Fishing with a Senko soft plastic worm can be a highly effective technique for bass fishing. Here are some techniques that you can try:
Casting and Letting it Sink: One of the most basic and effective ways to fish a Senko is to cast it out, engage the reel, and let it sink. The Senko has a fluttering and wiggling action as it falls, which can attract bass. While it's sinking, pay close attention to the line for any twitches or odd movements, as this could indicate a fish grabbing the bait. If you see any signs of a bite, set the hook. Once the Senko hits the bottom, you can lift it up with your rod tip and then let it fall again, creating a subtle action. Reel up any slack line until you almost have the bait, but avoid moving the bait with your reel.
Sweeping Motion Retrieval: Another technique is to retrieve the Senko using big sweeping motions with your rod. Instead of simply casting and reeling straight back, you can make sweeping motions with your rod to retrieve the bait. This technique is particularly effective when fishing around heavy cover, such as grass, stumps, or brush. By sweeping the rod, you allow the Senko to fall all the way to the bottom, while the weight separates from the bait. This can entice bass to strike, especially when the bait settles into high percentage areas where fish are likely to hang out.
Weightless Presentation: When pitching or casting the Senko in and around cover, it's important to make a clean and quiet presentation. Since the Senko doesn't weigh a lot, it's fairly easy to achieve this. Feather your spool to minimize the splash when the bait hits the water. After making your pitch or cast, pull a little bit of line off your spool to ensure that the Senko falls on a complete slack line. This allows the bait to have a natural action without being affected by tension.
Rigging Options: There are different ways to rig a Senko, depending on the fishing conditions and your preferences. One popular rigging option is the Texas rig, where you insert the hook into the worm and then push it straight across and out the other side. This makes the bait weedless and easy to hook fish. Another option is to use a screw-in style sinker, which can be effective for fishing in heavy cover. The sinker is threaded onto the line before rigging the bait, and it helps the Senko navigate through gaps in the cover.
Remember, the specific techniques and rigging options may vary depending on the fishing situation and the preferences of individual anglers. It's always a good idea to experiment with different techniques and adapt them to your local fishing conditions. If you have any specific questions or need more information, please feel free to provide additional context or ask for clarification.