Senkos Beyond the Spawn

News & Tips: Senkos Beyond the Spawn

SenkosBeyondSpawn blogWhile there's no denying the effectiveness of sinking worms like the Yamamoto Senko and Yum Dinger when bass are on beds, limiting their use to this scenario is a mistake.

Throw early summer largemouths holding on emerging weedlines a change-up by replacing an action tail worm with a 4- or 5-inch sinking worm, which provides a different look than a more traditional floating worm. Alter the look further by experimenting with various sinking worm profiles, like a fork-tailed version.  

One of my friends, bass enthusiast Scott Kinard, targets largemouth bass by using a sinking worm as a trailer on either a chatter-style bait or swimming jig.

"I like to fish slow, but use a bait that is moving, to cover flats that are near deeper water," Kinard said. "By using a Senko or Zoom Trick Worm as a trailer I get a more erratic action from the trailing bait, plus a different look than what other anglers are throwing."

For river-dwelling smallmouth bass, a Texas-rigged sinking worm is an ideal summertime presentation, particularly when the fish are in a funky mood and less willing to chase a moving lure. Simply deadstick the worm, allowing it to go-with-the-flow as the boat drifts through deeper runs. Maintain a semi-tight line; in deeper water (over 5 feet), or if wind is present, use a sixteenth-ounce slip sinker to help maintain feel.