These Are Trash! I Can’t Recommend These Fishing Tackle Items.

These pieces of fishing tackle did not cut it for me. I might as well toss them in the trash. Have you tried them?
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LINKS TO BAITS DISCUSSED IN THIS VIDEO:
1) Phenix Weighted Insert Swimbait Hook - www.tacklewarehouse.com/Pheni...
2) Freedom Tackle Rubber Peg Stoppers - www.tacklewarehouse.com/Freed...
3) VMC Weedless Neko Hook - www.tacklewarehouse.com/VMC_I...
4) Rear Weighted Neko Nail Weights - www.tacklewarehouse.com/Carol...
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I was born and raised in Chicago, but after working 12 years in the financial Industry regulating the futures and options markets at the CME/CBOT I decided to pursue my passion fishing professional tournaments and left my full time corporate job. At that point, I moved to Junction City, WI with my wife Sara and two boys Hank and Duke. I've been fishing professionally since 2011 and full-time since 2015. I've qualified for seven MLF Championships and won over a half million in tournament winnings at the professional level.

[@heinrichkellogg7563]

🍺Giving personal reasons why particular baits/products fall short is much more valuable information to me than someone telling me they love a particular bait/product but then not backing it up with any reasons why they like it.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Right on

[@joshualangham107]

I agree this is a very valuable video a lot of times we spend so much money finding out what products we don't like before finding the ones we do

[@Bassrespecter]

I tend to stick my peg-it’s through the bottom end of the bullet weight, especially when fishing grass. It eliminates the problem you mentioned, and also protects the knot especially with heavier punching weights

[@MattStefanFishing]

thanks for watching

[@garysinay3974]

I was going to say the same thing. You're putting the peg it in the wrong side of the weight.

[@michaelsmith8959]

Thats how their designed, have used that style sonce 2000

[@stephenperkins5644]

Rubberbands work well too and alot cheaper

[@phillamoore157]

Maybe I missed something with that peg product. I've never seen that before. What's the benefit of that product over a typical black bobber stop? I've been using those oversized black bobber stops for years with no problems. Can anyone using a product like this tell me the benefit to it?

[@royhutyra6091]

I use the rubber weight pegs you showed on occasion. But i insert it from the other end of the weight. It seems to protect the knot from the weight and I get it through the grass and muck easily. Keep all the info flowing, I know I learn something from every show....

[@MattStefanFishing]

thanks for sharing

[@shawnriebe4547]

I love to see your honest reaction and advice. It would be great to see more of this! Thanks

[@MattStefanFishing]

You got it!

[@joelelias2556]

@@MattStefanFishinggreat!

[@garyong2499]

I always put the large end of the peg in the back of the weight and trim off the nose end of the peg, never thought about putting the big end in the nose, that would be annoying.

[@MattStefanFishing]

thanks for sharing!

[@barefootgrl]

thanks for being honest and not just trying to sell junk if you know what i mean

[@MattStefanFishing]

yep!

[@mountainbigbass]

Maybe you should try putting the rubber stopper in the other direction of the bullet weight. I think you might be putting it in backwards.

[@MattStefanFishing]

thanks for sharing

[@A1K3NFISHING]

He’s definitely putting it in the wrong way. Don’t even have to think about it. Lol

[@LowBrowFishing]

I just don't let the hook poke through the worm on a wacky rig. It's simple and works really good. I snag up a lot less often. Also, if you have an old broken jig lying around (or jig making materials, specifically a brush guard), take that brush guard off and thin it out a bit if you want. A swimjig brush guard works great for this. Take and heat (not melt) the ends of the brush guard until they can easily bend and hold that shape. Bend about 1/8 to 1/4 inch of the very end upwards and let cool. Take 5 minute epoxy and place a tiny dollop just below the line tie of your favorite wacky rig hook. Adhere the brush guard to the hook and let cure. Reinforce it with tape or fly string (or something similar). It works really good and I can custom build them how I want to.

[@MattStefanFishing]

good tips thanks for sharing!

[@depalebe]

I use the Peg it version of those Freedom pegs and I have always inserted them from the base not the tip. Try it and see if it works better. Thanks

[@MattStefanFishing]

i like the fat side up. the hold better.

[@robwilliams2265]

PLEASE PLEASE, keep doing these. One of my absolute favorite videos

[@MattStefanFishing]

thanks for the feedback

[@rippinlipsinc.2200]

VMC Crossover rings are the juice for me as a Co angler. Need the pliers for it to work.... VMC is a great brand,however,confidence is a better brand!

[@MattStefanFishing]

agreed.

[@edwardwicht5271]

G7 screw in nail weights have worked great for me. A very tiny drop of locktite gel glue on the tip of the nail that distributes along the threads as you screw it into the plastic holes the nail exceptionally well. Best I’ve found so far.

[@MattStefanFishing]

awesome!

[@travisbruno5964]

Matt those vmc weedless hooks are actually one of my favorites i use them in the sloppiest muck ponds in NJ and they always come back clean for some odd reason..i do agree with the material its a little flimsy and i have to bend every other cast but my hook up ratio is great

[@MattStefanFishing]

stick with what works for you. Im just not a fan

[@bmxking6582]

Fellow jersey Fishman here! I tried those vmc hooks as well since most weed guards seem too stiff and I felt like I missed alot of fish, so I tried the vmc and yes very flimsy and you have to fix them every cast. But I do seem to hook every fish that bites with them. Gotta creep them very carefully over branches because of how soft they are. Not a fan but not a fan of any other ones either.

[@jdock32778]

I totally agree Travis.👍

[@whitebass16]

I love how honest you are about products. I agree 100% on the vmc weedless neko hooks and those nail weights.

[@MattStefanFishing]

thanks for sharing!

[@wolverinex4243]

Appreciate the honesty. I am always honest and get tremendous hate. The point is always to help and tell the truth. It's sad people cannot see this. To me, the art is more important than being nice or sounding good. I'd rather be hated for being right than being liked for pleasing people....you know the saying. Growth can only be had when we address these flaws.

[@MattStefanFishing]

agreed.

[@johnrayner5599]

Thank you for your honest opinion and for saving all of us some money and please keep doing these types of videos!!!

[@MattStefanFishing]

You got it!

[@dennisederer3594]

Your honesty is truly appreciated.

[@MattStefanFishing]

yep

[@kevingesme542]

Hey Matt, Once again, a well-done presentation. I've had the same problems with the VMC Neko Weed Guards. I believe the best are the Owner Weedless Sniper Neko Finesse hooks 1/0. They have the "titanium wire weedguards." The challenge is availability.

[@MattStefanFishing]

thanks for watching

[@chrishampton8842]

Very valuable info, keep em coming

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks, will do!

[@christiancognigni6234]

I agree on both the VMC products, the others were new to me. Nail weights need as much surface area to grip as possible and any weight hanging out will just help pull them free. I really like the screw-in idea from one of your recent videos... that's the best idea... better than glue which is what I've been doing.

[@MattStefanFishing]

thanks for sharing!

[@ronswinford4952]

You made good points on all of those. There is a company in Georgia that makes a neko weight that has a wire screw inside the ballhead. Just a screw sticks out of the ballhead and it works pretty well. Sometimes you have to play with it to get the ball straight with the head, but I seldom cast those out of the head of the worm.

[@MattStefanFishing]

interesting

[@mikeeller557]

Love this: Remember the weight with rubber in the middle of it, how many main lines popped wrapping around the lead. Thanks Matt

[@MattStefanFishing]

Great point!

[@steveholcomb9073]

Thank you for letting me know what not to get I see your point On these products especially the nail weights Have a blessed day love your videos

[@MattStefanFishing]

thanks for watching!

[@chrisboyd1408]

Very important as we rely on unbiased truth based on experience. This advice helps us save our hard-earned money as everything is getting more expensive.

[@MattStefanFishing]

thats my intent...but they are just my opinions

[@dannyyork1142]

Good video Matt!!!!! Liked it more, for a change of pace, and showing us fishing tackle before we buy, and have same issues. I mean 1st one is just total junk. I can work with vmc neko hooks, be kinda pissed but still salvageable. Slip weight peg pretty much junk to.

[@MattStefanFishing]

thanks for watching!

[@Ftworthbassman]

The peg you showed I have used as well. I however insert mine from the bottom of the weight and have the head of the peg underneath

[@MattStefanFishing]

stick with what works for you

[@scottvan6064]

Great content keep it coming , I would really like a tour of your tackle in the room.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Noted!

[@garyalexander5802]

Yes! I love VMC hooks but the weedless version is junk. It simply doesn’t work. So I cut the guards off and used the for neko and wacky where weeds are not a concern. I neko rig smallmouth in MN all the time and I use drywall screws. They have course threads and it dose not com out. The other thing I like is when screwed in there isn’t much head sticking out and being made of steel that flat makes a great ticking sound when it hits a rocky bottom. Did I say their cheap.

[@MattStefanFishing]

thanks for sharing!

[@MrJohnB-qs6dp]

Gret video!!! Thanks for sharing your thoughts!! I agree with the halfmoon weights. I can't tell you how many I lost and very disappointed. Stay Safe and God Bless!!

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks for sharing!!

[@08alexnyc]

I would hate to see the nail weights and weedless wacky hooks go to waste. Try this: *Wacky hooks: Hot water/boil water dunk, adjust the guard then quick freeze in ice water into desired position *Nail weights: Gene Jensen would take a lighter to the nail weights then insert them into the plastic bait, fusing them together.

[@MattStefanFishing]

thanks for sharing.

[@victorsimonsen921]

i glue my neko weights to the plastic that seems to cure that problem also use half of a split shot as a weight or a old jig with the bend on the hook snipped off as a weight. saves some money.

[@MattStefanFishing]

thanks for sharing!

[@88mph54]

Great video! To hear about the pro’s and con’s. Possible future idea videos have like 3-4 you like and why, then gave 3-4 you don’t like. I see all the tackle on the wall and shelves. You can go forever.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks for the idea!

[@mbeieler]

Great video, super helpful!! Keep em coming! 👍

[@MattStefanFishing]

will do!

[@theoutdoorsmantimg3450]

I put the peg it with the big end towards the back of sinker.cut off front end flush...hope that helps.

[@MattStefanFishing]

i prefer the fat tapered side up. the hold better that way

[@willtrax71]

I do enjoy the actual hands on reviews my Friend thank you and I’m certain it saves budget conscious Old Guys like me from wasting money on something that’s just sub Par and doesn’t work well. Semper Fidelis

[@MattStefanFishing]

Right on

[@kevinhenderson6485]

Thanks Matt for the heads up on what not to buy!

[@MattStefanFishing]

You bet!

[@mikemurphy8309]

I agree on that vmc weedless neko. I like the one without the weed guard better and I think it comes thru cover just fine when you rig your neko correctly. Hook isn’t the issue the guard is

[@MattStefanFishing]

thanks for sharing!

[@wolverinex4243]

As for nail weights, I would say super glue is your friend. I never rig my jighead with prongs. I cut the entire thing off at the head, then use a dash of super glue. I like the streamline look. To me everything is straight and perfect. Zero on the kink. It drives me nuts. I mean to say super glue is cheap and handy if you buy them Chinese super glue. Lol. It will save you a bunch of money for other things such as expensive-arse lures and petro. I must say I don't use nail weights as I don't use Neko rigs. I might use them for stuff like swimmybaits. I don't need a standing rig unless if it's a floating worm, which I don't hardly use either. Why when I can catch them hoping any plastic that will lay down. The laying down on the pause might just be the ticket. I mean any action/movement on the pause is good triggering action.

[@MattStefanFishing]

to many good options on the market to need one that uses super glue

[@samuelschult985]

Awesome video, I wonder if you have ever used rubber bands slid thru the back of the weight after having your hook tied on just pulling the rubber band with a short piece of monofilament thru the weight It's an amazing way of pegging your weight you can also use it for a Carolina rig if you don't have a swivel 👍

[@MattStefanFishing]

I havent but I have used skirt material to do something similiar

[@edpelkey7798]

Great video Matt! I shy away from VMC hooks 😮 For Weedless Wacky rig hooks Ichikawa’s Sasori is a good choice, sharp, wide gap, solid weed guard and camo hook 👍 Ichikawa also produces treble hooks designed by legend Rick Clunn

[@MattStefanFishing]

they do make good hooks!

[@DominusEstOK]

This is great. Thanks Matt.

[@MattStefanFishing]

you bet

[@richardmajewski3815]

Sounds like an opportunity to use your saved bobber stops on your weedless neko hooks to hold up the weed guard. If you like the concept and the hook it just might be the ticked to keep the weed guard in a position to work well. Just a thought.

[@MattStefanFishing]

agreed

[@kingtut1437]

Great job Matt, love your content. Really good stuff.

[@MattStefanFishing]

thanks!

[@tommymckiddy7872]

I probably wouldn't have purchased the off brand stuff, but VMC is pretty popular. Thanks for calling those products out.

[@MattStefanFishing]

just my opinions

[@stldavid]

I actually like the VMC Half Moon nail weights. I don't ever use the ones that are that big though. I'm using the half moon weights in more of a finesse application. For weedless wacky rig, I really like Gamakatsu G-Finesse Weedless Wacky hooks.

[@MattStefanFishing]

stick with what you have confidence in!

[@FreedomFishing]

Yeah that's more like a tube jig than a swimbait jig. Also more of a vertical offshore presentation than a horizontal retrieve. I'd do a belly weight for horizontal. Or a scottsboro swimbait head for offshore.

[@MattStefanFishing]

thanks for sharing

[@larryhayes6002]

Have the same issue with the VMC weedless neko hooks. Love the concept but the guards just do not make the grade. I get snagged more times using them because I end up throwing them in areas I thought I could but turned out I could not!

[@MattStefanFishing]

agreed

[@paullandenberger3437]

The Freedom Tackle pegs are made to insert from the hook eye side of the weight (or the bottom). Will actually set inside the weight.

[@MattStefanFishing]

thanks for sharing

[@Roboworm99]

That little Anthony was designed for LA Slider swimbait. Which was one of the earlier swimbaits made.

[@MattStefanFishing]

yep.

[@jeffyoung6231]

You mentioned marketing. I feel the longer I fish I’m seeing that the pros are there to make money. Period! Gerald Swindle is probably my favorite pro. His comedy and just his over all attitude. A few years back he talked about the jig he designed, the ballin out jig, because nobody makes what he wanted prior. I go out and buy every size and color because this guy knows his business. A year our two later, probably when the contract ran out he’s making his own with Boss jig heads and assembly them because nobody makes them like he wants? Aaron Martens advertised “Cooks Go To” Tackle organizers. When his contract ended he made a video of how he made his own tackle organizer. I know this story from the man that makes Cooks Go To organizer. I’ve learned that if the pros are on the payroll I put very little stock in their product. I trust the beginner KZbinr that doesn’t have sponsors and just getting started. The ones buying the product themselves and trying them out. The worse I got taken buy pro was the Concept Z every pro it seemed like was pushing these things on how good they were. I never seen an orange reel in ant of their hands during a tournament. I bought 6 thinking this many pros can’t be wrong.

[@MattStefanFishing]

there are lots of salesman in fishing...i like to see people catching fish with baits

[@chundle09]

Thanks for sharing matt. Those neko weights can be key. I use super glue but my buddy was using a neko weight that went all the way in and I wasn’t and I think the extra sound of the weight on the bottom was getting bites

[@randomschmo5778]

Good point. I was thinking that the exposed head one would provide better feel b/c the weight is making direct contact with the bottom/structure etc.... just superglue it right before sliding in to hold in place? But it's prolly personal preference from person to person.

[@MattStefanFishing]

i think there are a lot of better options that dont require super glue IMO

[@secretbassrigs]

the cost savings and convenience of pouring your own Neko weights makes up for adding super glue. Do-it mold versions are identical to the VMC Neko weights. I also like to do lots of other secret things with them. Chopping the heads off the heavier weights is very common for me. I very rarely use the heavier Neko half moons, if I do its not for neko rigging.

[@randomschmo5778]

@@secretbassrigs -- Great handle.. DITTO

[@tucowept]

I think that little anthony weighed hook was made for a swimbait called the LA Slider that isn't made any more, you could change the weight.

[@MattStefanFishing]

yeah thats why i dont like it being sold as a universal swimbait hook

[@twiggsherman3641]

.177 caliber pellets. I ran out of nail weights one time and had those in the car from having my son out shooting his pellet gun. The pointed ones push down in the worm nice and easy, and because they're cupped, it's easy to push two or three in a row, depending on how much weight you want. Plus a box of 200 is cheap.

[@MattStefanFishing]

thanks for sharing!

[@erichildreth7562]

On those VMC worm weights I wonder if you took a dye from a tap and dye set and cut some course threads on the end on the shaft so that way you can screw these weights in. Just a thought and this is a great video, thanks for your feedback!!

[@MattStefanFishing]

could work!

[@johnhanley8708]

I use serrated nails in different sizes and lengths with flat heads, and it works great and very very cheap

[@MattStefanFishing]

good to know!

[@mattmitchell9298]

The Freedom pegs... the disk with the slot goes on the base of your weight. Feed it in from bottom, and trim flush with the top of the weight. You will love it!!

[@bassboat1]

I'd agree, except they appear to be too small in diameter for Matt's weights. I use the original larger Peggits (from the bottom), and they snug up fine - just have to clip the top and bottom off.

[@MattStefanFishing]

I prefer to have fat tapered end up as they hold better. In this case theyd be fine if I could only pull part way through the hook and then cut off both ends.

[@dangerdave22]

I totally agree with you on that VMC wacky worm hook. I've tried them and the plastic weed guard just sucks. It's useless.. 🤣😂

[@MattStefanFishing]

thanks for sharing

[@BobbyBalsaRNM]

I wish more pros would do videos like this! Probably have a room full of garbage that I will never fish. For me... I cut the hook off old, or sometimes new, Z-Man ned heads for neko weights. The ones they sell are just that. Thanks Matt!

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks for watching!

[@BobbyBalsaRNM]

@@MattStefanFishing EASILY my favorite fishing channel... and I watch A LOT! Keep up the great content. I think you're going to have a big year on the tourney trail!

[@secretbassrigs]

When I used them, the first thing I would do is break the bait keeper off the hook. They're so annoying when you catch a fish and your worm is twisted out of shape. It's so difficult to get them straight again without tearing up the worm when the keeper is still on. Always having super glue became a necessity at that point. Now I just pour my own.

[@treymorey]

Yeah the peg it stoppers I definitely use it the other direction and don’t have problelms

[@MattStefanFishing]

they hold better if you go fat side up

[@richardbossman9875]

Specifically for Neko rigs I use the Swagger Tackle Pagoda weights because the have aggressive cones/ridges that hold them in and hold them in all day. I put a lot of snap and drive into my casts because I’m primarily a shore fisherman and these have never come out, either because of fish or casts. There are now several brands that make a similar product but theirs was one of the first in this style and they are tungsten so if you leave the last cone exposed I feel like it makes just enough extra noise to increase the fish attracting distance.

[@MattStefanFishing]

thanks for sharing

[@Cochran53]

Love these types of videos.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Glad you like them!

[@davehuggins5777]

Great info, as usual. BTW, that bait wall behind you is getting pretty full, which means it's about time for another giveaway! 😉

[@MattStefanFishing]

haha!

[@Scottster_]

I've had success with the T-pegs when punching heavy weights. Bobber stop on top, slide peg thru bottom of weight. If the weight slides up the line the peg keeps the weight from sliding back down the line towards the hook. Eliminates the weight acting like a lure knocker on the hooked fish.

[@MattStefanFishing]

thanks for sharing

[@kennyg3192]

I have three of them Matt, they barely work on the tube, and I pinched a little bit of the tube for the eyelid to come out so I can tie onto it. It just doesn’t work I agree with you, the guy should’ve been more to the front like I swim bait a Hook

[@MattStefanFishing]

thanks for sharing!

[@richparks1966]

The Anthony Jighead salvage might be to use an exacto knife and cut a slit in the head plastic forward from the belly pocket to move the weight forward some, 50/50 it would work. The weedless wacky rig hooks might take a little lighter heat to pre soften the plastic at the eye before bending it up into place as it cools, it still looks pretty light.

[@MattStefanFishing]

thanks for sharing

[@kevinconrad7222]

Looks like the freedom ones are meant to be inserted from bottom of the weight says it in the product description on tw also says it’s wide like that to also protect the knot makes sense.

[@MattStefanFishing]

interesting. they hold better fat side up...

[@mattquinlan4629]

Ryugi weedless wacky hooks. Give em a try; I’ve never heard a person say they have regretted it.

[@MattStefanFishing]

yep they are decent

[@johndynneson662]

Gamakatsue Makes simple. Heavy wire guard hooks. I find works just as good as anything else cheaper. And you can manipulate the wire guard way you want it.

[@jasonbeckfishing]

That VMC hook I won't use for a wacky hook but works awesome for the Neko rig for me. VMC makes a wacky hook that is 100% weedless that I love. Also with the nail hook with a dab of glue you won't have any issues.

[@MattStefanFishing]

lots of other good options for nail weights that dont require glue

[@jonzimmerman798]

Great video. Helps me make good decisions with my dollars! Keep it up!

[@MattStefanFishing]

glad to help!

[@gibby9209]

On the VMC weedless neko hook, slide a used bobber stop up the hook shank and glue it up against the weed guard to keep it in a better position. My new favorite hook is the Ichikawa weedless Mukade neko hook.

[@MattStefanFishing]

thanks for the tip!

[@gibby9209]

@Matt Stefan Fishing Actually came about from your video about all the great uses for bobber stops. Thanks for the great videos!

[@bassmedic]

for a neko ball weight 3rd eye fishing makes a good one. they are screw locks like on some swimbait heads.

[@MattStefanFishing]

thanks for sharing

[@farrzmd3038]

I agree with the vmc seedless neko hook. The fiber guard is useless but the hook is good. I still use them because I found them on sale and then in the discounted bin buy 5 get 5 free. So on sale plus 5 free.

[@MattStefanFishing]

thats a good deal

[@curtissmith1559]

When it comes to nail weights I've actually switched to just using a 1 inch metal drywall stud screw. It has a button type head and gives my worm some really great action and the head is the same dimension as a rubber worm. Try it you won't be disappointed.

[@MattStefanFishing]

thanks for sharing

[@08alexnyc]

Brilliant! I keep 1 inch round-head zinc sheet metal screws in various diameters in my tackle box. They are cheap and the zinc surface will not rust as quickly as steel

[@curtissmith1559]

@@08alexnyc exactly, they don't come loose or fall out also a plus is that if you bounce them down a fallen tree they nock against the wood and attract fish. Love them.

[@08alexnyc]

@@curtissmith1559 I'm interested in using the "Gene Jensen" method: Taking a lighter to the nail then inserting it into bait, fusing them together. If you tried this, let us know how it works.

[@joeypanel1493]

Love the vmc halfmoon, 1 drop of super glue problem solved...

[@MattStefanFishing]

understood but to many good options on the market that dont require super glue IMO

[@joeypanel1493]

First comment I've made on a pros page/video and got a response... I appreciate you and your opinion

[@SponsoredByMeFishing]

Marketing got me too on the VMC weedless neko hook. They're trash. I ripped the mono keeper off completely and just used the hook.

[@MattStefanFishing]

thats what i do

[@brandonsmith606]

I am also looking for the all illusive weedless wacky hook. Vmc makes the other one that has the closed off wire keeper and I lost a huge fish to that one. I've recently bought a couple other offerings including the Decoy and the Owner jungle wacky. I heard good things about the Decoy from the tactical guys so this spring we'll find out. Oh and almost forgot, I like this content and believe it is a way to get more viewers to engage. 👍🏻

[@MattStefanFishing]

thaks for sharing

[@acon2834]

Regular old Eagle Claw weedless hooks work for me. Very durable, good hookups

[@MattStefanFishing]

thanks for sharing!

[@187bootleg]

Funny you mentioned those VMC hooks. I just cut the guards off mine.

[@MattStefanFishing]

me too

[@kevinwolfe4632]

Ryugi makes an amazing wacky hook with super thin wire guard. Super strong hook as well..

[@MattStefanFishing]

ill check it out

[@davideakin3372]

I’m all JDM hooks at this point and I’ll never switch back. I use Nogales ringed EWG hooks and ryugi wacky hooks and I land so many more fish with these than I did using TroKar

[@bigrywhat]

I’ve not found any weedless wacky/neko hook that I like. The Gamakatsu weedless wacky is about the best one I found but even that one leaves room. But on the subject, I just tied on a wacky shot. Looking forward to throwing it soon. Maybe a weedless version TBA?

[@MattStefanFishing]

best of luck

[@rileymcgill9893]

I actually like the weed guard because It's soft and my line doesn't get wrapped around it at all. Other brands guards wrap around your line and if you don't notice they can fray or break your line imo. Maybe I'll try the vmcs with no weed guard and see how much more weedless they actually are. If they come thru cover just as well maybe I'll switch to the standard neko hooks and possibly get better hook ups. Thanks for the video

[@MattStefanFishing]

thanks for sharing

[@KayleeG0]

I totally agree with the Neko weedless hooks. VMC usually makes great stuff but these are garbage. Awesome video Matt!!! Keep up the great work

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks! Will do!

[@Between_the_numbers]

😅 I am absolute beginner for bass fishing but I brought those wacky rig hooks and thought they were stunting my hook up success

[@MattStefanFishing]

Bummer

[@bassngal3314]

Agree with you on those vmc!

[@MattStefanFishing]

thanks!

[@jefferyholland]

My solution to the Nico rig weight problem has been to save all of my old ned rig hooks and cut the hook section off and use head for my nico weights. The barbed head keeps them from flying off best of all they are freeish.

[@MattStefanFishing]

thanks for sharing

[@ukstorm2727]

Aaaaaaand Phoenix baits going out of business J/K lol , I'm right with you on the nail weights, I have switched to the Zman neko shroomz, they are made to stay on elaztec but works great on other plastics , I do use the VMC weedless neko hook , I think a neko rig is kind of weedless in itself so I'm not too worried about the flimsy weed guard

[@MattStefanFishing]

haha!

[@freddiecade8994]

On the neko 10:47 I take a cheap crappie hook and cut the hook off at the bend and they have decent bait keepers

[@MattStefanFishing]

thanks for sharing!

[@Ryan55]

Try the peg it from the bottom side of the weight 🙂 5:37

[@MattStefanFishing]

i prefer to go fat side up. they hold better that way

[@bmxking6582]

I was looking for heavier nail weights to fish neko baits 25ft+ and I'm sorry I can't remember the brand but they are a button head or whatever that style is called but has course threads to thread it into the plastic. They hold great and having the metal head showing allows you to feel bottom better when deep similar to the feel of a ned head.

[@MattStefanFishing]

sounds great!

[@terrytresemer2864]

Haven't tried any of what you've listed, nor shall I now. Thanks! I tend to study things like that and normally pass them up. Like that spinning reel that had a trigger, I didn't bite. Snowing yet? It looks like it might be.

[@MattStefanFishing]

on the verge of getting 7 inches of snow

[@1MoreFish]

Great video Matt

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks!

[@plumbplumb458]

Z-MAN has the best neko weight but it only works good with Z-MAN baits. Which in my opinion is the best plastics to use

[@MattStefanFishing]

thanks for sharing!

[@dwheeler016]

Thanks

[@MattStefanFishing]

No problem

[@pogoshad990]

I enjoy these. Any bargain bin baits that have excelled for you over the years?

[@MattStefanFishing]

good topic!

[@retflo2583]

Your tackle wall is wonderful...

[@MattStefanFishing]

thanks!

[@danthompson4879]

Brother Matt, Great movie!!! Maybe do a "3 Up, 3 Down" series. Sounds like it'd be marketable.

[@MattStefanFishing]

I like it!

[@texoma_outdoors]

Lazer trokar hooks just didn't work for me. I tried them and lost or missed a ton of fish. I ended up mailing them all to a buddy in Florida who loves them and went back to my trusty mustad.

[@MattStefanFishing]

thanks for sharing!

[@darylnicholas4601]

I like those pegs much like others who commented, I do believe they are meant to be inserted through the bottom, hence the groove. No point in having this on the top. Still I rarely use a bobber stop unless I'm flipping and pitching heavy cover.

[@MattStefanFishing]

stick with what works for you

[@mikek3638]

For the first swimbait hook/weight, seems like it's the car part ideal i.e. it was made for a specific make/model/brand, which stinks for general applications. For the peg it rubber stop, is it supposed to go through and then cut the head off or is the head supposed to stay on? For the weedguard hook, I go texas rig, or nothing at all, but that weedguard looks very weak and useless. Seems nail weights should have barbs or some deterrent from coming back out. It's not adhered to the worm, so there should be a mechanism that prevents it from popping out, Even a hole for a toothpick would be cool. Nice video. I'd like to see more of these types of videos. I know I appreciate it but I think every day anglers appreciate opinions of people who fish more frequently and fish for a living. Also, do you provide emails or reviews to the manufacturers on these product faults/improvement ideas? I know it takes time, but sometimes you'd be surprised at their responses. I heard back from strike king on a suggestion and I'm just an average Joe.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks for he feedback. I have in the past but not recently. it is a good idea to do so.