STICK IT TO ‘EM! Plastic stick baits like the Yamamoto Senko and the dozens of other knockoffs of the original have become synonymous with spring bass fishing – really bass fishing in any season – and are easy to use.  We offer up some tips for these baits to help you catch more fish!
Featured Photo: Senko Slammed. A largemouth bass comes to boat, caught and released on a 4” Senko. Simonson Photo

 

DAILY CONDITIONS:

WEATHER (Bismarck Forecast):
Today: Mon 5/28 – Rain builds in. Hi 78, Lo 60, Wind E@13, G23
Tomorrow:  Tue 5/29 – Continued unsettled. Hi 80, Lo 63, Wind S@13.

SOLUNAR (Bismarck Times):
Sunrise: 5:55AM Sunset: 9:26PM
Moonrise: 8:30PM Moonset 5:48AM
Overhead: 12:41AM Underfoot: 1:04PM
Moon Phase: Waxing Gibbous (99% Full)

EDGE HOUR: 5:30-6:30AM. Before the rain sets up and the rest of camp gets up, grab moonset and sunrise in today’s Edge Hour for the best bite.

DAY RATING:


THREE THINGS

DO NOTHING. Plastic sticks are called “do nothing” baits only because that’s about all that is required of the angler to catch fish.  However, don’t let the nickname fool you – the challenge to working the baits is doing it slowly.  Let them fall and settle on the bottom, then lift the line and keep it semi-tight, watching for a twitch or a jump in the line to signal a bite. Patience is the name of the game.

LONG BOMB. Sticks like the Yum Dinger and Senko are dense and can be cast a long way. Use the weight to your advantage when targeting shallow bass and send a long range cast out into the shallows from a good distance away to keep from spooking your quarry.

SLIDERS.  Senkos and other sticks are good skipping lures that with a fling can be sent under branches, docks and other structure.  Target those overhangs that have deeper water nearby as well, and slowly work the bait down the break to find bass.

Stay Sharp!