How far can you cast a senko?

[Shak Muscles]

So I finally set up my baitcaster to a point where I don't backlash very often(Thanks to bass resource forum for the tips). And now I want to focus on getting more distance. I have a pretty beginner setup so I know I won't be able to cast as far as a supertuned $300 reel, but I was wondering how far you can cast a wacky rig senko usually without any wind. 

 

I've been measuring my distance using google maps and I would say I can cast a senko around 25 yds, 70-80 feet usually. I tried an even lighter spinnerbait 3/16 oz and I could cast further, around 30 yds maybe approaching 100 feet(I literally casted to the ground on the other side of the pond). It was weird since this lure is in fact lighter than my previous lure. My rod is 7'1 medium extra fast and rated for 1/4 oz to 3/4 oz so a senko fits that range better than the spinnerbait even. My reel has dual brakes and I've turned the magnetics off completely since they seem useless and I keep 2 pins out of 6 on for the centrifugal brakes. 

 

I heard most people generally cast 30-40 yds on average but honestly I don't know if I could get a senko that far. The tension is as loose as it can be without the spool wobbling, and the only other thing I can do is turn all the brakes completely off, but then I would backlash more frequently. I feel like maybe I have unrealistic expectations...maybe a senko doesn't travel as well as a spinnerbait or such? I know I might be able to get 30-40 with other baits and lots of practice, but even getting 30 with a senko seems like a challenge. Is there something I need to change in my casting motion, because I've tried to cast such that the bait spends a longer time in the air but it doesn't really net me any more distance. Any thoughts?

[ThePolkFolk]

Are you using a baitcaster with the senko for the sake of using a baitcaster? I like to keep a spinning rod for all my weightless/finesse presentations. If you have one available I would use it as a 2nd rod.

 

1. Great performance without the hassel of backlashes.

2. I can always have a senko tied on the spinning rod while I use the baitcaster for other things.

 

If you are really set on using a baitcaster for senkos then you will eventually improve and be able to throw them further. As you upgrade your reels, that will help some too.

[Falkus]

2nd - Using a spinning rod for the senkos/light plastic has made a difference for me. 

I tried to use the bait caster but it was too much for me. 

 

If you really want to use a baitcaister, you would need to fork up some dough for those that can throw light weight stuff 

 

[Raul]

Into the next zip code.

 

/ thread !

[12poundbass]

If I had to guess I can cast my Senko about 30-40 yrds. I've never really measured but it suits me. I use a black max so moneys doesn't matter! I cast far enough to catch fish so it works for me. 

For what its worth I haven't used spinning gear in 3-4 years, with that said thanks to Bassresourse I'm going to this year. 

[RoLo]

There are several ways to increase casting distance, but 2 ways stand head & shoulders above the rest:

> Greater rod length

> Smaller diameter line (ignore breaking-strength)

 

Roger

 

 

[K_Mac]

The magnetic brakes on a dual brake reel are not useless. They come into play at the end of your cast, while the centrifugal brakes prevent overrun at the beginning.

 

I usually have one or two brakes set and only use the mag brakes when wind makes it necessary. How tight you have the spool and line size/type are the other things that have a big impact on distance, along with the size of the Senko. You should be able to throw a 5" Senko farther than you can effectively fish it. Good luck. 

[.ghoti.]

I can cast a senko farther than i can set the hook.

[Quarry Man]

With my mod fast medium zx and zillion tws i can cast a senko 50 yards, i can cast a 3/8 ounce tungsten weight about 75

single hand side arm cast, brakes just lower than half off, and keep loosening the tension knob, light feather at cast end, don't whip it too hard

[jr231]

20 minutes ago, .ghoti. said:

I can cast a senko farther than i can set the hook.

Then you should try braid lol 

[Shak Muscles]

I'm using a baitcaster because I thought a senko was well within range for a baitcaster. I mean I wouldn't really consider it a "light" lure like a finesse worm. FYI I don't really thumb the spool until the very end because it doesn't really fly off the spool. I'm using 20lb power pro super slick braid but I plan on switching to 40lb for better handling and less digging in.

 

Will that significantly lower my casting distance?

[rippin-lips]

38 minutes ago, .ghoti. said:

I can cast a senko farther than i can set the hook.

Exactly my thoughts. 

[Jar11591]

I can lob a 5" weightless senko a far distance with a baitcaster, even with a MH rod. I feel like with some practice, a senko has enough weight to get some distance on the cast.

[whitwolf]

Not being a smart butt but my pat(tried,tested, and successful) answer Is I can cast any bait far enough to catch fish.  I am greatly of the opinion that casting distance, In the majority of applications, is inconsequential; location and accuracy are far more Important.  On the rare occasion that distance Is required I generally adjust accordingly and thumb the spool. If the target Is 40 yards away and you can only cast 35, move 5 yards closer. In my opinion moving five yards closer will not spook the fish. 

[Shak Muscles]

4 minutes ago, Jar11591 said:

I can lob a 5" weightless senko a far distance with a baitcaster, even with a MH rod. I feel like with some practice, a senko has enough weight to get some distance on the cast.

By practice what exactly do you mean? Are there specific techniques or focus points I should be working on?

[wdp]

A country mile ?

[Shak Muscles]

Just now, whitwolf said:

Not being a smart butt but my pat(tried,tested, and successful) answer Is I can cast any bait far enough to catch fish.  I am greatly of the opinion that casting distance, In the majority of applications, is inconsequential; location and accuracy are far more Important.  On the rare occasion that distance Is required I generally adjust accordingly and thumb the spool. If the target Is 40 yards away and you can only cast 35, move 5 yards closer. In my opinion moving five yards closer will not spook the fish. 

Well I fish ponds from the shore, and its convenient to be able to cast to those spots that you can't walk to. In a boat I wouldn't worry about casting distance as much.

[whitwolf]

Shak Muscles, give me a brief description on the targets you are trying to reach 40 yards from shore?

[Glenn]

 

[Jar11591]

19 minutes ago, Shak Muscles said:

By practice what exactly do you mean? Are there specific techniques or focus points I should be working on?

 

Mainly getting the reel dialed in, and lots of repetition. 

[Shak Muscles]

37 minutes ago, whitwolf said:

Shak Muscles, give me a brief description on the targets you are trying to reach 40 yards from shore?

Its more that trees/vegetation block me from accessing some areas which I have to cast to from far away, and sometimes they seem like perfect places where bass like to hang out. 

19 minutes ago, Jar11591 said:

 

Mainly getting the reel dialed in, and lots of repetition. 

Do you mean dialed in to the point that I don't need brakes anymore and the lowest tension possible to increase casting distance?

[RoLo]

3 Zipcodes

 

[OCdockskipper]

One time I cast a Senko so far that it circled the earth & hit me in the back of the head.

[WDE]

I hadn't had much luck with Senkos until recently. I'm not much into finesse anyway; but I watched a buddy of mine have great luck over 3 consecutive days, so I decided to dedicate one of my baitcasters to the Senko presentation for a day. 

 

Bad decision. While I had no problems tossing them a good 40yds when they were fresh, I birdnested badly a couple of times when the worm got beat up. Twice the worm broke and fell off the hook mid cast and caused a mess. 

 

So now my spinning rod is my dedicated Senko setup, and the baitcasters go back to cranks/spinners. 

[clh121787]

893 mbr,  12-15 flouro, and a 200 shimano . Dunno exactly but plenty far. I'm much more accurate with b.c. and cast just as far.