Wacky Rigging, My Way

[Crestliner2008]

There are probably a 100 ways of hooking a Senko wacky style. Here's one I've adopted from a long time fishing friend (a pen-pal of mine, Hiromi), living and fishing in Japan. It's a bit hard to explain to someone by typing instructions or verbally communicating this technique over the phone. So, I took some pictures and maybe this will help someone getting started. Maybe you'll even consider changing your current technique and give this one whirl (you may be pleasantly surprised!)?

First, you will have to buy a package of "Goodys" at Wal Marts:

Next, you will need a pair of long nose pliers and put the tip thru one of these rubber bands:

Then you will DOUBLE the band on the tip and open the pliers a bit to retain a loop:

I use my knee to keep the plier handles spread open at this point. I proceed now with the next step, of inserting a hook into this newly formed loop and pulling even further, creating a bit of a triangular opening:

Believe me, this is a lot easier and simpler to do than it is to show! Finally, you insert your Senko:

All you have to do now is slip the "Goody" off one tip of the plier and then the other. Presto:

You now have a wacky rigged Senko which will keep your worm intact for quite a few fish. Another advantage to this rubber band deal is that it acts as a spring when you lift or twitch the Senko, giving it quite a different action from a solid connection, such as a straw or heat shrink tubing. A very cost effect approach which you will note, is much cheaper than "O" rings. It fits the 5" size Senko best, but I've used it on the 4" as well. A bit too snug on the 6" or 7" however. I've used this very technique for 4 seasons now myself and am very satisfied.

FYI, I only use Gamakatsu's OCT INLINE CIRCLE hooks; cat. no. 221311, size 1/0 (the smallest size in this particular hook style). You might also notice that the barb is pinched down as well. This facilitates CPR tremendously. I've NEVER lost a fish using this hook barbless.

I do hope this is value-added to some of you. Have a great day!

[LAO162]

Thanks Crestliner - in what section of W-M do you find those particular elastics?  

[Primus]

Great tip, I've always used split rings. Looks like I'm going to have to try that. Thanks for sharing.

[Redhed]

nice.. where do you find these at wally world?

[bumfish]

Those are bands for making a ponytail for your best girl.  Probably find them next to the hairbands and hair brushes.  Since I am bald, I would not have any idea if they work for the intended purpose but I KNOW they work for the SENKO purpose.

[Crestliner2008]

Those are bands for making a ponytail for your best girl. Probably find them next to the hairbands and hair brushes. Since I am bald, I would not have any idea if they work for the intended purpose but I KNOW they work for the SENKO purpose.

I agree....in the women's hair care section is where I found mine.

[roadwarrior]

EXCELLENT POST!

[NOVA Angler]

I'm picking some up today!

[JiggaMan512]

Agree (with RW).

it's THESE kinds of posts that make me love this forum.

Of course, i always love to see pics of everyones hawgs they've caught, but posts like this are priceless. Thanks for having the thoughtfulness and consideration to take the time to present this advice in the matter you did.

See you in the girl's hair accessories aisle! :

[dman]

!!!!!   just yesterday I finally broke down and bought the wacky tool!

I always liked wacky rigging right through the worm becaue i dont know if i like the hook being sideways on a ring but i never heard of anyone having hook up problems AND they say the bait lasts longer this was so....i got one

[cwb60]

VERY intresting!  I have a couple questions.

Since the hook is laying paralell  with the worm, it seems it would be more weedless.  Does it hurt your hookup ratio any?

What kind of hook set do you use with this set up?  A long sweeping set, or do you cross their eyes?

Thanks

cwb60

[adclem]

Very nice info there.  Will have to try this out this spring.

Later,

[Stasher1]

I haven't tried this method, but it seems as though the same thing could be accomplished by putting one end of the rubber band on the hook, wrapping the other end around the senko like a sling, and then putting the other end of the rubber band over the hook. If it worked, it would make the process tool-free.

[Wayne P.]

cwb60, the hook in the picture is a Circle Hook and it has the worst hook up ratio of any hook you can use. It is a non-hookset type of hook. The regular Octopus hook is many times better than the Octopus Circle Hook.

[SCswitchback]

cwb60, the hook in the picture is a Circle Hook and it has the worst hook up ratio of any hook you can use. It is a non-hookset type of hook. The regular Octopus hook is many times better than the Octopus Circle Hook.

Better yet, just forget about this whole technique.  Everyone knows bass won't hit a wacky worm.

[Infidel.]

Very cool!  A lot cheaper than the rubber o-rings I use and plus it is clear.  Thanks!  

[Fishing Rhino]

I have a wacky O ring tool.  Should work just as well with the hair elastics.  Gonna get some and give it a try.  I like the idea of them being clear too.

[dmac14]

Great Post, Its always nice to have someone post some information and tips which will help most fishermen out. Thanks!

Dylan

[aarogb]

That is a very nice and helpful post.  Thanks for sharing it with us!

[Eddie Munster]

Thanks bud.

Just ordered some Senkos and showed the wife this rigging who then informed me that she has some of these bands laying around gathering dust. WOOT.

[Dave D]

I just got a pack of these. The wife picked them up and all they had was a rainbow variety pack!  A lot of them are hot neon colors. I think it will add some extra flair to the baits!

[LAO162]

Clear or neon colors...  Might call for some experimentation

[Josh Bassman]

Those are bands for making a ponytail for your best girl. Probably find them next to the hairbands and hair brushes. Since I am bald, I would not have any idea if they work for the intended purpose but I KNOW they work for the SENKO purpose.

LOL

I stole a hand full from my girls a while back and keep them in my tackle box.

[islandbass]

Wow, that was awesome.  Thanks for sharing.  I might be the only guy in that section of walmart, but I'm heading in.  ;D

[Clark Stewart]

I keep a cap from a big highlighter that went dry in my bag. I place the o-ring around the cap, place the senko inside the cap, then roll the o-ring off the cap onto the senko. Same as the wacky rig tool but free instead of 9.99 like the mend-it manufacture guy wants on his site!