DIY 7" senko wacky rigger how-to

MikeD · Post by **MikeD** » Tue Jul 22, 2008 2:30 pm

figured this out awhile back but didn't post the how-to photos at the time.

grab yourself a magic marker and get ready to tear it apart, you can see the brand name on the one I use in the photos below

take that end cap off using needlenose, pops right off, no loose ink floating around but be careful still

there's the innards

pull the "cigar" out of the inside

pull the tip off and use a paper towel to wipe the insides out. throw it all in the plastic bag and put it in the trash

go to OSH or hardware store, buy a 1/4-20 screw with the largest head you can find (the round head screw is too small to hold the o-rings on, need to do some more work here EDIT: see new info below)

buy some 012 o-rings and install on the screw. they roll up without problem and the both the 6 and 7" senkos fit the o-ring and the tube

I've got an order of 1,000 o-rings coming in so if you want/need some orings let me know. think my price works out to about .03 per, so its that plus USPS for however many you want, not looking to make a living off of selling o-rings but I can't see using 1000 in my lifetime so I need to get rid of some.

biteme · Post by **biteme** » Tue Jul 22, 2008 2:41 pm

Great how to! Does anyone have problems putting O rings on? They just roll right on for me.

mac (Doyle McEwen) · Post by **mac (Doyle McEwen)** » Tue Jul 22, 2008 2:57 pm

Do you use the same size O rings for a 7 inch as you do for a 5 inch also do you use the same size whacky hook..

mac

DeltaDan · Post by **DeltaDan** » Tue Jul 22, 2008 3:06 pm

Very Very nice Brotha Mike !!

Just one thing ..... SENKO'S DON'T WORK IN THE SUMMER !!

Tin Can · Post by **Tin Can** » Tue Jul 22, 2008 3:08 pm

Senkos work all the time in every season and at every lake.

DeltaDan · Post by **DeltaDan** » Tue Jul 22, 2008 3:11 pm

Get off my back Lake Lice ....... And try tying on a Wadda Jig !!

Now THERE is a bait that works 10.5+ months out of the year ~!!

Tin Can · Post by **Tin Can** » Tue Jul 22, 2008 3:21 pm

DeltaDan wrote:Get off my back Lake Lice ....... And try tying on a Wadda Jig !!

Now THERE is a bait that works 10.5+ months out of the year ~!!

I prefer smaller profile jigs most of the time.

L Dub · Post by **L Dub** » Tue Jul 22, 2008 3:42 pm

Com'on Dan, Senkos work. Did you still want me to take all those 'extra' ones off you?

D.B.COOPER · Post by **D.B.COOPER** » Tue Jul 22, 2008 3:58 pm

Not trying to be a smart @## here, but why do you have to have an o-ring on the senko? If it's to save the senko and get more use out of it then fine, but I'm almost certain the percentage goes way down on the hook up ratio. I've seen and heard too many horror stories about wacky rigged monsters coming unbuttoned way too many times for me to even risk putting an o-ring on. Saving a few more senkos is not worth losing a fish of a lifetime. Wacky works just fine if not better without o ring. Just my opinion. D.B.COOPER

MikeD · Post by **MikeD** » Tue Jul 22, 2008 4:30 pm

mac (Doyle McEwen) wrote:Do you use the same size O rings for a 7 inch as you do for a 5 inch also do you use the same size whacky hook..

no, I use a 010 (iirc) for the 5", I use the same 2/0 ww hook regardless of senko size.

and as always, that ww hook is a "Gamakatsu Up Eye Shiner Hook" avail thru Cabelas for $2.70 for qty 6. search around here for info on how to tie the weed guard on yourself.

MikeD · Post by **MikeD** » Tue Jul 22, 2008 4:37 pm

D.B.COOPER wrote:Not trying to be a smart @## here, but why do you have to have an o-ring on the senko? If it's to save the senko and get more use out of it then fine, but I'm almost certain the percentage goes way down on the hook up ratio. I've seen and heard too many horror stories about wacky rigged monsters coming unbuttoned way too many times for me to even risk putting an o-ring on. Saving a few more senkos is not worth losing a fish of a lifetime. Wacky works just fine if not better without o ring. Just my opinion. D.B.COOPER

I do use the o-ring both to save senko's as well as get the senko out of the way of the hook - don't want anything between the hook and the fish and they just slide up the line and away from the fish. If I felt that I had a better hookup ratio without the o-ring I'd go to it on tournament day but I don't feel that way.

I use a fairly stout senko rod spooled up with 20lb braid and a short 1-2' section of 12lb seaguar invisi-x leader and an aggressive snap hookset. 95% of hooks are buried in the top of the mouth, with the occasional side of the mouth hinge hookup. I miss a few now and then, but with those shiner hooks "once they are on they don't come off".

I have been having trouble with uniknots breaking - snapped 2 at Clear Lake last weekend, so I'm having more trouble with knots than hooks lately.

TonyL · Post by **TonyL** » Tue Jul 22, 2008 4:57 pm

Nice tool !! I'm makin one as I type !

Hey , how about a washer on that screw?Maybe a dab of epoxy ta keep it at the scre head.

ONTHETHING !!! · Post by **ONTHETHING !!!** » Tue Jul 22, 2008 5:09 pm

I have been useing the bands used for braces . For the most part they work great but I have a couple of times when I set on the fish it comes unbuttoned and I real in to see no senko and but the bands are still on the hook. Was wondering if anybody has had that happen with the black o rings. ONTHETHING !!!

BIG DADDY BLUE RANGER · Tue Jul 22, 2008 5:22 pm

Nice ! I've been using the cap off my Zap-it tool but I like this idea better.................

never had much problem losing fish wacky riggin,,, but I do prefer not using the o-ring myself...... just seems I get more snags do to the hook being sidways thru the o-ring when the bait hits bottom.................. on the other side,I hate having so many baits fly off everytime a fish jumps and shakes his head when I'm not using the o-ring......... guess I shoulda bought stock in Senko's

mark poulson · Post by **mark poulson** » Tue Jul 22, 2008 7:03 pm

I just read an article in FLW that recommended two O rings, crossed, so the hook is oriented the same as if you didn't use an O ring.
I use O rings and circle hooks, and don't lose fish.

Iafrate94505 · Post by **Iafrate94505** » Tue Jul 22, 2008 8:41 pm

i use magnum O rings on my 7"

Sean Graf · Post by **Sean Graf** » Tue Jul 22, 2008 9:04 pm

You guys are blowing it.

Why use a Senko?? Just use the O ring.

MikeD · Post by **MikeD** » Tue Jul 22, 2008 9:05 pm

TonyL wrote:Hey , how about a washer on that screw?Maybe a dab of epoxy ta keep it at the scre head.

good idea, let me know if you do it and how it turns out

kopper_bass · Post by **kopper_bass** » Wed Jul 23, 2008 9:32 am

onthething,
i have had this several times with the black o-rings, but its usually after catching 10 or more fish with it. The senko at some point rips in the middle and comes off, leaving the o-ring attached to the hook.

i've also had a few times where i get bit, set the hook, and nothing! Up comes the hook and o-ring only. either the fish had just the end of the senko and i pulled it out of the o-ring, or i set on air,er..water, and just ripped the o-ring thru the senko. Not sure!

One of the craziest things to me that happens with the whacky senko is when you dont hook your bait up and just leave it loose on the front deck, hanging. Then, if the line gets pulled tight on the rod, the top line guide will un-hook the hook from the o-ring and you lose your bait. this happens to me a lot because i typically use a spinning rod for whacky rigs, and the rod handle constantly gets a turn here or there on the deck and gets pulled tight. It drives me crazy cause i grab my rod to quickly go use it, and the bait is drawn tight at the tip. in trying to loosen it, the dam* thing falls off and into the water - DOH!

This ever happen to you?

Kopper_Bass

Dan Stahlman · Post by **Dan Stahlman** » Thu Jul 24, 2008 5:51 am

Just in. New fish and game code 101. It says--Until further notice, the use of Senko's at Clear Lake is restricted. Anyone coming to Clear Lake with Senko's in their boat must turn them in to Dan Stahlman or suffer the consequences. The Director.

ONTHETHING !!! · Post by **ONTHETHING !!!** » Thu Jul 24, 2008 6:40 pm

kopper I gotta laugh cuz I have had that happen to me also. Pull up on your spot grab your rod and no bait ! I was talking to someone else about the bands on the hook and senko gone and they brought up the senko ripping in half. I dont want to run out and buy a bag of o rings thinking this wont happen again. If I amgonna lose them either way might as well not pay for the o ring. ONTHETHING !!!

CW2 Tucker · Post by **CW2 Tucker** » Fri Jul 25, 2008 5:38 am

MikeD wrote: I have been having trouble with uniknots breaking - snapped 2 at Clear Lake last weekend, so I'm having more trouble with knots than hooks lately.

Try the Slim Beauty Knot. Smaller profile for smoother casts and stronger than the uni for sure. IMHO

http://www.midcurrent.com/articles/knot ... eauty.aspx

John

tunaman · Post by **tunaman** » Fri Jul 25, 2008 7:00 am

kopper_bass wrote:One of the craziest things to me that happens with the whacky senko is when you dont hook your bait up and just leave it loose on the front deck, hanging. Then, if the line gets pulled tight on the rod, the top line guide will un-hook the hook from the o-ring and you lose your bait. this happens to me a lot because i typically use a spinning rod for whacky rigs, and the rod handle constantly gets a turn here or there on the deck and gets pulled tight. It drives me crazy cause i grab my rod to quickly go use it, and the bait is drawn tight at the tip. in trying to loosen it, the dam* thing falls off and into the water - DOH!

This ever happen to you?

Kopper_Bass

DAMN... I HATE when that happens, and it happens FAR TOO OFTEN!

Happens on my baitcaster rigs also, usually after making a move, right when I'm getting ready to grab it for a perfectly-positioned cast!

I am trying to get in the habit of always hooking the hook on the keeper or a guide when I bring it back in, rather than just winding it close to the tip.

Regarding O-rings... I've used them, with mixed results, but have gotten to where I prefer not. I don't want to be penny wise and pound foolish, don't you know!

Good tip on the rigging tool though.

Roger

MikeD · Post by **MikeD** » Tue Jul 29, 2008 11:02 am

o-rings just arrived at the door.

if you'd like some they are .03 each (my cost was $29.75 shipped to the door for 1k rings, $20 min order), hit me on PM with address info and I'll get them to you via USPS

Lookin4Bass · Post by **Lookin4Bass** » Wed Jul 30, 2008 8:01 am

I buy my o-rings from a guy on Bass Boat Central. He charges $4.50 for 200 delivered.

I just purchased a pack last Wednesday and received them yesterday.

http://bbcboards.zeroforum.com/zerothread?id=295151

DeltaDan · Post by **DeltaDan** » Wed Jul 30, 2008 8:34 am

MikeD wrote: if you'd like some they are .03 each (my cost was $29.75 shipped to the door for 1k rings, $20 min order), hit me on PM with address info and I'll get them to you via USPS

USPS - That the Regular Postal Service so you can just stick them in an regular envelope and mail box ?

If so let me know and I'll take 300 and mail you a Lincon or more if you need a bigger envelope/postage .... before or after on your wish Bro !

MikeD · Post by **MikeD** » Wed Jul 30, 2008 9:28 am

Lookin4Bass wrote:I buy my o-rings from a guy on Bass Boat Central. He charges $4.50 for 200 delivered.

I just purchased a pack last Wednesday and received them yesterday.

http://bbcboards.zeroforum.com/zerothread?id=295151

that's o-rings for 4" or 5" senko's - these o-rings are for 6-7"

MikeD · Post by **MikeD** » Wed Jul 30, 2008 9:30 am

DeltaDan wrote:USPS - That the Regular Postal Service so you can just stick them in an regular envelope and mail box ?

yep, that's my plan, I'll pop them into the mail today, PM me your address

MikeD · Post by **MikeD** » Wed Jul 30, 2008 10:09 am

Since I'm sending o-rings to Dan I figured that I should confirm that they actually work, so I went out and grabbed a 7" and the rigger and put a few o-rings onto the screw.

turns out I was wrong when I wrote in the first post that the screw wasn't big enough to hold the o-rings. that screw is actually perfect and the o-rings don't slide off and the threads sit in the pen snug. o-rings fit the 7" nice and snug as well. it's money.

more photos avail if you'd like to see the rigger in action

DeltaDan · Post by **DeltaDan** » Wed Jul 30, 2008 10:15 am

MikeD wrote: that screw is actually perfect and the o-rings don't slide off and the threads sit in the pen snug. o-rings fit the 7" nice and snug as well. it's money .

PATENT IT BEFORE G-MAN TAKES YOUR DESIGN TO DENIO'S ROSEVILLE FARMERS MARKET AND AUCTION ~~ AND CAPITOLIZES ON YOUR INGENUITY !!!

MikeD · Post by **MikeD** » Wed Jul 30, 2008 11:42 am

all his, for the low coinage you'd make from selling these vs the time invested to make product it ain't worth it to me. just want my name on the hang tag "rigger inspired by MikeD, all hail him"

DeltaDan · Post by **DeltaDan** » Wed Aug 06, 2008 12:26 pm

Got Them BrothA Mike !!

DeltaJack said "Wow -- Those will last us a lifetime !!"

Thanks again and you have a PM Bro.

Cheers,
Dan

MikeD · Post by **MikeD** » Wed Aug 06, 2008 2:01 pm

DeltaDan wrote:DeltaJack said "Wow -- Those will last us a lifetime !!"

just think what a bag of 1,000 would look like...

MikeD · Post by **MikeD** » Sun Apr 25, 2010 11:11 am

just a bump - was going thru a bunch of boxes the other day trying to find all my fishing stuff and ran across a few of the bags of 100 o-rings, figured I'd pimp them out here again and see if anybody needed them for the 6 and 7" senko's. else they'll sit in the box for another few years.

birdi23nls · Post by **birdi23nls** » Sun Apr 25, 2010 1:48 pm

Mike...ill buy them off you...i pmed you...let me know how much you want. will those fit the 5"ones as well?

MikeD · Post by **MikeD** » Sun Apr 25, 2010 3:04 pm

reply sent, $3.00 for the 100 o-rings plus 50 centavos for the ride via USPS

6 and 7" only, use the 010 size for 5" senko

mark poulson · Post by **mark poulson** » Mon Apr 26, 2010 5:36 am

CW2 Tucker wrote:
MikeD wrote: I have been having trouble with uniknots breaking - snapped 2 at Clear Lake last weekend, so I'm having more trouble with knots than hooks lately.
Try the Slim Beauty Knot. Smaller profile for smoother casts and stronger than the uni for sure. IMHO

http://www.midcurrent.com/articles/knot ... eauty.aspx

John

Try the Albright Knot.