Anyone Have Any Luck In Southern Nh Yet? (4/6/12)

[Beverly Bassman]

Yeah yeah yeah. I keep statistics on my fishing. Over a thousand fish, I don't think the numbers lie. It's 5 to 1 jigs vs. senkos. My average size is bigger on jigs but not much. The problem with a jig is that you can't fine tune the fall rate very much. Your choices are fast or kind of fast. Senkos or other soft plastic stickbaits can be fished anywhere from unweighted to nail weighted to lightly weighted with a swimbait hook to full Texas-rig weighted. They can also be whacky rigged or niko rigged for a different look. Many different fall rates can be achieved. All of these pale in comparison to a simple, unweighted Texas rigged senko because it's the only thing out there that really falls in a horizontal orientation. You can do almost the same thing with a hard jerk bait, but my experience is the senko will out catch it every time.

If you guys want to talk about what will catch a 7 or 8 pounder in New Hamphire, I cannot disagree. My personal best is only around 5 pounds. But I have had about 10 of those and most of those were on senkos, including a 5 pound smallmouth I caught at Big Mantrap lake in Minnesota that is within a pound of the lake record. That does not consider the dozens of four pounders I have caught on this bait. So if 5 pounders in northern states will readily hit this bait, why will six, sevens and eights not do so? By the way, if you don't think a 7-inch senko is a big fish bait, why do I routinely catch northern pike with them when bass fishing in Minnesota? I have caught pike over 15 pounds on this bait.

My personal data and experience shows that senkos shallow and dropshot deep will significantly out-catch other techniques, with only a small difference in size versus the other techniques. I think the reason for this is the action. The weightless senko and the drop shot more closely match natural forage, by hovering slowly in the water column. Nothing in nature hits the surface of the water and falls straight to the bottom. I spent much of this past season throwing Strike King Denny Brauer Pro Model jigs and Texas Rigged Rage Craws. My catch rate on both was very mediocre, and I certainly caught numerous sub one-pounders on these baits. I did catch a few decent ones too, but nothing to write home about.

I don't expect to convince you guys, which is fine. Shane would catch big fish with a Mcdonald's french fry on the hook. I will keep on doing what works for me. Do me a favor guys, don't start throwing senkos. :-)

[NEjitterbugger]

Yeah yeah yeah. I keep statistics on my fishing. Over a thousand fish, I don't think the numbers lie. It's 5 to 1 jigs vs. senkos. My average size is bigger on jigs but not much. The problem with a jig is that you can't fine tune the fall rate very much. Your choices are fast or kind of fast. Senkos or other soft plastic stickbaits can be fished anywhere from unweighted to nail weighted to lightly weighted with a swimbait hook to full Texas-rig weighted. They can also be whacky rigged or niko rigged for a different look. Many different fall rates can be achieved. All of these pale in comparison to a simple, unweighted Texas rigged senko because it's the only thing out there that really falls in a horizontal orientation. You can do almost the same thing with a hard jerk bait, but my experience is the senko will out catch it every time.

If you guys want to talk about what will catch a 7 or 8 pounder in New Hamphire, I cannot disagree. My personal best is only around 5 pounds. But I have had about 10 of those and most of those were on senkos, including a 5 pound smallmouth I caught at Big Mantrap lake in Minnesota that is within a pound of the lake record. That does not consider the dozens of four pounders I have caught on this bait. So if 5 pounders in northern states will readily hit this bait, why will six, sevens and eights not do so? By the way, if you don't think a 7-inch senko is a big fish bait, why do I routinely catch northern pike with them when bass fishing in Minnesota? I have caught pike over 15 pounds on this bait.

My personal data and experience shows that senkos shallow and dropshot deep will significantly out-catch other techniques, with only a small difference in size versus the other techniques. I think the reason for this is the action. The weightless senko and the drop shot more closely match natural forage, by hovering slowly in the water column. Nothing in nature hits the surface of the water and falls straight to the bottom. I spent much of this past season throwing Strike King Denny Brauer Pro Model jigs and Texas Rigged Rage Craws. My catch rate on both was very mediocre, and I certainly caught numerous sub one-pounders on these baits. I did catch a few decent ones too, but nothing to write home about.

I don't expect to convince you guys, which is fine. Shane would catch big fish with a Mcdonald's french fry on the hook. I will keep on doing what works for me. Do me a favor guys, don't start throwing senkos. :-)

 

As far as fall rate, a jig and a senko are completely different baits and shouldn't be compared by fall rate. When your fishing a jig (excluding the swim jig) your on the bottom most of the time, can be fished on the bottom but most hits come on the fall... As far as hook up ratio, you need a more technique specific setup while jig fishing than you would need while fishing a senko. Yes, certain rods will help with senko fishing but when your fishing a jig you need to take in to account your gear ratio, rod taper, etc... 

[Shane J]

Well, Beverly, you're safe. I won't start throwing Senkos anytime soon, I promise. Probably because if we were going 5 fish to 5 fish, and you were dead set on fishing a Senko, I would come back with the biggest bag 100% of the time. See, I stopped being a bass fisherman a couple years ago, and became a big fish hunter. There's a difference, and we are not on the same wavelength, which is cool. You should fish whatever you personally have confidence in, and have fun fishing. No crime in either technique. 

 

Ps- you are really off base on the fall rate thing for jigs n plastics. I can get a jig or a Tx rigged plastic to fall exactly how I want, as long as I remember, less weight, and bulkier plastics make something fall slower. A 3/4oz jig with a Lobster, falls at exactly the same rate, as a 5/8oz with a Craw.

[Beverly Bassman]

Fishing a jig along a clean bottom is totally different, obviously. But pitching a jig in or near heavy cover, it's a fall oriented bait. Once it's on the bottom, shake a time or two and pull it out. You can fish a senko in exactly the same cover and catch fish that won't strike something falling so fast as the very lightest jig. I know you can slow the fall of a jig a bit with a big trailer and 3/8 vs. 5/8. Nothing like a senko. I hired a guide on lake toho years ago. Former pro tournament angler. He showed me how to measure and alter the fall rates of senkos. Unweighted, they fall vastly slower than any jig. Period. He was counting them down with his stopwatch. NHe caught a nine pound spawner that day on a five inch senko. I didn't have much luck that day but I learned a lot from him about how to fish senkos. Some people think it is an idiot technique. Not according to this guy.

I would not ever match Shane on a five fish bag, even using the exact same bait as him. I lack the skill and touch to be that good. But many times, I have gone through a heavy cover area dropping a jig in every open pocket and caught nothing, then gone back with a senko and caught three or four fish. It happens too often to be coincidence. It makes everyone all irritated when someone talks about senkos. That's silly. It's just a piece of plastisol that has a particular shape, density and salt content that makes it fall a certain way. Yamamoto, Strike King, Yum and BPS all make them and they all work. They outsell all other soft plastics, big time. If you are out for a nine pounder in a northern state, maybe it's not the best choice. But 5 pounders sure like them. And I can tell you dinks will certainly hit a big jig. Happens to me plenty. Then there is the lizard, which we haven't gotten to yet. Maybe another day...

[Beverly Bassman]

As for set ups, here is what I am typically using:

Unweighted Senko:

12 lb Fluoro, 6 1/2 foot medium action St Croix, 6.5:1 Shimano Citica

3/8 or 1/2 oz. Jig:

15 lb Fluoro or braid if very heavy cover, 7 foot medium heavy St Croix, 7.1:1 Shimano Citica

Set ups are what I learned from various guides I have hired.

[Mainebass1984]

Quick question for you all. Anyone fish a Wacky Rigged Senko in deep water? Roughly more than 20ft. Looking to try this out for some deep water action next spring.

 I have caught fish on senkos in water as deep as 30 feet. It takes an incredible amount of patience to wait for them to it bottom. I am usually fishing it weightless texas style. If I am fishing a senko that deep it is usually during the hottest time of the year.

 

 I compare fishing senkos to using live bait.

 As someone who does like to fish senkos quite a bit that hurt deaknh...It does take some skill...

 

I like catching bass and love to catch big  bass. My two favorite lures are a senko and a jig. I have caught big bass on both. In the past 5 years I have caught 22 bass 7 lbs or bigger. The senko caught 8 of those fish including a 8-10 and a 8-9. The jig has accounted for 5 of those fish including the biggest bass I have ever caught a 9-1.

Everyone is fish senkos and jigs. They both catch fish.  As far as fishing senkos goes I like to fish specific colors that have a subtle differences then the more popular colors. Senkos do catch more fish then a jig.The average size bass on a jig is bigger though. I have fished a few open tournaments and done well with both. I have got lunker in a tourney on a senko and on a jig.

When it comes down to it its all about preference and having confidence in what your throwing.

[deaknh03]

I have caught fish on senkos in water as deep as 30 feet. It takes an incredible amount of patience to wait for them to it bottom. I am usually fishing it weightless texas style. If I am fishing a senko that deep it is usually during the hottest time of the year.

As someone who does like to fish senkos quite a bit that hurt deaknh...It does take some skill...

I like catching bass and love to catch big bass. My two favorite lures are a senko and a jig. I have caught big bass on both. In the past 5 years I have caught 22 bass 7 lbs or bigger. The senko caught 8 of those fish including a 8-10 and a 8-9. The jig has accounted for 5 of those fish including the biggest bass I have ever caught a 9-1.

Everyone is fish senkos and jigs. They both catch fish. As far as fishing senkos goes I like to fish specific colors that have a subtle differences then the more popular colors. Senkos do catch more fish then a jig.The average size bass on a jig is bigger though. I have fished a few open tournaments and done well with both. I have got lunker in a tourney on a senko and on a jig.

When it comes down to it its all about preference and having confidence in what your throwing.

Mainebass, no offense meant. To each his own. Please dont take my meaningless opinion personally.

[Mainebass1984]

Its all good.

[Nashua Nev]

Dressing warm tomorrow morning.   Nashua river is calling me.

[Shane J]

So, yeah. Exactly. I just don't push 'em, because for me, there are more productive options than a stick bait. I also know that fishing patterns, is going to differentiate between us. I haven't fished a Senko for at least 5 years, because once I discovered the Rage-Rigged Craw, I didn't need to. It catches just as many, but better quality fish than a Senko, and weightless falls just as slow, if that's what you're going for. Now, me and Beverly ARE in agreement. Just saying things differently. 

 

Oh, and Beverly, your setup is perfect for what you're doing. I also use 12lb flouro on a Med action Avid for my weightless and keel-weighted baits, and heavier for my jigging. Really a perfect setup for it, until you get into heavier pads and milfoil.

[Mainebass1984]

I guess I will have to check out the rage rigged craws

[Shane J]

Well, yeah.

[deaknh03]

I guess I will have to check out the rage rigged craws

yes indeed and t rigged with a bullet weight.

[Mainebass1984]

The rage craw chunk worked pretty well on the back of my jig.

[Beverly Bassman]

Shane, what line and hook would you use to throw an unweighted Rage Craw? With 12 pound Fluoro and a 4/0 hook, it doesn't seem like enough weigh for effective pitching. An unweighted 5" senko is heavier than that, but I still have a hard time pitching them. I have to keep the spool pretty loose, which means I can backlash it pretty easily if the bait hits a stump or something.

One other question. Do you use a line conditioning spray on your fluorocarbon? I like how these products make the line easier to handle, but I worry the smell could turn off the fish.

[deaknh03]

Shane, what line and hook would you use to throw an unweighted Rage Craw? With 12 pound Fluoro and a 4/0 hook, it doesn't seem like enough weigh for effective pitching. An unweighted 5" senko is heavier than that, but I still have a hard time pitching them. I have to keep the spool pretty loose, which means I can backlash it pretty easily if the bait hits a stump or something.

One other question. Do you use a line conditioning spray on your fluorocarbon? I like how these products make the line easier to handle, but I worry the smell could turn off the fish.

I cant speak for Shane, but I dont use any conditioner, and very rarely throw a weightless craw. They are just too light, as far as sink rate, I'm just not that patient.

[Shane J]

Shane, what line and hook would you use to throw an unweighted Rage Craw? With 12 pound Fluoro and a 4/0 hook, it doesn't seem like enough weigh for effective pitching. An unweighted 5" senko is heavier than that, but I still have a hard time pitching them. I have to keep the spool pretty loose, which means I can backlash it pretty easily if the bait hits a stump or something.

One other question. Do you use a line conditioning spray on your fluorocarbon? I like how these products make the line easier to handle, but I worry the smell could turn off the fish.

Most of the time, I will throw it on a heavy wire 5/0 hook (Moaner Stick'R to be more specific). That's for weightless, and for Tx rigs. If I want it to basically float, unweighted with a light wire 4/0, will fall slower than a weightless Senko. I don't do that very often at all. And as far as line conditioner, yes, I do use it. I soak the entire spool after I load it, then every once in a while, I'll soak one down before a day out. I have no problem pitching it even 60' weightless on the right gear (like the reel I'm selling).

[NEjitterbugger]

Daiwa T3 Ballistic $125 at TW, Santa will be dropping this off...

[Fly_Fisherman]

Question, does anyone here use soft plastic dyes such as Spike It or something similar? If so any tips on application and would it be a worthy investment? Thanks in advance!

[Shane J]

Absolutely! Get yourself some JJ's is you want a lot of scent and permanent dye, and Spike It pens for mostly just dye, but super easy to use and store.

[bobh64]

I have used the pens but some plastics they don''t work. I have used the dips for along time mostly chartreuse on the lighter color soft baits. 

[bobh64]

“Casting and presentation is more important than the color of your lure.” -- Do you agree?

 

I subscribe to ***, site on Facebook and this topic came up. My opinion, I believe casting and presentation makes up 70% of the catch. I would even include attitude.

[Shane J]

More important than the color? Yes. About 50-50 with the bait or lure itself. Of course, presentation, also has to include boat position, depth of the presentation, and speed worked.

[Fly_Fisherman]

I've found them cheap enough online, might as well give it a shot. I've also considered getting a skirt maker or lure molds in the future, especially for the dull winter months. 

[Beverly Bassman]

My experience is that the skill of the fisherman means a lot. When I fish with guides, they ALWAYS outcatch me, even though we are throwing the same lures. Of course, part of that may be that they are at the front of the boat. But they are more accurate with their pitches, and they make less splash. They also seem to give the lure more subtle action than I can.