SUPER Weedless Neko Rig!
Use this easy technique to catch BIG BASS out of those dense brush piles.
The Neko Rig flat out catches fish. Lot’s of them! It’s Japanese originators used to call it “The lure that catches fish like a vacuum cleaner.” Bass just can’t resist it! There are numerous methods used to create a Neko Rig. A wide variety of plastics can be used and types of hooks as well. Traditionally, the Neko Rig is made up of a plastic worm, a weight, a drop shot style hook some type of collar to keep that hook on the bait.
As most of us know, those giant bass like to ambush from deep in a brush pile or under laydowns. Using this open drop shot style hook on the Neko Rig can easily hang up in dense cover. For this reason we are rigging up a “SUPER WEEDLESS” Neko Rig to get into those places utilizes an EWG worm hook. That’s right! A worm hook! I prefer the Trokar EWG hook as they seem to pin the bass better when hooked up.
Depending on the size of your plastic bait will determine the size of the hook you will use. One of my favorite plastics to use is the ZMan Fishing Products Big TRD. It is about 4 inches long and perfect for a bite size snack with those giants set up in the brush. A Kayakjak’s 1/8th oz. Neko Button Head weight inserted into the head of the worm works great. If you want a slower fall rate a 1/16th works just as well.
The video below shows how to rig up the weedless Neko rig.
If you wish to secure the hook so that the bait doesn’t turn on you a Kayakjak’s “Snyder Sleeve” heat shrink collar can be added. Be sure to place the collar on first above where you are going to place the hook and just slide it back over the hook eye after you pull the hook through the bait. Then heat up the collar with a heat source and it will secure your bait with the hook.
It’s a very simple adjustment and will get deep into the spaces of those hard to get to places below the surface. You have to react quickly though to get the bass out of there! Some anglers like to use braid in those heavy cover areas. You can still get away with fluorocarbon but you might want to go to a heavier line like 18 to 20 lb. Sunline Sniper which is very durable. The video clip below shows this bait in action.
Personally, I like to “cane pole” the lure into the heavy cover, dropping it slowly until it hits bottom. Most of your strikes will usually happen on the drop of the lure. A medium heavy to heavy rod is your best bet for getting those bass out quickly. It also works with punching mats. Just use a bigger Neko weight. Kayakjak’s can create these as well upon request. Be sure to always super glue the weight into the worm or you will lose one on just about every cast. The video clip below shows an example of using the “cane pole” technique from the kayak.
The next time you are out fishing and the bites are few and far between you might give this technique a try. You never know! Your next Master Angler bass might be your next catch!