Finesse fishing for spawning Bass using a Senko or Neko Rig.
As we start the move into May, we start dreaming of bass fishing the spawn. The lakes are starting to settle and clear up, so this is a fantastic time to finesse fish a Senko. There are multiple ways to rig this bait which has been around for multiple years in the United States. This is a Japanese technique that was made famous by Gary Yamamoto.
To start we usually have a clear water situation in the early spring, so a pair of polarized sunglasses are a necessity. We need to see the dimensions of the spawning bed. As far as gear I prefer a 7’ medium fast rod on a 2000-3000 series spinning reel with 8-10 fluorocarbon line.
If we see a bed in the shallows I like to start off as light as possible using 8lb. set up first. I’ll rig my bait with a #3 straight shank worm hook unweighted. There are plenty of quality baits to choose from. Old oak 5” striker or 4” skinny will be perfect for this as well as a classic Yamamoto or Yum Dinger. As far as hooks, I prefer VMC or Gamakatsu.
Start off by overcasting the bed and very slowly work the outside edges give pause towards the center. Pop it in the middle and hold there with some twitches and it should invoke a reaction strike from a male guarding the bed.
Another style we can use is the wacky rig setup. With this, the hook is placed center of the plastic. I personally prefer to use an O-ring to hold my hook, although, its isn’t necessary. The other option is a Neko rig, which is a variation on wacky rigging except the O-ring is set 1/3 of the way on the plastic and a nail weight typically1/16oz, that is then inserted into the head of the plastic. You can even get them as a skirt for added action. The hook sizes I prefer to use are 1/0 or 2/0 for both. If you encounter vegetation, they do make a weed less version of the hooks as well.
Now say we don’t see any visible beds in the shallows. They may have moved off or under structure like a dock. Don’t hesitate to add a small bullet tungsten weight 1/8oz and run the straight hook in Texas or Carolina rig. Using theses options, will allow for a farther cast with more depth as well as punching through weeds.
It is important to remember that this is not “ripping” a crankbait. These techniques require patience, but you can have a blast and be rewarded big time.
Tight lines everyone! - Bill Iversen
Author: Bill Iversen
