Hawaiibassfishing Forum

Several people have ask about the lures and tackle we use.

That's the strange part.... We use lighter tackle, smaller lures, and a different retrieve than most fishermen. Our peacock bass average about 2 pounds. The fish we caught were from 2 1/2 to 4 pound size. They were feeding on small shad so we used small lures.

The 2 inch, white, Senko is by far the best. It's weedless and can be fished in close to the grass without hanging up every cast. The 1/8 ounce gold CastMaster works in open water. Now here's the secret. Cast right up against the shore, lift the rod tip, and reel just fast enough to get the lure at the surface of the water and making a nice "V" wake. No twitching or jerking.... just a nice steady, straight, retrieve.
Chris likes ultra-light spinning rods (2 to 6 line), a Shimano reel and 4# test Maxima monofiliment line.

For fly rods, we have the Sage, 9 foot, 4 piece travel rods in the 5wt size.
We now have the new Sage, "Bluegill" and "Smallmouth" rods and just love them. Same thing with the flys... a nice steady stripping retreave and the fish will set the hook for you.

The peacock bass charge the lure from several feet away pushing up a wake like a torpedo. Don't flinch, don't stop reeling, don't set the hook.... just a nice steady retrieve... and hang on. Don't worry, the fish will set the hook.

Texas rigged Senko and a CastMaster


Love those 2 inch Senkos.


Assorted small flys for Peacocks and Red Devils.

I wanted to try the your 2" senko rig for some time since it is
good at topwater and looks good as a weedless lure.
But I can't find them at cabelas, basspro, and other sites I googled.
Where do you purchase the 2" senkos and what size hook do you use.

Thanks for your sharing your knowledge (secrets) and see
you on the waters soon. The cloudy weather has kept me away
from the lake ( I melt when it rains).

I think we're going to have to call the Gary Yamamoto factory direct. I don't think they make the 2 inch ones any more. They were made for the Japan market and never really cought on here in the US,

I just bought some 2" Senkos from his website. https://store.baits.com/xcart/home.php I guess they don't have the cream white Senkos anymore but they do have gold pearl white which may work as well if not better!

Bass pro sells them its called stiko and 3 inch but the funny thing is I got a couple 2 inch senkos from someone I met on the lake and its the exact smae size and a lot of colors and cheap shipping. I think its 3 dollars for 20.

Looks like Fisher Dude is right on the money. Here they are:

http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_-1_10001_95619____SearchResults

You can still get 2" senkos from Gary Yamamoto's on-line store. Only in red or gold/pearl. The gold/pearl works as good as the white. They're listed in the close out section.


https://store.baits.com/xcart/product.p ... 258&page=1

Thanks for the overwhelming support to my inquiry.
You guys are really on top on lure information.
I will check out all the sites you mentioned and order
tomorrow.
Good fishing!

I wonder if you could cut one regular 6 inch plastic worm.....
into 3 equal pieces?????
Not a fat 6" Senko, but a regular worm.

How about tying up some San Juan worms with white chenille? Or even pearl sparkle chenille?

Not a problem with the flys.....