what lb test to use for weightless rig?

I fished a Senko exclusively for about 8-12 months and here is what I've gathered from my own personal experience.

1) T-rig

Fish them on a 3/0 or 4/0 EWG hook t-rigged weightless. I generally use 10 - 14 lb flouro leader (length not too much a factor here but generally starting with 6') with braid.

Hook should be texposed, knot hidden in top of senko.

After a cast, I'm watching the line the entire time. Obviously like any other line watching technique you are seeing if they get it on the fall (movement follows). If they don't get it on the fall I'll either do a quick pop of the rod tip to lift it at least 6" off bottom or I'll do a very gradual rise of the rod tip which will float it towards you in a more gentle manner.

Waiting games from here on out when you repeat this all the way back to you. I've had fish follow it and take it when it gets close so yes I work it all the way.

I'll also do a very slow drag (especially during warmer weather and during spawn) along the bottom. I won't even reel sometimes, just dragging the rod tip in a sweeping manner moving the Senko 6-12" each time, with a 4-5 sec pause after. This is deadly when you come across some submerged grass or a brushpile! Sometimes I'm looking for my Senko to get snagged a bit and you can do small pops and jerks where it looks like its either feeding or trying to escape and when it finally pops loose BAM!

2) Wacky

I think wacky has a time and place but it's not my preferred method of fishing a Senko. I use VMC wacky hooks with the weedguard and no nail weights no lead.

I start out the same after a cast letting it fall on slack line and do my pops but I'm generally working this much slower in a YoYo manner.

I've had times where the fish want something faster and aggressive so the popping the rod tip with faster jerks will cause a bigger commotion.

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My rod setup for this is Falcon weightless worm 6'8" MH rod, 20lb braid, 10-14lb flouro leader, 6.4:1 reel.

I don't think it's really necessary to use spinning for Senko's and I can still skip them all day long if need be.

Biggest thing I noticed for myself and Senkos is be patient, watch your line, and let the bait do its thing. If you get a chance to watch how it falls you will appreciate the subtle squirm of that tail and that is what drives fish crazy.

Good luck!

does mono really make it fall that much slower?

How many folks actually work the senko all the way back? If so, doesn't it take 5, 7, 10 minutes? And are you getting strikes along the way?

I've caught several on weightless wacky senkos, throwing to a specific fishy spot. Most strikes are on the fall. Only a few fish have come during the retrieve.

And I can only count one fish landed on a Texas-rigged senko. Maybe I'm doing it wrong or just throwing wacky more often.