RRocket

I too like the Spunk Shad for a more erratic offering. The small Zako should be considered for something less erratic. It pairs and works well. Ditto the small Big Bite Baits SwimOn. I also really like the Gambler Komodo Jr., a great under the radar trailer.

Please allow me to show you how to make soft plastics last waaaaayyyy longer...

I'm not sure. But I'm inclined to believe the bass don't care. They don't seem to be bothered by erratic jerkbaits, chatterbaits, flukes, etc And I have a hard time believing fleeing prey only move in straight lines....

Yes. To that end, the Steez AGS model has red stripes on the end to help with the visual cues.

I was surprised to see this!! I thought I was the only one who LOVES these things! I think what most don't realize about this specific bait is it's essentially an automatic strolling bait. It's rocks and flashes baits incredibly. When you look at the head design, it's very much a ball design like a strolling head...though not quite as round. No matter, the blade does the rest and rocks it beautifully with no effort on your part. Just reel. These paired with an OSP Mylar Minnow or other strolling/rolling bait is extremely effective. I favor the 1/8th size with a 3" Raid Fish Roller. I mean...look at it!! Trust me on this one...Deps Cover Scat 2.5".

Is it possible it was a JDM bait that wasn't sold in the US until now? This often happens with JDM baits. If you want to back slide for days, try the Decoy Worm 103 Back Switcher. It's made specifically for that technique.

Except I find so much stuff out of stock there. Always. So while they may "carry" lots, whether it's in stock or not is an entirely different issue.

The LMB here are relatively small. So I don't throw 6-7" worms. And when not fishing for LMB it's SMB. And while they certainly will take a big bait they seem to prefer smaller here. Makes sense with Goby being their primary forage. Thanks again!

Thanks for the reply. I'm already using what would probably be considered light rods for Neko. Expride 7ft Light, Levante Whipsnake (F3 power like the Medusa), RAID Gladiator Defender. I fish along weed edges and not in them. Other times it's a rocky bottom. Was just wondering if there would be any gain going to the lighter tip as I think there would be an increase in rod tip sensitivity and better shaking control while maintaining contact. Thanks again for your insight

Yes, many of the same rods being marketed for FFS shaking were marketed as bottom contact too..or before FFS took off (in Japan anyways). A Ned and small Neko ( sub 5") aren't fished all that differently as far as bottom contact goes. Curious why you'd think it would work for a Ned but not small Neko (ie shaking in place). Thanks for your insight!

Considering a solid tip spinning rod for bottom contact "shaking" techniques like Ned or small Neko. Something like a Daiwa Steez AGS "The Ned" or an Orochi X10 "Medusa". Or similar. Any bottom contact enthusiasts here using a solid tip? Insights or experiences?

Since we're talking auto inflatables, learn how to inflate it manually and orally!! If the Auto inflate fails, pull the manual handle. Know where this handle is. Even with complete C02 failure, these can still be inflated orally and save your life. Learn where the tube is and how to inflate. Although I have confidence it will auto-inflate when needed, I still thought it important to learn how to orally inflate "just in case". We also have a self made safety "course" in the spring where the wife and I go over the use of the safety systems in the boat and on our person. Safety equipment is useless if you don't know where to find it or how to use it. I have a very healthy respect for St Clair, Detroit River and Erie. Almost every boater I know has a " the time I almost didn't make it back" story. I have no intention of joining that club.

I too have noticed SMB prefer some purple here. I thought it was just me...but seems like others are finding the same.

I fish black/blue plenty here. Mostly because of dirty water. In clear water, I've had great success with purple/pink the last couple seasons.

This. I'm sensitive to weight on my shoulders, particularly with a long day of casting, so I wanted as lightweight as possible (with stout safety) so I'd keep it on. I fish the Great Lakes. I wear a Spinlock Deckvest Lite. Suitable for off shore or rough seas, Auto inflate, Self righting, deck harness certified, etc Lightweight and compact. (sub 2lbs). I thought I'd object to the crotch strap, but don't notice it in use. Have worn for entire days of fishing without removal, fatigue or discomfort. When I'm bank fishing in precarious areas (or if I know I'll be stopped in the boat for a LONG, long time in a "safe" area), I wear an Onyx M16 belt PFD. Smaller than a fanny pack. Weighs .7lbs NOT auto inflate, you must pull the rip cord. Once inflated, you must also put over your head. So it's as manual as PFD could be, so I don't use it in a moving boat. Ever. Whereas the Spinlock is auto everything, so it's much preferred in a moving boat where the possibility of being knocked unconscious is real. Especially at the speeds some of these boats are capable of! Stay safe, friends!

One of the reasons people do it is to get some of the salt out to change sink rate. It also can make the worm more supple for a bit more action. Lots of Elaztech users really stretch out their worms before using!

This is what I use for big Lake Erie/St Clair Smallies. Among the reasons I like these so much (apart from the quality) is because of the large selection of hook sizes and weights. Hook size: #1, #2, 1/0, 2/0, 3/0 Weights: 1/32, 1/16, 1/8, 3/16, 1/4, 3/8 FWIW, I change out the screw pin to an Owner CPS. It has tighter twists and holds better IMO. Also, the guys at Great Lakes Finesse know a thing or two about Smallies and have a fantastic underspin called the Sneaky Underspin.

Duo Realis Spin Hook

For the grub lovers here, Keitech released a new grub in 2023 or so called the Flapper Grub. Some nice details, particularly for holding the hook within the bait. Also seems to have a bit of a keel.

Bug/poop/appendage baits are one of my primary techniques and have been since I started using them. It's been fun to watch their evolution. I think they're a different look. They certainly displace water differently. I think they possess qualities that will attract hungry or even curious bass. I'm not sure I'd say they're "better" at any particular time. Just "different". They seem to catch fish when other baits won't, for whatever reason. I'm certain bug and invertebrates were on the menu for juvenile bass, so I think they're naturally wired to see these types of bait as prey.

Yes, that's how I fish mine when I say I Neko Rig it. But yes, it's a bit like a skirted jig.

Have fished these and dice and tentacled bug baits. The temptation is to over think. But they are (mostly) just another bait. Just fish however you want or would normally fish your favorite bait..with a few tweaks. These are round, symetrical baits with the tentacles doing the work so these will (more or less) look identical in presentation to the fish regardless of rigging. The vibrations of the tentacles is the secret sauce here (allegedly). So they will vibrate whether on the natural weightless drop or by your rod work. Sky's the limit for rigging. Neko? Add a nail weight and your favorite hook. I fish this method. Weightless? Pretty much any hook. I've seen long shank hooks and EWG here. I've also seen it done with a drop shot hook. Dropshot? A long shank hook is best. These sink slow, so if you intend to fish it on a weightless drop, do some testing to determine rate of drop beforehand. Due to the slow sink rate, I've fished this in a Free Rig in deeper water. There's really no wrong way IMO.

Indeed. IMO, one of the hallmarks of the Ned is the ability of the bait to stand straight up and down on bottom. Even with a buoyant bait and pegged weight, you don't really get the same effect with a Texas. The closest I've come to that with a true separated weight Texas rig is with a Ryugi Bean weight.

I'm waiting to try the new Karashi prop bait! Yep! On my list. Looks amazing Neko rigged!

Studies have shown bass will eat a craw with no claws before one with claws. Makes sense, I guess. So the Cover Scat is a craw with no claws. But looks like a fat bug, leech, worm, etc I fish 3 ways. 1) Cast and let sink to bottom. Wait 5-10 seconds. Then 2 swift jerks to get it off the bottom. Then let it sink again and repeat. 2) Bottom dragging. 3) under water walk the dog. I fish a combo of 1 & 2 the most. Also skips beautifully. There are some really great videos of skeptics fishing it and having a great time.