Senko's Get a Bad Rap?

[sashimigrade]

I was just wondering why I occasionally here people saying that tying on a Senko is the "easy way out", or implying that they're somehow less sporting.

There are plenty of other plastic worms out there that are salt impregnated. Not to mention that many of those have scents or other attractants. Why doesn't a Yum Dinger get the same rap?

[oubassman]

Here's my opinon to that. I think some people say it's the "easy way out" because they work SO DANG WELL! In tough conditions where finesse is needed or when fish are on the tear. Wacky rigging it from spring to fall WILL GET FISH!

And the guess is that people are lumping Yum Dingers, Strike King Shimmy sticks, Kinammi, etc. into one category

[BigYaker]

I was just wondering why I occasionally here people saying that tying on a Senko is the "easy way out", or implying that they're somehow less sporting.

There are plenty of other plastic worms out there that are salt impregnated. Not to mention that many of those have scents or other attractants. Why doesn't a Yum Dinger get the same rap?

Most people associate the name "senko" with any type of stick bait. If you're catching fish with them who cares what anybody else thinks. I've caught plenty of big bass on three inch stick baits.

[jfrancho]

People that are serious about them being an easy way out, or less sporting don't use them, so it's just an ignorant opinion. I've made jokes about them in the past, but more in the line of them being almost as much fun as watch paint dry.

For me, there's no contact with structure, or cover, and they fish best on a slack line fall. You're basically plunking them here or there, and when you run into a biter, you catch him. Yeah, it's catching, but not my style for finding fish.

I use senkos all the time, but rarely as a primary bait. When you get a missed strike on a topwater or spinnerbait, a senko thrown to the very spot of the miss will usually convert that miss into a fish in the boat about 50% of the time.

Basically, the senko is a "spot on the spot" bait, used best once the fish have revealed their exact location to you.

[Knot Right]

For the same reason that Gulp! does, because they work. I can easily to slip into that same mindset because I want more of a challenge. I like more of search and feel bait and even when I get bit on a Senko, I didn't really learn why, just that it happened (make sense). The Senko catches fish and some guys think it is too easy. It can be, but you still gotta find them, but I usually like to find them with something else. It is a great bait if you are a guide though.
Chad

[Too Busy]

People that are serious about them being an easy way out, or less sporting don't use them, so it's just an ignorant opinion. I've made jokes about them in the past, but more in the line of them being almost as much fun as watch paint dry.

For me, there's no contact with structure, or cover, and they fish best on a slack line fall. You're basically plunking them here or there, and when you run into a biter, you catch him. Yeah, it's catching, but not my style for finding fish.

I use senkos all the time, but rarely as a primary bait. When you get a missed strike on a topwater or spinnerbait, a senko thrown to the very spot of the miss will usually convert that miss into a fish in the boat about 50% of the time.

Basically, the senko is a "spot on the spot" bait, used best once the fish have revealed their exact location to you.

I learned a bait-n-switch technique from Chad 3 years ago with his Pizza and potato chips analogy. The Bait-n-switch has put me on the podium at least 3 times.

So while not "Senko's" specifically I keep a "potato chips" bait rigged and ready to throw when I miss a strike on a search bait.

[jfrancho]

The chips used to be a Slug-Go in the 90s. The senko is just that much better - no twitch necessary.

[leo]

I am a certified member of the wacky rigged stick bait mafia. They are easy to fish, you can skip them in tight spots on spinning gear, bass love them AND they can save you from a skunk. There is always one dumb bass leaving in the shallows that will eat a senko-type bait. I am guilty of using them to save the day.

But as other said, it is a line watching type technique so it can be considered boring. I love skipping the thing under a lay down and waiting for the line to jump and start swimming before crossing a bass's eyes

[flyfisher]

I use them too but i rarely fish them wacky style as i usually texas rig them and use them as a soft jerkbait. I am a fluke fanatic but there are times the more subtle action of the stick bait works better.

Oh and i always use the yum dingers myself....

[Too Busy]

Works like a charm on reds, trout, and flounder too,

Dang, did I just say that out loud???