Gary Yamamoto Custom Baits' Long Pro Senko

Nearly a decade ago, the original Gary Custom Baits' Senko played a major role in the tackle repertoire of Midwest finesse anglers.

On the first day they acquired one of the original Senko, these anglers affixed the Senko to either a 1/32- or 1/16-ounce Gopher Tackle Mushroom Head Jig. It proved be an extremely fruitful combination, and they have never rigged a Senko-style any other way. Even when they used it with a whacky motif, they used the 1/16-ounce Gopher jig.

When Gary Yamamoto Custom Baits introduced the 6 3/4-inch Long Pro Senko at the 2013 International Convention of Allied Sportfishing Trades in Las Vegas on July 10-12, a veteran Midwest finesse angler suggested that it should be featured in one of our Midwest finesse gear-guide blogs. We agreed.

According to the Yamamoto folks, this new Senko was created primarily for shaky-head jigs, drop-shot rigs, and anglers who focus on smallmouth and spotted bass. Unlike the traditional Senko that Midwest finesse anglers used to use, this one is long and thin. And it is not as heavily impregnated with salt. In fact, the salt application is laminated, allowing its belly to salt-free, which makes it neutrally buoyant and lets it tail to rise off the bottom. The laminated-salt procedure also caused the bait to exhibit more gyrations and alluring actions.

What's more, this new Senko should be an attractive finesse bait when it is dressed on a 1/32- or 1/16-ounce Gopher jig.  Some finesse angler will likely employ it on a split-shot rig.

It is available in 16 colors. A package of 10 sells for $7.49.

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