Mistakes We See Fishermen Do When Fishing The Senko!

The senko has been a staple in the bass fishing world for what seems like an eternity. Even with it being around for as long as it has been, we still see fishermen rigging the senko wrong and causing a lot of headache and lost fish. Today, we are breaking down the basic mistakes we see fishermen do with the senko!
Products in this video:
Gary Yamamoto Senko:
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X Zone O-Rings:
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Decoy Worm Holder:
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Owner Offset Worm Wide Gap Hook:
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Ryugi Double Edge Hook:
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Decoy Cover Finesse Hook:
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Decoy Big Bite Finesse Hook:
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Ryugi Heavy Guard Talisman Hook:
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Gamakatsu Stinger Hook:
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Owner Sniper Finesse Hook:
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Deps Deathadder:
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OSP Dolive Stick:
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[@jerryfoster5348]

"There is no wrong way to fish a senko"--Roland Martin

[@progradepainting3755]

@Jason B I totally believe it!

[@DiamondHead2010]

Great tip on changing the color of the senko tail Didn’t know that, thanks man!

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

Thanks for watching!

[@michaelking4296]

Yes sir I didn't know about that little trick either I will have to try it out

[@cincinnatiking8008]

Yeah, I didn't know that either

[@Farmd427]

Thank you for the Gamakatsu tip! I got so frustrated trying to wacky rig with those I gave up.

[@brandon87ize]

Man I’m exclusive to Yamamoto as well I’ll save those suckers and spend a few minutes with mend it. I’ll then write on the bag Texas or wacky the opposite of what I was originally using them for and essentially get multiple uses out of a pack.

[@johnnyblaze2620]

Mend it is the sh*t:)

[@brandon87ize]

@@johnnyblaze2620 absolutely!!

[@XploreAz]

Love Yamamoto Baits. It's also great knowing that they were born and still made here in the great state of Arizona.

[@nawinchester]

You guys always do a great job on application specific tips and info. Now I truly understand why wacky rigged o ring fish come unpinned, specifically larger smallmouths. And the tip on changing the color of the tail end of the senko without dye was a GREAT tidbit! Well done guys, thanks for sharing!

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

Thank you for watching nick!

[@brianlee9074]

Thanks for the video Ben/Geoff. After my senko (stickbait) rips, I will cut it to size for a Ned rig. And the double o-ring works better for me. Great info as usual. ✌🏻🎣

[@CA-sl2xw]

Senko ends also work well as finesse jig trailers.

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

Good tip! 🍻

[@burdettehoeppner1062]

Great video on senko differences, very helpful knowing hooks and rigging.

[@duanecovert2885]

As always thanks for products and info

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

Thank you for watching 👍

[@michaelpaul9672]

Hey, great info on the wacky rig hook selections and rigging! Ditto, your "dropshot mistakes" video. Super info. Well spoken, clear, concise valuable info I will take with me on the lakes this spring.

[@edpelkey7798]

Great video, I have already thrown out my Gama wacky and dropshot hooks 🤬. Love the background music, it gives your videos a little more class and style!

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

Thank you Ed! 🍻

[@jimwarden9617]

I need to share that I’ve been converted to the MaxScent 5” General. I’ve used the Green Pumpkin/Watermelon laminate and caught bass at every lake and on every outing here in south-central Michigan. Over the last couple of seasons. My favorite rigging is with an o ring and the weedless VMC Neko hook.

[@edpelkey7798]

A couple of Senko mods! On baby bass Senko (or any greenish color) take a sharpie and paint the tail black. It looks like a small cruising bass. At times rubbing the Senko with your fingers gives the bait a dull color and makes it looks like an injured minnow. Great video guys 👍

[@barryhowell9]

A Randy B tip as well 👍🎣

[@huskyfisherman1590]

You guys shouldn’t get dislikes. I used those seedless wacky hooks and I was missing fish. I switched to Owner and VMC and my hook up ratio did get way better. Companies will have a bad product that’s just business doesn’t mean all their products are bad. Now My go to is still gamakatsu but the finesse stingers

[@XploreAz]

I think you mean weedless?

[@huskyfisherman1590]

@@XploreAz correct. Damn autocorrect

[@shawnwheeler4633]

Spot on with that Gamakatsu Wacky hook! Worst mistake leads to heartbreak!😫

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

Sad how many heartbreaks it caused!

[@michaelking4296]

I beg to differ on the guy that said there is no wrong way to fish a senko I have personally used that type of weedless hook and the way the hook point is designed you won't get the right kind of past the barb Hooksett. And the fish spits it. So I fish all of my senkos texas riged and I've caught more fish . Just wanted to say thank you to guys at tackle hook 🪝 up for these types of videos. From a southeast Texas bass aholic jeep them coming guys job well done

[@devingerrior84]

I knew those Gamakatsu hooks were the problem! Glad you confirmed it for me!

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

Go land more fish now my friend! 🍻

[@Gerberd4936]

Great video. I myself use the VMC neko hook with the tubing idea you showed for wacky rigging senkos it’s done great for me.

[@pampa003]

Thanks Hook Up. I very much appreciate “rigging” and other how to videos. In fact it was such a video that led me to place my first order with you. That order contained a packet of Frilled Shad. Caught my two biggest fish on that bait during a recent trip to Table Rock. Now I need to figure out how to stay on top on restocks so I can get the best selection of colors and sizes before you sell out. Best wishes and continued success.

[@jasonnunnery6265]

I've been throwing a 3inch senko with a #2 neko hook, wacky rigged, on my BFS setup and have been crushing them shallow.

[@theultimatesteelshooter8610]

The Berkeley double offset wacky rings are the best option since you can rig the hook in 2 different directions. They have a simple tool which is like a pair of plyers to put the rings on the worm

[@irvingsurveying]

Love Senko fishing. Lots of great info here. Thanks for sharing.

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

Thank you for watching

[@brandon87ize]

Also been using the VMC Neko hook with a wacky rig and it flat works! I use a large size as I don’t really think the fish pay it much attention.

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

Yeah that’s a great one too. Big, but it hooks them great

[@josephhrnciar9376]

Great tips as usual…..I use Gamakatsu finesse weedless hook and have for years. Don’t ask why but I truly land I’d say 90-95% of my bites. I’ve tried others because I heard how the hook up ratio was bad and the funny thing is that I’ve had more fish coming off using “other” brands than the Gamakatsu. Like you said if it works stick with it….what you said about the bite not being good make sense but again maybe confidence or whatever but I really have a great hook up ratio with these…go figure!! Thanks for the video!!

[@stvstone3]

Gamakatsu is my hook of choice as well. I’m all ears for suggestions but hooks are preference brotha.

[@josephschneider9680]

I use a 4/0 ewg hook for the Texas rig approach, and have had zero issues

[@garyalexander7024]

Loved this video. Great info especially squeezing the tail for some color!! That’s crazy. I did change to a 1/0 octopus hook a few years ago for wacky rigging. I found that other hooks (especially if I was slow reeling down on the fish) were deep hooking the fish. Really hard to get them unhooked or even killing some fish. The octopus hook does seem to get the vast majority hooked in the front of the mouth… for me I’m able to release more fish to catch another day.

[@SUPERTOMCAT_21]

No mention of the Owner Twistlock hook designed by Gary Yamamoto specifically for the Senko?

[@spyder3777]

I've honestly never fished them on a wide gap worm hook. I've always fished the 5 inch on a 5/0 red EWG Gamakatsu. Seems to have a great fall with it. Hardly ever fish wacky.

[@cheetoz6902]

I have good luck with a #1 octopus and I bend it offset . Seems to work miracles on wacky and I sometimes just nose hook it with same deal. Excellent results for me . Just a fyi. Love the knowledge you put out . Good stuff. Are you chi in these vids ?

[@dwheeler016]

Thanks

[@lipsnatcher7483]

The OG Gamakatsu B10 Stinger has that twist to it the bend and it's wayyyyyy cheaper and you can the bulk pack vs the G-Finesse Stinger

[@dhjhawk]

Try the boot tail swim senko if you Texas rig and fish horizontal. They will often hit it on the retrieve to the boat but you start with the regular vertical drop, twitch, twitch.

[@dustinwalker8152]

You can also work the entire senko in your hand to remove more salt to slow the fall rate and increase the action. The OSP scrum is a dope weedless hook, the bury the point back into the worm style hooks are super weedless. The DoLive stick is the best soft jerkbait on the market. The Damiki Stinger is also great, it has a different action though, instead of the swaying wiggle, it has a rolling/rocking back and forth action. Great for sunny days, it throws a lot flash for a stick bait.

[@cincinnatiking8008]

I use a 2/0 Gamakatsu EWG. I prefer a slower fall the majority of time and I don't lose many fish. I've been trying the 2/0 Mustad grip pin hooks also. It's twice the weight of the Gamakatsu though. I use it when I want a faster fall. I use an Owner Mosquito for wacky rig

[@jcamacena3920]

Great video! just learn some new things thanks

[@MrPhoenix1800]

Have been experimenting with the senko for awhile now trying to really fine tune my presentation. I like to play with hook gauge size for decent control also like using high vis braid to floro to be able to see the line jump on top of the water. Have caught a decent amount of bass on the senko and definitely one of my favorites.

[@dyna_dj8706]

Great video guys. I actually stopped wacky rigging the Gama hook for the same reason you mention. I've had great luck with the Decoy Neko hook so I glad your suggesting their wacky hook. My question is - which size of the cover finesse Decoy hook would you recommend for the Senko worm?

[@cheetoz6902]

I have good luck with a #1 octopus and I bend it offset . Seems to work miracles on wacky and I sometimes just nose hook it with same deal. Excellent results for me . Just a fyi

[@TheWoefman]

Ben must of ben on clock no orion lol Wow I like that you guys give tips and the other content. P.s. i was at the shop monday about 320 but doors locked, I wanted a new jerk bait rod. If i call ahead time can i get in and out before 4? I know you guys want to go home. I get off 230 and like to grab stuff before fishing my day off thur but cant get there before 3 10 soonest And you not open till noon. Thanks for videos. You guys rock

[@adamlightner3171]

Awesome 👌

[@twiggsherman3641]

Don't use orings. Buy yourself some 5/16 ID silicone tubing from Amazon. Chop it up and use your needlenose pliers to stretch it and slip over the senko. It provides much more surface area, which means it won't tear through the senko as easily. It also allows you to rig it like you would without anything, straight through the middle, which increases hookups. VMC made a commercial version of it, but for 20 bucks you can make a hundred of them. Just make sure you get silicone so its stretchy, and because it's silicone, it becomes practically invisible once put on.

[@FishYourHeartOut]

I don't buy neko weights, I just use small nails. 1.75$ for like 250 lol vs. 5$ for a two pack in neko weights 🤢 plus the nails aren't as harsh on the senko or whatever your using. MAJOR TIP!!!! If your going to use nails or neko weights I've found if you dip your bait in spike it after the eight is in some plastic will fall apart. I dip first weight after.

[@twiggsherman3641]

@@FishYourHeartOut I got like 500 nail weights on AliExpress for like 20 bucks. I have enough to do me at least three seasons.

[@cincinnatiking8008]

I use 3/8 heat shrink tubing. It works great

[@lakiraly]

Great information and advice, once again than you... I don't have to put my hand into the fire to see if I'll get burned, I'd much rather learn from others experience ;-)

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

Thank you for watching! I’m glad it helped! 🍻

[@mcdrmtt]

When Ben told me about pinching the tip...just the tip...it changed my senko fishing immediately.

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

Haha! Just the tip = life changer 😜

[@craigmarshky4602]

Great Video! Junk in the trunk! 🤙🍻

[@phoenixw2w]

Another super video🎣 👍👍

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

Thank you for watching 🍻

[@johnnyblaze2620]

Good tips thanx 👍

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

Thank you for watching 🍻

[@roberts.2413]

Berkley Maxscent General falls a little faster and there is something about that scent that big ones like.

[@donnyspiker2827]

I wonder how heat shrink would work after you shrink it to the bait

[@tomselick6983]

I kno this is way… way off topic but remember when you broke down the sunline lineup? Can you do that with treble hooks?

[@swamp_rat_fla1126]

I think every time I break a senko, I’m gonna cut it down to a ned size bait and send it to Griff. 😂😂 *****What size Decoy Worm Holder do I need for the standard 5” senko?!?!?*******

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

Size 8 😜

[@willwetherington]

Reaction innovations pocket rocket is my favorite wacky rig bait. It has junk in the trunk on both ends.

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

Yup! Another good one!

[@willwetherington]

I also go to the hardware store and buy o rings that about twice the size of normal ones for fishing. Then I take those and cross it over itself on that pocket rocket to give me a vertical hook or make the worm sit horizontal

[@KLee-yd6dw]

What action rod would you use??

[@spaceman8839]

what is the ultimate dedicated senko casting rod? I want one! I have a Steez ct sv tw 70hl for it. Thanks

[@joecontinetti6594]

Great video! - What size Decoy Worm Holder for the 5" Senko? Also, best size Decoy Cover Finesse Hook for 5" Senko?

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

Size 8 works well. I use a 1 or 1/0 hook

[@dickiehoskins9835]

What size wacky hook you prefer

[@kryan318]

agree those gamakatsu wackey hooks are the worse.

[@markphilippsjr]

holy cow I did not know this 🤦‍♂️

[@mikeymedina93]

@14:08 😯🤯 What is this wizardry?!?

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

Just the tip my friend 👍

[@mikeymedina93]

My favorite lol Thnx for all the work and content y’all give us for free!

[@samhartwig4640]

I love squeezing the tip bro🤣

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

I know you do 😜

[@luissiu3083]

For the deps worm would it work neko rigging it? Looks like it could be deadly with that little skinny piece bouncing around.

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

Yes, absolutely!!

[@paulcristma4469]

I got tired of wasting time with orings sliding down coming off now i use 3/8 black shring tube i catch sevral fish on 1 bait use heat gun i do 3 to 4 packs at a time i dont waste anytime time at the lake rigging up just put on start fishing.

[@svmoua24]

I'm a firm believer that line size can hinder the action of a senko/stickbait. Thoughts?

[@ninjairishfishing6611]

Same here

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

Totally

[@LiveLinerFishing]

i use a 3/0 ewg to wacky rig lolz

[@jimguin7790]

What size hook do you recommend for the wacky hook in the decoy for a 5 inch senko.

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

I like the 1 or 1/0

[@mindyvansickle3527]

Any advice on a casting rod good for senko fishing preferably megabass but open to any jdm rod

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

5” senko - P5 Dark Sleeper or X Bites if you want a 7’. If you want shorter - Cyclone or Super Destroyer.

[@mindyvansickle3527]

@@thehookuptackle_usa I've got the super Destroyer I baught from u guys ill just have to by the x bites just to have it lol

[@Neji90]

If the senko gets ripped in the center, weightless Texas rig it, it becomes a jointed senko 👍

[@bowhunter7887]

The gamakatsu does suck. Been there

[@myungkwak0311]

Saltwater lures and baits. Please

[@kerryschallon8879]

There is a company that makes a o ring Saddle no more double o rings

[@H8er-Maker]

Senkos are so soft o-rings barely serve a purpose.

[@_Lt__Dan_]

Of all the advanced lures i've caught fish on, I have never caught a single bass on a senko. smh lol

[@MrPhoenix1800]

Stick with it and try different hooks don’t be afraid to t-rig that my favorite way to rig it. I know how it feels to not be able to catch something in your area that the fish just don’t like though

[@robbiebrown4653]

Texas r. It with a 3/O. No weight. Gurantee it will become a staple in your arsenal. TRUST ME.....

[@munn3y440]

Is that demon slayer piano music i hear? 😂

[@Shawn_Lai]

Deps Deathadder.... ribbed for their pleasure 😂

[@rhodesianhunter9360]

I made the wife squeeze the tip and no salt came out😆

[@dankjankings7339]

I learned and catch more fish because of his drop shot videos. I came across a channel NAMED 🔥🔥🔥TYPIGPATROL🔥🔥🔥 and if you wanna see some serious fish, MOSTLY FROM A BANK OR A WEIRD PLACE NOBODY FISHES.

[@FisForFishing777]

Its all in your hook selection rarley lose senko fish i loose senko's cause i dont like O ring

[@Whitehalo117]

Not worthless senko! They turn into nedrig baits when they tear.

[@surphvision]

Junk in the trunk😂

[@exconcurly]

Wow that it was the Roland martin show for a minute,except ben didn't repeat himself ten times

[@ILLUMINATHAN79]

Save that ripped in half senko for your neds.

[@jamssosv]

Haha, Because Ben LOVES ned rigging

[@ILLUMINATHAN79]

@@jamssosv 😂 I’m glad you caught that

[@William-Bill-Munny]

Rumor has it that Bill Clinton was the inspiration for cigar shaped soft plastic lures because they catch more fish.

[@TheStackboy5]

Not a fan of the cutting points I feel like they put a huge hole in there mouth to each his own I guess

[@williammeeks7409]

Be careful, gateway worm. Soon you will be on the Ned. NED RIG ALL DAY

[@davidvandam7664]

Those gammys are the best period!

[@FranklinHicks-qs4gs]

A broken senko ain't worthless....it just becomes a ned rig or a remelt !!

[@FranklinHicks-qs4gs]

If they work so well, why use anything else ?

[@CUSSLIKEASAILOR]

🤙🏾🤙🏾🤙🏾🤙🏾🤙🏾

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

👊🍻

[@cheetoz6902]

I have good luck with a #1 octopus and I bend it offset . Seems to work miracles on wacky and I sometimes just nose hook it with same deal. Excellent results for me . Just a fyi. Love the knowledge you put out . Good stuff. Are you chi in these vids ?