Last Updated: June 2026

What Is It?

The Neko Rig is a hybrid between a Wacky Rig and a jig — a nail weight is inserted into one end of a stick bait, and the hook goes through the bait about one-third from the weighted head. The result is a bait that sinks headfirst and then stands nearly upright on the bottom, quivering with any line movement. It's a newer technique that has quickly become a go-to for bank fishing, spotted bass, and heavily-pressured clear-water fish.

When to Use It

Season	Spring through fall — excellent in warm, clear-water conditions
Best For	Largemouth bass, spotted bass, smallmouth bass
Water Clarity	Clear to lightly stained
Ideal Cover	Hard bottom, docks, riprap, rock, open water near structure
Depth	4–20 ft

How to Rig It

Select a 5–7 inch ElaZtech or soft plastic stick bait.
Insert a nail weight (1/32–⅛ oz) into the nose (head end) using a nail weight tool or small pliers — push straight in about ½ inch.
Optionally, slide an O-ring onto the bait about ⅓ from the nose end using an O-ring tool.
Insert a weedless wide gap hook (1/0–2/0) through the O-ring, or directly through the bait at the ⅓ point.
Tuck the hook point into the bait for a weedless presentation.
Cast near structure, let fall headfirst on a slack line — strikes often come before it hits bottom.

Hook & Weight Sizes

Bait Size	Nail Weight	Hook Size
4–5 inch stick	1/32 oz	1/0 weedless
5–6 inch stick	1/32–1/16 oz	1/0–2/0 weedless
6–7 inch stick	1/16–⅛ oz	2/0 weedless
Deeper / faster sink	⅛ oz	2/0 weedless

Pro Tips

💡 Use ElaZtech (Z-Man) material — the buoyancy causes the tail to float upward when the weighted nose rests on bottom, giving the bait its signature standing action.
💡 Fish it near bank riprap and docks — the bait falls vertically and excels for precise presentations to specific targets.
💡 Shake in place once on the bottom — subtle rod quivers cause the standing bait to shimmy, which drives spotted bass crazy.