[Lure] [Review] Yamamoto Senko
Gary Yamamoto Custom Baits. One of my favorite brands for soft plastics. Senko, Kut Tail Worm, Fat Ika, and more.
In Japan, we can find many more Gary Yamamoto soft plastic lineups than in the U.S. It's a very popular brand in Japan. Gary International, Gary Yamamoto's Japanese agent company in Japan, has been producing lots of Japanese domestic products that we can't find in the U.S.
While Gary Yamamoto keeps introducing so many cool lures, yet Senko is the most popular lure. Senko is a real legendary bait that has changed Bass fishing history.
Yamamoto Senko
My first Gary Yamamoto was back in 2008 in Ontario, Canada where I started into Bass Fishing. I ran my research on the Japanese anglers' web community and found this awesome lure, Gary Yamamoto Senko. I used to be a very saltwater fisherman. Spinning tackle with a seabass rod was what I had at that time. Senko's weightless rig looked a perfect match for my tackle.
The result was super impressive. During my three years in Canada, 90% of the time, I threw only Senko. It brought me Smallmouth, Largemouth, Pike, Yellow Perch, Rock Bass, etc, etc.
Waki's recommendation.
Weightless Texas:
4" and 5" are my main weapon for Texas rigged Weightless rig. In the shallow river, drifting a 4 inches Senko rigged on a 1/0 Offset hook, I could get many bites. In the steep deep reservoir, it's a bit tough to maintain this rig since it takes too long to get it to the bottom. Shallow water would be a key for this rig.
Mono, Fluoro, Braided. Any type of line can be used. The bites would appear on the line slack, keep your eyes on it.
The over 4 pounders I caught in the urban Toronto area pond.
Weightless Wacky:
In Japan, we can find Senko 2". In the U.S. 4" and 5" are common. I can find 3", too. But I've never seen 2" in the U.S. In Japan, this small Senko was known as a final weapon to fish super-duper picky fish by the huge pressure.
For 2" and 3" small Senko, Wacky rigged Weightless rig would be fine. I personally prefer to use Texas-rigged style, but for those small Senkos, using a light wire small hook with a wacky style would be nicer to have more natural action.
Jig head wacky also is a good option.
Texas rig:
In California, it's not easy to find shallow water, especially when fishing reservoirs. Then it's time for the Texas rig. Senko has enough weight by itself, no need to use a heavy bullet weight. Let's pick up the lightest weight to be able to get the lure to the bottom.
Oh. catfish!
Now, I'm thinking of Senko for Saltwater. Senko for Spotted Bay Bass. Senko for California Halibut. Surf Senko fishing! Yeah, it sounds interesting.
