I've got a bunch of the 4-inch "salty trick sticks" and have caught quite a few bass with them.ChrisB wrote:They look like a knock off yum dinger to me. Nothing wiggles/falls like a senko tho.
HOWEVER, they aren't senkos. They are 1 gram lighter, don't have the same wiggle, sink more slowly, and have a strong plastic smell.
If you pull one apart and take a close look at the "guts", you won't see nearly as many salt crystals as you'll see in a senko. This explains all of the differences -- except the smell. Gary Yamamoto uses a patented process that infuses his baits with twice as much salt as the off-brands. The higher salt content increases density and I think bass actually like the taste, which makes them hold on longer. Unfortunately, it also increases the odds that they will swallow the bait if you don't set the hook as soon as you feel a bite.
The biggest advantages of senko off-brands are cost and durability. Average cost is less than half, and they last a VERY long time.
Bottom line: I use both. When bass are hitting senkos big-time and have shredded a half-dozen senkos in 30 minutes or less, I'll switch to the salty trick stick, still catch lots of fish, and save some moolah. :money:
When bass are being finicky, I seem to have better luck with the original senko. :rambo:
Your mileage may vary...