At this point in time, every bass angler throws a Senko. I can recall an era where it was effectively a “co-angler’s revenge too,” but today if you don’t recognize it as vital you’re going to be left behind – and I can tell you from first-hand knowledge that even most pros sponsored by other companies still have the original in their boat.
I have interviewed several dozen pros about their Senko techniques and preferences, and when I ask about favorite colors I almost always get some variation of green pumpkin or watermelon. Occasionally someone throws in straight black, and the tannic water and tidal river guys often suggest junebug, but I don’t think I’ve ever heard anyone speak about color #523 – Black Blue Flake with a Blue Tip. That surprises the hell out of me because it’s been an exceptional pattern for me from New Hampshire to California to Mexico, and certainly on my home river, the Potomac.
I honestly don’t know if it’s better than Black with Large Blue Flake (#021) or Blue and Black Laminate (#904), but it’s become my confidence color. That’s particularly true when the water dirties up a bit, and the green pumpkin or watermelon bite dries up. I’ve made the change and seen them react like turning on a light switch. But oddly enough it also excels for me in really clear water – it’s not necessarily my first choice, but when I switch to it for some semi-good reason I rarely if ever see a drop off in success, and sometimes there’s an uptick.
On some manufacturers’ products with different colored tips or appendages, there’s a quality control problem. You get a short strike and come back without the differently-colored section. I’ve never had that with any of Yamamoto’s baits. They’re surprisingly consistent and incredibly durable, and if you’re not fishing them already - you should be. You don’t have to compete against me with them where I’m fishing, as I need all the help I can get, but make sure you buy enough so they don’t end up getting discontinued. And while you’re at it, please encourage the company to run them in 6” or even 7” sizes.