Which Senko Style Bait Is The Best? Crystal Clear Underwater Video!

Today we're taking 5 of the most popular stick baits and watching their action underwater. Each bait was wacky-rigged and Texas-rigged to give the most fair comparison of the actions. Have you ever wondered if a Senko is worth the price? Are they really different than the other options? Let's find out!
Tim selected 5 different baits with different materials and salt content. He also traveled to the clearest water he could find so we could see the smallest movements and subtle differences between baits. By rigging them the same way we get a fair comparison that you can trust as you decide which baits are the best for your fishing style and location.
Below is a breakdown of the baits, hooks, and gear used to make this video.
The Baits...
-Power Bait The General: bit.ly/2DALv0j
-Z Man ZinkerZ: bit.ly/2ZVJANs
-Gary Yamamoto Senko: bit.ly/2axAmNS
-Yum Dinger: bit.ly/2J8nMrF
-Strike King Zero: bit.ly/2GU4o0n
Hooks...
-Gamakatsu Finesse Wide Gap Size 1: bit.ly/2aKGmHM
-Gamakatsu G-Finesse Hybrid Worm Hook 2/0: bit.ly/2GT2T29
-Wacky Saddle: bit.ly/2xnYcJo
Favorite All-Around Senko Combo...
Rod- Zodias 7'2" Medium Heavy: bit.ly/2cgmMAe
Reel- Curado 200K: bit.ly/2tHewEh
Line- 30 lb Power Pro Maxcuatro: bit.ly/2clBRiQ
Leader- 12 lb Maxima Ultragreen: bit.ly/2ae97J9
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Need Apparel? Tacticalbassin Gear is in stock! Get your hats, hoodies, and sunshirts by emailing [e-mail]
Sun Mask: bit.ly/2JcA8xi
Sun Shirt w/ Hood: bit.ly/2vgTOst
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Reaper Hoodie (Hoodie with Warm Face Cover built in): bit.ly/2yRURSd
Horizon Sweater (Water resistant, great for layering): bit.ly/2gTC1oB
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Equipment We Recommend...
Minn Kota Ultrex Trolling Motor: bit.ly/2vFQypW
Humminbird Solix 15 Electronics: bit.ly/2pAkXr2
Minn Kota Talons: bit.ly/2F0QBSP
Hot Foot Throttle Control: bit.ly/2ob4kgO
Loc-R-Bar Boat Security: bit.ly/2CMF1NP
Favorite Storage Box: bit.ly/2fvjcFB
Favorite Pliers: bit.ly/2tfxFvw
Favorite Split Ring Pliers: bit.ly/2fT4Qw0
Favorite Wire Cutters: bit.ly/2soB34k
Favorite life jacket: bit.ly/2odXXIP
Favorite sunglasses: bit.ly/2glE3eN
Hero7 Camera: bit.ly/2RsLpjB
ElectroSamson Scale: bit.ly/2f7QgQ9
Frabill Net: bit.ly/2FNdnQr
Lure Retriever: bit.ly/2TLTJc6
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If you plan to do any shopping, using our links before doing your shopping at Tackle Warehouse is the single greatest way to support us! You won't be able to even see a difference but they'll know you're one of us!

[@botsbass842]

I wish I'd been with you guys on this channel from the beginning. By far the best educational bass channel on KZbin

[@tacticalbassin]

Thank you for the kind words! Glad the videos are helping.

[@izapitty1]

Nice part is you can go back and watch em all 😉

[@fishermen2241]

Agreed

[@danielrigg9715]

BPS Stik-O-Worm. They have identical action to a Yamamoto and almost identical weight and salt content. They come 16 in a pack for $5.99. They also come in 3" all the way up to 7" in 58 colors. You can catch them on sale for an even better deals too.

[@tacticalbassin]

I use those when im fishing ponds or just fishing. I use others when money or confidence is on the line.

[@danielrigg9715]

@@tacticalbassin I could understand that. I haven't tried every brand but I think those are the next best thing after the senko and are much cheaper

[@jamiepuckett3587]

they are legit

[@orlandogardener]

Yum yum yum

[@MrShawnmg]

Really interesting video. Amazing how different each are. Would like to see the BPS Stick-O in that line up. I have switched over because of the price and because they seem to be the most comparable to the senko in all the cheaper baits I have tried.

[@mtphill71]

I really like the Yum Dingers. They’re rather inexpensive, durable, various sizes, and I catch fish with them. My favorite color combo for the Yum is green pumpkin/chartreuse.

[@predwards8941]

Todd P that watermelon/gold flake is like fish crack

[@nepaoutdoors8536]

i caught a 6.5 lber on a wacky rigged watermelon red flake yum dinger

[@creakyclover2345]

Todd P There’s something special about those Yum dingers with the chartreuse tail

[@bradtheman19]

Todd P the camo yum dinger got me my PB

[@thesaltypanda1160]

I’m gonna get a lot of different colors to try and find what works best then might get a few packs of yamamatos in those colors

[@smoovefishing]

Yum Dinger is a must bait in shallow water! I have caught more in it than I ever have on the senco

[@Spc20061]

Yeah dingers for stickbait over senko!! Had a neighbor kid ask me today for a senko worm gave him a dinger! It’s a stickbait 😂.

[@timothym.9092]

I prefer the GYB for wacky rigging, better action in my experience, for Texas rigging I’ll use the Yums, a little more durable and of course cheaper. I generally throw a weightless wacky for a follow up when I miss a fish up close on a moving bait or int a hole in the weeds when I know a fish is there. Otherwise I usually add a nail weight. Had some luck with a weightless 6-7 inch Senko Texas rigged, I’m no expert bait casting so the heavier bait helps, fish seem to dig it and dinks hit it even though it’s a big bait. Ben Milliken did some tinkering/testing and found a Bass Pro stick bait to compare favorably with the Senkos for less money and commonly available in bulk packages. I’ve not tried those yet though. Great Vid!

[@austinbecker9314]

In regards to a wacky worm presentation, I’ve been using the Riot Baits Baton lately. It has a unique design to it that improves the action tremendously on the fall.

[@e.cabanjr7511]

Thank you Tim! This is an excellent video showing an objective comparison of these popular soft baits. Your commentary explaining the differences in these baits taught me a lot and is greatly appreciated.

[@bluegrassbassing3790]

Possibly the best comparison video on KZbin for any topic. God bless

[@kayakangle]

I love the BPS Sticko for the money. Performs better than all of these aside from the yamamoto in my experience. Had to find something to replace the senko.

[@budtate401]

I cant catch fish on those bps stock is compared to the yum

[@jakekroger5835]

The Bass Pro brand stick bait is my go to. I started out on Yum Dingers and caught fish but started getting more bites when I switched to Yammamoto Senkos. Being a broke college student lol I tried the bass pro because you get double the baits for less price. In my opinion they are the best senko when price, weight, action, and durability are judged. Yes, in a tournament I might still throw the yammamoto, but the Bass Pro Stik-O is fantastic

[@Spc20061]

I won’t buy those Yammamoto’s rather have a dinger in a stick worm over a senko!

[@charlieboutin3341]

I’ve been using a Texas rig Power bait for years and works great. Started trying Senko wacky rig recently and couldn’t believe it but bass really attack them! Old stubborn dogs can learn new tricks😜. Thanks for your great videos

[@riclindsey329]

I feel your pain lol,,an ol power bait is hard to put down,, I've got crates of them,some 30 years old 😂

[@waltersmith6762]

Great info, seeing the bait underwater makes everything click! More underwater footage of all baits would greatly help new anglers such as myself. Again thanks for all the info you guys are putting out.

[@tacticalbassin]

Thanks Walter

[@r.barefoot8386]

I really like that you didn’t bash any of the baits that you showed at the end of the video. I’ve had good results with all of the baits shown at one time or another. I think it’s like you said, you really have to apply certain characteristics of each bait depending on different conditions and waters. They each have strengths and weaknesses depending on how, when and where they are used. GREAT INFO!!

[@rogeryoung6245]

Wish this video was available three weeks ago at Lake Fork. It was swhut down due to the cold fronts the previous week. That Yum Dinger would have been a game changer with its slow fall. Thanks.

[@briangullickson9013]

That’s it I’m call the entire comment section a doctor. Better yet a psychiatrist... We all CLEARLY need some help having watched nearly 20 minutes of soft plastic worms falling gently and peacefully through the water! Hahaha!! 😂😂 Great video; I was mesmerized for sure. 😮 Tight lines everybody!! 🎣

[@logisticsnail5014]

😂😂😂

[@davidwestwood2457]

Haha, it's true. Grown men watching plastic worms sink... 😅

[@danieltaylor9459]

It seems as if, I’m my experience, the slower falling stick baits are the most effective for the shallower areas I fish. I pretty much only use the yum and the strike king. The z-man works great for me on a very light wacky jig.

[@gtfourmn]

Nice. Kind of proved some of the observations I had about dingers.

[@codyphillips977]

GUYS! One thing I noticed is how when you hop it quickly you can hear the bait / line cutting through the water. I always wondered if that made sounds. Wonder how the fish react to that?

[@Crippler74]

An absolutely awesome video like always. Over the past 3-4 years senkos and Senko style baits have turned in to absolute fish catching hammers for me. No matter if it’s a wacky rig early in the year or a t-rig with a 3/16 oz weight in the grass in the summer. I loved this video and how it shows the difference between the various brands of stickbaits. They definitely are not all the same like so many people believe.

[@Lear356045]

I really loved the Yamamoto Senko fall. Not to say that I use a lot of general stick baits. I use alson the SAvage gear 3D.

[@N13M0]

Yes. MOAR underwater bait videos please.

[@andrewpeacock8212]

The strike king Ocho has been catching them better than others for me this year. I’ve become a huge fan of the bait....pretty sure it was used on Hartwell to win the 2018 classic as well.

[@OFFFishing]

Yum Dingers are one of my favorites Great stuff as always👍👍

[@PaBasser]

I’d like to echo all of the other comments about the BPS Stick-O. They flat out catch bass. GP with chartreuse tip is my favorite. Not only do they produce, they’re a great bargain to boot. Color selection is excellent. I’d throw in the KVD, Ocho in Big Tex color.

[@herbsteiner1013]

I was a total Senko guy until I fished the Yum Dinger! :) Now for me it's the Senko, Dinger, and General equally.

[@R8terFan]

Thank you so much for all you guys do, I’m a new angler and have been fish for about a year but watching your videos I feel I’ve been doing it for years

[@floridafishingandfitness5735]

Wow, great video! Very interesting. Love me some Dingers!! Watermelon pearl is my "go-to" bait. Have probably caught more fish on the watermelon pearl Yum Dinger than every other bait I have tried. So far the biggest is 10 Lbs.

[@ThatLakeHickoryGuy]

Gary Yamamoto is #1 weightless and weighted I love them!

[@jacobdeitering8680]

One thing I noticed with the Elaztech style baits was, when wacky rigged, the bait falls with the hook point facing down almost every time. This, I’m assuming, is due to its neutral buoyancy of the bait and the shank on the hook is the most affected part of the rig on the fall. Could be a problem with hang ups. Great video guys!

[@GainingDespair]

The video everyone wanted but no ones created, I love these types of things and at best if you find a video like this it's looking at 1 product 2 max

[@laylow8648]

My lake is 2 to 7 feet deep. I’ve been using Yum Dingers with great success for the past 10 years. Now I understand why I have been so successful. It’s the slow fall. Thanks a bunch. You Guys are such great teachers. You take the time to explain the slightest details.

[@erniesanders3724]

As usual another great video from the best bass fishermen on the internet. Tactical Rocks! Thanks

[@tacticalbassin]

Thanks Ernie!

[@Phillyfisherman]

Another great vid Tim! I also enjoyed your wacky rig hand motions 😂

[@tacticalbassin]

LOL!

[@AmbassadorsoftheHunt]

The Yamamoto Senko, has salt added to the plastic, which also helps it sink a bit faster. Salt adds weight, for that reason the maker adds it. Just an FYI. Great product!

[@djradrs199]

I'm Just WACKY about these Tactical Bass'n Videos ,, I just up graded my 14'valco 15hp to a 16'8'' 50 hp Bass Tracker Classic XL in Feb 2021 and started getting RE-EDUCATED on my fair weather fishing style, I always been able to catch at least 1 fish a trip for over 25 yrs of bass fishing.. watching your videos have re-energized me into get'n more serious about developing my techniques ... like until the end of 2020 i never heard of Drop Shot ,,Wacky Rig.. Ned Head ....chatter bait,, you can only learn so much from watching the Fishing Tournament Shows . ( them Fell'as are TIGHT LIP'd about how to catch them or what they use ) THANK YOU ....all of these videos you post will deff put more fish in the live well each trip out .. :-) Lake Tulloch ,, My Home Chicken Fav place... but .need to learn more about Melonies & Pedro.. RIPON Ca

[@ShokurosFishing2000]

very nice project!

[@Fishing-gs9ku]

You missed the best... missile baits the 48. Insane action

[@lexm0]

The 48 is a beast. Wacky and neko rigged

[@Fishing-gs9ku]

@@lexm0 hell to the yeah homie! It shakes your tip when you lift it

[@deltatrippers]

Yup!

[@Crippler74]

I also like the 48. I’ve used it more on Shakey Heads as I am addicted to wacky rigged senkos but when I have used it weightless I caught fish. It definitely will give some thump when you bounce it on a jighead, I know that. I was also hoping that the 48 would be in the lineup for this video too.

[@vitobinetti7237]

I use yum fingers in pads and docks for the slower fall .

[@jimwarden9617]

Good job Tim. I like your enthusiasm. Food for thought. I've been having good action with the General.

[@aaroncatterton589]

Gary Yamamoto himself said that you are supposed to rig his senkos backwards on the Texas rig.small end in the hook.check it out it falls perfectly horizontal that way.

[@straightproductions261]

Aaron Catterton really?

[@nrgreenresourcesonsulting]

My PB smallie is off of a 5" Dinger @21.5"

[@Bigu4300]

Such a great bass resource, I would pay for this content.... keep up the great work and thank you!

[@JohnSattoCH]

Yup I love one from bass pro shop stick o. Better action, better price. 👍

[@tedmccarthy1401]

Thanks for sharing Tim!!!!! Can't beat the Senko. My personal favorite is the Keitech Salty Core in bluegill flash🎣🎣🎣🎣🎣🎣

[@sirronbailey3109]

Really appreciate this test good job thank you. And that Zman is my favorite👍🏽

[@datruthhurts3984]

senko all day everyday...and you know this mang!

[@vadenk4433]

I love the yamamoto. But certain times of the year the yum dinger will out fish it 3:1. Don't understand it, but I've experienced it numerous times. I've caught some giant bass on yum dingers in watermelon

[@NautiFish1]

Can’t say enough of how awesome this was. Thank you!

[@jacktupp4358]

The Senko and the Dinger are my go-to's. I've tried a bunch of other brands and they just don't compare in my experience.

[@terrymccorkle1674]

Another very informative video. Thanks. Saves us everyday guys a lot of guess work

[@Kolby9241]

I got 4th in my first fishing tournament this weekend out of 40 boaters using a weedless wacky rig. You can really hit beds with it once you lock down where they are. I recommend the green pumpkin ones made by Gary Yamamoto. I also don't recommend the latch style weed guards. Just get the ones w/ plastic weed guards. I got 22 pounds in 6 hours with 5 fish and my boating partner got 24 with 5. Just try retrieve methods that are slow and your're almost guaranteed bites.

[@angelaprater2679]

John here. Super display of what you are getting who knew never would I think of trying different ones class dismissed.

[@HellaBass]

Would love to see the Damiki Stinger footage as well

[@tacticalbassin]

I like that bait!

[@m4a1JAY]

I’ve only ever had luck with 5” Yamamoto Green Senko when it comes to stick bait.

[@tacticalbassin]

Not a bad choice!

[@lisajohnston6422]

Great video Tim! I love all that you and Matt do. I love bass fishing and I am learning more every day from Tacticalbassin". Tackle Warehouse must love it too because I make big purchases after watching your videos. 🤣

[@tomthomas4666]

Nice VIDEO enjoyed very much but I personally didn't see enough difference in the fall or action of the various baits to make a difference. I personally use the stick baits with the elastic stretch. Up to the individual I guess. Good fishing everyone.

[@331slash]

Nice video! Wish you had of tried the strike king ocho though. That's their flagship seiko and I've always wanted to see it vs senko.

[@tacticalbassin]

Next time! I didnt want more then one model from any one company.

[@BOLLON3S]

I like you soft lure z-man...👍👍👍

[@markwalker2271]

Another excellent video Tim. Good work.

[@Thebankfisher]

You gotta add the lake fork lures hyper stick to the line up!

[@Bluezkat1]

Awesome vid Tim! Love Senko fishin... super fun.

[@lucas.likes.fishing]

i like the dinger and i t rig it weightless and i slowwww crank it with a few tiny jerks and it swims back and forth kinda like a snake and it just workds. caught my pb largie on it

[@riverrat6998]

I always love these types of videos! I’d be interested in seeing the larger size comparisons of the different brands too like the 7 inch stick baits

[@SchmidtFishing]

Awesome video as always, Ive been watching your vids from the beginning. I always enjoy watching! It’s even motivated me to start my own channel. I now have the video editing itch. Continue making great content!

[@bowhunter63sm]

Awesome footage, I still use SK shim ee stick.

[@FishOn1]

I find these comparisons to be very useful! Thanks,

[@JoseMartinez-dq4km]

Great video really makes you think what do use when content is always eye opening

[@nateboone7356]

Great video! Keep these up, they are super helpful!

[@bassassinmaster]

The Berkley General is probably the best stick bait to cover water with. Sinks a little faster then senkos and has a great action. Durability is far better then any stick bait I've used, besides the z-man stuff.

[@jasondaniels209]

AH, THE VID IVE BEEN WAITING FOR LMAO! Debate with my Co-Angler all the time over this subject!

[@johnjohnson1657]

Good video... I prefer the PTL Sick Sticks...catch about a dozen off each one...neutrally bouyant...super slow fall...bass inhale 'em and I've probably caught more bass on that simple sick stick than all other baits combined...and I fish many ways. Again, good vid.

[@thomasray4107]

Between the water temperature and the grade of plastisol used(softness), has slot to do with the action of the bait overall.

[@ScrewballMcAdams]

Great comparison. The underwater video is great. Thanks!

[@tacticalbassin]

Glad you liked it!

[@danielteer4471]

Yum dingers for the win. GY senkos are great but I fish mostly shallow water and the dingers have such a slow fall rate that the bass cant resist grabbing them. Oh and they are cheaper on top of that and more durable!

[@davewashburn8930]

Just because it costs more doesn’t make it better. The biggest bang for my buck is the yum dinger on a wacky rig. I’ve got a lot of bass on them. You can’t go wrong with it & they don’t cost much. Good cheap fun.

[@carlosm9886]

Can you discuss senko colors ? Also I like the footage

[@mikelpc001]

Am I the only one that comes back to watch these videos 2 or 5 times throughout the year?

[@thehoosierangler6823]

Another good one is the Missile Baits 48 worm. It has a nice shimmy from the videos I've watched. However, I'm still waiting to get the money to pick up half s dozen colors and try them out.

[@inigomontoya6968]

Great video as always! I'd love for you to do a Neko rig challenge like this.

[@ScruffyCityFishing]

Very interesting. I wonder if the fish notice as much as we do, or if it’s more about getting it close enough to them. My favorite senko though is the KVD ocho. Has a good fall and decent durability.

[@ashina5924]

Sometimes its reactive, but the wiggle that senko has is sometimes the difference you need. All in all use other stick baits for normal fishing days, and use senkos for tournament days. The main thing is color in my opinion. Although the action of the senko is just the best.

[@lightsoutlitch6278]

And another thing, you should do a new swimjig video. Haven’t done one in a few years

[@mikesperanza6794]

You left out the best senko - the Gary Yamamoto Senko- no other comes close. -- KVD perfect plastic coms in second.

[@joseluisrodriguez9968]

What kind of tackle its BEST for use this technics, baitcasting or spinning? Greatings since México

[@TCoffman]

Very interesting information, thanks, Tim.

[@switzern15]

Really cool video, would have been interesting to see a camera view of you in the boat reeling it in.

[@HoosierCarnivore]

Test the Bass Pro Shop senko sometime. They are very close in action to the Yamamotto and a great value.

[@kenmccarthyfishing]

I'm embarrased because I'm probably the only guy watching this video who has never thrown a Senko,been fishing 44 years 😂🤣 great job Tim 👊👊👍👍

[@kewadgnahc5131]

Love these videos man!! Keep it up!!

[@KB-eg9kg]

Also I have killed it with the Max Scent in MN and IN - works great - worth the $ but use a saddle or o ring

[@1cisqo]

I would like to see how you set up your lines and the knots you use

[@marcolson4493]

Good stuff. Great video.

[@duramente]

I cannot understand completely because I'm not good English. But It's very useful video for me!

[@GabrielHernandez-nd9fv]

I need some help what’s the best stick bait to use from the ones he showed us?

[@jeremybinz9888]

Next test you should add the Power Team Sick Stick

[@liketohike]

Great video. Must have taken a lot thought and trial and error to get this great footage. I appreciate your attention to detail and the time you guys take to help us out. I am becoming more of a fan of Zman and elaztech products. Half the price of Senkos and last twice as long. Thanks for your awesome channel

[@tacticalbassin]

Thank you Adam!

[@coleabbott2192]

Do you guys still use the blood knot for leaders?

[@centraltexasbassin2228]

I like the big bite sinkos they have alot of flutter action on the fall

[@TM-gaming-and-fishing]

Him: starts talking about line Me with my 50lb braid: im good

[@bowmangraystadiumvideos9874]

Ok

[@trevjfish7633]

Try the biospawn exostick! Amazing shimmy on the fall