Torn On Casting Rod For 4" Weightless Senko

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

50/51E is about as good as you're going to get for a finesse bait cast reel unless really want to open up your wallet.

[T-Rick]

50/51E is about as good as you're going to get for a finesse bait cast reel unless really want to open up your wallet.

Thanks. I picked up a 51E along with the AVC68MXF. I spooled it up today with 8lb trilene XL mono and made about 6 casts tonight at dusk. Caught one of my first cast so I was happy and didn't really worry about distance. I'll have to give it a workout sometime this weekend.

Thanks for all the replies.

[BigMoneyGrip]

I would use fluoro for that. I have 8lbs Invizx on mine and love it. Mono give up too much sensitivity in my opinion.

[T-Rick]

I would use fluoro for that. I have 8lbs Invizx on mine and love it. Mono give up too much sensitivity in my opinion.

I may go with flouro at some point but I figured I'd use mono to start out with the light weight in case I am backlashing often.

[Jeff H]

Why would you say that?  I think this would be a fun rod for 4" senkos. 

Well, I guess I don't know the exact conditions involved for him but where I'm at Senko's are usually fished around rather heavy weed cover.  I have handled that 6'9" ML/XF rod more than once and d**n if I can figure something to use it for.  It has no power to it at all in my opinion.  He picked the best one already, the 6'8" M/XF is a MUCH better choice for 4" senko's.  I have most of the Avids that are rated M/XF or ML/XF in both casting and spinning but not this one.  You might have some fun with it but if there is any cover involved it will quickly prove to be the wrong choice.

[Chris at Tech]

Well, I guess I don't know the exact conditions involved for him but where I'm at Senko's are usually fished around rather heavy weed cover.  I have handled that 6'9" ML/XF rod more than once and d**n if I can figure something to use it for.  It has no power to it at all in my opinion.  He picked the best one already, the 6'8" M/XF is a MUCH better choice for 4" senko's.  I have most of the Avids that are rated M/XF or ML/XF in both casting and spinning but not this one.  You might have some fun with it but if there is any cover involved it will quickly prove to be the wrong choice.

I think the rod's got more power than you're giving it credit for. Mine has landed my biggest LM ever, 8-15. I use it for shakey heading but also other finesse presentations on or near heavy grass. I've also had A ton of fun throwing small scroungers and 1/4 oz rooster tails for hybrids.

In my time with the m/XF, I'd certainly use it for 5" senkos but not the 4"

Sounds like you prefer a bit more power, I prefer a bit less

[DogBone_384]

""The carbonlite you have would be perfect for senkos.  I use have 2 rods for senkos: dx743 and a carbonlite.  The dx is my absolute favorite, but I also feel like the carbonlite is an excellent rod.  Very sensitive for a $100 rod."

 

What Masterbass said X2  - I have a Carbonlight with a Johnny Morris B/C reel on it and it throws 4" Senkos just fine.

[sofarfrome]

IMHO...either of these will do the trick. I use the 6'10" with a Abu Garcia REVO MGX.

 

*** *** Black Casting Rod 6'10" Medium *** *** Black Casting Rod 7'1" Medium

[Jeff H]

I think the rod's got more power than you're giving it credit for. Mine has landed my biggest LM ever, 8-15. I use it for shakey heading but also other finesse presentations on or near heavy grass. I've also had A ton of fun throwing small scroungers and 1/4 oz rooster tails for hybrids.

In my time with the m/XF, I'd certainly use it for 5" senkos but not the 4"

Sounds like you prefer a bit more power, I prefer a bit less

Well, given that testimonial I must say I'm humbled.  Either that fish was near death (I presume not) or you are very skilled.  I have nothing to add that could come near matching that and unless I move south, never will.  I am impressed, really, because to me that rod (and any like it) is powerless in pursuit of bass.

 

Yes, I prefer more power.  The M/XF Avids are my finesse rods. I find them ideal for this and yet know many guys would go lighter than I do.  For me, the ML/XF's are great panfish rods, where many would definitely go even lighter for those fish.

[T-Rick]

I would use fluoro for that. I have 8lbs Invizx on mine and love it. Mono give up too much sensitivity in my opinion.

 

 

After hitting the water today, I have started thinking about going with a braid with a flour leader.  Before I do that, I better start learning a new knot :-)

[T-Rick]

""The carbonlite you have would be perfect for senkos.  I use have 2 rods for senkos: dx743 and a carbonlite.  The dx is my absolute favorite, but I also feel like the carbonlite is an excellent rod.  Very sensitive for a $100 rod."

 

What Masterbass said X2  - I have a Carbonlight with a Johnny Morris B/C reel on it and it throws 4" Senkos just fine.

 

Yes, today I fished both the Avid/51E (8lb mono) and the carbonlite/BPS PQ (8lb flouro).  Both were fine throwing the 4" senko.

 

As I improve with a baitcaster, I hope to get some additional distance out of both.

 

Thanks for all the advice.

T-Rick

[adam lancia]

I only use braid with a fluoro leader, the Alberto knot is the best I have found so far. It's easy for me to tie and it's not bulky.

[new2BC4bass]

Thanks. I picked up a 51E along with the AVC68MXF. I spooled it up today with 8lb trilene XL mono and made about 6 casts tonight at dusk. Caught one of my first cast so I was happy and didn't really worry about distance. I'll have to give it a workout sometime this weekend.

Thanks for all the replies.

 

Excellent choice.  I'm sure you will only get better with practice.  Although I have a few bags of Senkos I've only fished them a couple times.  Mostly due to lack of patience.  However, they are all my daughter uses.  Not that she gets to fish a lot.  Especially the past year because of a new baby.  I spooled her reel with 12# Neon Tangerine Siege.  Should make line watching much easier.  I've also got some in 8# that I put on one of my Curado 51Es.  Will have to find some patience and give the Senkos another try.  Too good a lure to let sit in my tackle box.