Neko Rig - Everything You Need To Know

The Neko rig is a deadly finesse bait for lethargic bass. Its one of those lures that just seems to catch a bigger-than-average bass. If you're faced with tough weather conditions or bass that just don't seem to want to bite, pick up a Neko Rig and give it a try.
The Neko is a new spin on an old favorite. Neko rigging can be applied to virtually any soft plastic but it shines with straight tail and cut tail worms. It combines the best of both worlds with an exposed hook but still remains incredibly weedless.
Below is a breakdown of Tim's favorite baits, gear, and rigging components for this method. The key to a great hookup ratio with the Neko rig is in the details. Pay close attention to how Tim rigs the baits in order to maximize your time on the water.
Gear...
G7 Worm Pliers - bit.ly/2PRMNrG
G7 Worm Protect Tubes - bit.ly/2PWEkUs
O- Wacky Tool - bit.ly/2wtX7M8
The O-Wacky Tool O-Rings 25pk - bit.ly/2h5MhX2
Weights...
Swagger Tackle Tungsten Pagoda Nail Weights - bit.ly/2iGNSFW
Lunker City Wacky Weight 10pk - bit.ly/2SbAesV
Hooks...
Owner Mosquito "Light" Hooks - bit.ly/2zQVKx3
Mustad TitanX Wacky/Neko Rig Hook - bit.ly/2yYcJLc
Worms...
Yamamoto Kut Tail Worm - bit.ly/2iXlzPu
Yamamoto 5" Senko - bit.ly/2axAmNS
Daiwa Yamamoto Neko Fat 5" - bit.ly/2o2O3LG
Daiwa Yamamoto Neko Straight - bit.ly/2kH4KuC
Zoom Trick Worm - bit.ly/2aWkG7E
Zoom Swamp Crawler - bit.ly/2arWoA8
Strike King Fat Baby Finesse - bit.ly/2aKei5y
Tim's Neko Setup...
Rod- G Loomis NRX 852S JWR: bit.ly/2dX9zjv
Reel- Shimano Exsence 3000: bit.ly/2iMtscV
Line- 12 lb Sunline Xplasma Asegai Braid: bit.ly/2OR5i2j
Leader- 6 lb Sniper Fluorocarbon: bit.ly/2p7fxju
Budget Friendly Combo...
Rod- Shimano Zodias 7' M - bit.ly/2jOUXAO
Reel- Nasci 2500 - bit.ly/2g278cC
Line- 15 lb Power Pro: bit.ly/2aFg46b
Leader- 8 lb Maxima Ultragreen: bit.ly/2ae97J9
________________________________________________________________
Need Apparel? Tacticalbassin Gear is in stock! Get your hats, Hoodies, and sunshirts by emailing [e-mail]
Sun Mask: bit.ly/2JcA8xi
Sun Shirt w/ Hood: bit.ly/2vgTOst
Light Fishing Pants: bit.ly/2foDx10
Reaper Hoodie (Hoodie with Warm Face Cover built in): bit.ly/2yRURSd
Horizon Sweater (Water resistant, great for layering): bit.ly/2gTC1oB
_________________________________________________________________
Equipment We Recommend...
Minn Kota Ultrex Trolling Motor: bit.ly/2vFQypW
Minn Kota Battery Charger: bit.ly/2vcrbjA
Humminbird Solix 15 Electronics: bit.ly/2pAkXr2
Minn Kota Talons: bit.ly/2F0QBSP
Wireless Talon Foot Switch: bit.ly/2O7zWUE
Favorite Pliers: bit.ly/2tfxFvw
Favorite Split Ring Pliers: bit.ly/2fT4Qw0
Favorite Wire Cutters: bit.ly/2soB34k
Favorite life jacket: bit.ly/2odXXIP
Favorite sunglasses: bit.ly/2glE3eN
Hero6 Camera: bit.ly/2HIutxo
ElectroSamson Scale: bit.ly/2f7QgQ9
Promar Net: bit.ly/2dh9xQP
________________________________________________________________
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To read the full article that goes along with this video visit www.tacticalbas...

[@josh.whitehead]

I found something y'all should try. I heat my nail weights with a lighter before inserting into my plastic. The bait molds around the weight and does not come off. Love it.

[@realjeffgarrett]

Good idea 👌🏼

[@charlesburkhart1684]

Bloody genius

[@notsure8327]

Please do this with tungsten only

[@scrdngr]

I think this is my 1st comment but I have been watching yall for about a year. I fish on a river out in Alabama. I have little experience locating fish on the graph, so I never really try fishing away from the bank. Y'all certainly make we want to try this time of year. I caught my PB of 5.5 lbs this year and will keep trying to learn how to catch them better probably from yall. Keep up the great work

[@One_more_cast]

Love the neko rig when the bit slows down in the cold! also the ned rig with the xl trd's

[@jackdoyle5973]

same here man, also cool channel. love the custom baits

[@mikekotur8314]

The XL TRD's or the Hula sticks. Both are pretty awesome!!

[@One_more_cast]

@@mikekotur8314 yep totally agree!

[@One_more_cast]

@@jackdoyle5973 thanks man! i try haha

[@chadcrotteau41]

How can any one give you guys thumbs down. I use to tournament fish. I thought I would learn how to be a better fishermen. I have learned more from your videos than 2 years of competing in local tournaments. Keep up the great videos.

[@michaelcraig7297]

Pretty much the best, most complete, video on Neko-rigging that I've seen, Tim. Some good equipment choices and bait ideas as well. Broadened my knowledge and interest in this style of fishing. Excellent job.

[@pj3p488]

coiled roofing nails are great. the copper strands make great keepers.

[@blayz7399]

lmfao. ill have to try this and bring it up at work now. thanks for the tip!

[@Weekendairsoftwrrior]

Any nail will work if you throw some super glue on it.

[@aladent]

What size and where do you get them?

[@briancole6550]

Think I'm trying these: www.amazon.com/Grip-Rite-Prime-Guard-MAXC62873/dp/B00EYEYF36/ref=asc_df_B00EYEYF36/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=167133658256&hvpos=1o1&hvnetw=g&hvrand=11789662531342243994&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9018706&hvtargid=pla-309586597353&psc=1 Stainless is heavier and these are ring shank to hold in better. Great idea.

[@dmacc9299]

Dry wall screws, they don’t come out and are cheap as hell

[@adamd.1892]

Everything I need to know about neko rigging in under 15 min. This is what youtube is all about. Love these guys!

[@PastorG16]

Over the past year, the neko rig has become one of my favorite presentations. Thanks for the tips.

[@professionalpainting6804]

Who is doing thumbs down on these videos? They are as simple as a days old . Thanks for the videos. The haters are mad because you guys are sticks. Keep up the good work

[@offshore33cc94]

Thanks alot guys for making me spend tons of $$ at Tackle Warehouse..Haha

[@MtnWBassin]

Neko rigs and Ned rigs kill it in fall ! Thanks for the video Tim!

[@chasingthefish9042]

Neko rig is a money maker in the right conditions. It's also a great rig to toss the skunk off the boat. Try it with a craw creature bait during summer fall transition and spring wake up. Also during the retrieve give it a solid pop every so often and give it a break to sink back down before you continue your retrieve. You will rip a bunch of lips. If you are on a budget get you some screws from the hardware store that fits your bait selection and use that as your weight.

[@SportsTrivHQ]

Never tried this until last week and caught some good fish right outside of cover! Would love to hear some stuff about walking baits again. Especially your take about the loop knot without split ring! Plus Berkley’s new J-walker if y’all haven’t used it is awesome

[@Willy3677]

Thank you Matt, just made my Tackle warehouse order for November fishing.

[@TackleJunky81]

Killer vid Tim. I learned how to rig this watching a video Matt had made years ago. He had the hook shank along the worm...his reason behind that was when he set the hook nothing would get in the way. Does he still rig it that way?

[@markcody8227]

What size of weights do you use for different depths of water? Shallow Vs Deep! Thanks for the video!!!

[@suchairman2]

following

[@jimwarden9617]

Nice job Tim. Good info on some new, to me, options. Thanks

[@WildBillHabiki]

I'm pretty sure the Neko technique originated in Japan. Tungsten weights are the way to go. I get tired of the lead weights coming out or if you don't put it in perfectly straight (because they are so long) they will distort your worm. Nice vid Tim.

[@ScuffedEngineer]

The name did, the rig didn't.

[@zacpdx]

Vmc neko hooks are where it's at!

[@michaelstrang8544]

Hayabusa spin muscle hooks are my favorite. Exactly like how flukemaster rigs his neko rigs. They’re cheap and strong. somehow a size 1 hook brought in a 6 pound bass without bending out. Try using a pack and I guarantee you’ll find a use for them. I use a size 1 for a 6 inch worm. The size 4 works good for 4.5 inch worms.

[@richshackelford5793]

Great video Tim. Love the Neko rig

[@travisbruno1988]

Yes i love the arsenal wacky/neko silicone tube the o ring just rips the worm

[@thetopwaterking2420]

Do you guys fish curly tail grubs in fall/winter and if so could you do a video on them. Thanks!

[@Yoann_YCPH]

Thanks a lot for this video! And the way you put your fishing box is awesome 👍

[@ericpearle4971]

Great instructions on rigging that bit, thanks!

[@fantasticfail1796]

One of my favorites to use

[@ScuffedEngineer]

I'm the cheap guy that uses just regular screws. They stay in and are cheap. I just don't see too big of a reason fun fishing to put so much extra into a weight that has a high chance of flying off.

[@TheAZboys420]

I heat up the tip before sliding it into the worm. Most of the time the "plastic" will mold onto the weight..

[@davidbeeson9594]

Yea I'm a cheap fisherman myself. A trick i use with the trick worms is take a drinking straw and cut it in pieces about 3/8" long and slip trick work into it and then put hook threw straw piece on one side and push hook point threw the other side (wacky style). You'll catch a lot of fish off it before it tears off!

[@sicariofishing]

I like to use soft-plastics that don't have much to any salt for the neko rig I find that it has more "float" to it when sitting at the bottom. It's worked out for me do y'all do something similar to or is that not much of a concern? Btw thanks for all the info you guys put out it's great It's 100% real info that has been very useful for me. Like the wacky hook through a screw-lock in the nose of a fluke That was GENIUS. Again thanks a lot guys.

[@NormanTheNitebear]

Damn, I wish our late fall weather was nice enough to be able to wear shorts while fishing! Awesome video Tim! Best fishing channel out there! 🤘😎🤘

[@gregc2621]

I like throwing neko rig (with tungsten nail weight, not half moon weight) around rock/riprap. If I'm gettin hung with a jig/shakyhead/crank, the neko will dance through those rocks very effectively

[@swaggertungsten4265]

Love it guys! Never thought to rig it that close to the head! Thanks for the plug too! #swaggertungsten

[@farizfansuri495]

Off topic.Need help on riddle. Clue. -Word F and U.I dont know got letter u or shape like u. -Tall 3 inch.After separated 2 inch. -The couple/combination color full. -Pairs/When separated cant use -Related to fisherman.Sometime fisherman angry with this "thing". -When new,beauty sit,located very well.When old,ugly lying around/idle. -Got veins. -Faded in time -Tie,binding.Slippery and got hole. -Got big and small hole.Not many hole. -Long,lenghty and short,low. -Got shape and bank.Got corner,not round,no head. -Get rust when exposed to salt water.Not heavy not light either.Tie/band/sheaf. -Without You im nothing. -Worldwide item. -fisherman equipment. -Got 8 corner.(box shape?)

[@CBALLZ666]

Fariz Fansuri I have no idea......🤣

[@MOBBINOutdoors]

Shin Fukae, pioneer of the rig, reminds us Americans that it’s pronounced “NECK-OH”

[@ComeOnPelican91]

There's nothing more American than mispronouncing foreign words.

[@tonydulac4344]

His video had great info too

[@user-gp9yd7yp5n]

MOBBIN Outdoors as Japanese person, I respect this comment

[@101evo]

You guys are the best....hands down !!! Been watching some bass videos with a fly rod and it looks like fun. Have you guys ever done this ?

[@paddleandhook]

Good content! I will be sure to try this method

[@mikebeddingfield2144]

Thank you for the knowledge you shared.

[@alonsoborja7299]

Hey love that soft plastic action

[@katiedolfman6496]

Can always count on the neko rig!

[@M3tal_matt]

My favorite cold water assassin 🤘

[@MongoFishing]

LOL, I was filming this yesterday but I didn't finish. I guess my timing was a little off.

[@1oldbassguy]

Good job Tim! Nice video.

[@jakeorr23]

Dobyns make a excellent lead nail weight.

[@nawinchester]

Great video Tim. I really like this as a cold water bait to get to smallmouth that have moved out deep.

[@johnbeall940]

Great video! What is the difference between the Neko rig and the Shakey Head? When do you choose one over the other?

[@Murphyrobert01]

Pretty Cool with the bigger O-ring tubes. Just ordered some from G7, what weight do you suggest with river fishing? Susquehanna river has strong currents.

[@hanoyadegar7007]

You guys deserve 1mil subs great info I’ve caught so many fish on your advise that I would never have, thank you !

[@sinsofvorador]

Have you tried the neko worms from jackall. They stink to the high hevanens but the fish seam to really hang on to it

[@brucer9409]

Tim - if you are using somewhat bigger baits than drop shot size, and are also fishing deeper (sometime downright deep) why would your setup braid go to a 6# FC leader. Just getting into this technique so I was interested in the type of spinning setup you'd recommend, but was surprised to see you going with a 6# leader???

[@charlesfitzgerald3201]

Great tips Thanks , so this is an all year bait ?,, no certain time or water temp ? , ive never had much luck wacky fishing but this makes more since

[@Tom-ic7hw]

senko's don't float how do you make the tail stand up I guess a trick worm will but I don't get the secco

[@michaelmoore2498]

With Clear Lake being a big bait big fish body of water, have you guys tried the 7" - 10" Senko of the neko rig?

[@horaiyo]

What size weights do you use for the different depth ranges?

[@unolove]

Awesome video!!! thanks for the tips!!!

[@Z3Inc]

What color was that regular senko? It looks like a green pumpkin/purplish? Awesome looking color.

[@michaelbrooks6976]

What size tube would you recommend for a 5 inch stick bait and for a 6 inch fat robo worm.

[@michaelshoffner6584]

i saw the neko rig skirts today for the first time. what would happen if you put the skirt on the opposite end of a texas rig. would the bass bite the hook end or the skirt end?

[@jamesmeyer7034]

Can this be used in stain to muddy water? Do you have a recommendation for finesse fishing is heavy stain to muddy water?

[@metacomputer]

Thank you ...I’ll try on Saturday...

[@JoseMartinez-dq4km]

Great tip video that is a sweet rig

[@alexlee6043]

For cold midwest waters should I go with ned rig drop shot or neko rig, I can't seem to get the fish to bite

[@joshuacarnes8584]

Hey Matt and Tim I use Dobyns fury rods thanks to you guys and love them. I’ve been using quantum baitcast reels since I learned to throw a baitcaster 18 years ago. Do y’all have experience with the new smoke and your model reels?

[@joshuacarnes8584]

TOUR models..

[@talexmoore]

When you get a bite and set the hook, how fast and hard do you reel in the fish?

[@yyerr89]

Awrsome vid, new technique to try today.

[@christaylor4086]

Love me an 8" and 10" Bull Worm for this technique for a big profile.

[@charlesstager324]

If you were going for bigger fish what size line would you go up to good video

[@tacticalbassin]

bit.ly/2iXlzPu 5”-6” senko or the 6.5” 7.75” kut tail

[@Lear356045]

his there a reason to have the hook inserted your way? I saw other vis the hook is inserted identical has a wacky hook? thanks

[@bcp5296d]

I see a lot of folks use the hook pointed down. Thoughts?

[@johndoe-pb4mv]

Kind of off topic here from the neko rig but, My fishing hole is annoying me as heck right now. I am seeing schools of bass but they dont want to eat anything. You guys got pointers??

[@nerdykiddy8466]

hair jig

[@Gfin28]

ned rig. best bait for those scenarios. Or something real big like a swimbait if you have any.

[@ZM_Outdoors]

Underspin, jerk bait, fluke, wacky rig, spoon, drop shot. Any of those should do the trick k

[@johndoe-pb4mv]

I did jerkbait with no response. Ned rig wasnt going to work because the bass were high i the water column. I did drop shot, stick, wacky, lipless, underspin, square bill, etc...nothing. Frustrating. I will try hair jig though. Got to get me some first. lol

[@thomaskasekamp9653]

@@johndoe-pb4mvif the fish are suspended, get the 1/16 and 1/8 oz hair jig. you can also try a craw chunk to slow the fall further.

[@brandonsovick8057]

Little drywall screws work good 👍

[@DanielSilva-on9ee]

Great video, you guy's rock.... I'm gonna try this@ Ballard Bar.... #monster spots

[@harrysmith9648]

thank you very informative

[@mikekowal4051]

Good for him he looks young.Not bragging,but I been fishing for 60 years and still enjoy every fish.

[@tacticalbassin]

Mike, thank you again for watching the videos, we appreciate it. Good luck on your next trip!

[@owenmurray1745]

Neko rig has been my secret for a long time

[@mattb9807]

Great video, do you get a lot of line twist with this technique?

[@Baddmnkey1]

Matt B Not at all

[@wiehanedwards5934]

Love your videos!!!!

[@Ajdizzle4rizzle]

That tubing with the matching pliers is some bulllllllllll

[@johnfugate3432]

Thanks I finally get it good video going to fix some up today picture worth a thousand words

[@draildrums]

What are those little containers you are keeping the silicone tubes in?

[@rosstilkens9124]

On tacklewarehouse which day usually has better deals, black Friday or cyber Monday, or are they about the same?

[@tacticalbassin]

Should all be the same

[@maximusberge3142]

What kind of rod do you guys use for Neko rig and drop shots?

[@tacticalbassin]

A couple rods we use are linked in the video description. Typically we use a little heavier rod for the Neko rig. Check out our drop shot videos for all the gear we use for that technique. Thanks!

[@UncleMike04]

Best channel out tthere👊

[@joegrande4848]

What size tubes you use for the neko rigs?

[@steveevans4932]

hey Tim what box are you using in the video for your senkos

[@treybownds6098]

What size weights

[@Evobassfishmn]

Whats up with that NRX? You got different guides on them?

[@erikandrehoglund55]

Which size of hook? And is this a Widegap?

[@candymantackle5684]

I don't use an o ring. If your kid has braces. The rubber bands for braces work perfect and fit any size bait and are meant to be durable.

[@yusufabdullah4760]

Any videos on the TOKYO Rig?

[@botsbass842]

I'm gonna try some Manns Jelly Worms like this in a few days 😬😬

[@byronhurst8956]

So what is the diameter of a 4” Senko? mm? So many size sleeves to choose from...

[@tacticalbassin]

bit.ly/2PWEkUs At the bottom of the description it lists the different worms and required sizes 👍

[@jonnyw.2333]

I use heat shrink instead of an O-ring

[@mcaddc]

This reminds me and is a bit like the, "Ned Rig".

[@jameshill7344]

What r good hooks to use for the neko rig

[@connerloftice9411]

Do you guys have an opinion on the kvd 1.5 Deep crankbaits

[@pj3p488]

Do yourself a favor and try the KVD HC 1.5 Flat Side. It is fantastic. You can put a #2 on the back and it will cast like a bullet.

[@anythingfishing5025]

What size G7 worm tubes for a Gary Yamamoto sinko?

[@Baddmnkey1]

Anything Fishing 7mm for the 5” senkos and 6mm for the 4”

[@anythingfishing5025]

Thanks!

[@tacticalbassin]

bit.ly/2PWEkUs At the bottom of the description they list the different worms and the required band size 👍

[@irProteus]

Tim-when holding something up to the camera.... do a slow count to 5 before taking it back. Give the viewer time enough to see and absorb what you are showing him. Unfortunately, everything you held up to the camera …. if you blinked.... you missed it. Thanks …. and you otherwise do a great job on the videos.

[@owengarland9005]

Where do you get the neko tools ?

[@javierbarragan736]

What's the name of the pliers?

[@christopherconkright1317]

Heat up the weight with a lighter before you put it in the head? The plastic melts and forms to the weight.

[@dallasmoss2627]

When are we gonna start throwing the huge swimbaits

[@shaunrobinson5294]

Medium or MH spinning rod??