Spinning or Baitcasting for Senko

[Lucky Craft Man]

4" Senko or Smaller and when Skipping Docks, I use Spinning.  5" Senko or Larger and when fishing heavier cover, I use Baitcasting.

[hookset on 3]

LeeMD, it depends, for smaller senkos or wacky rigs in windy conditions- spinning.

Tex- posed rig with larger diameter hook like an Owner J hook 3/0, baitcaster with 10 or 12 lb test- baitcaster.

For wacky rigging, try some rubber  O rings.

A good hook for texas would be the new Owner slim Twistlock Light.

[NBR]

I prefer bait casting because I am more accurate with a BCer than with spinning gear and I have better control over the fish. I fish unweighted Senkos down to 3" on 10# fluoro. If I am drop shotting I use spinning gear.

My buddy uses spinning gear and I would say that if you don't want to spend the time to develop your baitcasting skills then use spinning gear.

[Bayou Bass]

Casting 99% of the time.  Wacky, weightless, any hook it doesn't matter I use casting.

[Sherlock 60]

About 4 years ago I read an article about Gary Yamamoto switching to MH gear with braid for Senkos. I made the change myself three seasons ago and now use a MH spinning set-up with 20# PowerPro for Senkos and all other soft plastics (except tubes).

I use baitcasting gear for most other applications, but will stick with spinning gear and braided line for soft plastics.

[JigMe]

About 4 years ago I read an article about Gary Yamamoto switching to MH gear with braid for Senkos. I made the change myself three seasons ago and now use a MH spinning set-up with 20# PowerPro for Senkos and all other soft plastics (except tubes).

I use baitcasting gear for most other applications, but will stick with spinning gear and braided line for soft plastics.

After you took the recommendation from Gary, do you fish any better on soft plastics with spinning gears?

[CWB]

Primarily Spinning for me as I usually am skipping the bait under a dock or pontoon boat etc. 10 lb. Yo-Zuri Ultrasoft , 6'6" MH rod, 4000 series Shimano reel.

[NewAngler]

I'm sure its been said 100 times before, I havent read the posts in this thread. But i go with a baitcaster, spinning gear gives me far too many line twists.

[Koop]

Weightless t-rigged or wacky I will use spinning gear with 8# Yo-Zuri, M/F rod.

Weighted I use BC gear with a MH/F.

[Sherlock 60]

About 4 years ago I read an article about Gary Yamamoto switching to MH gear with braid for Senkos. I made the change myself three seasons ago and now use a MH spinning set-up with 20# PowerPro for Senkos and all other soft plastics (except tubes).

I use baitcasting gear for most other applications, but will stick with spinning gear and braided line for soft plastics.

After you took the recommendation from Gary, do you fish any better on soft plastics with spinning gears?

In a word, yes.

I really can't explain it, but it seems to be a better match for those baits. When I switched from baitcasting gear for Senkos it immediately was a more natural fit and felt more comfortable. I fish them weightless 99% of the time, by the way.

Two more benefits: 1) longer casts; and 2) should a Senko fly off the hook there are no birds nests to deal with.

He also said to be sure to use a small swivel to eliminate the line twist several posters have mentioned.

I wish I could find that article again, but no luck. Maybe it was a dream...

[NBR]

I prefer baitcasters over spinning. I cast Senkos and their knockoffs down to 3" with little trouble. The 4" and 5" cast like rockets on a baitcaster. I'd say it depends on which system you use most confidently.

[grimlin]

Spinning gear is used for most weightless plastics for me.No exceptions.

I've had a senko fly off on a baitcaster already and it ended badly.I just kept reusing it and reusing it till i should have known the thing was going to come off.Soft plastic will eventually fly off once you catch and use it enough during the day.

I use Baitcasters for jigs,spinners or something with a solid weight attached to my line.

I'll stick to using spinning gear on weightless plastics.I'm with Sherlock 60 on this one.

[steezy]

5" or longer - baitcast

small/short senkos - spinning

[Red Bear]

i dont use baitcasters so i cant really answer the original question, i use spinning gear and even a spincaster at times. but several people here have mentioned line twist on spinning gear as a reason for not using it. the only time i get line twist is when i have fresh brand new line on or if my spool is getting low on line. after a couple times out and a few fish later i dont have any problems with line twist at all. im just curious as to why its such a problem for others, and with senkos of all things? i rarely use a swivel as well. to me one of the best things for line that is having problems is to hook a nice fish in open water and having it run and pull out line further than you typically cast because you have a good natural tension on it when reeling back in onto the spool...

[BenoBreath]

I use spinning but that's because I'll have a weightless hook setup on a spinning rod that can throw senkos, finesse worms, and any plastics of any weight.

X2

Well said, Big Rick.

[bassman018]

A 3 inch wacky senko I use finesse tackle, A 4 inch senko I use medium spinning, and for 5 inch, and any weighted Texas I use casting.

[Bankbeater]

It depends on what type of cover I'm fishing in.  If I'm in fairly open water I will use spinning gear.  If I'm in thick slop I will use a baitcaster.

[iceintheveins]

The 4" senko throws best on medium spinnning gear with 8 pound line. The 5" senko works awesome on 12 pound line and I always use casting gear when using it. you can throw it a mile with even a $50 casting reel. You can use 14 pound test with the 5" and still have good action, slowing the drop a little.

4" - Spinning

5"- Casting

[I.rar]

i throw 5" trick sticks on a baitcaster all day. 6'6 mh rod and 12lb big game.

[ChazfromVA]

Baitcast.. i feel like i have more control that way

[krisjack69]

I see alot of users here like to skip there baits.I cannot figure out how to skip.Although most places I fish are from land and open water usually.Pond I fish has lots of lilly pads.I may fish tomorrow with a Rage toad but we will see.I have to fish in the morning since its hot and sometime tomorrow I have to go to dept of labor.

[SirSnookalot]

Everything in freshwater is done with spinning gear and braided line, I mean everything. I don't own or would consider buying b/c gear.

[joshmb1999]

I use spinning gear. 6'6" mh rod and 6# yozuri ultra soft. Never used a swivel and have never had any problems with line twist

[NBR]

Thank you for all the help guys.

One of my friends said, the reason I dont use baitcaster rod because senko's are so soft and sometimes he will throw one off during casting. And I believe he fish weightless. Anyone else ever experienced that?

Yes I have thrown them off but I believe its because I've gotten some tears in the Senko and it just brakes. This can lead to the mother of all backlashes but I still prefer a baitcaster. Then I prefer a baitcaster except for very light (1/8 oz or smaller) lures.

[bman310]

Everything in freshwater is done with spinning gear and braided line, I mean everything. I don't own or would consider buying b/c gear.

That's your opinion.. I say you are missing out by not using any baitcasters.