Hey ya’ll,

 

We’ve got some bluebird, calm sky days on the way and I’ve got an itch to try and toss a Neko rig across some points when the sun gets high. Still very new to this Neko thing but my setup has been 12lb big game, MH baitcaster with a 2/0 Neko hook. What I am thinking of trying is dropping down to a M spinning rod with 8lb test XL line. I may also be able to drop to a 1/0 neko hook. Worm of choice right now is a zoom ultravibe. I am quite inexperienced with light line, so bear with me. My question is if you would feel comfortable that you have adequate power with 8lb test and a M spinning rod to set the hook on either a 2/0 or 1/0 hook. My hook is the VMC Neko.  I will have the hook exposed which makes me feel a little more comfortable. What say ya’ll? 
 

Thank you and enjoy your Memorial Day weekend

I use #2 VMC with a Med action rod on spinning tackle, an 8# flouro leader.

Zman finesse wormZ is my preferred bait with 1/8 weight.

I always throw my Neko rigs on either medium or medium light power spinning rods. I use 10-15lb braid to a 6-8lb flouro leader. With the light wire that most neko hooks are made from and the lack of stretch in the braid I have zero problems getting a solid hook set with even the medium light rods.

I use #2 VMC with a Med action rod on spinning tackle, an 8# mono leader. 1/8 nail weight. Same rod as I throw wacky rigs. I love this technique. I like Zoom Mag Finesse worms. 

Neko rig is considered exposed hook application, you don’t really need to set hook hard. It is also kind of tight line fishing so just a short jerk or sweeping is plenty enough. You will also see plenty of time bass will hit and run so just hold the rod tight and high and keep tension the hook will get into bass mouth itself. 
I use 8lb Copolymer as leader on my M/F spinning. I like braid mainline better for this application, making the shake and the hop easier.

12 to 15 pound braid to an 8 or 10 pound leader. medium light or medium spinning rod ,3/32 to 1/8 neko weight. number 1 vmc neko or owner sniper weedless wacky. as for baits i like straight tail worms, the grande bass airtail wiggler is outstanding. senkos  even craw baits like a rage craw. its intended to be a finesse technique, light line and weights.when i get a bite i dont slam them.just reel and raise or sweep the rod.

I've only fished Neko rigs on spinning gear with braid to a leader, it works great like that.

 

An ultravibe worm is an interesting bait choice. I usually opt for a stick worm or Mag finesse style worm. 

1 hour ago, Bluebasser86 said:

I've only fished Neko rigs on spinning gear with braid to a leader, it works great like that.

 

An ultravibe worm is an interesting bait choice. I usually opt for a stick worm or Mag finesse style worm. 

Thank you! The hooks I’m using are not what I would consider small and thin. Someone recommended using them for a “magnum” neko rig they use on casting gear, which is originally what got me interested in Nekoing. But I will have to give the spinning gear a shot. Better tie a good knot though.

1 hour ago, Bluebasser86 said:

An ultravibe worm is an interesting bait choice. I usually opt for a stick worm or Mag finesse style worm. 

Heck I don’t know, I’ve got a lot of ultra vibes and they seemed like they might work. Ive caught some fish on them rigged this way, but like I said, still new to this nekoing thing. I do have some mag finesse worms in a few colors to try if the ultravibe doesn’t do me much good. I watched the ultravibe fall in clear water on a neko, and it tends to have more of a vertical fall since the tail catches water on the way down.