LURE 101
04 Lures / Soft Plastics & Rigs / Neko Rig
20 · Neko Rig

Neko Rig

ネコリグ

A nail weight is inserted into the head of a stick worm, and the hook goes through the worm wacky-style, a little toward the head. The worm “stands” head-down on the bottom, and its tail wags when you shake it.

Typical depth
0.5–6m
Typical weight
Nail weight 0.5–3.5 g
Beginner-friendly
●●●●●
Snag resistance
●●●●●
Depth zone
Bottom
AMotion

Action Demo

FIG.1Neko Rig · ShakingShake-shake-shake · pause · shake-shake-shake
SIDE VIEW
The dashed line traces the lure's last 4 seconds; top left shows the rod tip movement and line slack.
BHow it works

How It Works

  • The nail weight makes the head sink first and rest on the bottom with the tail up; shaking the rod makes it nod and wag in place, like a small fish or worm feeding on the bottom.
  • With the hook in the middle, the hookup rate is fairly high.
CRetrieve

Techniques

  1. Once it's on the bottom, gently shake the rod tip so the worm nods in place.
  2. Drag it slowly a short distance, then shake again.
Related techniquesShakingDragging
DWhen & Where

When & Where

● Good for

  • Inactive fish, clear water
  • Hard bottom, gravel, around docks
  • Finesse fishing

○ Not ideal for

  • Thick weeds (exposed hook point)
ETackle

Recommended Tackle

Rod
ML–M, fast
Reel
Spinning 2000–2500
Line
PE #0.6–0.8 + fluoro 6–10 lb

For rod power and action see 01 Rods; for line size conversion see 03 Line.

FTarget & Tips

Target Species & Tips

Largemouth Bass
  • Use a weedless hook with a weed guard to make it more snag resistant.
  • 5–7 inch worms are the most common.