Using O Rings

[bassguytom]

Am I the only guy that does not like to use O rings? Every time I try them it seems like I don't hook up as much. I would love to buy less Senkos by using them but I'd also rather catch more fish. Am I doing somthing wrong or have I not given them a fair shake?

[A-Jay]

I don't wacky rig all that much but when I do, I Always use the O-ring deal.

 

Slamming a hook through a Senko is almost certainly a one & done situation for the bait, at least for me.

 

A-Jay

[Wayne P.]

Use a band of 3/8" electrical heat shrink tubing like this:

 

 

A perpendicular inserted hook has a higher hook-up ratio than a parallel inserted hook

[yakingfisherman]

Ive never had a problem hooking up with the orings. Hook up ratio seems the same as if i didnt use the o ring.

[Fisher-O-men]

I have not had a problem with the hook up using O-rings, but I do have a problem with the weed guard getting pulled inside out.  Hard to figure how that happens.

[Bluebasser86]

I didn't have a problem hooking fish, but I almost always lost the bait and O ring on the first fish   So I not only got to lose a Senko every fish, I got to lose an O ring too!   I don't use them anymore. 

[MickD]

I use O rings without problems.  I think if you are losing O rings you may be using too large a ring.  Try a smaller, tighter fitting one, sized so that to get it onto the senko you have to roll it on rather than slide it on.

[Bluebasser86]

I use O rings without problems.  I think if you are losing O rings you may be using too large a ring.  Try a smaller, tighter fitting one, sized so that to get it onto the senko you have to roll it on rather than slide it on.

I had to use the special tool just to get them on, still lost the worm and the O ring almost every time using a 1/0 Gamakatsu wide gap finesse hook. 

[Crestliner2008]

I do not use O-rings as they are expensive and it doesn't leave you the option of putting your hook in both directions, unless you use two O-rings. This is my technique which, to me anyway, is both cost effective, secure, and invisible:

 

http://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-forums/topic/9471-wacky-rigging-my-way/

 

Have used these for many years now. They work well.

[WIGuide]

I don't use O rings. I do use Eco Pro Tungsten Pro Wacky Weights though. They keep the hook in a vertical position, and help you get a few more fish out of each worm. They really shine when trying to get your bait down a little quicker in deeper water as well with the heavier weights. I usually use the 1/32 oz ones all the time though and absolutely love them. 

[Jaderose]

Use a band of 3/8" electrical heat shrink tubing like this:

 

 

A perpendicular inserted hook has a higher hook-up ratio than a parallel inserted hook

 

 

 

 

This^^

[MickD]

The "rigging my way" post looks very good.  I'll have to try it.  A friend likes steel split rings, but if you like a slower fall, the plastic ideas make the most sense.  

[Theangler1]

I always pre rig my senkos with I rings prior to fishing tournaments. I don't have a problem with it. I always hook them right in the roof of the mouth.

[mcgreggor57]

I use a zip tie.  It seems to work well enough.

[Fishes in trees]

Senkos & o-rings - it is important to use the correct size.  3/8 OD by 1/4 ID is the correct size.  If you are spending more than a penny a piece for 0-rings, you're spending too much.  orings.com got me phone numbers of different regional suppliers, one of which was in St. Louis, relatively near me.  10 bucks plus shipping got me a nearly lifetime supply of o-rings at a penny a piece.   The woman on the phone apologized for the price being high, but because it was such a small order it was the best she could do.

 

I disagree with the notion that using o-rings tears up senkos any more than any other hooking method with senkos.  I've had senkos last all day - 10 or 15 fish before then disintegrated fishing them o-ring style.

Last year I tried 2 o-rings, criss crossing them and running the hook underneath the x that is formed.   I didn't that that it worked that much better than one o-ring, but I did like how it set the hook up perpendicular to the bait, so I'll probably continue using that set up for the time being.

 

I have a dedicated senko rig.   A 6'10" Falcon Bucco rod, the Bucco version of the older Eakins jig rod, a chronarch 50 reel and I generally use 14 or 15 lb fluorocarbon.  Hooks -  currently prefer the Falcon weighted wacky hook - the one with the 1/16 oz weight molded on to the shaft of the hook and a mouse trap style wire weed guard.  I like the slightly faster drop that the 1/16 oz weighted hook gives me.

[The Fisher]

I use O rings from TW and their tool to get them on. They fit Senkos perfectly. Have not noticed a difference with or with out other than I can get 5 or so more fish with the O Ring. It's a durability thing.

TW has cheaper tools or you can use a pen. The screw lets you adjust the tool for 4,5,6" worms. Just stick the worm in and slide the O Ring over it.

Rings are pretty cheap. When the Senko starts to rip I take the ring off to use again.

http://www.***.com/Wacky_Tool_Accessories/catpage-WKYTL.html

Place *** where the 3 *s are in the link. Don't know why the proper link did not upload.

[Mumbly]

Senkos & o-rings - it is important to use the correct size.  3/8 OD by 1/4 ID is the correct size.

 

For which size Senko?

[BaitMonkey1984]

My go to lure is the 5" GYCB senko in watermelon creme. I have used the O-ring and have not noticed one iota of difference between the hook ups. I do occasionally get lazy and rig them up without the o -ring but then its one worm for one fish and after a few bites I go back to using the O-ring. 

[CDMeyer]

I am going to try that electrical tape idea. Looks very effective

[RSM789]

I use O rings without problems.  I think if you are losing O rings you may be using too large a ring.  Try a smaller, tighter fitting one, sized so that to get it onto the senko you have to roll it on rather than slide it on.

X2

 

I used to lose 4" Senko's off the O-ring until I realized the rings I were using were designed for the larger worms.  I moved down a size and now routinely catch over 10 fish before the worm is too chewed up to keep using (& into the Mend-it later bag they go).  In fact, I lose more Senko's to snags under docks that I can't get to than to fish pulling the worm off.  Usually when fighting a fish, the Senko just slides right up the line.

 

If your hookup ratio is low, it may be the hook you are using.  I like the Owner wacky rigged hooks, they are actually similar to circle hooks.  Rare are the times I get a strike & don't hook up and a portion of those may be bluegill tugging on one side of the worm.

[buzzed bait]

Use a band of 3/8" electrical heat shrink tubing like this:

 

A perpendicular inserted hook has a higher hook-up ratio than a parallel inserted hook

 

thanks to an article you had on another site somewhere (long since lost the article) you walked through the heat shrink method....  after a couple dry runs trying to find the heat shrink tube, i found it and never looked back.  it's ridiculous how much longer the bait will last, not to mention your hook will never move during the cast.  thanks wayne!

[RanndomUndead]

I use the tiny black rubber bands for hair, double/triple them up. Hook lines up with the bait and you can just use mend it to fix it whenever it runs into trouble