The Senko has taken the bass fishing world by storm in the last fews years. This non-descript, even ugly, plastic worm type bait may be unappealing to the human eye, but it’s won more tournaments in the last few years then just about any other bass bait.

Just what is it about this chunky, cigar-shaped looking bass lure that has bass anglers talking? And how can you take advantage of it to put more bass in your bucket or livewell?

In this article, we explore the Senko.

As stated above, the Senko doesn’t look like it would catch any bass. It certainly wouldn’t catch your eye in the tackle shop, when it’s sitting next to much more interesting looking bait. But beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and the beholder here is bass.

The Senko’s got two advantages that you don’t see.

The first is that the Senko’s got taste. The taste of salt, that is, and it’s that taste that the bass love. Whether they smell it or taste it when they strike, the bass seem to hold right on to this bait once they grab it.

The second advantage is the flutter. Most strikes on the Senko occur on the drop, as the lure flutters down in a way that bass just can’t seem to resist.

When you combine the salty smell with the helpless fluttering, watch out!

Rigging a Senko is easy. It’s pretty much the same as you would any other plastic worm, except that with a Senko we want a slow drop to the bottom, to take maximum advantage of the flutter, so we rig accordingly. That means no weight, and lighter monofilament rather than fluorocarbon line. The best hook is a number 5/0 and the best size Senko is the five inch bait.

Fish the Senko with a medium backboned rod, with a stiff, but not too stiff tip, to set hooks effectively yet be able to feel strikes.

The best color is the watermelon color with black flecks in it. You can use this one in pretty much all conditions. You can also always rely on the dark water/dark bait practice as well.

As for the actual bass fishing technique, remember that most strikes on the Senko occur on the drop, so that’s when you’ve got to pay attention. Also, if you rigged the lure correctly, there shouldn’t be much need for any specific technique, other than paying close attention to the line-which must be slack, by the way. Look for a strike, then set the hook.

If it hits the bottom, twitch it a couple of times, then just reel the bait back in and do it again. Senkos work great in holes in weeds.

Then do it again and again. This method should prove very successful, as it has for many an angler.

Good luck, and happy bass fishing!