I use Yam but mostly Bass pro Stick O they have a 30 pack. I lay the bait on a hard surface on the boat and rub it back and forth to LOOSEN it up some. Seems to help. Also feed the hook down closer to the middle area of the bait to help it fall level and shake the tail a little. Doing good right now very shallow.

The closest thing I've found to the Yamamoto is the Wave Tiki Stick Super Soft Pro. They're pricier than the regular Tiki Stick but not quite as pricey as the Yamamoto. They also tear up pretty easy but they catch fish so take the good with the bad.

Are kinamis still available? If so where?

Haven't seen it mentioned, but Net Bait's Salt lick is is a lot more like a Yamamoto than BPS or Yum brand. They are tad thinner, and therefore not as heavy but they are all I have been using since I ordered the first back. Slightly more durable than Yamamoto and cheaper at about $.40 each.

For what it's worth...4 of the 6 DD's I've caught in the past year came on "senko style baits", and they weren't Yamamoto.

I also don't understand how people complain about how SOFT PLASTIC baits only last "one fish". In this case, unless you're buying the expensive, $7 per bag baits, you're paying .20 to .50 cents for a stick bait.

Not sure about you, but I'd pay 50 cents to catch a fish, especially on tournament day.

Wave Tiki Sticks original for all around and durability. The Super Soft Pro Series for those that fish them weightless and want more castability as a result of the extra weight (more salt). Durability still good but a little softer then regular Tiki Stick.