Finesse presentations like the wacky and Neko rigs can save the day when the bass aren’t in the mood for a meal, and as legions of anglers have learned, they’ll draw strikes when nothing else can.
Only one thing differentiates the two: the Neko’s nail weight.
But that seemingly small change results in dramatic differences in action and presentation, and knowing the ins and outs of the Neko and wacky rig will result in catching more fish, heavier stringers, and better placement in tournaments.
Want to know more about how the wacky and Neko rigs stack up?
Keep reading!
Table of Contents (clickable)
The Wacky Rig
The wacky rig relies on an exposed hook placed mid-worm, and whether you arm it with a jig head, a 1/0 circle hook, use an O-ring or sleeve, or just run that hook through your Senko, the goal is to create a fluttering action at both ends.
It also forces the Senko into a head-down, tail-up orientation, allowing you to work your soft plastic across the bottom in tiny bumps and leaps followed by gliding descents.
That’s a tremendously effective presentation on a hard bottom, and it’s ideal for working vertical structure like a steep drop-off or point. Where the bottom is anything but flat, the Neko outshines the wacky rig, hands down.
Neko vs. Wacky: Know the Bottom
Let’s summarize what we’ve covered so far:
- The wacky rig is perfect where the bottom is relatively flat and vegetation is sparse
- Its fluttering action is deadly when fished in the water column and kept off the bottom
- The Neko rig forces your Senko into a head-down position
- It’s worked along the bottom in short hops or bounces, or shaken like a shaky head
- The Neko rig is fantastic where the structure is steep
Both the wacky rig and the Neko are finesse techniques that lure bass into striking even when they’ve turned off. Lethal weapons in every bass angler’s arsenal, these techniques can be game-changing when the bite is finicky and time is of the essence.
But despite their obvious similarities, the addition of a nail weight to the wacky rig – the essence of the Neko – changes the rig’s behavior tremendously. And as long as you know the topography of the bottom, you can make the best choice for your situation.
Source: usangler.com