LURE 101
Rig catalog / Neko Rig
R.09Neko Rig

Neko Rig

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.
Hook, weight and line
Neko Rig
Watercolors and line drawings are illustrations; line lengths and proportions are not specifications.
SETUP & PRESENTATION
Setup
Insert a nail weight into one end of the worm → hook the midsection, optionally using a ring → tie the line. Keep the worm natural and the hook gap clear.
Softbait options
Worms / Stickbaits
01Use & Limits

Use and limits

When & Where

Less active fish in clear water; firm bottom, gravel and docks; finesse presentations.

Limits and common errors

Thick weeds (exposed hook point)

02Setup & Retrieve

Setup and retrieve

  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.
AMotion & Structure

Motion and structure

Structure illustration
Action Demo
SIDE VIEW
  • 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.
BTackle & Technique

Tackle and technique

Rod
ML–M, fast
Reel
Spinning 2000–2500
Line
PE #0.6–0.8 + fluoro 6–10 lb
ShakingDragging
    • Use a weedless hook with a weed guard to make it more snag resistant.
    • 5–7 inch worms are the most common.
    More application notes
    • Inactive fish, clear water
    • Hard bottom, gravel, around docks
    • Finesse fishing
    • Thick weeds (exposed hook point)
    03Softbaits

    Lure options

    19Softbaits
    Worms / Stickbaits

    Worms / Stickbaits

    Slender worms and stickbaits presented with slow falls, shakes and drags; the rig defines depth and action.

    Mid / Near bottomAdded weight 0–10 g
    REFReferences

    References and scope