[markg]

I was wondering if someone could give advice on using Senko worms (original). Does using o-rings help them last longer? Any other benefits? Drawbacks?

What size o-rings do you use for 3,4 & 5" worms?

Cabela's offers a tool for this (putting on o-rings). Is it hard to slip the worm in the hole (cough), without this? I guessing an uneeded tool.

Also, does using a loopknot, or swivel help with the action/results?

thanks!

 

[dankuhh]

Iv had greatest success just weightless, wacky rigged on hook. Line to hook nothing in between. They do get pretty banged up tho, atleast you know there working haha

 

[Oyey]

For wacky rigs, an O ring is great to make the bait last... not quite as good for hook up ratio... when you hook the hook to an o-ring the hook is parallel to the worm, thus the tip is not as exposed, so hook up is a bit less.

A weighted worm hook can be effective but not too much weight IMO... 1/8oz weighted hook with a screw in holder is my favorite for weighted, but most of the time, I prefer to fish it with an un-weighted hook... usually 3/0 for 4" and 5/0 for 5".... I don't use the 6" too often.

worm hooks are far more weedless, wacky gives more action for stained water or casting against structure. I def fish them on flouro and WATCH THE LINE!!!!

good luck.

 

[WestSloper]

Wacky rig
I like a weighted hook like these. When they're picky I'll throw one without the weight. And don't use an o-ring, waste of time IMO

 

[lunkerpunker]

There has already been some good tips on here. I would add that light line is a must when possible. If you're fishing open water with not much cover at all I would throw a 5 inch senko on no more than 8 pound line. I usually try to use 6 pound and if they are smaller senkos I will use 4 pound. If they are pressured the light line will make a big difference in the number of bites you get.

 

[NymphoStage]

Cool thread. I have been wanting to start using a wacky rig. Good advice here!

 

[Mickey62060]

I can't disagree with any of the above suggestions. When wacky rigging I do like the tool/rings (and wide gap octopus hooks) from a few standpoints-I can get a few more fish on a single senko because it lasts longer (for me anyhow) due to the ring holding the bait on the hook better.
Senko's are so soft that without it, I will typically get one fish per bait when using it wacky style.
The other part of that is-some time ago I had seen a link that showed some bass that had consumed "loose" plastics that had either been discarded, or fell off the hook, and it essentially starved them to unhealthy status. Does that happen a lot? I cant say for sure but it was enough o make me much more aware of it. That and senko's get expensive...
I for sure like rigging them weightless, or as light as possible using a EWG type worm hook (Trokar is my choice) but unlike lunkerpunker-I will go heavier on the line.
If they are aggressive-I quit using the senko's and go to more durable "like" worms...
Just my opinion but all of the above are good suggestions for sure.

 

[hurltim]

I bought some small, black rubber bands from the hair accessories aisle at Walgreens. Just wrap until snug. No tools, no size issues and no o rings.

 

[NymphoStage]

What hooks are you guys using for wacky rigs? I am planning on trying the wacky this evening and over the weekend. Tips?

 

[WestSloper]

These are interesting if your looking to use an o-ring.
http://www.tacklewarehouse.com/CHT_Double_Wacky_Hooks_Weightless_Rig_3pk/descpage-CHTDWHN.html

I use what ever worm hook I have close by. My favorite is the weighted one I posted above. Its not "made" for wacky rigging but they work great!

 

[catchn]

You can buy whatever size rubber o rings at the hardware store for like 1$ for 25. They absolutely help give more action and enable multiple fish catches/ bait. in AZ I tested in my pool. As for lighter line,... Gary Yamamoto (inventor of senko's) fishes them on 17lb flouro,... Just sayin

 

[longdraw]

I bought some small, black rubber bands from the hair accessories aisle at Walgreens. Just wrap until snug. No tools, no size issues and no o rings.

I do the same except I use the clear ones. I double the ring to create an X and run the hook through there so it stays perpendicular to the worm.

 

[longdraw]

What hooks are you guys using for wacky rigs? I am planning on trying the wacky this evening and over the weekend. Tips?

http://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Gamakatsu_Wide_Gap_Finesse_Hook_Weedless_5pk/descpage-GFWH.html

 

[lunkerpunker]

I hear what you guys are saying on the light line. I have always been a light line fisherman when it comes to finesse techniques. And many people don't agree with me on it. I know you can get away with heavier line most times but, I can attest to getting more bites on the lighter line in clear(er) water when some one is with me fishing heavy line. All I am saying is that if I were at Lonetree, there is no way I am throwing 6 pound, but if I am at Horsetooth or Carter I will go down to 4 pound flouro if I am using pro or slim senkos. A 6" inch senko will be on atleast 8 pound in clear water.

 

[catchn]

http://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Gamakatsu_Wide_Gap_Finesse_Hook_Weedless_5pk/descpage-GFWH.html

I've lost way to many fish with those. I switched to these and they do hang up a little more but hook up ratio went way up

http://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Owner_Weedless_Wacky_Hook_4pk/descpage-OWWH.html

 

[hurltim]

I do the same except I use the clear ones. I double the ring to create an X and run the hook through there so it stays perpendicular to the worm.

X2! Grab just a few of the wraps and get a little extra snap from the rubber band.

 

[boondock]

Never knew so much went into senko fishing
Seems pretty straight forward to me
A town ken is a senko pro... Waiting for him to chime in

 

[golden rod]

Definitely, I seen ATK work a senko for hours. Mofo loves him some senkos. It's all about patience.

 

[Oyey]

I do the same except I use the clear ones. I double the ring to create an X and run the hook through there so it stays perpendicular to the worm.

Jon, you sure teach me a lot... your posts are always subtly huge. Gracias....

The double hooks with the connector look great, but I would likely only use them if tourney fishing...hi dolla lil' mofos.

Gary Yammamoto fishes 17lb in way different type of water than we fish out here... In CO we are usually finess fishing in super clear water where stealth is far more important... I use different wt line for different conditions and def different for texas rigged... When using a big worm hook, you gotta hit those fish hard, so you gotta have some strong line, and you are usually fishing mad cover. When wacky rigging, you don't set the hook nearly as hard and it is usually not in heavy cover (wacky kinda defeats the weedless aspect of the bait).

ATK is the Senko KING and should chime in with some tips. All hail the king of senko!

 

[NymphoStage]

Tried wacky today. Caught one smallish large mouth and then nothing. Tried a couple different worms too. At least it worked so I am happy. Glad to have a new tool in the arsenal!