Fishing is a popular recreational activity that humans have enjoyed for thousands of years.
However, over the years, fishing techniques and equipment have evolved, leading to the development of various fishing rigs.
One of the latest fishing rigs to gain popularity is the Neko fishing rig. In this article, we’ll explore the Neko fishing rig, how it works, and how it can help you catch more fish.
The Neko fishing rig is a unique and effective fishing rig that has gained popularity among anglers recently.
It is a variation of the wacky rig, which involves hooking the bait in the middle to give it a wobbling motion.
However, unlike the wacky rig, the Neko rig involves inserting a nail weight into the head of the bait.
The Neko rig is typically used with soft plastic baits, and it can be fished in various ways, depending on the conditions and the angler’s preferences.
It is often used in clear water, where the fish can see the bait more easily, and it is particularly effective when fishing for bass.
How Does the Neko Fishing Rig Work?
The Neko fishing rig works by creating a more realistic presentation of the bait. This makes it more attractive to fish, who are more likely to bite.
To fish the Neko rig, cast it out and let it sink to the bottom. Then, you can use a slow and steady retrieve, making the bait move like a natural worm or baitfish.
Alternatively, you can use a twitch and pause retrieve, making the bait move more erratically and enticingly.
Benefits of Using the Neko Fishing Rig
There are several benefits to using the Neko fishing rig, which is why it has become so popular among anglers. Here are some of the benefits:
Increased Catch Rates: The Neko rig is an effective fishing rig that can help you catch more fish, particularly bass.
The more natural presentation of the bait makes it more attractive to fish, who are more likely to bite.
Versatility: The Neko rig can be fished in various ways, depending on the conditions and the angler’s preferences.
This makes it a versatile fishing rig that can be used in many situations.
Easy to Set Up: The Neko rig is easy to set up and requires no special equipment or skills. You only need a soft plastic bait, a hook, and a nail weight.
Neko rig setup
Choose Your Bait
The first step in setting up a Neko rig is to choose your bait. Soft plastic baits work best with this rig.
Choose a bait that resembles a worm or a baitfish, as these are the types of prey that fish are most likely to be interested in.
Insert the Nail Weight
Once you have chosen your bait, insert the nail weight into the head of the bait. The weight will help the bait stand up and move more naturally, making it more attractive to fish.
The weight should be inserted perpendicular to the bait and as close to the center as possible.
Insert the Hook
The hook should be inserted in the bait’s centre and exposed, making it easier to set the hook when a fish bites.
Adjust the Depth
The Neko rig is typically fished near the bottom, so you need to adjust the depth to match the depth of the water you are fishing in.
Start by casting out the rig and letting it sink to the bottom.
Then, slowly reel in the line until you feel the weight hit the bottom. Adjust the depth as necessary until you are fishing near the bottom.
Neko rig worms
The Neko rig has recently become a go-to technique for catching fish in clear water.
While many soft plastic baits work well with the Neko rig, worms are among the most effective.
This article will discuss why worms are a great option for the Neko rig and provide tips for rigging them up for maximum success.
Why Worms are a Great Option for the Neko Rig
Worms are a great option for the Neko rig because they resemble natural prey that fish are likely to target.
A worm’s wiggling and writhing motion is particularly attractive to fish, and the Neko rig allows you to mimic this movement with soft plastic bait.
Additionally, worms are versatile and can be fished in various environments, making them an excellent choice for the Neko rig.
Rigging Worms for the Neko Rig
Choose Your Worm: The first step in rigging worms for the Neko rig is to choose your bait.
Look for worms the same size or slightly larger than the hook you will be using. The bait should also be soft and pliable to allow for maximum movement.
Insert the Nail Weight: Next, insert the nail weight into the head of the worm.
The weight should be inserted perpendicular to the worm and as close to the center as possible.
The weight will help the worm stand up and move more naturally, making it more attractive to fish.
Insert the Hook: Once you have inserted the nail weight, insert the hook into the worm.
It is easier to set the hook when a fish bites if inserted into the worm’s centre and exposed.
Adjust the Depth: Finally, adjust the depth to match the depth of the water you are fishing in. Cast out the rig and let it sink to the bottom.
Then, slowly reel in the line until you feel the weight hit the bottom. Adjust the depth as necessary until you are fishing near the bottom.
Neko rig vs. wacky rig
The Neko rig is a technique that involves rigging a soft plastic bait with a nail weight inserted into the head of the bait.
The weight helps the bait stand up and move more naturally, making it more attractive to fish.
The hook is inserted into the bait’s centre and exposed for easy hook sets. The Neko rig is often fished with a slow and steady retrieve and is particularly effective in clear water conditions.
Pros
- The Neko rig allows for a more natural presentation of the bait, mimicking the movement of live prey.
- The nail weight helps the bait stand up and move more naturally, making it more attractive to fish.
Cons
- The Neko rig can be more difficult than the Wacky rig.
- The nail weight can get snagged on underwater obstructions, resulting in lost baits.
The Wacky Rig
The Wacky rig is a technique that involves rigging a soft plastic bait through the middle of the bait with an O-ring or a Wacky rig tool.
The bait is fished without additional weight, allowing it to fall naturally through the water column.
The Wacky rig is often fished with a twitch and pause retrieve and is effective in various water conditions.
Pros
- The Wacky rig is easy and can be done quickly on the water.
- The bait falls naturally through the water column, mimicking the movement of live prey.
- The Wacky rig can be fished effectively in a variety of water conditions.
Cons
- The exposed hook can make it more difficult to set the hook when a fish bites.
- The lack of weight can make fishing more difficult in windy conditions or deeper water.
Neko rig craw
You will need soft plastic crawfish bait, a Neko hook, and a nail weight to rig a crawfish on a Neko rig.
Start by inserting the nail weight into the head of the crawfish bait, keeping it centred. Next, insert the Neko hook into the centre of the bait, making sure to avoid the hard shell of the head. The hook should be exposed, allowing for easy hook sets.
Once you have rigged the crawfish on the Neko rig, you can fish it with a slow and steady retrieve.
The weight will help the bait stand up and move more naturally, mimicking the movement of a live crawfish.
The exposed hook makes it easy to set the hook when a fish bites, increasing your chances of a successful hook-up.
Neko rig kit
A Neko rig kit is a set of components that includes everything you need to rig up a Neko rig.
A typical Neko rig kit will include Neko hooks, nail weights, and soft plastic baits. Some kits may include other accessories like O-rings or a Neko rig tool.
When purchasing a Neko rig kit, there are a few things to look for to ensure that you get a quality kit that will help you catch more fish:
Quality Hooks: Look for a kit that includes high-quality Neko hooks that are sharp and durable.
Nail Weights: Ensure the kit includes nail weights appropriate for the soft plastic baits you plan to use. The weight should be centred on the head of the bait to allow for a more natural presentation.
Soft Plastic Baits: The kit should include a variety of soft plastic baits in different colours and sizes. This will allow you to experiment with different baits and find what works best in your local fishing spots.
Additional Accessories: Some kits may include accessories like O-rings or a Neko rig tool. While these are not essential, they can help make rigging easier and more efficient.
How to rig a Neko rig weedless
A weedless Neko rig is a Neko rig that is designed to be fished in weedy or grassy areas without getting snagged.
This is achieved using a weedless Neko hook with a special design that allows it to slide through weeds and vegetation without getting caught.
The hook is also designed to be inserted into the bait to prevent it from snagging on weeds or grass.
You will need a weedless Neko hook, a nail weight, and a soft plastic bait to rig a weedless Neko rig. Follow these steps to rig your Neko rig weedless:
Insert the Nail Weight: Insert the nail weight into the head of the soft plastic bait, making sure it is centred.
Insert the Weedless Neko Hook: Insert the weedless Neko hook into the centre of the bait, carefully avoiding the head’s hard shell. The hook should be exposed, allowing for easy hook sets.
Position the Hook: Position the hook so it is parallel to the bait’s body, then insert it back into the bait, ensuring it is buried enough to be weedless.
Cast and Retrieve: Cast your Neko rig into weed-filled areas and retrieve it slowly, allowing the bait to move naturally and attract fish without snagging on weeds or grass.
Using a weedless Neko rig can offer several benefits to anglers, including:
Increased Versatility: A weedless Neko rig allows you to fish in weed-filled areas that may be off-limits with other rigs.
Natural Presentation: Using a weedless Neko rig, you can maintain a natural presentation of the bait without getting hung up on weeds or grass.
Less Snags: A weedless Neko rig will reduce the number of snags and hang-ups you experience, saving you time and frustration.
Neko rig weights
Types of Neko Rig Weights
Nail Weights: Nail weights are the most common for the Neko rig. They are thin, cylindrical weights inserted into the bait’s head.
Nail weights come in various sizes and weights, and the nail’s weight determines the bait’s fall rate.
Tungsten Weights: Tungsten weights are denser than lead weights, making them smaller and more sensitive.
Tungsten weights are ideal for finesse fishing techniques, allowing for a more natural bait presentation.
Lead Weights: Lead weights are cost-effective for Neko rig weights in various sizes and shapes.
Lead weights are best suited for heavy cover fishing, where you need a weight that can push through weeds and grass.
How to Choose the Right Neko Rig Weight
When choosing a Neko rig weight, consider the following factors:
Water Depth
Your weight should be based on the water depth you are fishing. If fishing in shallow water, a lighter weight will allow for a slower fall rate, while a heavier weight is ideal for deeper water.
Bait Size
Your weight should match the size of the soft plastic bait you are using.
Fishing Conditions
The weight you choose should be based on the fishing conditions you are facing.
If you are fishing in heavy cover, a heavier weight may be necessary to push through the weeds and grass, and a lighter weight may be more effective if the water is calm and clear.
Neko rig fishing tips
In this article, we will discuss some Neko rig fishing tips that can help you improve your chances of success.
Use the Right Equipment
When fishing with a Neko rig, using the right equipment is important. A sensitive rod and reel with a fast action tip will help you detect bites more easily.
A fluorocarbon or monofilament line in the 6-10 pound test range is ideal for Neko rig fishing.
Choose the Right Bait
Soft plastic baits like worms, sticks, and creature baits are commonly used for Neko rig fishing.
Choose a bait that matches the size and color of the prey fish in the water you are fishing.
Remember to add a nail weight to the head of the bait to make it stand up and move more naturally.
Experiment with Weight
The weight of the Neko rig will affect how the bait moves and falls in the water.
A lighter weight will allow for a slower fall rate, while a heavier weight will allow you to fish deeper water more effectively.
Use a Slow Retrieve
When fishing with a Neko rig, using a slow retrieve is important. Let the bait fall to the bottom, then lift it and let it fall again.
This slow, subtle movement can effectively entice fish to strike.
Pay Attention to the Detail
When fishing with a Neko rig, paying attention to detail is important. Keep your line tight and watch for any movement or twitch indicating a bite.
Be patient and take your time when fishing with this finesse technique.
Fish in the Right Conditions
Neko rig fishing is most effective in calm, clear water conditions. Avoid fishing in windy or choppy conditions, as the bait will be more difficult to control and detect bites.
Rigging a Neko fishing rig
The Right Equipment
A sensitive rod and reel with a fast action tip will help you detect bites more easily.
A fluorocarbon or monofilament line in the 6-10 pound test range is ideal for Neko rig fishing. You’ll also need a soft plastic bait, a nail weight, and a hook.
Preparing the Soft Plastic Bait
Choose a soft plastic bait appropriate for the size of your target fish. Cut off a small piece of the bait, about 1/4 to 1/3 of the overall length.
Insert the nail weight into the head of the bait, leaving a small portion of the weight exposed.
Then, insert the hook through the middle of the body, hiding the hook’s point.
Inserting the Nail Weight
The nail weight is a critical component of the Neko rig, as it affects the presentation and action of the bait.
To insert the nail weight, push it into the head of the bait until it is flush with the surface. Be careful not to push the weight too far, damaging the bait.
Choosing the Right Hook
A straight shank hook is ideal when choosing a Neko rig hook. This hook allows the bait to move freely and naturally in the water.
Choose a hook appropriate for the size of the bait you are using.
Setting Up the Rig
To set up the Neko rig:
- Tie the hook onto the end of your line.
- Insert the nail weight into the head of the bait.
- Hook the bait through the body’s centre, exposing the nail weight.
Fishing the Neko Rig
When fishing with the Neko rig, it’s important to use a slow, subtle movement to entice fish to strike.
Let the bait fall to the bottom, then lift it and let it fall again. Keep your line tight and watch for any movement or twitch indicating a bite.
Experiment with Weight and Bait
Experiment with different weights and baits until you find the right combination for your conditions.
A lighter weight will allow for a slower fall rate, while a heavier weight will allow you to fish deeper water more effectively.
Soft plastic baits like worms, sticks, and creature baits are commonly used for Neko rig fishing.
How to Rig Bass Fishing with Neko rig
Bass fishing with a Neko rig is a finesse technique that has recently gained popularity. This rig targets finicky bass in clear, shallow water or pressured fishing environments.
The Right Equipment
You’ll need the right equipment to rig a bass fishing Neko rig. A sensitive rod with a fast tip and a light reel are ideal for detecting bites and setting the hook.
Use a fluorocarbon or monofilament line in the 6-10 pound test range to minimize visibility and maximize sensitivity.
You’ll also need a Neko rig kit, which includes a nail weight and hooks.
Preparing the Soft Plastic Bait
Choose a soft plastic bait appropriate for the size of your target fish. Cut off a small piece of the bait, about 1/4 to 1/3 of the overall length.
Insert the nail weight into the head of the bait, leaving a small portion of the weight exposed.
Then, insert the hook through the middle of the body, hiding the hook’s point.
Casting and Retrieval
Fish with a Neko rig by casting out your bait and letting it sink.Then, slowly lift the bait and let it fall back to the bottom.
Repeat this process, using a slow, subtle movement to entice bites.
Experiment with Different Techniques
Bass fishing with a Neko rig is all about finesse, so don’t be afraid to experiment with different techniques.
Try using a shorter or longer piece of bait, or vary the weight of the nail to see how it affects the presentation of the bait.
You can also try different retrieval speeds, pauses, and twitches to find what works best for the conditions you are facing.
Practice Patience
Fishing with a Neko rig requires patience and persistence. It’s not uncommon to go long periods without a bite, but it’s likely to be a quality fish when you get a bite.
Tips for Maximizing Your Chances of Catching Fish
Use Light Line
The Neko rig is typically fished in clear water, so it is essential to use a light line. Light lines will be less visible to fish, allowing the bait to move more naturally.
Fish Slowly
The Neko rig is most effective when fished slowly, allowing the bait to move more naturally, making it more attractive to fish.
Vary Your Retrieve
The Neko rig can be fished in various ways, so it’s important to vary your retrieve to see what works best.
Try a slow and steady retrieve or a twitch and pause to see what the fish respond to.
Conclusion
The Neko fishing rig is a unique and effective fishing rig that can help you catch more fish, particularly bass.
It is easy to set up and versatile, making it a great option for anglers of all skill levels. Setting up a Neko rig is relatively simple and can be an effective way to catch fish.
If you choose the right bait, insert the nail weight and hook correctly, and adjust the depth, you will have a higher chance of success.
Use a light line, fish slowly, and vary your retrieve to maximize your chances of catching fish. Try the Neko rig on your next fishing trip and see how it can improve your catch rates.
See the Worm Rigging for Bass on our website.