Unusual WACKY Rigged Baits You Need To Try!

These are not your typical wacky rigged baits, but they work great and you should try them!
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LINKSTO BAITS DISCUSSED IN THIS VIDEO:
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2) Zoom Magnum Trick Worm - www.tackleware...
3) Yamamoto Cut Tail Worm - www.tackleware...
4) Zoom Super Fluke - www.tackleware...
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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.

[@frankroberts1898]

Thanks!

[@MattStefanFishing]

Holy smokes! thanks so much!

[@FranklynAmps]

I've caught multiple 5+lbers on a Neko rigged strike king bull worm, still use the small hook that I would with a 5" senko, they just eat that big ole worm, a blast on 6lb floro

[@MattStefanFishing]

thanks for sharing!

[@emoutdoors5661]

I’ve found the Yum mighty worm, the mann’s jelly worm and any elaztec baits work great as a Neko because these all are buoyant enough to stand up and wave around when they get to the bottom. Unlike others that may just fall over flat. Makes them very realistic.

[@MattStefanFishing]

thanks for sharing!

[@bassnerd4918]

Manns jelly worm is my favorite neko bait.

[@midwestfischerman]

Regarding beaver-tail creature baits, I never considered how the Neko Rig centered hook position helps the bait glide down, GREAT OBSERVATION MATT! I suppose I use heavier Neko weights than you when Neko Rigging a beaver-tail. What I like about Neko Rigging creature baits is once on the bottom you can "scoot" the creature bait BACKWARDS in a manner exactly like fleeing crawfish.👍🏻 The bent in half flex of the beaver-tail plastic truly resembles scooting crawfish escaping backwards.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Glad it was helpful!

[@bradmccafferty7654]

Matt - Content like this is why your channel is one of the best! I can't wait to try the neko rigged fluke and beaver style baits....now I really can't wait for the warmer weather to arrive. I think I'll also try out some neko rigged tube baits. Thanks for sharing these creative ideas!

[@MattStefanFishing]

best of luck and thanks for the channel support!

[@LowBrowFishing]

The craziest thing I ever put on a wacky rig was a Mann's Jelly Worm. It actually caught fish, too! Although the fish it caught were smaller than the worm...much smaller. So, yeah....

[@MattStefanFishing]

i love the smell of a jelly worm

[@mattnash5159]

Matt your a Bass Fishing GURU

[@MattStefanFishing]

haha!

[@mickeybrowne6207]

I lobe throwing the bellow gill this way

[@MattStefanFishing]

awesome!

[@joee681]

Wow, this is kinda Eye opening, never even entered my mind, Thanks 👍👍

[@MattStefanFishing]

Glad it was helpful!

[@johno7435]

I really like fishing a Yamamoto D Shad Neko rigged but using the hook rigged like you do with the creature baits but with the hook attached using a VMC crossover ring. This allows the bait to last a bit longer and helps with the fall and retrieve. I have probably caught over 100 bass since December on the Neko rigged D Shad 👍

[@MattStefanFishing]

Very cool!

[@jjfig86]

Have to try the fluke tip! Thank you for the information! Looking forward to the next one sir!

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks for watching!

[@jeffniebanck6387]

Hey Matt , love your content. Something I’ve been doing. Clamp a split shot onto the clip side of a hitchhiker. screw in for your Neko. Stays in VERY well.

[@MattStefanFishing]

I like that! Im going to try that one! thanks for the tip!

[@douglasspickler4925]

I will definitely fish the fluke trick. Great idea. That's what makes you the tackle tinkerer. Thanks!

[@MattStefanFishing]

haha! thanks!

[@seizedcarcass8440]

I’ve used a 4 inch grub on a weighted wacky and destroyed fish. Usually they hit it hard and the jerk upward instead on the fall. Grubs don’t get the love they deserve.

[@MattStefanFishing]

grubs are great!

[@shadybanks8625]

Another great video Matt I seldom throw a shaky head anymore since the Neko is so versatile. One hook that surprised me was the OSP Scrum hook. It allows me to fish wood without being constantly hung up and the hookup ratio is still great.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Ill check it out!

[@stevencochran4274]

Hey thanks for giving matt that tip I checked this hook out I’m ordering some I tryed using vmc neko with floro keepers sort like this hook but this looks better thanks

[@Michdave700]

Thanks for the Scrum tip! I came across an OSP Japanese video that goes into detail on what they call the Cover Cat rig, like a Neko but with the weight at the front end of the worm. Looks interesting!

[@roberts.2413]

I like your tip on the scrum hook , looks like a winner.

[@Glock-1]

I use beaver baits neko rigged because it's the closest thing I've found to the old Flying Lure because it falls just like the flying lure did.

[@MattStefanFishing]

yes sir!

[@ThumperSpinnerbaits]

My favorite neko bait is a Missle Baits Quiver 6.5. For a wacky rig i usually go with a Zoom Trick Worm. The Beaver style bait and Fluke sounds like something I will be trying this year. Thanks for the tips Matt.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks for sharing!

[@kmerm_]

Great video you got here! Coupd watch your videos all dsy and never get bored. SO much information and i love it.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Glad you enjoy them!

[@WolverineXXXX]

This is thinking outside the box. This is what I do best. Great video Matt.

[@MattStefanFishing]

thanks!

[@harrymaiolo6719]

The fluke is interesting, i have often neko rigged a paddle tail swimbait like a keitech, but i can’t wait to try the fluke!

[@MattStefanFishing]

Good luck!

[@fish2much12]

I fish the max scent creature all the time. I swear fish try and swallow it 9 times out of 10! It is a confidence bait for me 💯

[@MattStefanFishing]

agreed!

[@snookcatcher1]

I'm going to go out on a limb and say that a hula grub would do well wacky rigged. I'm going to have to try it!

[@MattStefanFishing]

give it a try!

[@commoncents235]

You are giving up my secrets, but you did leave a few out 😎Thanks for that🐟 Awesome video. Thanks again Matt 🎣🎣🎣🎣

[@MattStefanFishing]

Sorry!

[@Rightiswrong-qv5ul]

I have tried it and it does work . The worm slides up the line perfectly. Also I have used it to put a small spinner on the tail end . Haven't caught a fish with the spinner yet but cool little device.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks for sharing

[@terrykloster9121]

Thanks for the fluke tip on schooling bass I am gonna try it. Senko style baits are great for this. I also like a wacky rigged finesse worm, typically use zoom or flick shake worm's. It's exceptional on tichigan spring to early summer. Don't fish that lake anymore but thought I would share.

[@MattStefanFishing]

You bet

[@johnrayner5599]

Very solid information on this video, I tried some other baits last year with decent success but I never tried a beaver style bait so now you have me thinking that this just might be something that will help a bunch!!!

[@B.A.Bassangler]

Last year I started using VMC cross bands. I was able to play with the fore/aft, and hook placement on swim-tail and paddle-tail worms and a tiny bit of weight to get the bait to plane into cover...can't wait to try the beaver as well.

[@MattStefanFishing]

You bet

[@mikegaston3170]

Now your talking my language!!! So as a non boater the neko rig has been a staple for me because it allows me to throw multiple pres on one rod... NBs know how limited to tackle we can be... So neko to a wacky weightless or wacky eco pro tungsten to a nose ring floke aka banjo minnow... Now I can get deeper with your fluke hack...sweet thanks MS ... Fish on !!!

[@MattStefanFishing]

awesome!

[@comfortablynumb9342]

When you were talking about the Ned rig in your 5 soft plastics video I was thinking the Z Man Ned would probably work with a wacky hook. A weighted wacky hook could be great. Should be killer for flounder in the saltwater too.

[@MattStefanFishing]

give it a try!

[@lannyseals2084]

I use the 3in pitboss or chigger craw Neko rigged in the smaller rivers around where I live and it producers ton of bites especially the smallies! Great video Matt!

[@MattStefanFishing]

thanks for sharing!

[@lannyseals2084]

@@MattStefanFishing thank you for sharing all your knowledge and have learned tons from you and from your sub's in the comments! There's a lot of great angler's in the your community for sure!

[@kennethhromcik8144]

Thanks for revealing my secrets. At least you didn’t name a 4” lizard. LOL Love the tips and the videos. Tight lines and Godspeed

[@MattStefanFishing]

sorry

[@mattquinlan4629]

Neko a keitech crazy flapper-you won’t be sorry folks :-)

[@MattStefanFishing]

yep i know people like that combo!

[@kevinbeaudean704]

Thanks Matt. Trick worms are my staple but craws work great neko style. I have tried most of the popular ones and caught fish on all of them but I do have a favorite. I have used the fluke and not alot of success but for schooling fish (which I have a hard time with) sounds promising. I wonder how a big tube would work neko rigged?

[@MattStefanFishing]

it would be hard to get a nail weight to stay in a tube

[@garydillon3960]

I love using the fluke. It is my lure of choice for largemouth and smallmouth.

[@MattStefanFishing]

awesome!

[@roberts.2413]

Great video Matt , I definitely will have to try the Beaver & Fluke baits in that configuration next summer. One that did very well for me was the 13 Fishing Rabbit Ear Tail Joystick worm . I use a little heavier weight ( usually 1/8 oz ) because it has two kicking legs . I've also done well upsizing my stick worm to a 6" or 7" size. Also the 6.5 " Missile baits Quiver worm is another good one.

[@MattStefanFishing]

thanks for watching!

[@mikecollett8513]

The pit boss much like an economical intro to back glide. Have to try the fluke idea in the pool. It sounds very intriguing. Definitely an aha moments, Be well

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks for watching!

[@christiancognigni6234]

Thank you for the insight into your ingenuity, once again good sir! I showed my gratitude by using your TW link. Easy peazy!

[@MattStefanFishing]

Awesome, thank you!

[@christiancognigni6234]

@@MattStefanFishing You are welcome. I hope there are enough folks doing that to help compensate you for your time. You are pumping out videos every day and that's a lot of time you invest to provide us with the good tips.

[@heinrichkellogg7563]

🍺Got home late. Thanks for your opinion on different options for Neko/wacky techniques.🤠

[@MattStefanFishing]

Any time!

[@joeyhelton7114]

Always! Always! Great content Matt. Thank you.

[@MattStefanFishing]

I appreciate that!

[@dennisederer3594]

Interesting presentations. Thank you.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@raymondbradford4086]

Megabass bottle shrimp... neko rigged... sorry if that's giving something away.. great video..

[@MattStefanFishing]

Ill check them out!

[@rvfishingyet]

Love your picks. For me, I have really appreciated the zoom baby brush hog wacky and neko. Thanks for the video Matt!

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks for watching!

[@FLAGATOR49]

What happened to the 6.5 Kut Tail? Was my favorite Neko worm…cant find em now

[@MattStefanFishing]

discontinued

[@rodcashman4793]

Never thought about rigging a beaver style like that. Great video 📹 good luck in your coming up tournament 👍

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks 👍

[@zacharyhubbard9200]

The wacky rigged soft jerkbait works great on a cold weather shad kill. Especially on long main lake points.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Nice!

[@gregchilders7643]

I use a lunker city sluggo to fish overhanging branches, I wacky rig it between the 2 slits on bait ,make sure that the nose of the bait lands In water the way you want it to go and twitch it across the top and it will swim right under the branches, when I get it to where I want it I stop and let it sink and fish it to desired depth slowly twitching it, I use a weedless sproat hook

[@MattStefanFishing]

thanks for sharing!

[@andrewwilson8522]

I caught a 4lb largemouth wacky rigging a black Zoom trick worm. Caught another largie on it too, they definitely work.

[@MattStefanFishing]

awesome!

[@Reel_fun]

Dang man I was sitting here watching your video literally praying you weren't going to talk about the fluke it's my favorite rig on lake lanier

[@MattStefanFishing]

Sorry but thanks for validating it!

[@bmwstan1]

Great ways to think outside the box Matt, thank you

[@MattStefanFishing]

thanks!

[@kevinclement9147]

I think a neko rigged Gillie looks like is going to be unbelievable for bed fishing. Can’t wait to try it. I tested it in my tank and it looks like it’s picking eggs off the bottom.

[@MattStefanFishing]

yep!

[@stevencochran4274]

Yep love the neko fluke great stuff I’ll b thowing this …….. so u asked for topics this one I like hear y red in spring and when and where and conditions that it excell …specifically square bill and lipless…

[@MattStefanFishing]

Sounds good ill add it to my list!

[@FishHuntFreedom]

Can you do a video on the steps you take to prep before fishing a tournament at a new lake? Research, prefish, baits, etc? Thanks

[@MattStefanFishing]

Great suggestion!

[@FishHuntFreedom]

@@MattStefanFishing I am new to the kayak tournament world and am finding it to be a fun experience however it comes with its challenges, one which is not being able to cover the same amount of water as on a boat. This forces me to prefish and do my homework more. I would appreciate your vid if you wouldn’t mind. Thanks

[@CaptPike-nm2jt]

Good information, can't wait to try it What size hook is best for creature baits?

[@MattStefanFishing]

i like a 1/0 - 3/0 depending on the size of the creature

[@MrJohnB-qs6dp]

Great video Matt!! Awesome tips & tricks. I can see a few areas where it can help me!!Stay Safe & God Bless

[@MattStefanFishing]

best of luck!

[@swamp_rat_fla1126]

The Megabass Bottle Shrimp are killer on the neko rig

[@MattStefanFishing]

ill give them a try!

[@craigstevens9734]

Boy this is a good one.Never thought of using a different bait as a wacky. Heard it right here though .Thanks

[@MattStefanFishing]

give it a try!

[@martinallison8719]

Great stuff, thanks Matt!

[@MattStefanFishing]

My pleasure!

[@thomasindler1576]

Great session! Kenny ' from GAT'S guns in dundee IL. .20 years back. Loved cut tails

[@MattStefanFishing]

awesome!

[@scottblock6832]

I really like how you rig the fluke. Can’t wait to try it.

[@MattStefanFishing]

good luck!

[@NelsonBurtonIV]

Ok, I’m definitely trying this! Especially on heavily pressured Guntersville!😂

[@MattStefanFishing]

Go for it!

[@fjkaiser]

Excited to try the bigger worms against the bluffs on the Wisconsin River

[@MattStefanFishing]

good luck!

[@kasonf2176]

Out of the box stuff man. Awesome

[@MattStefanFishing]

thanks!

[@kasonf2176]

No, Thank you, because I caught a big one on the wacky rigged fluke yesterday when NOTHING ELSE was working

[@corymeyer1162]

never thought to neko rig a beaver style. that slow gliding fall reminds me of a yamamoto fat ika, rigged 'backwards' - do you use a fat ika? great video, appreciate it.

[@MattStefanFishing]

fat ika is a good one too!

[@ericc8790]

Great advice. Thank you!

[@MattStefanFishing]

you bet!

[@robertcook8187]

Good information on your video thanks and good fishing 🎣

[@MattStefanFishing]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@greggfritchey2590]

Hi again, my question is as I do kayak tournaments on big lakes, how many different baits should I try when I get on a great looking spot. I'm throwing a, wacky, lipless, chatterbaits and #1chartruse sq bill. Then I move on if no response. I'm thinking if this doesn't get any attention I should go to a different location 🤔

[@MattStefanFishing]

I fish two generally if i think its a good spot. one power fishing technique and opne finesse. If i get no bites on either im outta there.

[@johnballerino9172]

Clear and concise.

[@MattStefanFishing]

thanks!

[@B.A.Bassangler]

Loving that Neko-Beaver. Thanks for the tip.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Any time!

[@cerebraltackle]

I nearly always use a trick worm for my Neko Rigs. However, Beaver baits will catch a lot of water. Nice idea!

[@MattStefanFishing]

Very true!

[@danlaminger5265]

Thanks for the info. What size line they using with the mag trickworm?

[@MattStefanFishing]

12 - 15 lb fluorocarbon

[@camhester4251]

i've done really good this winter on a texas rig dbomb

[@MattStefanFishing]

Nice!

[@mikeeller557]

I have been using English style hooks on thicker baits. Thanks Matt

[@MattStefanFishing]

Good stuff!

[@secretbassrigs]

Neko rigging creature baits is also a great slow presentation as an alternative to jig fishing.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Very true!

[@secretbassrigs]

@@MattStefanFishing looking forward to your Hover Rig hooks buddy!

[@lucaslogg1024]

Any tips of best storage for small metall baits like bladebaits and tailspinners? They get tangled, and the finish fast get worn just laying in a tackle box.

[@MattStefanFishing]

I use small plano cases rather than big ones. seems to work a little better.

[@clintperry799]

Some of those wacky rigs are interesting ! Thanks.

[@MattStefanFishing]

thanks for watching!

[@ChrisFryer-ds5qz]

What type of action do you impart on a Neko-rigged Creature Hawg or fluke after it hits the bottom? Do you twitch like a wacky worm, or lift & drop, or something else? Thx!

[@MattStefanFishing]

Yep i twitch it a few times like a crayfish

[@weshunter1796]

Neat trick with the nail weight in the head of a fluke. I often fish flukes Carolina rigged with no weight (just a swivel) because I really like the darting and slow fall you get. Have you ever tried the nail weight in the tail of a fluke with a normal non-wacky hook? I'm wondering if doing that would let me still get the erratic darting when twitching but add in a slow backward fall. Something to play with....

[@MattStefanFishing]

yep! thanks for watching!

[@roberts.2413]

Hey Wes , Grande Bass makes a bait called an Airtail Shad which is a fluke style bait but the tail is hollowed out for a rattle . It doesn't fall backwards but I've done very well with this using a cylinder style jig rattle , it makes the tail whip around when you jerk it and adds sounds. I did very well with it last spring .

[@weshunter1796]

@@roberts.2413 I hadn't seen those before. I'll have to pick some up and give them a try. Looks interesting. Thanks.

[@k1llerdir]

I sometimes wack rig a Bacon Rind, lizards, max scent flatworm, and 10-15" worms.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Sounds good to me!

[@b18c5turbogt35r]

what hook size u used for the Creature bait ones with the normal hooks for the wacky rigs ones work like the size 1 or 1/0

[@MattStefanFishing]

Yep

[@EA.71]

I'm definitely gonna try some of this

[@MattStefanFishing]

good luck!

[@G.G556]

I love to wacky rig big beavers, 4-5 Inch beavers in gilll colors,at the time I was fishing a deep smallie lake in oregon when I fell upon it, some call it a power shot?

[@MattStefanFishing]

works great!

[@getthenetfishing7130]

Matt in your opinion, what is the best time after the ice goes out to hit lake mille lacs?

[@MattStefanFishing]

I honestly like July/august the best when the smallies are set up on the reefs

[@bassproshop-z3c]

Can a craw-style bait (ex. zoom craw) used as a wacky rig? (because I only do night fishing) what would be your opinion?

[@MattStefanFishing]

you can

[@nancymichel58]

So Let me ask a question Matt, when your fishing the creature style or fluke do you use a swivel above it somewhere to prevent line twists? Thanks for the info enjoy your videos

[@MattStefanFishing]

I will sometimes use a small swivel but generally do not and just deal with any potential line twist.

[@elisaaviles2182]

I’m going to grab a few of these boats to try. Do you guys prefer maxscent to regular power bait? I know ppl that swear powerbait outproduces maxscent

[@MattStefanFishing]

i prefer maxscent but thats just my opinion. I also love powerbait thou haha

[@RobertBrown-cz9qz]

Do fish this on spinning & what test line

[@MattStefanFishing]

spinning gear and 6 - 12 lb fluorocarbon depending on conditions

[@denniskiblerbassguy]

Great video thanks

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks for watching!

[@jacobwhite953]

Holy smokes, I have never thought of rigging a fluke that way. I’m injured right now so I can’t get out in a boat but can fish from my dock out into the lake. You think I might have some luck with the fluke Neko rigged?

[@MattStefanFishing]

yes!

[@midwestfischerman]

The best Neko Rig stickbait is the Z-Man Bang StikZ. They are buoyant Elaztech stickbaits, so unlike most every other stickbait these FLOAT.

[@MattStefanFishing]

thanks for sharing!

[@anthonygeiss9130]

The old berkley havoc slop craw is money neko rigged. Been my #1 smallie producer for years now

[@MattStefanFishing]

I wish I had more of them!

[@jasonrutherfordbassfishing]

Neko/wacky rig super flukes, super deadly!!! Sometimes you share to much juice 😂😅😂

[@MattStefanFishing]

You know it!

[@studley4sure471]

How bout a hover rig for the beaver?

[@MattStefanFishing]

works great on a beaver

[@phatpakbaits]

Which App do you use for the thumbnail pics with the arrows ? Thanks

[@MattStefanFishing]

canva

[@bassproshop-z3c]

can those baits you've shown would be better as a wacky rig without the nail weight in front?

[@MattStefanFishing]

give it a try

[@kenbrown5449]

More good stuff. Looking forward to trying the craw in this manner. Thanks!

[@MattStefanFishing]

good luck!

[@kevinclement9147]

That is some juice!

[@MattStefanFishing]

thanks!

[@martyporter647]

Try rigging the yamatanuki wacky sometime! :D

[@MattStefanFishing]

I will try it

[@SpookyRedz]

Great one again

[@MattStefanFishing]

thanks!

[@hookreelfishing]

Great video ++

[@MattStefanFishing]

thanks!

[@RogerTemplon]

Try this with a craw bait such as a Christie Craw or a Berkley Power craw !

[@MattStefanFishing]

awesome!

[@johnlantz7278]

Throw everything up against the fence an see what might stick,simplistic ways to catch pressured fish .

[@MattStefanFishing]

got to experiement!