6 Yo-Zuri Hybrid, Ultra Soft, P-Line or XL.
Gamakatsu 4/0 EWG Offset Worm Hooks.
1 bag GYCB 5" Senkos, watermelon with black flakes (194)
1 bag GYCB Fat Ika (194)
Place:
A pond at least 5 acres in size, preferably with some bottom features or contour. Or, if you have access to big water, a well defined cove, not a bay. Whether you fish from a boat or the shore, you will fish exactly the same way.
Method:
Start with the Senko. Cast parallel to the bank, 10-15 yards off the shoreline. Let the bait sink to the bottom, count to 30 (as in 30 seconds) then move the Senko 6-12" with a slow horizontal sweep, allowing the bait to fall on slack line. Count to 10, then repeat. Continue all the way back, move ten steps forward and repeat.
Fish the ENTIRE shoreline regardless of whether you see cover or structure. Fish two Senkos and if you are still not catching bass, switch to the Fat Ika and fish it until you lose it. Don't switch back and forth. Fish the Fat Ika EXACTLY like you fished the Senko.
To make this testing fair, you need to spend at least one hour out fishing, two would be better. You can't hurry and you must stay focused. If you don't catch a bass after two trips or four hours of fishing, you need to find new water.
Ok. So you linked me here from the other thread about soft plastics driving me crazy. I followed everything but the spinning rod bit as I dont have one for bass fishing.
2 hours and I got nothing. But after those 2 hours were up I took that soft plastic senko and threw into pond scum. It was so thick the worm basically sat on top of it and worked like a frog. And sure enough thats how I got the bite. I caught that fish but I cheated. I will go again for 2 more hours in a day or 2.
I did end up getting a bite after this dragging but I did not get the hook set.
roadwarrior reply :
Stay with it and you will catch a ton of bass!
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