The Stick Bait Dilemma 2024
Gillroid 9000 reply :
Every bass angler knows what is a Stick Bait(AKA Senko). You hear it and see it everywhere. The bait is praised for its versatality and unique action. Nowadays there is so much Stick Baits ranging from the "Original" to the "Questionable". Because of the amount of stickbaits offered at the market there is an big dilemma of what stickbait to choose. Sadly Garys "Original" will be off my list because of its price tag of 5-8$ and its durability which causes to break the bank easily. Any choices out there which fixes my problems AND improves upon it?
Mosster47 reply :
Any of them. Boil them to get the Senko flutter, play with your hook size to get the Senko fall rate. Not much else to cover.
Gillroid 9000 reply :
Not the answer i really wanted :I
Welp ill take it still.
Avalonjohn44 reply :
Try the SK Ocho. Cheaper than the original, very similarly constructed. Plus they smell good.
BTW, IBTL
dropshottah reply :
stop looking, grab yourself some YUM Dinger... as good (if not better) as the original for half the price
blckshirt98 reply :
Whatever stickbait alternative you go with, sign up for email newsletters from overstockbait.com and wait for the original GYCB senkos or Kinami "flash" senkos to go on sale. You can get the OG senkos there for dirt cheap if you keep your eyes open. The sand/salt mix in the Yamamotos have the flutter that is often imitated but never duplicated.
MassYak85 reply :
Most of the rip-offs of the senko are not going to be as soft if you want to go the cheap route. Honestly your best bet is just a cheap version like the yum dingers or the bass pro stick-o's. And like Mosster said, boil them if you are unhappy with their properties.
To me it sounds like you are asking "are there stick baits that are better than the senko yet less expensive"?
I might be wrong but I think the general answer to that is going to be no. Just as good? Sure, but better....when you find one let me know.
Raul reply :
There will be days that a real senko is going to be the only thing they want, the catch really knowing if this day is that kind of day, cuz most of the time it ain't.
Outdoor Zack reply :
Yum Dinger is all I've ever used and all I've ever needed.
Gillroid 9000 reply :
I have used Yum Dingers with little success. I do not like there action, which it has no flutter sadly and Yums packaging has an frequent tendency to rip or spill easily.
j bab reply :
On 10/26/2016 at 7:34 AM, Forager said:I have used Yum Dingers with little success. I do not like there action, which it has no flutter sadly and Yums packaging has an frequent tendency to rip or spill easily.
What hooks are you using?
Gillroid 9000 reply :
On 10/26/2016 at 7:37 AM, j bab said:What hooks are you using?
Gama,Eagle Claw,Hayabusa offset EWG hooks 4/0 3/0 2/0 1/0
Hogsticker reply :
You could always spend a ton of money on every stick bait available to draw the conclusion of "no" yourself, or just take the advice of everyone else and save most of that money and keep buying Senkos. Try a finesse style worm. You might be surprised
j bab reply :
On 10/26/2016 at 5:57 AM, Avalonjohn44 said:Try the SK Ocho. Cheaper than the original, very similarly constructed. Plus they smell good.
BTW, IBTL
They're only about 10c cheaper per worm. And I would consider them less similar to senkos than basically all of the other alternatives since they have 8 sides.
That being said, I love ochos.
j bab reply :
On 10/26/2016 at 7:40 AM, Forager said:Gama,Eagle Claw,Hayabusa offset EWG hooks 4/0 3/0 2/0 1/0
I heard that 3/0 gets you the best action for 5" senkos. Is that what you were using with the dingers?
Mike L reply :
You want a stick bait that is proven to be the most versatile, relatively inexpensive, has a history of success all over country regardless of climate, lake conditions, and yes even species??
Get yourself a bag of Sluggo's..You can thank me later
Mike
Gillroid 9000 reply :
Alright Based on all of the Suggestions, These are the Challengers For now
1. Lunker city Sluggos
2. BB Sassy Stick
3.SK Ocho
4.BPS Stik o Worm
5.Kinami Flash
Any more Suggestions?
flyfisher reply :
if the Yamamoto baits are what catches fish then why not use them? I mean people complain about the cost but don't hesitate to spend high dollars on other gear. I mean a bag of senkos is what a couple gallons of gas?
I don't use stickbaits that often anymore but when i do, i go with the GYCBC. If i lose one per fish, I am cool with that because, you guessed it, I am catching fish.
j bab reply :
On 10/26/2016 at 10:33 AM, flyfisher said:if the Yamamoto baits are what catches fish then why not use them? I mean people complain about the cost but don't hesitate to spend high dollars on other gear. I mean a bag of senkos is what a couple gallons of gas?
I don't use stickbaits that often anymore but when i do, i go with the GYCBC. If i lose one per fish, I am cool with that because, you guessed it, I am catching fish.
I think the main argument here is that most of the time you will catch just as many with cheaper alternatives
Ski213 reply :
Not an additional suggestion but I'll second the slug-go getting a shot. That's the first bait I remember being called a stickbait. I haven't fished them in years but they worked back then.
Unfortunately in my personal experience sometimes the most effective soft plastics aren't all that durable. Totally understand trying to find something economical that works though. I'd sure appreciate you reporting back on your results trying different baits.
Columbia Craw reply :
There's about 40 manufactures that produce a stick bait in some form or another. My buddy and I buy Senkos in the 100 pack, split the cost and it runs us $5.60 for an equivalent pack of 10 baits (5 inch). By the the time I factor the cost of truck, boat, fuel launch fee and gear, the least expensive controllable cost is my baits. I can stomach spending another buck and a half. Just a thought.
Raul reply :
On 10/26/2016 at 10:09 AM, Forager said:Alright Based on all of the Suggestions, These are the Challengers For now
1. Lunker city Sluggos
2. BB Sassy Stick
3.SK Ocho
4.BPS Stik o Worm
5.Kinami Flash
Any more Suggestions?
Kinami Flash, LOL, the flash and the senko are the exact same bait made in the same premises, the only difference is that flash has some colors not found in the senko line up, the cost per bait is the same.
uncle reddog reply :
I've had pretty good success using the gander mountain brand stick worm when I'd run out of senkos. 13 in a pack for 5 bones isn't to bad of a price. Alot of color choices also.
DrMarlboro92 reply :
On 10/26/2016 at 10:09 AM, Forager said:Alright Based on all of the Suggestions, These are the Challengers For now
1. Lunker city Sluggos
2. BB Sassy Stick
3.SK Ocho
4.BPS Stik o Worm
5.Kinami Flash
Any more Suggestions?
Gambler ace -$4 an 8pk, good construction, great action. The x-mas color is quite unique and works really well. And I see you already have it, but I will second it, the BPS stik-o. It's amazingly cheap, comes in big packs, works well, and that orange/black color is to die for.
S. Sass reply :
On 10/26/2016 at 9:52 AM, MIbassyaker said:Bizz Baits Sassy Stick. It's heavy enough to get a similar action as a senko on the sink, even weightless. Good price, 8 bodies/pack for $5, and they're a forum sponsor, BR members get a 10% online order discount with BR10 code. That's a win-win-win.
^^^ This
If the Sassy Stick isn't a d**n near match in action ya need to have your fisherman card pulled. Excellent substitute for the Senko. Also supporting the very forums your using with a sponsor is never a bad idea.
craww reply :
Not something I normally do but its bailed me out on several times when Ive been on the water and dangerously low on a specific bait.
Slice the senko down the middle the length of a hook with an exacto knife. Run a thin layer of mend it or super glue inside and pinch it neatly shut. It will make one last a long long time. If you did this with a few senkos before going out a bag lasts forever.
Mosster47 reply :
On 10/26/2016 at 5:49 AM, Forager said:Not the answer i really wanted :I
Welp ill take it still.
You have two types; salt core and non-salt core. Salt cores sink faster, are generally softer, but tear up quicker. Non-salt cores are the opposite.
It doesn't matter what type you buy. If it doesn't flutter as hard as a real Senko then boil it until you get the same softness. Weight is going to determine the rate of fall. The easiest way to adjust that is hook size.
For example, I mostly use the super cheap Big Bite Baits 25 pack for $5 with a 5/0 EWG. They have a dimple cast in them to keep the hook weedless that fits perfectly with a (drum roll).....5/0 EWG. So, even the manufacturer knows you're trying to knock off a Senko in every way. I boil them to the point where they have the same bend angle as a real Senko.
You can do this with any of them. So, like I said, any and all of them will work.
Choporoz reply :
On 10/26/2016 at 10:45 AM, j bab said:I think the main argument here is that most of the time you will catch just as many with cheaper alternatives
Not an argument that I'll ever side with, I'm afraid
I think that part of the reason that this discussion rarely produces much agreement is because different sticks might excellent in specific rigging/water/situations, etc. Whereas a Senko will excel on a trig, wacky, rage rig, etc...not all sticks have the right shimmy for a wacky, but might work great on a trig.....no tests done, just a thought. For me, I stick with Senkos....I do have some Salty Cores and Sassy Sticks, that come close sometimes.....the Gander, BPS, Dingers....never did anything for me at all.
junyer357 reply :
I have tried many others but the origional yamamoto is still the best. What i do though is keep the ones i tear up fishing in a pile. At end of day i use mend-it and repair them. I then use the repaired ones first. Its the best way ive found to save on them.
Bassguytom reply :
My kids and guest use Senko's a lot. Last year we saved all the torn up ones and I made a mold plaster of paris. I got a microwave off of Craig's list for $20.00 and used a Pyrex cup to melt them in my garage. I poured into the mold and made Stick baits. They are flat on one side but the fish don't know that. I just keep all the dark colors together and all the light colors together. They work like a charm and gave me somthing fishing related to do in the winter. bought a bottle of plastisol and mixed in a little and on some batches I ground up some salt really fine and added that. Always keep the door open and use a mask and wear long sleeves and gloves if you decide to do this.
J Francho reply :
Just get a wacky tool and O-rings.
Turtle135 reply :
I am wondering, is real dilemma with the Senko the "over reliance" on that particular technique to catch bass? Is it that for many anglers that the unweighted Senko is the only real "confidence" presentation they have? This question about less expensive versions of stick baits seems to pop up almost as frequently as threads dedicated to "line type".
Gillroid 9000 reply :
On 10/26/2016 at 8:15 AM, j bab said:On 10/26/2016 at 8:15 AM, j bab said:I heard that 3/0 gets you the best action for 5" senkos. Is that what you were using with the dinger
Ignore this post. Writing on Bassresource on mobile is really clunky and hard to use.
Gillroid 9000 reply :
On 10/27/2016 at 1:24 AM, Turtle135 said:I am wondering, is real dilemma with the Senko the "over reliance" on that particular technique to catch bass? Is it that for many anglers that the unweighted Senko is the only real "confidence" presee? This question about less expensive versions of stick baits seems to pop up almost as frequently as threads dedicated to "line type".
The dilemma is What should i go for. I dont have that much great fishing stores nearby me and needs to constantly dig through the bargain bin due to limited cash with me. I have also noticed forums about "Stick bait" topics float frequently around. The reason i started the thread is to solve my "Dillemma". 99% of the time i use Stick baits T rigged and doesnt do wacky rigging. I HIGHLY understand that the "Original" is the best but im too lazy to mend it, mold it, boil it ETC. I just want a stickbait which matches my requirement.
- Cheaper the senkos
-At least has the similar or somewhat "do nothing" action.
-Easy to find and not limited to one place or site
-Is available in bulk packs
-Has an acceptable durability(4-5 is my acceptable standard)
I am doing hard research to find the closest to my requirements. I would gladly like your support.
Thank you for your contribution.
J Francho reply :
Use a wacky tool with the original, and you will have pretty much met all your requirements...
You get more life out of each senko.
You can order bulk senkos from GY directly.
Gillroid 9000 reply :
On 10/27/2016 at 2:09 AM, J Francho said:Use a wacky tool with the original, and you will have pretty much met all your requirements...
You get more life out of each senko.
You can order bulk senkos from GY directly.
JF thanks for the advice but.. i dont Wacky rig stick baits. And 60$ for 50 6inch senkos. I checked on the Stik o worns and 50 Stik o worms for just 15$.
^^^
That is very questionable. :/
J Francho reply :
Stik-Os work for many. Not for me. Not quite a fast enough sink rate. The only time I ever rig a Senko weedless is when I Texas rig them with a pegged 1/16 weight, for skipping. Do it right, and the do loopty-loops in the water after entry. A cool trick I learned from Pete Gluzik at a seminar (one that I had to FOLLOW him speaking....talk about pressure, lol). I think in that case, you'd probably be fine with any brand.
I didn't go through all the posts, but did you try Ochos? Not exactly super cheap, but better durability and tons of shimmy.
Gillroid 9000 reply :
I heard about Ochos and your opinion about ochos sounds really conflicting to what i head JF.
fishwizzard reply :
How long are you guys boiling these baits for? I have used hot water to straighten out fluke tails, but that only takes a a second or so.
I will admit that I can count the fish I have caught on 5" senkos on two hands. I have never figured out how to make a wacky rig work and when I try to t-rig them, I end up fishing them like a fluke, so I just end up threading a fluke on after a few casts. I had one good day with them over the summer working shallow weed lines from the bank, but I after loosing 4 senkos on three fish I gave up and went to a fluke and kept catching them.
I fish a weightless soft plastic maybe half the time, but somehow senko success has eluded me.
j bab reply :
On 10/27/2016 at 3:01 AM, Bunnielab said:How long are you guys boiling these baits for? I have used hot water to straighten out fluke tails, but that only takes a a second or so.
I will admit that I can count the fish I have caught on 5" senkos on two hands. I have never figured out how to make a wacky rig work and when I try to t-rig them, I end up fishing them like a fluke, so I just end up threading a fluke on after a few casts. I had one good day with them over the summer working shallow weed lines from the bank, but I after loosing 4 senkos on three fish I gave up and went to a fluke and kept catching them.
I fish a weightless soft plastic maybe half the time, but somehow senko success has eluded me.
I never fish senkos like a fluke - that's what flukes are for. You let them sink to the bottom on semi-slack line, sit for a couple seconds (or longer if it's a slow day), lift it up off the bottom a ways, and repeat.
primetime reply :
Netbait makes a bait called the Salt Lick which is really good, not sure if they still make it but I had purchased a few bags years ago and they worked really well, they have more salt than a senko, and also pork cooked in so really dense, soft, and work well.
Mr. Twister Comida is another good worm, but I seem to do well on all stick baits, never really used one I hated, I use the big Bite, Yum, SK, GYB, any brand depending on color. I like Stick-O's if I can buy them in the store to make sure the consistency is good, the Strike King model sold in walmart for $3 has worked for me in that camo color swirl...SHimmy Stick?
I think the line, Hook, and how you fish it matters more than the brand. Just my take. Also where you cast it, and how fast it falls or sits. It is not like companies can't copy the exact recipe of the Senko, the Technology is out there.
Also Kinami is GYB's Son't line which I believe they stopped making but they are the same as a Senko only in different colors....They work great if you can find them for $2 on overstock still...
Mike L reply :
On 10/27/2016 at 6:18 AM, primetime said:I think the line, Hook, and how you fish it matters more than the brand. Just my take. Also where you cast it, and how fast it falls or sits. It is not like companies can't copy the exact recipe of the Senko, the Technology is out there.
Ditto
Pretty much says it all
Mike
fishwizzard reply :
On 10/27/2016 at 5:37 AM, j bab said:I never fish senkos like a fluke - that's what flukes are for. You let them sink to the bottom on semi-slack line, sit for a couple seconds (or longer if it's a slow day), lift it up off the bottom a ways, and repeat.
While I know this in my head, my heart wants to make those worms dance.
I actually do like senkos a lot as flukes, they have a small profile while being very dense and fast sinking. I am realiy liking the GYCB D-Shads, which seem to have that senko wiggle and dart around nicely as well. The Keitech stickbaits are also great t-rigged and worked fast.
But I know I need to learn to fish slow, it's my main focus this winter.
Gillroid 9000 reply :
On 10/27/2016 at 8:52 AM, Bunnielab said:While I know this in my head, my heart wants to make those worms dance.
I actually do like senkos a lot as flukes, they have a small profile while being very dense and fast sinking. I am realiy liking the GYCB D-Shads, which seem to have that senko wiggle and dart around nicely as well. The Keitech stickbaits are also great t-rigged and worked fast.
But I know I need to learn to fish slow, it's my main focus this winter.
Same here bro. Flukes are versatile as senkos. Weightless rig it, Texas rig it, Put it on a Jig head, Drop shot it Blah blah blah. I think ima focus more on Fluke type baits and just use any stick bait that works. I think its desiesive that you can ONLY tell what lure is good and bad. So i learned dont be afraid to try out new lures.
This is Forager sighning off. Thank yall for the advice.
J Francho reply :
My favorite fluke rig is to nose hook it on a drop shot or wacky hook, if I can get away with the exposed hook. Not unlike the old, infamous banjo minnow.
Yeajray231 reply :
It's not always true that you get what you pay for.. ever been to a professional sporting event ? Or amusement park? 15 dollars for a hamburger isn't exactly getting what you paid for..
But, senkos are expensive because they are an original and they work. They will only cost as much as people are willing to pay for them.. if everyone stopped buying them they would drop in price, but nobody is going to do that because they catch fish day after day. Out of every worm I catch at least one fish (could be up to 5 t rigged) . So we will say they cost around 70 cents a piece.. I'm willing to spend that while fishing the limited amount of time I actually get to fish.. knowing if I'm not catching fish that it's not the lure I'm using..
When using the senko (weightless t rigged) just clip off 1/4" and re rig! I've started with a 5" senko and caught fish with it all the way til it was down to under 4" before I grabbed a new one.. and caught 6-7 fish on one senko..
I've had success with the YUM dingers.. it's not that these other brands won't catch fish.. but will they catch them as well ? Even if you run tests it could be a fluke or coincidence.. the dinger was in the right spot/right time.. retrieved just slightly different etc.
You want the shimmy of the senko but hate the durability. Well that softness is what gives it the action. That's like you want your pop to be cold but you want no ice in the cup so you have more pop. Let me know how that works out.
J Francho reply :
It's worth noting, many of the knock-offs are made elsewhere, like China. GYCB are made in USA. This is one of those cases where our skilled workers actually do a better job, and there is a small premium to be paid with that. If that's not worth a buck a bag, then get another brand.
NYWayfarer reply :
Zman Zinkerz are extremely durable because of the ElaZtech construction and around $5 for a pack of 6 they are a great deal.
I also like the SK Ocho's with the coffee scent. SK Shim E Stick are decent as well.
Nothing beats the original GYBC Senko's though. I usually wait for them to go on sale and bring any coupons I have for Dick's/Field and Stream to lower the cost even lower. Example: Dick's had a sale $6 bucks a pack of senkos if you buy 3 or more. I bought enough to spend $25 since I had a coupon for $10 off a purchase of $25 or more. Got 5 packs of Senkos for $20 that day.
fishwizzard reply :
On 10/27/2016 at 10:55 PM, J Francho said:My favorite fluke rig is to nose hook it on a drop shot or wacky hook, if I can get away with the exposed hook. Not unlike the old, infamous banjo minnow.
I do this with small flukes and 3" senkos, but never have had much luck catching on the larger ones rigged that way. What size hook do you use for the larger flukes?
J Francho reply :
On 10/28/2016 at 12:07 AM, Bunnielab said:What size hook do you use for the larger flukes?
2/0 Wide Gap Finesse.
Gillroid 9000 reply :
On 10/27/2016 at 11:45 PM, Finesse Wayfarer said:Zman Zinkerz are extremely durable because of the ElaZtech construction and around $5 for a pack of 6 they are a great deal.
I also like the SK Ocho's with the coffee scent. SK Shim E Stick are decent as well.
Nothing beats the original GYBC Senko's though. I usually wait for them to go on sale and bring any coupons I have for Dick's/Field and Stream to lower the cost even lower. Example: Dick's had a sale $6 bucks a pack of senkos if you buy 3 or more. I bought enough to spend $25 since I had a coupon for $10 off a purchase of $25 or more. Got 5 packs of Senkos for $20 that day.
Wow TW carries the Zinkerz just for 3.60$
I used Z Man baits previously and they are sure on hell of a Money saver
fishwizzard reply :
Ah, that is much larger than I had been trying.
kadas reply :
On 10/26/2016 at 10:09 AM, Forager said:Alright Based on all of the Suggestions, These are the Challengers For now
1. Lunker city Sluggos
2. BB Sassy Stick
3.SK Ocho
4.BPS Stik o Worm
5.Kinami Flash
Any more Suggestions?
A very close 2nd to GY senkos is the Gambler Ace--really have a great shimmy and they smell like Garlic which I think helps the fish hang on longer--Have had a lot of success with Gambler's products--the Ace and Fat Ace have been very productive for me and they are priced more reasonable than GY senkos but I still use GY a lot and buy them from Overstock or Tackle warehouse during sales=-give a bag of the Aces a try- All the Gambler products are very good baits and have caught me a lot of fish
frogflogger reply :
used most of them - when I fished 200 - 300 days per year I got around to using nothing but stik-o's and never felt it cost me any bites.
blckshirt98 reply :
Overstock bait has Kinami Flash senkos on sale for $1.47 for a pack of 7, so that's only 20 cents per senko. They had some decent colors in shades of green this morning but this morning from the time I checked the website at home to the time I checked the website at work, someone wiped out all the good colors and they only have black/red and black/gold left. Still, 20 cents apiece.
http://www.overstockbait.com/Kinami-5-Flash-7-Pack-p/k9-07.htm
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