How to fish a Wacky Rig on a Baitcaster?

[IamNewbie]

I see lots of people who fish this thing using only the weight of the Senko/Stickbait.. how do I do it? I figure I tighten everything up and sacrifice casting distance since it's so light. I do have a spinning rod but it takes up so much room and the line tangles so much sometimes. There's also no hook holder so I'm left to just peg the hook on a rod guide. I usually have my Spinning rod setup for panfishing and not Wacky Rigging.

 

Any tips? Thanks! If it helps, I primarily use Yum Dingers and Senkos. I'm going to be buying a few packs of the BPS Stick-o worms soon too.

[j bab]

Are you using a 5"? I can cast mine pretty well. Also what reel?

[BiteFiend]

Dingers and Senkos are heavier than you think. A Medium casting rod with 12 lb or less line will work well. 

[S. Sass]

Definitely make sure your within the lure weight range on your rod. Preferably near the middle of the range. A good matched setup will do wonders for casting. A medium action to might help more. 

I don't throw them much but the 5" version I have no problems casting on my baitcast setups. I use a simple 12 lb Big Game mono line with Lew's reels. Usually a MH F rod.

[Bluebasser86]

A 5" senko weighs around 3/8 ounce, you should have no issues casting it weightless on a baitcaster. 

[IgotWood]

It's a bit tricky. For me, I have adjusted my reel the way everyone else does for a particular bait, but it still doesn't seem to cast well. I have to loosen it a bit from there in order to get a decent cast. It is a bit tricky, but I like the baitcaster way better. 

[Jar11591]

I can throw a weightless senko a mile on a baitcaster. I use 5" YCB, they may be heavier than the bait you're using. 

[Jaderose]

stik-o's cast fine on a bc.  I have found that a lob cast works better than a whip cast.

[timsford]

I can cast them fine on a bait cast reel bug I prefer spinning because I'm usually skipping them under tress and docks. Some people prefer bait caster's for skipping but it's just way easier with spinning tackle, especially if you want to use 4 inch stickworms, trick worms, or lighter stuff. I know this is off the topic but what is the problem you are having with tangles on your spinning rod? 

[scaleface]

There you have it . Senkos are heavy and cast well on bait casting gear . You just need to practice a little more and you will be casting them like a pro .

[Big Bait Fishing]

you might want to use braid with a long leader ( 6-12 ft. ) of 6-8 lb. flouro as heavier line will kill a lot of the action of your stick bait . i think a lot of people use spinning gear cause they use light line which is optimal .

[Raul]

Unless you are trying to cast 3 inch stickbaits ( and it can be done with light line ) I see no reason other than having the wrong tension settings and rope thick nylon/fc why you couldn´t cast a 4 inch stickbait with absolutely no effort, a 4" senko weights around 1/4 oz, any decent baitcaster can cast that into the next zip code.

[adam lancia]

Which rod are you using, and what are its specs?

["hamma"]

First off a quality reel is going to be most important, settings adjusted properly, and a lighter line like 10 pound test. Carefully casted with a fluid motion, is needed for any lighter lure on baitcast gear.

 

[Rhino68W]

I've never had a problem casting a weightless senko with a BC.

[Catt]

Y'all serious!

I throw unweighted Trick Worms with my Calcutta

[J Francho]

My favorite thing is when the senko flies off the hook on the back cast.  Awesome.

[senile1]

As stated, you should be able to cast a senko type bait with a baitcaster.  Other than just needing to practice, I have known a couple of people who bought very cheap baitcasters that were poor reels and caused lots of problems on the cast.  When I say cheap, I don't mean inexpensive.  I mean poor quality.  What is your reel model?  

[Bluebasser86]

50 minutes ago, J Francho said:

My favorite thing is when the senko flies off the hook on the back cast.  Awesome.

Especially with a baitcaster and it results in a big backlash. 

[Catt]

1 hour ago, Bluebasser86 said:

Especially with a baitcaster and it results in a big backlash. 

Excuse me!

Professional overrun!

[J Francho]

I turned pro with that years ago

[Glenn]

 

[Airman4754]

2 hours ago, J Francho said:

My favorite thing is when the senko flies off the hook on the back cast.  Awesome.

That's why I wacky with a spinning real now. What a disaster. T-rig baitcaster all the way. 

[PourMyOwn]

Sometimes letting a little more line out before the cast is helpful.

[everythingthatswims]

CAREFULLY