Picking what size hook for senko angling any of these things that appears simple until you're staring at a wall of tackle on the bait shop and realize presently there are fifty different options. If you've ever felt a good thump, set the particular hook, and come back with nothing although a mangled piece of plastic, there's a good opportunity your hook size or style has been just a little bit off. The Senko is arguably the most effective striper lure ever made, but because it's so salty and thick, it demands a specific type of hook to in fact obtain the point into the fish's mouth area.
Most people start with the traditional 5-inch Senko. For that specific lure, the "industry standard" is usually the 4/0 EWG (Extra Broad Gap) hook . But as you probably know, fishing isn't always an one-size-fits-all game. With respect to the thickness of the bait, the cover you're fishing in, and also the rod you're using, you might need to exchange things around.
The 5-Inch Standard: Why 4/0 is definitely King
If you're just searching for a quick solution to grab a pack and head to the lake, go with a 4/0 EWG. The reason the 4/0 works therefore well with the 5-inch Senko is definitely the "gap. " Senkos are fairly thick compared to a skinny technique worm or the finesse worm. When a bass attacks down, that plastic has to move somewhere when a person pull the trigger on a hookset.
If your hook is too small—say, a 2/0—the plastic fills up the entire difference of the hook. When you draw, the hook point never actually clears the plastic to get the fish's jaw. You essentially just pull a basketball of plastic out of their mouth. The 4/0 EWG gives you lots of room for the bait in order to collapse, leaving the sharp end free of charge to do the job.
When to Drop Lower to a 3/0
Now, We know some guys swear by a 3/0 hook for the same 5-inch lure. There's a logic to that, too. A 3/0 hook will be slightly lighter, which means the Senko will have an even more "natural" fall. Among the best things about the Senko is that shimmy they have as it sinks weightless. If you put a huge, heavy-gauge hook in it, you can sometimes kill that will action.
If you're angling in clear drinking water where the largemouth bass are finicky, or if you're using a slightly thinner 4-inch Senko, a 3/0 balance round bend hook or a 3/0 EWG is an excellent choice. It's a little more subtle and doesn't weigh the nose of the lure down as very much. Just keep in mind that you'll need to end up being a bit more intentional along with your hookset to make sure you're clearing that plastic.
The Crazy Rig Factor
Everything changes whenever you stop Tx rigging and start wacky rigging. If you're wondering what size hook for senko setups that involve hooking the lure right through the middle, you're looking from smaller sizes. A person don't need a giant 4/0 hook hanging from the part of a bait when the hook point is currently exposed.
For a wacky rig, most pros use a size 1 or 1/0 wacky hook . These are short-shank, wide-gap tow hooks that are designed to let the bait hang freely. If you're angling around docks or even wood, you'll definitely want the weedless version with the small wire guards. The 1/0 size is usually usually the "Goldilocks" zone—not too big to spook the fish, but sturdy enough to keep a 5-pounder in case she decides to eat.
Dealing with the Big Baits
Occasionally, you'll find yourself throwing the particular "Magnum" 6-inch or even the 7-inch Senkos. These things are just like sticks of bratwurst. If a person try to make use of a 3/0 or even a 4/0 upon a 7-inch Senko, you're going in order to possess a bad period.
For the 6-inch model, I'd suggest walking up to a 5/0 EWG . For the particular 7-inch monster, a person might even look at a 6/0 or 7/0 . These huge baits have a large amount of mass. You require a hook that will can not only handle the excess weight of the bait on the throw but also has enough "bite" to get through everything sodium and plastic. It's also worth using a "heavy wire" hook for these types of, as you're likely using a stouter rod and heavier line to throw this type of big attraction.
Does Hook Gauge Matter?
This is something the lot of individuals overlook. "Gauge" simply refers to how thick the wire of the hook will be. When you're deciding what size hook for senko fishing, think about your line.
If you're angling a Senko on a spinning rod along with 8lb test, you do not need heavy-duty, thick-wire 4/0 hook. You'll never be able in order to pull with enough contentration to drive that solid metal into the fish's mouth along with such light line. In that case, look for "finesse" or "light wire" versions of the hook.
On the flip side, in case you're flipping the Senko into heavy lily pads or even grass on 50lb braid, a mild cable hook will just straighten out just like a paperclip. Match the thickness of your hook to the strength of the equipment.
Round Bend vs. EWG
You'll see two main shapes: the Offset Round Flex and the Extra Wide Gap (EWG).
- EWG: These are the most popular for Senkos because the point of the hook sits directly in line along with the eye. This makes it very easy to "Tex-pose" (burying the tip just under the skin), making it totally weedless.
- Round Bend: Some old-school sticks prefer the particular round bend. They will believe because the hook point isn't aimed directly in the eye, they have a better "hook-up ratio. " The downside is that they don't sit as get rid of against the Senko, so they tend to snag a bit more within the junk.
Personally, I stick with the EWG 90% of the time for Senkos. The ease of not constantly pulling weeds off my lure usually outweighs the slight mechanical benefit of a round bend.
A Note on the 3-Inch "Fat" Senko
There's also the little 3-inch Ned-style Senko. If you're using these, you're likely using a jig head or even a really small finesse hook. A size 1 or size 2 is usually plenty. Since these are often used for smallmouth or pressured largemouth, you need to keep everything since low-profile as probable.
Don't Forget about the O-Ring
If you're going the wacky rig route, here's a pro tip that'll save you the fortune. Senkos are soft. One fish, and the bait usually tears by 50 percent. If you use a small silicone O-ring or a part of heat-shrink tubing in the middle of the bait, you are able to slide your 1/0 hook underneath the ring instead associated with through the plastic. This lets the lure last for 5 or six fish instead of simply one. It also keeps the hook in a much better position for hooksets.
Final Ideas
At the particular end of the particular day, if a person keep a pack of 4/0 EWG tow hooks plus a pack of 1/0 wacky hooks inside your bag, you're covered for about 95% of Senko situations. Angling is supposed in order to be relaxing, so don't drive yourself crazy overthinking this. Start with the 4/0, see how the bait falls, and in the event that you're missing seafood, take an appearance at the distance.
The Senko is a "do-nothing" bait, and sometimes, the particular less you mess with it, the more fish you catch. Just make sure that when the best one finally attacks, your hook offers enough room to do its job. Tight lines!