Does anyone use the smaller Senko-type worms rigged Wacky-Worm style for smallmouth? What tips do you have and where do you like to fish this type of rig? Also, what colors produce best?

SE

I won't go anywhere without my 5" sinking June Bug Gulp! I'm sure other colors produce (I've used white & yellow with some, but less, success in the BWCA) but that purplish color seems to work no matter what.

I've found they're excellent "mop-up" baits. We'll throw search baits until we catch a smallie, then I'll grab my "secondary rig" with a a Gulp on it & toss it into the same area. A lot of times it'll catch fish that are deeper, or less aggressive.

Our revelation was a few years ago on a border lake to the Quetico. It was October, we kept catching singles here & there, but they should have been schooled up. Finally we caught one & I asked my buddy to stop the boat. I drop the sinking Gulp over the side, & we caught 12-15 smallies in one small area in a half hour. My wrist started to ache from the little buggers powering towards the bottom. Now I always have a rod rigged for senko-type baits in the BWCA.

quote SouthernExposure: "Does anyone use the smaller Senko-type worms rigged Wacky-Worm style for smallmouth? What tips do you have and where do you like to fish this type of rig? Also, what colors produce best?..."

I was very excited about Senkos last year. I found this thread that gives a lot of details about them in the BW:
Senko thread

I tried them a few times in the BW and never caught anything. I think I just didn't give them enough time for me to learn how to use them.