Trying to purchase an ideal weightless senko set up. I think I am going to use a Shimano Citica for the reel and spool it with 12 pound fluro, mono, or co polymer. For the rod I am trying to decide between a Skeete Reese 7' Senko/Toad, St. Croix Mojo, or something else? I like the split grip sensitivity of these rods, but was wondering if I could get mroe bang for my buck elsewhere? I am maxing the price to around $120ish and if I can find something of quality for less, all the better! Other ideas?

Try the Dobyns Savvy 733c rod(its a bit over your budget0 with a 7.1 Daiwa Exceler reel. The faster retrieve is a great asset when throwing this setup. I use line size from 10-17lbs depending on where I am throwing it. I use a regular 4/0 EWG hook normally but if I want a faster fall I will use a super line EWG.
This same setup(but with the 733c Champion rod) on 10lb line got one around 9lbs or so in the boat a week ago.

Thanks for the response Mark, and if you may I have a few questions: What benefit does a "burner" reel provide to casting weightless softplastics? Is it just the ability to take up line quicker when the fish takes the bait? Also what makes the Dobyns rod you described more ideal than those I listed for working a senko?

I have a 6'9 Carrot Stick with a 7.1 Daiwa reel and 15 pound Seguar InvisX with a 3 or 4 ought light wire hook. I use to use a 5 ought hook but you need something that will penetrate and 5/0 are to thick sometimes.

I like the ability to take up slack faster as well as getting the fish turned and headed back to the boat quicker when throwing into heavier cover. Just yesterday evening I was throwing a soft stickbait into buckbrush and a few fish were trying to bury up into it. As far as the rod I think it has plenty of backbone without being too stiff and has a very good tip which helps with casting accuracy and feels more responsive. The tip feels "alive" if that makes sense and transmits subtle strikes well. Just my opinion solely though and others may feel different but the 733c just seems made for this type of fishing. In addition once you feel how balanced that rod is you will be impressed. It just feels right.

Thanks again for that detailed response. I'll check into them.

To the post above, I have heard about a 50/50 split over carrot sticks to make me slightly leary to going above my price range on such a loved/hated product. I take it you must love the one you have? I do like the feel of them, I just have heard they are easily breakable and poor customer service/warranty when this occurs...

No problem. No matter what brands you choose just go with what feels best to you. That technique is a 'feel' deal so your comfort level with your gear will help you catch more.

I like the Falcon Lowriders for the $120ish price range. You might check them out.

I use a Falcon Cara T7 Weightless rod paired with a Revo SX-HS.Once you get the reel set, it cast great in windy conditions and as mentioned, the 7.1:1 ratio lets you get the slack out in a hurry

Falcon Lowrider weightless worm rod...great rod for this application in your price range. I used that combined with a 7.1:1 Revo STX and it's one of my favorite combos to use.

Anyone know the price or quality of All Star rods? I was on their site and thought this rod model ASR794C Soft Plastic/Jerk Bait 6'7" 1 A 1/16-3/8 6-12 Extra Fast MH might serve my purpose if the price was right...

Also now I am second guessing my reel choice, will I be making a mistake if I go with the 6.3/1 Citica? I liked its price, feel, and light weight, but that wouldn't mean a thing if it didn't perform optimally.

Falcon Lowrider - model LFC-7-17 matched with a Revo STX-HS 7.1:1. 12 or 15 lb fluoro

+1 on the falcon Lowrider weightless worm

I know many disagree but I much prefer a spinning reel for weightless senkos.

I certainly don't diagree. The only thing I throw weightless on casting gear is a grandebass rattlesnake.