The Pros ALL Use These Neko Rig Baits! Don’t Miss Out On Catching More Bass! 

I’ve been using the neko rig since 2018. I pretty much only use zman fattyz 5” in the deal color or bruiser with vmc Ike approved neko hook #1. Put a drop of super glue on the 1/16 or 1/8 weight. O ring along with zman elaztech makes this bait stand tail up and usually catch 10-15 bass per bait. Matt, try this combo on the Wisconsin river and I think you’ll be pleased. Seems to also get better bites. Bruiser seems to work better low light with the deal catching most of the fish. Smallies, pike, musky, walleye, catfish they all eat it.

I'm new to the Neko. Plan to maybe try it on Guntersville next week. My question has always been, why not just Shaky head? I have confidence in the Shaky so always just go for that when I think about the Neko. The thought I've had though, is I can easily switch between a wacky and a neko on the fly and on the same rod. As a kayak guy, that's important.

Neko is the Japanese word for cat. You, probably know it, but well, whatever.

Thanks for that life changing nail weight insertion tip! Here's one for you, solid brass wood screws are a cost effective alternative to the screw in weights.

I really like the netbait t mac and mag t mac for neko rigs. I also really like the zman fattyz and mag fattyz but elaztech and nail weights can get tricky.

If you like the Zoom Trick worm - you may prefer another worm that I find far superior for Neko fishing. It's the GrandeBass Airtail Wiggler. Looks exactly like the Trick Worm, but has an air bubble in the tip of the tail. I think the tendency with Neko fishing is to overwork the worm, because many will start upright but eventually fall flat on the bottom. The Airtail worm does not do that and will stay in the upright "feeding" position much better without having to constantly work it. Sometimes subtle movement or even soaking the worm gets the big bites.

Thanks Matt for sharing your great tips. I always appreciate your videos.

I love your tip on how to put in a nail weight...a typical guy would just cram it in the nose lol

Zman ticklers tube looking part on top no ring needed with elaztec. Imo of course. Keep hammering Matt

The Neko rig has taken the place of a shaky head for me. Since I love fishing a wacky rig I will use the VMC rings. I can swap from a wacky to a neko in a flash. I generally use a 1/0 Owner weedless sniper Finesse hook and my favorite baits are the Strike King Fat Baby finesse worm in green pumpkin and moon juice. After the spawn when they start moving deep I will go with a 3/0 Owner and a heavier tungsten nail weight and throw the 8" Strike King Bull worm in either green pumpkin or Red Bug. I usually throw that on my Medium Jerk bait Rod with 10 to 12 lbs fluro. I think this year though I am going to try the 1/8 oz wacky shot with the bull worm on bluff walls and see how that works.

I love and hate watching your videos Matt. Another fishing box!!!! “My wife in a few days”.

Great video Matt, I love your tip about inserting the weight, makes total sense to me and I wish I would have thought of this a long time ago, question… do you ever use these on a baitcaster or only spinning equipment? Thanks for your help.

Thanks Matt Do you change hooks between wacky and neko ?

I like the nail weight tip. I've never used them but at some point I probably will so it's good information to have. Thanks for the video 👍🏻

Do you use same baits for neko if you’re targeting smallmouth? Or would you rather throw a dropshot for smallies?

Great video. Have you ever tried a neko rigged craw

Good tips.. I love my Magnum Trick worms and 6" Generals. Definitely gonna try the mag hit worm. 👍

I used a zoom lizard on a neko rig last week to catch some bedding bass. those suckers hated that lizard coming on on them. nailed it on every cast.

I can’t think of any of the brands right now but what about the worms that float for this presentation ?

Cut tail worms are nice. I like the Jackall Flick Neko. The sky is the limit with baits you can use for this presentation.

Do you have standard weights you use for various depths? Do you think an o ring makes any difference on getting bites?

Do you use them differently under different situations? I love trick worm for my neko rigging. It gets bit and bigger ones like it too!

That magnum hit worm is the juice.

THANK YOU MATT GREAT INFO ON THE THE OLE NEKO RIG

Great tip on hook position. Thank you

🍺Thanks Matt🤠.

Thank you

Drewski gill is the neko master.

👍👍👍👍👍

Great tips! Have you seen the geecrack neko hack? I think that'll work a lot better than the rubber band. And possibly save you a few baits as well