Best Rod for Weightless Senko Fishing

By Get Fishing •  Published: 06/08/22 •  7 min read

Looking for the right rod for weightless senkos or stick baits can be tough. We are making it easy for you by putting together a list that will help you find the best rod for weightless senko fishing

Best Rod for Weightless Senko Fishing

Best rod for weightless Senkos

How much does a weightless Senko weigh?

Senkos weighs about 3/8 of an ounce. This is pretty standard for most stick bait or soft plastic worms. Some can weigh more with added salt or weigh less by using buoyant plastics. The weight of a senko is enough that you can cast it a good distance on a spinning rod or a casting rod.

Different Ways to Rig a Weightless Senko

If you’ve never used a stick bait or a senko you might be wondering how to rig it weightless or what a weightless senko is. A weightless senko is just a stickbait on a hook with no added weight and you can rig it two different ways.

  1. Weightless Texas Rig
  2. Wacky Rig

Weightless Texas Rig

The Weightless Texas Rig is a great finesse fishing tool and very easy to rig. The benefit of a Weightless Texas rig is that it is weedless and can get through cover easily without getting snagged.

Wacky Rig

The wacky rig is one of our favorite ways to rig a weightless senko. It is for those ultra tough days when you just can’t seem to get a bite. While the rig isn’t weedless it can be worked in a way that you don’t get snagged that often.

Our Favorite Stick Bait

Berkley Powerbait The General Soft Bait, 5 1/4″ Green Pumpkin, 8 Pack

Berkley Powerbait The General Soft Bait, 5 1/4″ Green Pumpkin, 8 Pack

Buy Now Disclaimer – This website uses affiliate links and get a small commission at no additional cost to you.

Best rod and action for Weightless Senko

The best rod and action for using a weightless senko depends on how you plan to fish it. If you are using a stout hook, like a weightless texas rig, you’re going to want something with some stiffness so you can set the hook. If you are going to be using light wire hooks for a wacky rig, you’re going to want something a little softer so you don’t bend out the hook or pull the hook out of the bass’ mouth.

Regardless of spinning or casting, you are going to want to stay in the medium to medium-heavy powered range. If you are going super finesse, you can go as low as medium-light, or light powered rod. Regardless of power, we recommend a fast action rod for the added sensitivity.

Best Spinning Rod for Weightless Senko

Spinning rods are great for wacky rigs and weightless texas rigs. Down below you will see some of our favorite spinning rods for fishing a weightless senko.

Temple Fork Outfitters Professional Series Spinning Rod – Our Favorite Spinning Rod

Temple Fork Outfitters Professional Series Spinning Rod

Temple Fork Outfitters Professional Series Spinning Rod

$99.95 Buy Now Disclaimer – This website uses affiliate links and get a small commission at no additional cost to you.
Price$99.95
Rod Length6’6″
PowerMedium
ActionModerate–Fast
Line Weight6-12 lbs.
Lure Weight1/4-3/4 oz
Rod Weight3.9 oz
Pieces1 Piece

Temple Fork Outfitters is a staple brand when it comes to affordable quality rods. These are professional tournament ready rods that will make your fishing experience a dream and they don’t cost that much.

The medium powered spinning rod is a great middle ground. Not only can you use it for a weightless Wacky Rig, but you can also use it for weightless Texas Rigs. With the rod weighing less than 4 oz. this spinning rod is feather light, but durable enough to set the hook on the biggest bass.

13 Fishing Defy Black Spinning Rod – Best Priced Spinning Rod

13 Fishing Defy Black Spinning Rod

13 Fishing Defy Black Spinning Rod

$59.99 Buy Now Disclaimer – This website uses affiliate links and get a small commission at no additional cost to you.
Price$59.99
Rod Length6’7″
PowerMedium
ActionFast
Line Weight6–12 lbs
Lure Weight3/16–5/8 oz
Rod Weight10 oz
Pieces1 Piece

If you’re on a budget, the 13 Fishing Defy Black is the rod for you. It’s a sturdy spinning rod that comes at a very affordable price. The rod is heavier than any other rod on this list, but it is still pretty sensitive considering the price and materials.

This medium, fast action rod will be able to handle both a wacky rig and a Texas rig. Slap on your favorite budget reel and you will be throwing weightless senkos and catching big ol’ bass!

Dobyns Sierra Series Spinning Bass Rod – Premium Spinning Rod

Dobyns Sierra Series Spinning Bass Rod

Dobyns Sierra Series Spinning Bass Rod

$169.99 Buy Now Disclaimer – This website uses affiliate links and get a small commission at no additional cost to you.
Price$169.99
Rod Length6’9″
PowerMedium
ActionFast
Line Weight8–17 lbs.
Lure Weight3/16–5/8 oz.
Rod Weight4 oz.
Pieces1 Piece

The Dobyns Sierra spinning rod is the most expensive spinning rod on this list and for good reason. It has high quality materials that make this rod really light and super sensitive. The split cork grip makes it super comfortable in the hand and is well balance with the reel in place.

If you have some extra cash to spend and you’re looking for a tournament ready rod this is the one for you.

Best Casting Rod for Weightless Senko

If you’re working a stout hook you’re going to want something a little bit more sturdy. A good casting rod can be great addition to your rod line-up for weightless senko fishing.

Temple Fork Outfitters Professional Series Casting Rod – Our Favorite Casting Rod

Temple Fork Outfitters MH Professional Series Casting Rod

Temple Fork Outfitters MH Professional Series Casting Rod

$119.95 Buy Now Disclaimer – This website uses affiliate links and get a small commission at no additional cost to you.
Price$109.95
Rod Length7’0″
PowerMedium Heavy
ActionModerate–Fast
Line Weight8-17 lbs.
Lure Weight3/8-1 oz
Rod Weight4.5 oz
Pieces1 Piece

TFO is our favorite in the baitcasting rod category as well. It is a well priced quality rod that is built to last. The 7″ Pro Series casting rod provides the versatility of being able to cast lures as low as 3/8 oz which means you can toss a weightless wacky rig if you want as well as a weightless Texas rig.

You wont regret this purchase if you’re looking to pick up or upgrade your current casting rod set up for weightless senkos.

13 Fishing Defy Black Baitcasting Rod – Best Priced Casting Rod

13 Fishing Defy Black Baitcasting Rod

13 Fishing Defy Black Baitcasting Rod

$59.99 Buy Now Disclaimer – This website uses affiliate links and get a small commission at no additional cost to you.
Price$59.99
Rod Length6’7″
PowerMedium–Heavy
ActionFast
Line Weight12–20 lbs.
Lure Weight3/8–1 oz.
Rod Weight10 oz.
Pieces1 Piece

The 13 Fishing Defy Black series is our budget pick again. A great price for a good solid stick. It’s durable and can handle any lure from 3/8–1oz. The action of the rod is a true fast action and it’s sturdy enough to handle the hardest of hook sets.

If you’re looking for a great budget rod to throw around some weightless senkos this is the one. You can throw wacky rigs or weightless Texas rigs no problem.

Dobyns Sierra Series 7’0” Casting Bass Fishing Rod – Premium Casting Rod

Dobyns Sierra Series 7’0” Casting Bass Fishing Rod

Dobyns Sierra Series 7’0” Casting Bass Fishing Rod

$179.99 Buy Now Disclaimer – This website uses affiliate links and get a small commission at no additional cost to you.
Price$179.99
Rod Length7’0″
PowerMedium–Heavy
ActionFast
Line Weight10–17 lbs.
Lure Weight1/4–3/4 oz.
Rod Weight5 oz.
Pieces1 Piece

The Dobyns’ Sierra is the Cadillac of this list of casting rods. This 7ft. medium–heavy rod is a true fast action. It’s light as a feather and able to handle lures from 1/4–3/4 oz. Pairing this up with a good reel will make for great fishing.

If you’re looking for a premium rod and budget is not an issue, the Dobyns’ Sierra is our favorite on the list.

Best Senko Rod

Whether you’re looking for a spinning rod or casting rod we know you will be able to find the right rod for you from this list. A good rod for weightless senkos provides the versatility to fish a stick bait as a wacky rig or as a weightless Texas rig.

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