FLW Reports - Neko Rig Basics | OutDoors Unlimited Media and Magazine

The Neko Rig is a relatively new phenomenon in the bass community. Basically, it is a weighted version of a wacky rig with a weight inserted into just one end of the soft plastic, giving the bait a unique action as it falls and allows it to stand straight up once it hits the bottom. The rig is quickly becoming a staple for many bass pros and weekend warriors alike for one reason – it puts fish in the boat.

So, if you’re new to the Neko Rig or just want to learn a little more, four FLW Tour pros helped give their thoughts on how, when and where they Neko.

When to Neko

According to Meyer, there is no wrong time to use the Neko Rig.

“It works year round to be honest, but it really excels when the fishing is tough and you can’t seem to get bit on anything else,” Meyer says.

Water clarity and structure are deciding factors for Meyer as to when he picks it up.

“It works great in clear water and stained water, but when the water is muddy there are better ways to catch them. I mostly use it in open water because it is much easier to fish with an exposed hook.”

How to fish it

FLW Tour pro Charlie Evans uses the technique often and says that the vast majority of his bites occur during the initial fall.

“I will pitch it around docks, riprap, and brush and let it fall to the bottom and watch my line for a bite,” Evans says. “Once on the bottom, the worm will stand straight up and they will often swim over and get it while it is sitting still.”

Evans prefers to let it fall to the bottom, then pause, give it a shake and then another short pause before reeling it back to repeat the process.

Noted finesse expert Cody Meyer agrees that many bites will happen as the rig makes its initial descent, but he often works his bait more on each cast.

“I will cast it out and let it fall all the way to the bottom and then keep it there,” Meyer adds. “I’ll make short hops with it, but maintaining bottom contact is the key.”