Strike King Shim E Sticks Vs Senkos 2024

Hattrick7 reply :

I've had good success on senkos and gave the shim e sticks a try since they look and feel almost identical to the senkos and they're so much cheaper but I think I've caught only one bass on them.

Does anyone use them regularly and actually like them better than senkos? I'm wacky rigging them the same.

RaleighBass reply :

I have tried the shime sticks as well as senkos, and to be honest I catch more on the original senko's. That's not to say the shim e sticks don't work but that is my experience with them. I mainly texas rig weightless with both. The bad part is the senkos are so soft that usually one fish per senko (sometimes 2). With that said though I don't through them away if the head is mangled, I put them in a bag and will use them wacky style. I have also tried the yum dingers as well with the same results.

Felix77 reply :

I use shim e sticks when I fun fish. They catch fish and at almost half the cost of a GY senko. When competing in a tournament I use GYs.

AK-Jax86 reply :

I haven't had any success using the Shim e sticks. I went to Walmart a while ago and they had them on sale for $2 I think so I bought 5 packs in various colors. I have never caught a fish on them before and with senkos it's like you can't keep the fish off them

Quirkyfisher reply :

Maybe my luck with them is a tad better, I've had good success with the strike king shim-e-sticks as well as the yum dingers. When I fish wacky or trig, I only use shim-e-sticks and dingers pretty much. GY Senkos are better, but it's hard to keep using them, burn through $$$$ pretty quick if you fish senko style worms a lot (which I do.)

AK-Jax86 reply :

On 7/12/2013 at 1:01 AM, Quirkyfisher said:
Maybe my luck with them is a tad better, I've had good success with the strike king shim-e-sticks as well as the yum dingers. When I fish wacky or trig, I only use shim-e-sticks and dingers pretty much. GY Senkos are better, but it's hard to keep using them, burn through $$$$ pretty quick if you fish senko style worms a lot (which I do.)

Agreed with that GYS are very expensive and IMO arent that durable when these FL bass hit em they rip em apart

Hattrick7 reply :

Thanks for your responses. It really may be a case of you get what you pay for.

loudcherokee reply :

The shim e stiks are the ones i use. Watermelon with black flake. Ive had a fish on them in pretty much every body of water i fished this year. Ive never used the GY brand to do a comparison though.

annexation reply :

Me and my dad frequently fish the local mill pond together - he throws Watermelon green Shim E Sticks and I throw green pumpkin senkos. Guess who catches more?

Depends on the day, my friend. Depends on the day.

My point is, they both catch like crazy. Put either of them in a fish's face and they will slam it. They both have their strengths, so it comes down to user preference. Inch for inch, the Yamamotos are noticably heavier and cast farther. The Shim E Sticks are more endurant and quite a bit less expensive. I like them both, and Yum Dingers, too.

ULG reply :

Try big bite, they make an affordable stickbait with some good colors, wave worm also makes a good one, had alot of success with th ocho by sk, the big bite are like 3 bucks a pack, waves bout th same but sk ocho is a tad more expensive, iv tried some of the cheaper ak models with not much success, maybe th fish kno thr cheaper??? Lol not really but sometimes it pay it pays to go cheap n sometimes it pays to bite th bullet n spend a little more. Like th thread above states, if u put it in thr face... Some ppl sat i get but more with a certain color or lure, but they probly throw thr fave alot more n give it more time in the water too. But also stated above, il fish a less expensive style for sure while practicing and while js fun fishing, i throw gama during fun fishing n strap in trokars on tourney day. Sam goes with plastics, if th fish are there, in time they will bite, js give them and baits alike an honest chance at it

EvanT123 reply :

On 7/12/2013 at 4:10 AM, annexation said:

Me and my dad frequently fish the local mill pond together - he throws Watermelon green Shim E Sticks and I throw green pumpkin senkos. Guess who catches more?

Depends on the day, my friend. Depends on the day.

My point is, they both catch like crazy. Put either of them in a fish's face and they will slam it. They both have their strengths, so it comes down to user preference. Inch for inch, the Yamamotos are noticably heavier and cast farther. The Shim E Sticks are more endurant and quite a bit less expensive. I like them both, and Yum Dingers, too.

^^^What this guy said.

tomustang reply :

My bass are picky, they don't like shim e sticks. It's a shame too because I bought a bunch of them

fstr385 reply :

I haven't tried those, but would kind of like to now. I know Ive been killen em with the kvd perfect plastic stick worms lately, but they don't last much longer than gy senkos. I like the bps brand too when the colors right.

Thatbasstardbrent reply :

The lava colored ones worked great for bass and pickerel. I think they're tied in my fishing spots.

BobP reply :

Yeah, Senkos cost too much and last too short. It is what it is. They catch fish better than most so you have to decide what's important to you. When I looked around for alternatives a few years ago, I weighed 5" Senkos and they were 3/8 oz. Most alternatives weigh significantly less, around 1/4 oz, so they sink slower and are more durable but have less of that seductive Senko wiggle. The only brand I found at the same weight was from Wacky Worm - but they seem stiffer than Senkos.

Hattrick7 reply :

On 7/11/2013 at 9:34 PM, AK-NJ1986 said:
I haven't had any success using the Shim e sticks. I went to Walmart a while ago and they had them on sale for $2 I think so I bought 5 packs in various colors. I have never caught a fish on them before and with senkos it's like you can't keep the fish off them

This is exactly what I've experienced from using them.

hookset on 3 reply :

I use both and depending on how finicky the bass are on that particular day, I go with the ones that get the most hits.

Tip- use the hitch-hiker texas rig worm holder.

http://www.hitchseries.com/#!__the-texas-rig-hitch

zachb34 reply :

For what it's worth I never have fished with a GYCB senko but I fish the shim E stick exclusively. Yes, I catch fish and pay 1/4 of the price when on sale.

wngan9447 reply :

I haven't tried the Shim-E sticks, but have a few packs.

I'm tried Robos, Yum Dingers and Spankys.... all have had the same success as Senkos.

Jake_M123 reply :

I use both I find the trick is the senkos have an oil on them I assume some sorts of attractant . So what I do withe shim e sticks is add some bass attractant and man let me tell you give them a few days to fully absorb the sent and they will out fish senkos 4-1 and it's a hell of a lot cheaper. Here in Rhode Island I like to throw the green pumpkin black flake . I have fished both extensively

roadwarrior reply :

Hmm...Every knock-off vs. a Senko...

I don't really fish them too much anymore. Although the Senko has produced most of my

best fish, I catch too many fish that aren't "special". I think there are better alternatives for

bigger bass in general. However, if I fish a "Senko", it is ONLY a GYCB Senko.

primetime reply :

I think all stick worms work well, but I do 100% believe the GYB line of Senkos is superior and worth the extra money since they offer so many colors that other companies do not make and add little subtle changes that I think make a big difference.

Just Imagine a pond that get's heavy fishig pressure. The majority of anglers are throwing worms and usually a stick bait, and we all cast to the same spots as the guy before us since we are all looking for cover and ambush points...Bass learn from experience and in a pond that is in my community only the small Bass under a year old will go near a senko, rattle trap, spinnerbait etc...I would imagine they see more than 30 stick baits pass by them each week, and if I can have a worm that is black and blue, only has large blue flake with some silver instead of the standard, that may be what causes the fish to strike.

I have yet to fish any Yamamoto soft bait that is not productive,and I think it is more than just the texture and action...Its the color patterns imo since the recipe is out there to make an identical Senko but what other company wants to spend all that money for production for hundreds of colors for each size senko, grub, etc....The OEM mixing GYB baits must be super busy all year long with the volume of sales and variety they offer.

aavery2 reply :

On 9/25/2014 at 5:10 AM, roadwarrior said:

Hmm...Every knock-off vs. a Senko...

This just about sums it up.

ClackerBuzz reply :

whatever you buy rig them like this:

http://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-forums/topic/142538-the-secret-to-not-losing-so-many-senkos-heres-the-solution/

I'm switching all my baits over to elaztech like Z Man ZInkers

Comfortably Numb reply :

Little "stick bait" info for ya.

A "Senko" is only made by Gary Yamamoto. No other name brand or generic stick bait should be called a Senko. Kinda like all stick on bangages are not "Band Aids". Not all tissues are "Kleenex"

A Senko has a couple major differences to other sticks.

Softer. They almost always are softer than other brands. This gives them that special "shimmy" on fall. The softer ANY bait is makes it less durable.

Heavier/sinks faster. Most Senkos are around 11g (more clear colors can be lighter). The salt in any stick is used as ballast to make it sink. Senkos use more salt then other brands. The plastic does not bond to the salt and make the bait less duable.

Sticks come in many shapes. Skinnier, fatter, hex, etc. This obviously effects action.

I am not a believer in scent, but some are so this could be considered a factor. If they dont come pre-scented you can add your favorite yourself.

After many years of fishing sticks, I have never found color to be a major factor, as long as the fish can see it. However I always agree that if a color gives YOU confidence then it is a plus.

Lately us hand injectors have pretty much perfected the original GYBC Senko recipe using salt, and a modified one that uses silicone sand (fine glass beads) as ballast insted of salt. The plastic seems to bond to the sand and actually makes the plastic more durable. A GYBC licensed Senko mold is also now available.

I doubt the major companies will catch on a a more durable bait equals less sales. The sand also is abrasive and hard on the equipment.

BasshunterJGH reply :

The senkos catch fish in almost all conditions for me. They'll bite the shim e stiks if the fish are on a good senko bite though.

Bluebasser86 reply :

In my experience the original Senko is a superior bait when fishing weightless. If I'm doing anything else with them I'll go with a Bass Pro stick O. Honestly the only time I fish the original any more is during tournaments. I catch a lot of bass on the Stick O and they're way cheaper and more durable. The Strike King Ocho is a good bait and a little bit cheaper option than the Senkos.

iceintheveins reply :

No stick I've tried produces like the original senko. With mend it and parasite clips they are worth EVERY penny.

Jake_M123 reply :

Trust me guys the color defiantly plays a factor may not be a huge one but it does. The waters I fish are gin clear so if I throw non natural color I may get bit by the small undersized bass and not a lot . But when I throw a natural color I will get bit at least at a 5-1 ratio. As to getting quality compared to quantity I will throw a jig and I can usually get that bigger bite I'm looking for in a tournament. Put it this way all stick-baits worms work it's just a matter of conditions that cause the bites.

ww2farmer reply :

I feel sorry for people who think they need to use yamamotos. I'll put my results with knockoffs up against anyone's results with Gary's, but it would be embarrassing for the yamamoto fan boys.

Preytorien reply :

I've used both and don't see much difference.

I like th Shim-E-Stiks in red shad pretty well.

My new favorite is the SK Ocho.....it sinks much faster though I've found.

boostr reply :

This past summer I was using Senko green pumpkin, lost the bait on every bite and hook up. When I ran out I opened a new bag of Pumpkin Black Flake Shimee sticks, and was still killing it. The difference was I still had the same Shimme stick on after several bites and hook ups.

CWB reply :

I like Shimee Sticks also. Tiki Sticks Super Soft Pro are every bit as good as Senkos IMO. Google the youtube video. Havoc Flat Dawgs probably have the best wiggle on the fall but are one fish, or even one hookset baits. Tried them for the first time last weekend and caught five bass on five casts around a dock but had to put on a new bait each cast. Choices, choices. BPS Sticko's aren't bad but I only buy them when they are on sale and from the store so I can actually take out a bait and feel the softness and consistency as some of these feel like bubble gum cigars and some are super soft. Seems to vary color to color. The softer ones work just fine and are a good value.

Tim Bassmaster reply :

I have used several stick type baits and have only had real success with shim e stick specifically in their exclusive color called sweet tater pie. It's my go to fall bait now not only is it the exact colors of fall foliage but it catches multiple bass in a day and quality size bass.

I do not whacky rig them I use a black football head jig with red eyes, screw lock , and red hooks.

I texpose the hook, drop it out, reel, pop pop with the rod, reel , pop pop with the rod....you get the idea, drives bass crazy! And even if you lose most of your worm after catching a couple of fish, as long as a small piece of the shim e stick is left on the jig head, keep casting I've caught really quality size bass with nothing left on my jig head but a tiny piece of my shim e stick left attached. Don't believe me? I have video to prove this. Take my advice. Outfish the rest .

ClackerBuzz reply :

Shim E Sticks don't work.

Senkos don't work.

Dingers don't work.

BPS Stik-O don't work.

Try a crankbait.

Pro Logcatcher reply :

On 7/12/2013 at 4:10 AM, annexation said:

Me and my dad frequently fish the local mill pond together - he throws Watermelon green Shim E Sticks and I throw green pumpkin senkos. Guess who catches more?

Depends on the day, my friend. Depends on the day.

My point is, they both catch like crazy. Put either of them in a fish's face and they will slam it. They both have their strengths, so it comes down to user preference. Inch for inch, the Yamamotos are noticably heavier and cast farther. The Shim E Sticks are more endurant and quite a bit less expensive. I like them both, and Yum Dingers, too.

bowhunter63 reply :

Shim E sticks work great on the river,Green Pumpkin is my go to.I have used Senkos and cant really see a difference.

GreenGhostMan reply :

I had a bag of green pumpkin shim-e-sticks and couldn't get a bite on them... Ended up throwing them in my old plastics pile to be melted down and molded into something else. I probably didn't give them enough time, but they just felt cheap to me. I had no confidence in them.

tcbass reply :

On 9/25/2014 at 6:40 AM, Comfortably Numb said:

Little "stick bait" info for ya.

A "Senko" is only made by Gary Yamamoto. No other name brand or generic stick bait should be called a Senko. Kinda like all stick on bangages are not "Band Aids". Not all tissues are "Kleenex"

A Senko has a couple major differences to other sticks.

Softer. They almost always are softer than other brands. This gives them that special "shimmy" on fall. The softer ANY bait is makes it less durable.

Heavier/sinks faster. Most Senkos are around 11g (more clear colors can be lighter). The salt in any stick is used as ballast to make it sink. Senkos use more salt then other brands. The plastic does not bond to the salt and make the bait less duable.

Sticks come in many shapes. Skinnier, fatter, hex, etc. This obviously effects action.

I am not a believer in scent, but some are so this could be considered a factor. If they dont come pre-scented you can add your favorite yourself.

After many years of fishing sticks, I have never found color to be a major factor, as long as the fish can see it. However I always agree that if a color gives YOU confidence then it is a plus.

Lately us hand injectors have pretty much perfected the original GYBC Senko recipe using salt, and a modified one that uses silicone sand (fine glass beads) as ballast insted of salt. The plastic seems to bond to the sand and actually makes the plastic more durable. A GYBC licensed Senko mold is also now available.

I doubt the major companies will catch on a a more durable bait equals less sales. The sand also is abrasive and hard on the equipment.

Making Senkos more durable would be bad business for GY. Obviously if Senkos lasted longer they would sell less of them.

I use this and one Senko can last for dozens and dozens of fish.

TOXIC reply :

Senko "Fan Boy" checking in...... There is one thing that you can count on in every Senko vs XXXXXX thread and that is there are Senko believers and non-believers. And guess what.....you are not going to convince either one that their opinion is the right one.

Some Facts:

Senkos will last if you use the right hooks and the proper rigging. I have caught 15 hard fighting smallmouth on one Senko before. Texas rigged.

It's easy to match the shape and size of a Senko, you can even duplicate the weight (although as has been mentioned there are different weights depending on color and flake), you can add salt, silica, scent or whatever you think the magic ingredient is but there's one thing you can't duplicate and that's the formula. There's only 2 people who know that and it's Gary and the guy that runs the pour floor and they ain't tellin!!

The one ingredient that ALL of these have in common is Confidence. Throw what you have confidence in.

Jeff H reply :

A great alternative to the Yamamoto is the Mister Twister Comida. Has a nice little wiggle to it on the drop and the weight is there. A bunch cheaper too. The bad??? Color selection is not as good as Yamamoto but it’s good enough for me.

d-camarena reply :

Only one ive liked other than the senko is the ocho. But its just as fragile.

I use dingers when im using a weight. Weightless is always a senko

Jaderose reply :

I have found only 2 that remotely compare. Stik-o's and Bizzbaits. That's it.

BuzzHudson19c reply :

On 10/11/2017 at 2:47 AM, d-camarena said:

the ocho

Ocho's are awesome. I love the KVD magic and Ghost minnow colors.

Primus reply :

Don't wacky rig much these days , so when I do I stick with the best which is the Senko.

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