Saw the two faces of the senko today. For the first time I made an effort to use a senko. I had it rigged on a weighted swimbait hook after reading an article somewhere on how effective it was, and caught two fish in the span of a few casts. First one was a decent smallmouth, couple pounds, the second was a 3+ pound largemouth. It showed me how effective they are but the smallie really ate it, taking it deep. I knicked it's gills and was really embedded in some part of the tongue or throat. It took me a pretty long time to unhook and she bled quite a bit. I revived her for about five minutes before she got loose. She swam on her side for a minute then I lost sight and didn't see her again. So either she was fine or a four foot Musky got her. The moral of the story is: I like senkos...

If you want more info about Senkos, go to the top of this forum and read the Pinned Senkos thread.

You can fish all over the country with these little baits. I use them everyday here in Florida and catch thousands of fish every year on these baits. Don't get hung up on the high price of the Japanese brand. The Bass Pro stick-o's are just as good and half the price per unit. I exclusively use the 4 inch size and catch fish of all size on them. Use as little weight as possible, depending on weather conditions. Weightless they will walk like a zara spook under the water, if you get a rhythm going, and flutter down on slack line, weightless. Good luck, and they will catch fish when others are struggling with the bite. When things are really tough, just slow down. Many bites occur when the bait is sitting still on the bottom.

Here's another face: wacky rigged. Toss it to a target (stump or overhanging limbs) let it sink. If that doesn't work twitch a few times. Repeat. Such fun.

Learn to watch your line and those deep hooked fish will happen far less often with any kind of soft plastic. 

Learn to watch your line and those deep hooked fish will happen far less often with any kind of soft plastic.

Working on it.

Working on it.

Yes, it's tough. I've had a problem with that too. I wacky rig them. I'm thinking of an octopus hook. Problem is they think it's real and want to EAT it right away.