Looking at today's bass finesse tactics, they all can catch bass, but a few in this category stand out. The one that tops that list today is a Ned rig. Next, I would put a drop shot, and right behind that, I would grab a Neko rig to make up my Finesse Top Three. This selection gives me a rounded base within arm’s reach to give the bass a distinctive but fresh look, trying to trigger reluctant bass to open their mouth and eat. In this article, I want to focus on the Neko tactic. There are a few things that I’m doing differently than some other bass anglers that may set me apart and can earn more and bigger bites along the way.
Neko Rigging
When rigging your Neko rig, there are a few diverse ways to rig your presentation. Anglers can rig their hook through the worm. It will work, but you will lose your worm with every other bass or even before that. Another way to get better action and longevity out of your bait is to use an O-ring or a collar. I have used both rigging tactics, but I prefer a VMC collar. With this option, I get more action from my bait because the collar has two tabs you can run your hook through. One tab is oriented on the collar for Neko rigging, while the second is set up for wacky rigging. It allows you to get double use out of these collars and more bass per bait.
Hook Placement & Orientation
When it comes to how you rig, your hook is critical. If you use a collar or rigging your hook through your bait, ensure your hook point is rigged up (towards your bait's tail). With this rigging, the hook shaft will function like a weed guard, helping you to work your bait easier through the cover you’re fishing. If you rig your hook point down (towards the bait's head), you will often pull it into the cover, getting it fouled more times than you’ll get through the cover clean. Yes, weedless hooks are on the market, but with a down hook point orientation, you’ll still get fouled more than you’ll get your bait through the cover clean. Hook point-up orientation is one key to being more productive in your day of fishing with a Neko rig.
Collar Position
Where you position your collar on your plastics is also essential. I will use a worm as an example. If you lower your hook on your plastics, your bait will fall straight to the bottom. As you move the bait forward, it will fall straight again to the bottom. If you move your hook collar up and position it in the center of the bait, as the bait falls, it will fall backward from where you give the bait a slack line. Pulling the bait forward will provide an undulating (swimming) movement as it moves toward you and falls. This action has been vital in triggering bites when the bite was extra challenging.
Weights - Tungsten Or Lead
Regarding your weight choice, think a little before you rig. If I am fishing in rock areas, I will use a tungsten weight; I will position my weight exposed to about a 1/16th of an inch, or I will use an exposed head weight so it can better transmit the bottom feel back to me. This is key in helping me feel where my bait is located and helps me keep my bait in the bite zone longer.
I will add a drop or two of superglue to the weight before inserting it into my bait. I will also add a smaller O-Ring over the nose of the bait to help hold the weight in place better. I have lost many weights from bass coming up to the surface and throwing the weight out of the bait. By taking these extra steps to secure the weight, I am keeping more weight than I’m losing.
When targeting bass in the weeds or on the edges, I will use a lead nail inside the nose of my plastics. You won’t need the extra feel when fishing in the weeds, so use lead as your weight choice. I will still add a drop or two of superglue to keep my weight in the worm better.
Expand Your Bait Options
Avoid getting stuck in a rut using just worms regarding bait options. Expand your bait choices; use worms, stickbaits (Senkos), craws, and fluke baits, and expand from there. Give the bass a few different looks. When looking at baits, I have also successfully picked and used elastic baits in different shapes. These baits will stand up on the bottom, giving the bass a different presentation compared to traditional plastic, which will often lie on the bottom on a slack line. With a bait that stands up, you can shake your rod tip lightly, getting your bait to dance a little more. This added movement from the bait has been that little trigger to get the bass to bite more times than not.
Another key in triggering bass to bite when the bite is challenging is to pull your bait up off the bottom and let it fall again to the bottom. You can often get the bass’ attention and trigger a bite on the bait's fall. So, when your line goes slack, put a little tension on the bait and see if you can feel the bite. If yes, set the hook. If you don’t think anything is there, work your bait on the bottom a foot or two, give your bait another lift, and start the process over again.
Rod & Reel Setup
Regarding equipment, this finesse tactic is no different than any other. I use the same setup I’m using for other finesse tactics. 7ft Medium Light to Medium action Denali spinning rod teamed with a size 200 to 300 Denali spinning reel[GM1] , spooled with Sunline Asegai 12-16lb braided line paired with a Sunline FC 10 to 12lb leader. It's my primary setup, which I use day in and day out. I will adjust my leader if needed according to the bite conditions. If faced with fishing in cold front conditions where the bass tend to get fussy and drop the bait, I will switch my leader to a mono-material. This allows me to add a little stretch to my setup, and hopefully, the bass will stay on my bait until I can get a hook into them. If the conditions are downright tough, I often put down my braid setup and grab a rod with a reel spooled with a 10lb Sunline Assassin FC line. It has saved my day more times than I can count. It’s always a good setup to have in the boat with you when conditions call for it.
This sets the groundwork for including the Neko rig in your finesse arsenal. It’s a great bait to turn towards, giving the bass another option they may only see occasionally in your waters. It’s especially true if you use some other baits in this article. Giving the bass an assortment of different looks when it comes to baits often results in more bass you can put over the side and into your boat.
