feeling disconnected from my lure

[Big Matty L]

Hey guys,

looking for some advice...

I'm really trying to get into finesse techinques, but I'm having a problem staying connected to my lure...

so for example, lets say im fishing with a weightless senko, i toss it out there and wait a bit a close the bail on my reel... theres a good amount of slack in there either laying on the water, or doing that squiggley thing in the air, or blowing in the wind.

so i try to wind some slack out of the line, but i never really feel my bait out there. So i pull it out of strike zone or leave so much slack that I'm sure that I'm missing strikes or something only time I really feel it is when i gets caugt on a reed or something... I'm getting frustrated.. same goes for lightweighted t-rigs, shakey heads, etc... I dont know what I'm doing wrong...

i'm fishing with 6# yo-zuri Ultra Soft and have a 2500 symetre reel.. and admittedly a relatively cheap medium 7' rod that i'm looking to replace, but could it be the rod that makes all the difference, or am I just not supposed to feel the bait out there?

so when i shake the  shakey head, or try to sweep the senko along, am I going by faith, how am i supposed to detect the strikes? I get frustrated and just switch to a spinnerbait or heavier something that i can feel out there...

any advice or tips would help

[Wayne P.]

I use similar presentations a majority of the time. Using low resistant, low weight presentations, you will experience that sensation. The fish will add the feel to it when they take it. Be a line watcher for strike detection.

[fishizzle]

1. watch yourline

2. if its windy keep your rod tip down

3.Bass don't spit senkos, they swallow them

you have all the time in the world

just learn to remove deep hooks or be prepared to cut them off

[bigfruits]

what are the specs on your rod? im sure a sensitive rod that matches your lure weight will solve your problem.

[Bassin_Fin@tic]

what are the specs on your rod? im sure a sensitive rod that matches your lure weight will solve your problem.

x2  A proper rod for these techniques is essential to consistent success.

I don't use it, but from what I understand about florocarbon line,which sinks,can help out too.

[89MJ]

what are the specs on your rod? im sure a sensitive rod that matches your lure weight will solve your problem.

What type of rod do you suggest for waitless soft plastics (say a senko).

I also say spend a few days using nothing but the senko. If you can use it where there is a current I think it helps to figure out the feel of it before using it in slower water (ponds).

[bigfruits]

most people will suggest a med or med heavy baitcasting set up for the senko. i use a spinning rod for senkos. id use something rated for 3/16-5/8oz or so. im not even sure how much they weigh. i think a good quality med or med heavy rod would help you out. post your budget and reel preference and you will get many suggestions.

when fishing a senko you wont have anywhere as good of a feel as when using a shakey jig which you are dragging on the bottom of the lake. you should feel the weight of the senko when you pull up on your rod, however. try to keep the line limp so it falls straight down but not too limp where you cant see if something hits the bait. if your line is looping too much, buy some kvd line conditioner.

what rod are you using? what brand and type of line and what test? how do you fish the senko? when the line is taught and you pull up on it, can you feel the weight of the senko?

EDIT: sorry 89MJ, i thought you were the original poster and questions were for him.

[Bassnajr]

I also use spinning gear for senko fishing. The Symetre 2500 as a matter of fact with a "middle of the road" Quantum Shaw Grigsby spinning rod I got at Dick's. I also have a Daiwa Light and Tough and daiwa Exceler 1500 reel for this and other finesse techniques. I find that keeping the line just tight enough is the key. I use PowerPro braid as well as Stren Super Braid. I tried using braid with a flouro leader and without. Overall, I saw no difference so I went to pure braid. I prefer the green moss, which eventyally lightens in color, making it less visable. I wouldn't advise coloring your line black. Remember, research has shown that BLACK is the color BEST seen by bass. So if you are trying to make your line less visable, really not a good idea. The rod is important, but the cost of a rod is not. With the L+T rod, which has a split handle, after I cast and I am letting the Senko sink, I keep a finger on the split area of the rod. BOY let me tell you, it's like a telegraph cable. I can feel the slightest "tick" and set the hook. Hope I helped...

ajr

[J Francho]

The original question was about line detection.  I like to use brightly colored braids (not just in finesse applications either) like gold or red.  I use a black Sharpie to blacken the last 12" or so, and I also blacken 1/2 the spool to create an alternating, camo effect.  Line visibility isn't usually a problem, but when it is, I'll use a FC leader, or straight FC which brings you back to not being able to detect strikes.  Whether you're using spinning or casting gear, you should keep a finger on the line, though even then, a good sensitive rod should transmit the strike.  

This past weekend though, conditions were tough, and dead sticking baits for about 3-5 minutes was the only way to get bit, and rarely did either my partner nor I felt anything.  When we reeled up, the fish was there.  Circle hooks come in handy for these situations.

As far as a rod recommendation for Senkos, I match the line and rod to the cover.  Even a 4" stick bait is plenty heavy enough to throw with a baitcaster, though I prefer using a 7' MH/fast spinning rod spooled with either 8# Suffix Elite or 20# Power Pro.  In very tough, high vis situations, I'll use my drop shot rod (6'9" M/x-fast) and 6# FC.

[fishizzle]

for senkos i use 10lb fireline (Gray) on a MH spinning rod

Detection is easier with superlines

The MH helps set the hook and pull fish out of thick weeds

[RobbyZ5001]

I am waiting for LBH to reply. I heard he used to use them 24/7, and also use to fish them deep.

[Big Matty L]

I am waiting for LBH to reply. I heard he used to use them 24/7, and also use to fish them deep.

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