I like to use a 6 1/2 foot, medium heavy casting rod and reel for this technique, with 12 lb test line in open water to medium cover, and 17lb test in heavy cover.  I pitch a 5 inch Senko near rocks and cover, paying careful attention to not causing a splash on the entry.  I let the worm sink on a semi-slack line, and watch the line carefully for any disturbance at all.  If the line moves, I set the hook!  If the line STOPS moving on the fall, I SET THE HOOK!  When a fish is on, I set the hook hard, after dropping my rod, pointing it toward the fish, and jerking straight up.

I've been successful with this technique in spring and summer, when the bass are in a slightly positive to neutral biting mood, and are looking for baits dropped vertically.  Senkos are especially strong on pre-spawn male smallies in 3-5 foot water.  I use a 5/0, wide gap, Gamagatsu hook, making sure that the worm is perfectly straight on the hook, rigged Texas style, and no weight.  I use a Palomar knot to tie on the hook.

Senkos cast great due to their being injected with salt, and the fact that they absorb water.  As you fish them, be sure to take care to ensure a splashless entry, since as bait becomes saturated with water, it tends to fall faster.  Fix this by adjusting magnetic and mechanical on your bait casting reel, by feathering the line with your index finger on a spinner reel,  and also raising your rod tip slightly more at the end of the cast or pitch.

Reiteration!   Be sure to watch for subtle strikes for bass!  They tend to take these baits very gingerly when they are in a negative to slightly positive mood, so be aware of what your bait is doing at all times!  Get used to what the line feels like at it drops without a fish, and set the hook on any anomalies!  Finally, I've had the most success on this bait by matching the color of the bait to the water color, especially in spring.

If you want more information regarding how to rig and fish Senkos, read this article where Gary Yamamoto explains how he likes to fish Senkos.  I don't know about that hookset technique, I guess I'll have to try it.  Also, I tend to use a larger hook than he suggests - 3/0-4/0 for the 5" Senko.  Hmmmm....