Senko and Topwater - Kayak Bass Fishing A Small Backwater Creek

Let's go fishing! Tim is in a small creek with crystal clear water that dumps into a big murky water lake. He's targeting post spawn bass with a Senko, popper, dropshot, and swimbait. The bass moved into this creek to spawn but now they're feeding along the lay downs and overhanging brush before returning to the main lake. Whether you prefer a kayak, a bass boat, or walking the shore bank fishing, you'll enjoy Tim's tips on saving money while catching fish. 

Tim started the day hoping for a quick reaction bite but it wasn't in the cards. He quickly switched to a wacky rigged senko and caught a ton of fish! The key here is to understand that he was still on the same water. We often push for the reaction bite but when you have limited areas to fish its best to adapt to the conditions. By giving up the topwater and fast moving baits Tim suddenly found himself surrounded with willing fish. While they weren't in the mood to chase, the slow falling senko proved more than they could resist. 

Below is a breakdown of the 4 lures that Tim brought on the kayak. He kept it simple but was still able to cover all his bases and adapt to changing conditions. The links go to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item. 

Senko... 

Worm- Yamamoto 5" Senko: http://bit.ly/2axAmNS

Colors: Green Pump/Watermelon Lam, Bama Bug

Hook- Owner Weedless Sniper Finesse 1/0: https://bit.ly/2zXirRH

O-Ring Tool- O Rigger:  http://bit.ly/2wtX7M8

O-Rings- O Rigger Rings: http://bit.ly/2h5MhX2

Topwater... 

-Megabass Pop Max (Mat Shad): http://bit.ly/2qqfmm1

Dropshot...

Worm- Roboworm 6" Straight Tail (Oxblood Red Flake): http://bit.ly/2awYSxM

Hook- Owner Mosquito (Size 1/0): http://bit.ly/2fqYFCR

Weight- Swagger Tungsten 1/4 oz Tie-On Weight: http://bit.ly/2YAoMuv

GlideBait... 

-River2Sea S-Waver 168/200: http://bit.ly/2aiu8Sh

Color: Warden Hitch

Senko Combo... 

Rod- Shimano Expride 7' Medium: http://bit.ly/2osaj3q

Reel- Shimano Exsence 3000: http://bit.ly/2iMtscV

Line- Sunline XPlasma Dark Green Braid 16 lb: http://bit.ly/2OR5i2j

Leader- Sunline Sniper Fluorocarbon 10 lb: http://bit.ly/2p7fxju

Drosphot Casting Combo... 

Rod- Shimano Expride 7'2" Medium Light+: http://bit.ly/2nTq9FL

Reel- Shimano Aldebaran 50 MGL HG: http://bit.ly/2uQ4oH8

Line- Power Pro Maxcuatro 20 lb Braid: http://bit.ly/2clBRiQ

Leader- Sunline Sniper Fluorocarbon 10 lb: http://bit.ly/2p7fxju

NEW Tactical Bassin Apparel... 

TacticalBassin Reaper Hoodie: http://bit.ly/2TwBWs7

TacticalBassin Shadow Hoodie: http://bit.ly/2FVD9Rs

TacticalBassin Sun Shirt: http://bit.ly/2TvFMBD

TacticalBassin Hooded Sun Shirt: http://bit.ly/38cVi9G

Senko Fishing Tricks! Beginner Senko Rigging To Advanced Fishing Tips

Senkos have a "right side up!" Few anglers realize there is a right and wrong way to rig them. This is just one of the many details Tim is covering in today's in-depth look at bass fishing with a soft stick bait. He'll cover the beginner rigging basics but also dive into advanced tricks that will help you refine your technique in different situations. 

If you're only going to fish a Senko once in a while, it should be the 5". The standard 5" senko has incredible fishing catching power all over the country. If you want to refine your fishing, target bigger fish, search for a key finesse bite, etc... there is a time and place for the other sizes and styles. Most anglers consider the senko a basic bait but they're overlooking its value for big bass and power fishing.

Below is a breakdown of all the baits, hooks, and gear in the video. We've included color recommendations for each senko, hook sizes to match worm sizes, and more. The links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item. 

Senkos... 

-Yamamoto Senko 5"-7": http://bit.ly/2axAmNS

-Yamamoto Pro Senko: http://bit.ly/2vXUKln

5" Senko Colors- Electric Worm, Green Weenie Laminate, Mowed Grass

6" Senko Colors- Green Pump/Watermelon Laminate, Green Pump/Blk Flake

7" Senko Colors- Green Pump/Blk Flk, Green Pump/Watermelon Red Lam

Pro Senko Colors- Natural Shad, Green Pump/Blk Flake

Budget Senko Alternatives... 

-Yum Dinger: http://bit.ly/2J8nMrF

-Big Bite Baits Super Soft Stick: https://bit.ly/2KVzQMG

-Gambler Fat Ace: http://bit.ly/2aJq2AO

Wacky Rig Hooks... 

Weedless- Owner Jungle Wacky Hook: https://bit.ly/2VKZl9U

Standard- Gamakatsu Finesse Wide Gap: http://bit.ly/2aKGmHM

Texas Rig Hooks... 

-Owner Jungle Wide Gap Hook: http://bit.ly/2sBsR1Z

Sizes... 5" - 3/0 , 6"- 4/0, 7"- 7/0

-Gamakatsu Offset EWG Hook: http://bit.ly/2d07gvp

Sizes... 5" - 2/0 , 6" - 4/0

-Gamakatsu Monster 6/0 Hook (7" Senko): https://bit.ly/2Wg4uFU

Pro Senko Hook... 

Texas Rigged- Owner Cover Shot: http://bit.ly/2ISr7bR

O-Rings and Tools...

-O-Wacky Tool: http://bit.ly/2wtX7M8

-O-Wacky O Rings: http://bit.ly/2h5MhX2

Tim's Finesse Senko Spinning Combo... 

Rod- G Loomis NRX 852S JWR: http://bit.ly/2dX9zjv

Reel- Shimano Exsence 3000 Spinning: http://bit.ly/2iMtscV

Line- Sunline XPlasma Braid 12 lb: http://bit.ly/2OR5i2j

Leader- Sunline Sniper 8 lb Fluorocarbon: http://bit.ly/2p7fxju

Tim's Power-Fishing Senko Combo... 

Rod- Shimano Expride 7'2" Heavy: http://bit.ly/2nTq9FL

Reel- Shimano Curado 150 DC HG: http://bit.ly/2yHtsp4

Leader- Sunline Sniper Fluorocarbon 20 lb: http://bit.ly/2p7fxju

Budget All-Around Senko Combo... 

Rod- St. Croix Bass X 7'1" MH: http://bit.ly/2r0xWAs

Reel- Shimano SLX HG: http://bit.ly/2NfdOnk

Line- Sunline Assassin 15 lb Fluorocarbon: http://bit.ly/2h4LNjm

Senko and Underspin Tips For Big Bass! Kayak Bass Fishing on Clearlake

I only brought 3 rods! A senko, an underspin, and a swimbait are all tied on. Which will get the biggest bite? Can we build a pattern? Come along for a really fun day of fishing on Clearlake! We're going to put the kayak to work and stick some big bass along the way!

Today really highlighted the value of fishing from a kayak or other small boat. Often times anglers in smaller craft feel like they're at a disadvantage but the big bites today absolutely would not have come if I was on my bass boat. These are highly pressured fish that are very leery of boats but they had no concerns about the kayak! 

The underspin proved to be the hero of the day. Both of the big fish (a 5 and 6 lber) both annihilated the underspin along the edges of submerged trees. The senko also proved to be invaluable. After making a pass through our small area with the underspin we slowly and methodically worked back through the fish with the senko and were able to pick up a few more key bites to finish out the day. These two baits proved to be an awesome pairing as one got the majority of bites while the other got the kicker bites we were hoping for. 

Below is a breakdown of the baits we had tied on and the gear we were using to throw it. All the bait links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see up close photos of each bait and a detailed description. 

Underspin.. 

-Owner 1/4 oz Flashy Swimmer 5/0 Hook: http://bit.ly/2e8O4Y7

-Keitech 4.8" Fat Swing Impact (Electric Shad): http://bit.ly/2ab7s8v

Senko... 

-Gamakatsu Superline EWG 4/0 Hook: http://bit.ly/2ac92XG

-Yamamoto 6" Senko (Green Pumpkin): http://bit.ly/2axAmNS

Glide Baits... 

-R2S S-Waver 200 (Phantom Trout): http://bit.ly/2aiu8Sh

-Gratt Sneaky Pete 7'5" (Hitch): http://bit.ly/2RYCPFe

Underspin Combo... 

Rod- Shimano Expride 7'2" Heavy: http://bit.ly/2czPlZl

Reel- Shimano Metanium MGL (Current Model): https://bit.ly/34HlAAk

Line- 65 lb Power Pro Maxcuatro Braid: http://bit.ly/2clBRiQ

Leader- 20 lb Maxima Ultragreen: http://bit.ly/2ae97J9

Senko Combo... 

Rod- Shimano Zodias 7'2" Medium Heavy: http://bit.ly/2cgmMAe

Reel- Curado 150 DC HG: http://bit.ly/2yHtsp4

Line- 40 lb Power Pro Maxcuatro Braid: http://bit.ly/2clBRiQ

Leader- 15 lb Sunline Assassin Fluorocarbon: http://bit.ly/2h4LNjm

Gear...

Life Jacket- Mustang Elite Inflatable: http://bit.ly/2odXXIP

Camera- GoPro Hero 8: http://bit.ly/37hVTX4

Kayak- Old Town Predator PDL: http://bit.ly/2WyVQka

**Kayak Link Goes To Manufacturer's Website**

NEW Tactical Bassin Apparel... 

TacticalBassin Reaper Hoodie: http://bit.ly/2TwBWs7

TacticalBassin Shadow Hoodie: http://bit.ly/2FVD9Rs

TacticalBassin Sun Shirt: http://bit.ly/2TvFMBD

TacticalBassin Hooded Sun Shirt: http://bit.ly/38cVi9G

How To Catch Bigger Smallmouth (And Largemouth) - Everything You Need To Know - Finesse Bass Fishing

Smallmouth are amazing! They're aggressive, even in cold water. They're willing to migrate huge distances for food. When you set the hook they give you a ride that is unrivaled by the other bass. There is little wonder why so many anglers love Smallmouth bass fishing. Targeting these predators requires a finesse touch and some unique gear that is often overlooked for the other bass species.  

While you can catch a smallmouth on virtually anything, the fish tend to favor clearer water and a true finesse touch will increase your odds dramatically. In today's video Tim dives into his favorite finesse tactics and equipment for consistently targeting these bronze backs. 

Below is a breakdown of the gear he discussed in order of appearance. The links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item. 

Finesse Keitech Swimbaits... 

-Keitech Fat Swing Impact 4.3 and 3.8: http://bit.ly/2ab7s8v

Colors: Chartreuse Blue, Crystal Shad, Goby, Smallmouth Magic

-Tactical Finesse Swimbait Head 3/8 oz: http://bit.ly/2Pqrq3n

-2.8 keitech Fat Swing Impact: http://bit.ly/2ab7s8v

Colors: Electric Shad, Pro Blue Red Pearl, Tennessee Shad

-Dirty Jigs 1/8 oz Guppy Head 1/0: http://bit.ly/2nyUJRS

Finesse Swimbaits…

-Megabass 3" Spark Shad: http://bit.ly/2XcLZk4

Colors: Purple Haze, Real, Silver Shad

-Megabass 1/16 oz Okashira Head: http://bit.ly/2EpluSA

-Megabass Dark Sleeper 2.4" and 3": http://bit.ly/2TyR1GT

Colors: Donko, Haze, Hanahaze Wakasagi

Spy Baits... 

-Duo Realis Spin Bait 80: http://bit.ly/2oeVG1m

Colors: Ghost SX Shad, BK Ayu, Ghost Minnow

-Duo Realis Spin Bait 90: http://bit.ly/2nhw56N

Colors: Ghost Minnow, Purple Reign AM, Shiner AM

Hair Jigs... 

-Outkast Tackle Feider Fly 3/32 (Black): http://bit.ly/2G7TBwj

Dropshot Worms...

-Big Bite Baits Smallie Smasher: http://bit.ly/2ZpCOCY

Colors: Chick Magnet, Green Pump Purp, Smoke Purp Flake

-Strike King Half Shell: http://bit.ly/2iR9awm

Colors: Morning Dawn, Magic, TW Green Pumpkin

Dropshot Rigging... 

Light Wire Hook- Owner Mosquito Light (Size 1, 2): http://bit.ly/2zQVKx3

Medium Wire Hook- Trokar Dropshot (Size 1, 2): http://bit.ly/2ahxJOr

Tungsten Tie-On Weight- Swagger Tear Drop (3/16): http://bit.ly/37AVcrx

Tungsten Dropshot Weight- Swagger Tear Drop (3/16): http://bit.ly/2V2B63h

Tubes... 

-Dry Creek Tournament Tube 3.5": http://bit.ly/2cJwI6r

Colors: Old Ugly, Mocha Copper Pepper, Crazy Eddie

-Big Bite Tour Tube 3.5": http://bit.ly/32e23VR

Colors: Tilapia, Green Pumpkin Purple Copper Flk

Tube Heads... 

-Bite me 60 degree Flat Eye Head (3/16): http://bit.ly/2diyVXK

-Provider Tackle 90 degree (3/16): http://bit.ly/2OAvYRv

Z Man Ned Rig Baits... 

-Z Man Finesse TRD: http://bit.ly/2hs4RtR

Colors: Green Pumpkin Goby, Canada Craw, Mud Bug

-Z Man TRD BugZ: http://bit.ly/2oiavEE

Colors: Green Pumpkin, Mud Bug, Hot Snakes

-Z Man TRD TicklerZ: http://bit.ly/2mGyDAC

Colors: Green Pumpkin Goby, Canada Craw, Mud Bug

Other Ned Rig Worms... 

-Xzone Ned Zone stick Bait 3": http://bit.ly/2mRiYhF

Colors: 309, Green Pump Purple, Minnow Magic

-Roboworm Ned Worm 3": http://bit.ly/2j9F0Xy

Colors: Desert Craw, TW Black Blue Pumpkin

-Missile Baits Ned Bomb: http://bit.ly/2XCOGwd

Colors: Super Bug, Bluetonium Green Pumpkin Core

Ned Heads... 

Tungsten- Swagger Flanders Head 1/6 oz: http://bit.ly/2KcIB6M

Lead- Z Man Ned LockZ HD Head: http://bit.ly/2kIgRYK

Stick Baits... 

-5" Yamamoto Senko: http://bit.ly/2axAmNS

Colors: Baby Bass, Crushed Goby, Electric Worm

-5" Yum Dinger: http://bit.ly/2J8nMrF

Colors: Elders Magic, Green Pumpkin, Ozark Smoke

Stick Bait Rigging... 

-G7 O-Rings 7MM: http://bit.ly/2PWEkUs

-G7 O Ring Tool: http://bit.ly/2PRMNrG

-Owner Jungle Wacky Weedless Hook: https://bit.ly/2VKZl9U

-Gamakatsu Finesse Wide Gap Hook: http://bit.ly/2aKGmHM

Tim's Favorite Keitech Combo... 

Rod- G Loomis GLX 853C JWR: http://bit.ly/2gqziwT

Reel- Shimano Chronarch MGL HG: http://bit.ly/2n8DghB

Line- Sunline Sniper 12 lb Fluorocarbon: http://bit.ly/2p7fxju

Tim's Favorite Ultra-Finesse Combo... 

Rod- Shimano Conquest 902S SJR: http://bit.ly/2BiGUNi

Reel- Shimano Exsence 3000: http://bit.ly/2iMtscV

Line- Sunline SX1 Braid 10 lb: http://bit.ly/2tn8EzQ

Leader- Sunline Sniper 6 lb Fluorocarbon: http://bit.ly/2p7fxju

Tim's Feider Combo... 

Rod- Daiwa Tatula Elite AGS 7'6" ML: http://bit.ly/2QHupT9

Reel- Shimano Stradic CI4+ 2500: http://bit.ly/2gu84t7

Line- Sunline 6 lb Sniper Fluorocarbon: http://bit.ly/2p7fxju