finatic

Lol...that was me when I caught that little bass.

Had a bass the other day swallow my senko. It was difficult getting it out and I felt horrible about hurting that fish. I finally did get it out and he swam away, but from now on I'm bending the barbs on my senko hooks. If it happens again it will be a lot easier getting the hook out of the fish. I like the sport and catching and fighting the fish, but I don't want to be hurting, injuring or killing them.

Funny thing was this little dink rips up and grabs the lure just as I was pulling it out of the water. I was like, 'Seriously?' I quick snapped a pic, then he fell off and landed in my tackle box. There was something truly comical about this moment, looking at this little bass flopping around among all my other lures. I fished him out and tossed him back.

...you catch a bass that's smaller than your lure.

God was good to me this morning ... six nice bass and one awesome pike - all caught on Senkos.

Been seriously considering the Okuma Avenger ABF 40: https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B000LGEYMI/ezvid02-20?th=1&psc=1 Another nice reel.... Abu Garcia Orra SX 30 https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00LDYJCJW/ezvid02-20?th=1&psc=1 The following reels are slightly above what I planned to spend but they all seem like really decent choices.... Okuma Helios HSX-30 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MA3664U/ref=twister_B071ZNJYQ4?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1 Pflueger Supreme XT SP30X https://www.amazon.com/Pflueger-Supreme-XT-Spinning-Reel/dp/B00LDYK7CS?tag=topreels-20&th=1&psc=1 Abu Garcia Revo SX 30 https://www.amazon.com/Abu-Garcia-Revo-SX-Spinning/dp/B011LUZVF6?tag=topreels-20&th=1&psc=1 So what do you guys think?

Do you know if these reels have 7 bearings, or less? The thing I like about the Okuma is it has 7 bearings. Nevermind, I just did a little Googling; 7 bearings

Thanks for the reply. I checked out the Diawa BG 2000 model on Amazon. I think that would be a good size for the fishing I do (inshore, bass and such). However sometimes I encounter bigger fish, like the other day when I hooked a 26lb shovelhead.

Hey guys. I've had this Okuma FINA for quite a while and it's served me very well, but it's a horse. After a day fishing my hand, wrist and arm get really worn out. Stopped by the local tackle store yesterday and inquired about upgrading my reel and the guy shows me this Okuma Avenger. He had the 25b, 30b and 35b models. These seemed to be amazing reels and were definitely a lot lighter than my Fina, but I wanted to do some research first so I went home and looked around online. There are actually two types of the Avenger - the regular spinning model (AV) and the baitfeeder (ABF). I wasn't exactly sure which one I would need, but I went ahead and checked reviews and most seem positive. However there were enough negative ones to make me question the build and longevity of the reel. My Fina is no longer made by Okuma (at least not that I could find), but it is a solid reel and has never had any issues (it's just a big horse). So I'm looking for some suggestions/advice from all you guys on what spinning reel I should consider next. While I certainly drool over something like the Stradic CI4+ I just don't have that kind of money to spend on a reel. So something reasonable (say under a hundred bucks), but still dependable and functionally reliable.

I use jerk baits.

I was having the same problem, then I changed to a 2/0 hook and now I get hook sets. I even got this monster the other night (using the 2/0 hook on a senko).

I will say this...catching that cat sure made me a believer in Power Pro. I have PP 10lb on my setup and that rod tip was bent all the way over (it was even with the reel half the time) during the fight. I was also impressed that the fluorocarbon leader I tied on held up, too. I've never used a leader and I had to watch a video to learn how to tie it to the braid (I used the Alberto knot). I've read that the PP yellow can fray a lot. Have you had any issues with that?

Just caught this monster this evening on the Senko (black w/blue flake).....

Awesome! I don't see that minnow pattern (like in the pic in my first post), but I'm definitely getting the perch one. Thanks

Ok thanks (going off to look.....)

Saw this article that mentioned the Sedan Westin Bling Perch... I think this would be a killer bait here, because the bass love baby perch. Unfortunately I haven't been able to find any local retailers (even online). Would any of you guys know where I could locate this bait? Another tasty looking bait is the ShadTeez from Westin, but again I can't find any local stores that carry it.

Went down to the bridge this morning to practice again with the senkos. It was raining but the bridge makes excellent cover. Plus there's a lot of nice size rocks along the bank. First cast I was working the bait in and suddenly it felt like I snagged a rock, then the rock moved. I pulled up to set the hook and the rock headed out to the river. I could feel the weight of the fish, it was definitely a big one, probably would have been my PB, but then my line went slack. When I reeled it in all I had was the hook! Sucker ate my senko! Stayed under the bridge while it was raining for another couple hours and in that time I had the chance to catch five more really nice fish, but each time I pulled back to set the hook it came right out of their mouths. One bass even broke the surface, shook his head and the senko went flying. Exciting stuff. What I'm learning is that senko fishing is really all about patience and watching your line movement. For all five of these fish that I had on this morning I only was able to detect the last one - watched the line till it hit the bottom then it started jerking a little and moving. The other fish I didn't even know I had on until I went to twitch the bait and felt resistance. I will say this, the senko definitely lives up to it's reputation. This same spot is where I've been fishing the last few days (using cranks, spinners, etc.) and producing nothing, not even strikes. Would be nice to find out how to hook set these fish. If anyone knows any tips/suggestions I'm all ears.

Yep, those "large" mouth will swallow anything

That's awesome. Can't find them anywhere anymore, except eBay.

That rod is 500 bucks! Hope it makes yer coffee for you, too lol

I'm here to report that the Keitech paddle tails are awesome. They have great swim action and actually catch fish.... The spinners are great also, but they are a bit heavy. May have to upgrade the rod to something stiffer with more of a backbone. Different reel? Not sure on that one, but perhaps a stronger pole would make using these spinners easier. With my current setup reeling the spinners in makes it feel lime I'm reeling in a concrete block, lol

Yep

Geez they want a lot for their lures. Their crankbaits are 25 bucks! I hate to ask how much you paid for that thing, lol

Don't feel bad. I've lost a lot of fish. Happens to the best of us. The other day I was fishing with a beetle spin blade, jig head and Mr Twister double tail brown/orange. I made a few casts and then BAM - this humongous pike took off with my bait. I swear this big guy must have been close to eight pounds. Got him up to the dock and when we tried to net him he flipped the bait out of his mouth and was gone. Oh yeah, misery.

Took those Lunkercrap things back then went to Dick's. Guy there said these Keitech brand paddle tails were a higher quality so I got a pack of those... Thought I'd try my hand at some spinner baits so I grabbed a couple Strike King KVDs (Tandem Willow, chartreuse and fire tiger) and a Banshee orange belly craw. I have tomorrow off so I'm going to try these guys out. Hopefully I'll return with some pics of the lunkers I catch