Best Neko Rig Baits & Colors
The neko rig is one of the most consistent techniques out there. Its perfect for beginners or anyone looking to keep it simple. The neko rig is also easy on the bank as it only cost about $2 for a hook, weight, and bait.
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Best Worms for the Neko Rig
1. Gary Yamamoto Senko
The most popular neko worm is the Yamamoto Senko. Senkos were created by fishing legend Gary Yamamoto and over the years have almost became synonymous for stick worms.
Senkos contain a large amount of salt which gives it some extra weight which helps give it it’s iconic sinking action.
Senkos come in a variety of sizes ranging from 3″ up to 7″ and are available in over 120 different colors.
For neko rigging, I prefer 6″ in colors: Baby Bass, Electric Shad, or Natural Shad colors.
2. Strike King KVD Perfect Plastic Ocho
The Ocho is another great stick bait for the neko rig. It has an octagonal profile with 8 flat sides which creates a subtle but effective falling action.
The Ocho is a little more durable compared to the Yamamoto Senko. It comes in sizes ranging from 4″ to 7″ and 26 different colors.
I like the 6″ in colors: Green Pumpkin, Junebug, and Watermelon Red Flk.
3. Yum Dinger
The Yum Dinger is another popular choice for the neko rig. Its the cheapest neko worm on our list so it is great for those who go through a lot of soft plastics or those on a budget.
Yum Dingers are available in sizes 3″ to 6″ and come in 26 different colors.
I use the 5″ in colors: Bama Magic, Elders Magic, Green Pumpkin
4. Big Bite Baits Trick Stick
The Trick Stick is a thicker stick worm that is great when you want to up size your bait and target larger fish. They come in sizes ranging from 4″ – 6″, I like to use the 6″ for a larger wacky setup.
They come in 24 great colors, my favorites are Black Blue/ Electric Blue
4. Gambler Fat Ace
The Gambler Fat Ace is another thicker body stick worm. It’s loaded with salt and has a great falling action regardless if it’s rigged weighted or weightless. The beefier body helps get a little more distance in your cast.
Best Colors for Neko Worms
Plastic worms come in a ton of colors, senkos for example are offered in over 120 colors. Don’t get overwhelmed, you don’t need anywhere near that many.
For colors I like to keep it simple and use natural colors. Colors like green pumpkin, baby bass, and june bug work just about everywhere in the country.
These three colors will give you a great foundation. You can play around and test other colors if you want expand beyond that.
Best Craws for the Neko Rig
My favorite neko craw is the Yamamoto PhychoDad. It has huge claws that flutter as it sinks.
Craws are a good choice in the early spring when bass are fattening up before spawn.