Neko Rig
Rig technique
The Neko rig adds a nail weight to the head of a wacky-rigged worm so it falls nose-down and stands, digging and quivering on the bottom. It keeps the bait in the strike zone longer than a plain wacky rig and excels on clear, pressured Central Texas water.
Why: A nose-down wacky worm that digs.
Evidence: Verified knowledge from Bryan Cotter, 26+ years guiding all 16 Central Texas lakes.
Related: Straight / Finesse Worm · Senko / Stickbait · All bass techniques
Verified Answered by Bryan Cotter, Texas Hawgs guide · Updated Jul 12, 2026
A straight worm weighted at one end with a nail weight and hooked wacky-style in the middle (usually weedless), fished on the bottom.
Neko Rig at a glance
- Category
- Rig
- Skill level
- ●●●○○
- Bryan's confidence
- ●●●●○
- Target depth
- 3-25 ft
Best for: Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Guadalupe Bass
Gear
- Rod
- 7' ML (fast)
- Reel
- Spinning
- Line
- braid+leader — 10 lb braid, 8 lb fluoro leader
- Hook
- #1-1/0 weedless wacky hook
- Weight
- nail weight — 1/32-3/32 oz
How to fish the Neko Rig
- Insert a nail weight into the head of a straight worm.
- Add an O-ring at the middle and hook through it, weedless.
- Cast and let it fall nose-first to the bottom.
- Shake and hop it so the weighted end digs and the tail waves.
- Set on any tick.
Retrieve: Hop and shake along the bottom, letting the weighted nose dig in and the tail quiver.
Where it shines
Cover: rock, open, gravel; structure: points, bluffs, rock; clarity: clear.
When to use it
Best seasons: Winter, Spring, Fall
Best conditions: Post-Frontal / Bluebird, Cold Front
When Bryan reaches for it: When clear-water fish have seen every finesse bait and I want a different, bottom-digging action.
Lures to throw
Straight / Finesse Worm, Senko / Stickbait.
Common mistakes
- Nail weight too heavy, deadening the tail
- Not using an O-ring, tearing baits
- Fishing it too aggressively
Pro tips
- Move the nail weight to tune the fall speed
- A longer worm gives more tail action
Keep exploring
All bass fishing techniques · Wacky Rig · Drop Shot · All bass lures · Central Texas bass fishing guide
Want to learn the Neko Rig on the water? I'll put it in your hands on a guided trip. See rates and book or call 512-762-0190.