when to use 7" senko vs. 5"?

[Bergen Angler]

I typically use 5" senko on wacky. How's 7"? It's huge - probably 3-4 times bigger than 5". Do you catch a bigger fish with 7"? Do you cast it wacky? T-rigged with a bullet weight? Carolina? Thanks.

[rob]

My dad always used huge worms when we went fishing because typically the bigger fish are looking for a bigger meal and he never minded getting skunked all afternoon while trying to catch a trophy. I never really use bigger than a 6 inch worm because I just want action, not necessarily a trophy. That's just my two cents. I've never fished my worm wacky but I'll have to give it a try since I've read so many things about it.

[kcritch]

Those 7' worms are huge. I have a few of the BPS 7" version and have yet to catch anything on one. I have had good success with the BPS 6" though....which is a pretty large bait as well. Much bigger than the 5". It does seem to make a difference quite often and I don't seem to scare off the smaller fish. There are times for both for sure. Plus the 6" BPs Stiko's are the same price and if I want a 5" I can just cut it down...even though they are a bit fatter. Green Pumpkin, Black w/Blue Fleck, and June Bug are my top three with a close 4th being Grn Pumkin/Chartruese swirl for more of a reaction bite. The toothy characters love that chartruese.

[jimmythegreek]

7's arent that big really, if ur fishing bigger waters or places that have good average size thats the size to use mainly. Back when I bass fished I would use 1/2oz jig heads w 10" power worms and 2 pounders would nail them no problem

[Bergen Angler]

Originally Posted by kcritch

Those 7' worms are huge. I have a few of the BPS 7" version and have yet to catch anything on one. I have had good success with the BPS 6" though....which is a pretty large bait as well. Much bigger than the 5". It does seem to make a difference quite often and I don't seem to scare off the smaller fish. There are times for both for sure. Plus the 6" BPs Stiko's are the same price and if I want a 5" I can just cut it down...even though they are a bit fatter. Green Pumpkin, Black w/Blue Fleck, and June Bug are my top three with a close 4th being Grn Pumkin/Chartruese swirl for more of a reaction bite. The toothy characters love that chartruese.

Do you wacky 6" senko? or T-rigged or Carolina? If you T-rig, do you put a bullet weight on it?

Yes, 7" is huge. It doesn't seem like 7" casts farther than the 5" since it's so so FAT.

[kcritch]

Originally Posted by jimmythegreek

7's arent that big really...... Back when I bass fished I would use 1/2oz jig heads w 10" power worms and 2 pounders would nail them no problem

I use the 10" power worms and Zoom Ol Monsters as well and have caught smaller fish on them...but these 7" Stiko/Senkos are so much bigger around which is what I think makes the difference. They are are as big around as a nice cigar. I agree if the big stuff is there they'll hit one....but I have not picked up any of the smaller fish on one like I have on the 10" worms.

Bergen - I mostly fish the 6" T Rigged with no weight. If it's weedy and I don't get anything weightless I'll use up to a 1/2 oz bullet pegged. I rarely fish any of the sizes whacky unless I'm not around weeds....and I'm usually in or around the weeds. On a 7' Med-Hvy Rod I seem to be able to throw those 7" guys a lot farther...even when I don't want to...they weigh a ton.

[Bergen Angler]

Originally Posted by kcritch

I use the 10" power worms and Zoom Ol Monsters as well and have caught smaller fish on them...but these 7" Stiko/Senkos are so much bigger around which is what I think makes the difference. They are are as big around as a nice cigar. I agree if the big stuff is there they'll hit one....but I have not picked up any of the smaller fish on one like I have on the 10" worms.

Bergen - I mostly fish the 6" T Rigged with no weight. If it's weedy and I don't get anything weightless I'll use up to a 1/2 oz bullet pegged. I rarely fish any of the sizes whacky unless I'm not around weeds....and I'm usually in or around the weeds. On a 7' Med-Hvy Rod I seem to be able to throw those 7" guys a lot farther...even when I don't want to...they weigh a ton.

1. I used 10" power worms also. They are quite skinny compared to 7" senko.
2. I was using 7" senko on wacky. I should try using on T-rigged. Maybe I can cast further. Do you use 4/0 or 6/0 hook on 7" senko?

If you cut the 7" senko in half, now they look like nice fat Robusto from the Presidente size.
I guess if you double the diameter, the volume becomes 4 times the size even though you keep the length the same.

[kcritch]

Originally Posted by Bergen Angler

Do you use 4/0 or 6/0 hook on 7" senko?

I keep my hook selection really simple. I use 3/0 wide gap worm hooks for 5" or bigger and all of my larger worms soft plastic frogs, 6" lizards etc. The wide gap is just large enough for those 7" guys. I use a 1/0 offset worm hook for the 4" senko and my smaller plastics. I use Eagle Claw hooks becasue they are cheap and easily available at Walmart and I've never had a problem with them. And I always smash the barb down in case I gut hook anything.