Yamamoto Plastics: Worth The Premium Price?

are yamamoto plastics worth the extra money

Gary Yamamoto Custom Baits is one of the oldest and most well-known brands in fishing soft plastics. The company was founded in 1983 by Gary Yamamoto, a Japanese immigrant and Arizona campground owner with a passion for sport fishing. Yamamoto's baits are known for their innovative designs and meticulous hand inspection, ensuring quality. The Yamamoto Senko, in particular, has become an iconic soft plastic bass fishing stickbait, known for its effectiveness in catching fish. However, some anglers debate whether Yamamoto's baits are worth the extra money, citing concerns about their durability and cost.

Characteristics Values
Durability Some users complain about the durability of Yamamoto plastics, saying they are too fragile and tear easily.
Cost Yamamoto plastics are considered expensive by some users, who say they are not worth the price given their durability.
Effectiveness Yamamoto plastics are considered effective at catching fish, with some users saying they are the best option available.
Alternatives Users suggest that cheaper alternatives such as Yum Dingers, Berkley, and BP Stick-Os are just as effective at catching fish.

shunpoly

Yamamoto baits are effective but get destroyed easily

Yamamoto baits are known for their effectiveness in attracting fish. The Yamamoto Senko, in particular, is considered the original soft plastic bass fishing stickbait, and its design has popularized the use of incredibly effective soft plastics in fishing. The Senko has become so iconic that its name has become synonymous with soft stickbaits in general.

However, despite their effectiveness, Yamamoto baits have been criticized for their lack of durability. Some anglers have expressed disappointment with the durability of Yamamoto plastics, claiming that they tear easily and are fragile. The soft nature of the plastic, which allows for more wiggle and increases the likelihood of bites, also makes the baits more susceptible to damage. This can result in frequent replacements, increasing the overall cost of fishing.

One way to mitigate the issue of durability is to use a wacky rig or other protective measures. For example, using electrical wire shrink wrap or worm protect tubes can help extend the life of the bait. These additional steps can add protection to the hooked area and allow for more casts before needing to replace the bait.

While Yamamoto baits are effective in attracting fish, their durability remains a concern for anglers. The need for frequent replacements due to tearing and breakage can be a significant drawback, especially considering the cost of the baits. As a result, anglers may need to balance the effectiveness of Yamamoto baits with the potential for higher replacement costs due to their lower durability.

shunpoly

Yamamoto senkos are expensive and not durable

Yamamoto Senkos are a type of soft-plastic fishing lure that has gained popularity among anglers due to its effectiveness in catching fish. However, some users have expressed concerns about its high price and questionable durability.

While Yamamoto Senkos are known for their ability to attract fish, with some anglers swearing by them, they are relatively expensive compared to other options on the market. For example, a pack of Senkos can cost around $6 to $10, which may not be a justifiable expense for everyone, especially considering the lure's durability issues.

The durability of Yamamoto Senkos has been a significant point of criticism. Some anglers have described them as having "the durability of a pool noodle," easily tearing and breaking down after just a few casts. This lack of durability can lead to frequent replacements, adding to the overall cost. Additionally, the salt content in the water can further accelerate the breakdown of the plastic, rendering the lures useless after a few uses.

To address the durability concerns, some anglers have resorted to using worm protect tubes and employing techniques like wacky rigging to prolong the life of the lures. While these methods can help, they also add to the overall cost and complexity of using Yamamoto Senkos.

In conclusion, while Yamamoto Senkos have proven effective in catching fish, their high price tag and durability issues are significant drawbacks. Anglers need to weigh the benefits of increased catch rates against the frequent replacements and additional expenses associated with using these lures. Therefore, it is essential to consider one's budget and tolerance for lure maintenance when deciding whether to invest in Yamamoto Senkos or explore more durable and cost-effective alternatives.

shunpoly

Yamamoto baits are good for wacky rigging

While some people believe that Yamamoto plastics are not worth the extra money, others swear by them. Yamamoto baits are good for wacky rigging, a simple technique that produces bass. The Yamamoto Senko is the best for wacky rigging. The wacky rig brings out a subtle wobble as the bait falls, and because the bait is a little heavier than other light worms, it can be cast farther. The best size for this bait is either 4" or 5". This bait works well on a weightless hook, as the light, subtle fall of the bait is effective in getting bass to bite.

The wacky rig is a popular method with a lot of different baits to use. The rigging is simple: put a finesse hook right through the middle of the bait. Some wacky rig hooks have a weight on them, some have weed guards, and some have both. The wacky rig can be used on a drop shot rig, a Carolina rig, or a Texas-style rig.

The new 5" Fat Senko is a good option for wacky rigging. This overweight version of the original Senko is 20% fatter in diameter, allowing it to cast better and further, sink faster, and show up better on Forward Facing Sonar. The extra weight makes it ideal for hunting bass. To focus on bass striking dropping lures, rig the Fat Senko weightless with an O-ring in the centre to wacky-rig it. A good hook choice for this is a #1 or #2 Gamakatsu Stinger Hook, or a #2 G-Finesse Weedless Stinger when fishing around weeds and other cover.

Another good option for wacky rigging is the Jackall Flick Shake Worm. This bait is very sensitive and wriggles with incredible action with just a breath on the worm. A good setup for this bait is a 1/8 oz wacky rig hook.

shunpoly

Yamamoto senkos are the original soft plastic bass fishing stickbaits

The Senko is a soft plastic stickbait that is designed to wiggle and shimmy as it falls, attracting more bites from fish. This is due to its soft, flexible plastic composition, which some users have likened to the durability of a pool noodle. While this softer plastic can be more prone to tearing, it is also less likely to miss bites due to the hook being obscured or not releasing from the worm.

The Senko comes in various sizes, including 3-inch, 5-inch, 6-inch, and 7-inch lengths, with the 6-inch design being particularly tempting for larger fish. The smaller 3-inch Zako, for example, is designed for anglers using smaller bladed baits. The Senko is also available in different thicknesses, with the Thin Senko being a thinner version of the original.

While the Senko has its fans, some anglers have expressed disappointment with its durability and fragility, especially given its higher price point. The Senko's soft plastic composition is more susceptible to tearing, and the salt in the lures can break them down quickly. However, others have found ways to extend the life of the Senko, such as using worm protect tubes and wacky rigging techniques.

shunpoly

Yamamoto baits are innovative and meticulously hand-inspected

Each Yamamoto bait undergoes meticulous hand inspection before leaving the factory, ensuring quality. With 2.5 million baits shipped annually worldwide, Yamamoto Custom Baits is one of the oldest and most well-respected names in fishing soft plastics. The company experienced significant growth in the '90s with the release of the original soft stickbait, the Yamamoto Senko, which quickly became one of the most iconic soft plastic baits in fishing. The term "Senko" has become so ingrained in the fishing lexicon that it is now synonymous with soft stickbaits in general, not just those made by Gary Yamamoto.

While some anglers swear by Yamamoto baits, others find them too expensive and fragile, with some reporting that the baits tear easily and are quickly destroyed. However, others have found ways to make the baits last longer, such as using worm protect tubes and wacky rigging. Additionally, some anglers believe that the softness of Yamamoto baits makes them more effective, as they wiggle more when floating down, enticing fish to bite.

Yamamoto baits are known for their innovation and quality, and the company's meticulous hand inspection process ensures that anglers can rely on their products for effective fishing. While some may find the baits expensive, others believe they are worth the investment, especially for competitive fishing or tournaments. Ultimately, the decision to purchase Yamamoto baits depends on individual preferences, fishing styles, and budgets.

Frequently asked questions

Yamamoto plastics are known for their durability issues, with some users reporting that they tear easily and are fragile. However, they are also known for their effectiveness in catching fish due to their soft and wiggly nature. The decision to purchase Yamamoto plastics depends on your specific needs and budget. While they may be effective, their durability should be considered before purchase.

Some alternatives to Yamamoto plastics include Yum Dingers, Berkley, and BP Stick-Os. These options are reported to be more durable and less expensive while still being effective for catching fish.

Yamamoto plastics are known for their ability to catch fish due to their soft and wiggly nature. The soft plastic allows for more movement in the water, attracting fish and resulting in more bites. Additionally, Yamamoto plastics undergo meticulous hand-inspection before leaving the factory, ensuring quality.

Written by
Reviewed by
Share this post
Print
Did this article help you?

Leave a comment