The reason Yamamoto Custom can charge what they charge for 10 baits is the essence of capitalism. Guys want ‘em so they pay the price.
But when the bass are shallow, I see the fish far less discriminating, as long as that “cigar” tumbles in their front window. Whether fished with a longer shank, Texas-style Sproat or wacky rigged with a short shank hook, the biggest difference between the original, heavy salt offering and most of the others (even homemade) is rate of fall.
And while many regard the fall as crucial to the bite (the ends or end quivering on descent) I’m really not sure that matters most of the time.
Of course, the Yamasenko is one of the most effective baits of all time, but bass are not nearly as selective in their last minute spring shopping, as say later in the year when they become summer chasers picking one 2-inch shad out of a translucent sea of millions. Going back to the original Dee Thomas doctrine: a shallow fish is a biting fish. I find them way less choosy now for that very reason.
But that doesn’t mean you can fish slow sinkers and fast sinkers the same way. You’re going to have to deal with physics, meaning a less dense plastic will fall slower and that requires you have to wait for it to get down–or at least flutter down.
If you want to fish at the same pace as you would with a 5-inch Senko, for example, then you may have to add as much as a sixteenth or perhaps 3/32s of an ounce of weight. That can come in the form of nail weights, an eye or gap-weighted hook, or even a 1/16th-ounce Mojo slip sinker. But you’ll need something.
I don’t think you can argue that the fish see the weight. I also think they see that 4/0 or 5/0 hook, and even the camo green wacky from Owner. But at this time of year, the fish really focus on the “meat” part of your offering. Whether it wiggles, leans, or drifts down the 36 inches or less of water you’re fishing, I think they’ll be okay with it. You find a good color and you’ll wear them out.
Now does that mean you can stop buying the real thing? No. But a lot of bites available on a given spring day have no strings attached: no entry fees, prize money or reputations involved. And if the fish should throw the copy (which means they bit it: hello!) you might even get your worm back.
And I’m afraid you can’t say the same thing about the bait from Page, Arizona.
LOTS of imitators, but only ONE original SENKO. The 4 inch, Texasposed on a Bite Me jighead (glued at the head)…. DEADLY. Gary Yamamoto is an original himself. I love that he still competes, and thoroughly enjoy his interviews and queueing in on some of the subtleties of what he talks about. That and his 3/4 oz footballhead jigs with a hula grub are my go to bait for BIG smallmouth on structure.