Finesse/wacky

[DDog1]

First post, hi! Should I use a baitcaster or spinning reel for just casting a wacky worm and other finesse? I dont like the line twist with spinning so should I go with a baitcaster?

[MN Fisher]

Go with what you're more comfortable with. Many here use Baitcasting gear for wacky rigs, others (myself included) prefer spinning.

 

There are ways to mitigate the line-twist issue, but it is something that happens and you have to end up fixing it.

 

BTW: Welcome to BR - best bass forum bar none.

[DDog1]

1 minute ago, MN Fisher said:

There are ways to mitigate the line-twist issue, but it is something that happens and you have to end up fixing it.

 

What are the ways and which do you like best?

[Bluebasser86]

Welcome!

 

Spinning is the way to go with lightweight baits in my opinion. A small barrel swivel will fix those line twist with the baits you mentioned.

[MN Fisher]

1: Close the bail manually...always

2: Braid seems to twist less than mono/FC

3: Put a swivel in, like Blue said

 

I have braid with leader on two of my spinning rigs - but closing the bail manually is my preferred method. I rarely use swivels.

 

To fix line twist - let out a bunch of line without a lure tied on as you cruise (if you're in a boat/canoe/kayak), then reel it in with the line held snug between finger and thumb.

[DDog1]

2 minutes ago, Bluebasser86 said:

Welcome!

 

Spinning is the way to go with lightweight baits in my opinion. A small barrel swivel will fix those line twist with the baits you mentioned.

What size swivel and how far from hook?

What do you think of a hook with a swivel in the eyelet. so one end of swivel you tie to, other end of swivel literally is made going through eyelet of hook, any good?

 like this 

[Kenny Yi]

I would use a braid to swivel to fluorocarbon leader system on a spinning rod to mitigate line twist, but I'll be honest I use a braid-to-leader connection more often than a swivel since I don't have issues with line twist. 

 

I do sometimes use a weightless worm on a baitcaster, specifically my Shimano SLX.  the SLX can cast light lures really well, like weightless senkos and flukes, so it's my go-to for those baits, but I wouldn't say it's finesse. 

[ironbjorn]

Wacky rigging a 5" Senko with a baitcaster is doable and honestly more of a pleasure than with spinning gear. Other finesse, like the Ned and drop shot, go with spinning; some people use finesse casting gear but it's expensive, niche, and way more of a hassle than it needs to be. 

 

[Happybeerbuzz]

I often bring just one spinning setup with me that I tend to use for finesse techniques.  As a result I tend to throw wacky rigs on a baitcaster and save my spinning rod for baits that are too light for regular baitcasters.  

[Bluebasser86]

1 hour ago, DDog1 said:

What size swivel and how far from hook?

What do you think of a hook with a swivel in the eyelet. so one end of swivel you tie to, other end of swivel literally is made going through eyelet of hook, any good?

 like this 

A very small one, probably a foot or so from the hook so you can cast without it going through the tip top. I wouldn't use a swivel/hook combo personally. 

[desmobob]

I spent one whole summer fishing almost exclusively with wacky-rigged Senkos.  I remember having line twist and dealt with it in the usual ways:  I let the bait hang on a long line and un-spin itself occasionally and at the end of the day I cut off the hook, paid out a hundred yards or so of line from the slowly moving boat and trolled it for a minute or two to help get the twists out.

[FryDog62]

Glenn had a good post awhile back on getting line twist out of your spool. After a day of fishing, or before you go out next... tie a swivel to the end of your line (no hook). Then tie a small leader from the other end of the swivel around a fixed object (pole, tree, etc). Then back up as far as you can without the line sagging and touching the ground, and lightly stretch the line. The swivel will let all of the twist in the line out. Reel back up, take off the swivel and tie on your hook/lure for the day. Then, always be sure to manually close your bail - never reel it closed to prevent future twists... 

[Deephaven]

57 minutes ago, FryDog62 said:

Glenn had a good post awhile back on getting line twist out of your spool. After a day of fishing, or before you go out next... tie a swivel to the end of your line (no hook). Then tie a small leader from the other end of the swivel around a fixed object (pole, tree, etc). Then back up as far as you can without the line sagging and touching the ground, and lightly stretch the line. The swivel will let all of the twist in the line out. Reel back up, take off the swivel and tie on your hook/lure for the day. Then, always be sure to manually close your bail - never reel it closed to prevent future twists... 

Instead of tying one on you can attach the swivel to the fixed object and put your hook through it.  

[FryDog62]

1 hour ago, Deephaven said:

Instead of tying one on you can attach the swivel to the fixed object and put your hook through it.  

True, I’ve seen it both ways... I probably just like “tying one on” 

?

[JustJames]

If you want to use light braid go with spinning but some prefer 8-10lb Mono/FC then baitcaster might be a ticket. Modern baitcaster can cast such wacky rig worm no problem especially popular wacky rig Senko. If you use finesse/trick worm then just use 1/16oz weight wacky hook.

Myself I prefer baitcaster but if I’m on float tube or kayak or cast to shallow bank, spinning  work the best. I can keep moving slowly down the bank better with spinning. 
To me, it is the way I fish to dictate which setup I wanna use not just by weight of lure.

[Bankc]

Use whatever you're most comfortable with.  The biggest downside to using a baitcaster for finesse presentations and wacky rigs is they tend not to cast as far.  The biggest downside for spinning reels is line twist.  Either problem can be worked around.  

 

It's like the difference between a sedan and an SUV.  Are there differences?  Sure.  But is one gonna be that much better than the other at getting you to work, buying groceries, or dropping the kid's off at soccer practice?  Probably not.  In a few, rare, extreme examples, they'll begin to separate themselves.  But for most of what you encounter, they'll be virtually interchangeable.  

[David 7]

I would go with a spinning reel but then again, I've never used a baitcasting reel! I like using an Ugly Stick with braided line for finesse fishing. Some might thumb their nose at that but I think it works just fine. Once I get a fish on the line, I want to make sure I get it in the boat or on shore with me. If that means missing a few bites because my rod tip isn't sensitive enough, so be it. 

[ironbjorn]

5 hours ago, senkofishing said:

I would go with a spinning reel but then again, I've never used a baitcasting reel! I like using an Ugly Stick with braided line for finesse fishing. Some might thumb their nose at that but I think it works just fine. Once I get a fish on the line, I want to make sure I get it in the boat or on shore with me. If that means missing a few bites because my rod tip isn't sensitive enough, so be it. 

Use an octopus circle hook and you'll never miss fish. They basically hook themselves and won't come unbuttoned. The problem with an insensitive rod and Senkos is gut hooks though. Shoot it happens enough with Senkos using high end rods due to the nature of how they so often eat the bait.

 

 

[Spankey]

Not all lines (mono or flouro) are created equal. Some just are better at not line twisting or memory as much. 
 

I’ve pretty much have been a Trilene and Stren mono guy my whole life or as long as I can remember. I stumbled upon SunLine Super Natural mono back a few years ago and like it. Performs well for me. I give my spools a shot of Reelsnot sometimes the night before going out.  
 

I’m pretty anal about my line so I replace it a lot during the season. Not the whole spool but back to a knot. 
 

I’m not trying to sell you on SunLine because what’s working for me might be junk to you. Just putting out there that your line choice may help your situation on a spinning set up. 

[BrianMDTX]

I fish many a Senko as a weightless TR with my baitcasters, but I use spinning gear for my WR's. I don't want 10 or 12 lb line on a wacky rigged bait. 

[Backroad Angler]

I've used baitcasters and spinning for wacky rigs. After experimenting a bit with the two, for me I felt most comfortable with using T rigs, Carolina rigs, Florida rigs, etc with baitcasting and for whatever reason I love throwing wacky rigs on spinning better than baitcasters, it just feels right for me. 

[dodgeguy]

I fish wacky rig senkos on a 6-6 medium baitcaster with 8 lb test. No twist issues.