Neko Rig Fishing: Everything You Need To Catch Bass!

The Neko Rig is a very adaptable technique! We love to power fish, but this finesse presentation has earned its place on deck! The Neko rig can be fished shallow, deep, or around cover. It's simple to rig, easy to fish, and bass love it! Here's what you need to know about this overlooked technique.

The key to the Neko presentation is the rigging. Once you've got that part dialed, the rest is very simple. It's a very adaptable presentation but with a few simple modifications it becomes even more universal! Today we're covering how we set up the rig, our favorite baits for the presentation, and a few tricks we use to get more bites.

Below you'll find links to all the gear discussed in the video. We've included our favorite colors, sizes, and hooks for each. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.


SIMPLE NEKO RIGGING COMPONENTS...

Bait– Yamamoto 5" Senko: http://bit.ly/2axAmNS

Color: Electric Shad, Natural Shad, Green Pumpkin Black Flake

Weight– Xzone Pagoda: https://bit.ly/2iGNSFW

Size: 3/32 oz

Rings– VMC Crossover Ring: https://bit.ly/3w0NYdz

Size: 7

Hook– Owner Sniper Finesse Weedless: https://bit.ly/2zXirRH

Size: 2


CROSSOVER PLIERS...

•VMC Crossover Pliers: https://bit.ly/3ipm9HN

•VMC Crossover Rings: https://bit.ly/3w0NYdz


UNIQUE SOFT PLASTICS...

•Xzone Deception Worm: https://bit.ly/43YDE6x

Colors: Dark Junebug, Plum, Green Pumpkin Blue


•Missile Baits Quiver Worm: https://bit.ly/2xehVgx

Color: Hillbilly Magic, Bluetonium Green Pumpkin Core


•Yamamoto Sensei Worm: https://bit.ly/3WgAaM5

Colors: OG Junebug, Plum Candy, Green Pumpkin Black


LEAD NEKO WEIGHTS...

•Big Bite Spring Neko Weight: https://bit.ly/441tOEg

Sizes: 1/16 – 1/8 oz


•ZMan Neko Shroomz Wacky Weight: https://bit.ly/3GJTpb1

Sizes: 1/20 – 1/10 oz


•MissileBaits Neko Weight: https://bit.ly/3Z6UaRH

Sizes: 1/32 – 1/8 oz


NEKO RIG BFS COMBO...

Rod– Shimano Expride B 6'8" Light: https://bit.ly/2nTq9FL

Reel– Shimano Curado BFS (XG): https://bit.ly/2QGRVF2

Line– Seaguar InvizX Fluorocarbon (8 lb): https://bit.ly/2oVsG2Y


TIM'S NEKO COMBO...

Rod– G Loomis NRX+ 852S JWR: https://bit.ly/2dX9zjv

Reel– Shimano Exsence A 3000: https://bit.ly/2iMtscV

Line– Sunline SX1 12 lb Braid: http://bit.ly/2tn8EzQ

Leader– Sunline Super FC 10 lb: http://bit.ly/2p7fxju


BUDGET NEKO RIG COMBO...

Rod– St. Croix Bass X 7'1" Medium: https://bit.ly/3xi0ren

Reel– Shimano Vanford 2500 HG: https://bit.ly/3WAPNO1

Line– Sunline Super FC 8 lb: http://bit.ly/2p7fxju


TACTICALBASSIN LURE DESIGNS (AND APPAREL)

We have a variety of custom lure designs and apparel available! Everything from Swimbaits and crankbaits, to apparel and merch! See it here…

•TacticalBassin Apparel and Merch: https://bit.ly/3ZxEI0z

•TacticalBassin Lure Designs: http://bit.ly/38YpPIz

Make Fishing FUN Again With These Easy Tricks!

We're headed to a secret little lake, come along! The post spawn can be a difficult time for anglers, but it doesn't need to be! With the right techniques and some downsized baits, you can have a ton of fun! Come along as Matt sticks a bunch of fish on bait finesse and topwater!

This is the place where the Karashi trend really kicked off. This special little bait triggers bites in ways we've never seen from other lures! Matt mixes in some of our other favorites like the underspin, tiny craw, and topwater, and suddenly its a recipe for a fun day on the water!

Below you'll find links to the exact baits and gear Matt used throughout the day. We've included exact sizes and colors, as well as the specifics of the rods and reels. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.


RELATED VIDEOS...

•Karashi In Depth Video: https://youtu.be/R4oTU0CmJ-8

•Bait Finesse Tricks For Spring Bass Fishing: https://youtu.be/ZtNLOOg7GzI


THE KARASHI...

•Megabass Karashi: https://bit.ly/3LwMGS7

Colors: HT Ito Wakasagi KS, GLX Frozen Pink


POPPER...

•Damiki Umpa 40: https://bit.ly/42XSQkD

Color: Real Shad


MINI UNDERSPIN...

•Dirty Jigs Tactical Mini Underspin: https://bit.ly/3JOd8UY

Size: 1/8 oz


•Xzone 2.75" Swammer: https://bit.ly/2PogV0q

Color: Pro Blue Red Pearl


STEALTH CRAW...

•Xzone Stealth Finesse Craw: https://bit.ly/4ckYPmX

Color: Green Pumpkin/Black Blue


•ZMan Finesse Bulletz: https://bit.ly/4cHyEsv

Size: 1/10th oz


TOPWATER...

•Megabass Giant Dog X: https://bit.ly/2yU84eE

Color: Sexy French Pearl


KARASHI COMBO...

Rod– Cashion Icon 7' Light: https://bit.ly/3mLIIes

Reel– Shimano Curado BFS: https://bit.ly/2QGRVF2

Line– Daiwa Hidden FC (7 lb): https://bit.ly/3ILKXH0


MINI UNDERSPIN COMBO...

Rod– Shimano Poison Adrena 6'10" Light: https://bit.ly/3WE4yQ3

Reel– Shimano Aldebaran BFS: https://bit.ly/3ryXKpR

Leader– Sufix 832 Braid (10 lb): https://bit.ly/3vbtuDw

Line– Sunline Super FC (8 lb): https://bit.ly/2p7fxju


STEALTH CRAW COMBO...

Rod– Shimano Expride B 6'8" Light: https://bit.ly/2nTq9FL

Reel– Shimano Curado BFS: https://bit.ly/2QGRVF2

Line– Seaguar PEX8 JDM Braid (18 lb): https://bit.ly/3UEhhl2

Leader– Daiwa Hidden FC (7 lb): https://bit.ly/3ILKXH0


GIANT DOG X COMBO...

Rod– Dobyns Xtasy 7'2" Medium Heavy: https://bit.ly/36fIHCg

Model: DRX 723 C

Reel– Abu Garcia Zenon MG–X: https://bit.ly/4dv7WT0

Line– Sufix 832 Braid (30 lb): https://bit.ly/2ae93Ji

Leader– Sufix Advance Mono (12 lb): https://bit.ly/3GJEUix


TACTICALBASSIN LURE DESIGNS (AND APPAREL)

We have a variety of custom lure designs and apparel available! Everything from Swimbaits and crankbaits, to apparel and merch! See it here…

•TacticalBassin Apparel and Merch: https://bit.ly/3ZxEI0z

•TacticalBassin Lure Designs: http://bit.ly/38YpPIz

Matt's New Boat! Custom Skeeter FXR 21 Bass Boat Full Tour!

Come take a look inside Matt's brand new boat! Come along as we walk into Hennessey Outdoor Electronics and pick up Matt's brand new Skeeter FXR 21 from rigging! Take the tour with us, but know its so much more than that, as Matt explains his mindset behind how he lays out a boat for fishing, navigation, and safety.

We're so excited about this new boat! From the brand new Yamaha SHO 250 Outboard, to the Dakota Lithium batteries with giant capacities, this boat is built to handle everything we can throw at it! After decades of fishing out of every kind of boat imaginable, Matt designed this layout from the ground up to make this FXR an efficient fishing platform!

Below you'll find links to everything Matt discussed in the video. From a break down of the Electronics, to the boat and motor themselves, it's all there. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse, Skeeter, And Yamaha respectively, where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.


THE BOAT...

•2025 Skeeter FXR 21 Pro: https://bit.ly/43GvGQh

••This Link Goes To The Skeeter Boats Website••


•Yamama SHO 250 Outboard: https://bit.ly/3xolFv0

••This Links Goes To The Yamaha Outboards Website••


THE ELECTRONICS...

•Humminbird Apex 13: https://bit.ly/3pdaK1q


TROLLING MOTOR AND ACCESSORIES...

•Minn Kota Ultrex Quest Mega DI/SI Trolling Motor: https://bit.ly/41RErpY

•Humminbird Mega Live Target Lock With Tranducer: https://bit.ly/3uWwTmE

•Humminbird 360 Mega Imaging: https://bit.ly/3oUt7oO

•Minn Kota Precision 5 Bank Charger: https://bit.ly/3ynIqMQ

•Minn Kota 10' Raptors: https://bit.ly/3iMUrEJ

•Megaware 8' Keel Guard: http://bit.ly/2N5p36m


BATTERIES...

•Dakota Lithium Trolling Batteries: https://bit.ly/3YCJUAI

••This Link Goes To The Dakota Lithium Batteries Website••

Preferred Trolling Motor Size: 12V (135AH)

Preferred Electronics Size: 12V (320AH)


CUSTOM MOUNTS, WIRING, AND RIGGING...

•Hennessey Outdoor Electronics Website: https://bit.ly/3kX87kA

••This link goes directly to the Hennessey Website••


Hennessey Component List...

•HOE Harness (Bow and Single Console)

•HOE Triple Slide Mount

•HOE Solix/Apex Gimble Bracket HD

•HOE Solix/Apex Aluminum Knobs

•HOE Trolling Motor Punch Pad

•HOE JackPlate Transducer Mount

•HOE Minn Kota Raptor Work Light

•HOE Minn Kota Raptor Anchor Light


TACTICALBASSIN LURE DESIGNS (AND APPAREL)

We have a variety of custom lure designs and apparel available! Everything from Swimbaits and crankbaits, to apparel and merch! See it here…

•TacticalBassin Apparel and Merch: https://bit.ly/3ZxEI0z

•TacticalBassin Lure Designs: http://bit.ly/38YpPIz

How To Catch Shallow Bass Right Now! (Shad Spawn Fishing)

Its time! The bass are shallow and you can catch them! There is a short window in Spring when shad are spawning and bass are aggressively chasing them, don't miss it! Come along for a crazy morning on the water as Matt takes full advantage of the shad spawn bite!

The shad spawn is an open door for bass fishermen to have a great morning on the water. Forget the post-spawn blues, get up early, and catch a bunch of fish! The key to this pattern is fast moving baits with flash, combined with likely locations for a spawn. At first light the shad will be spawning along shallow banks, grass, even docks, and the bass will be ready to ambush them!

Below you'll find links to the exact baits Matt used in the video. We've also included his exact rod and reel combos. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.


RELATED VIDEO...

•Adam Hinkle Breaks Down The Shad Spawn: https://youtu.be/3HOLCoUM-RA


CHATTERBAIT...

•Zman Elite Evo Mini Max Chatterbait: https://bit.ly/3EahpTT

Colors: Electric Shad

•Hog Farmer 4" Stroll Shad: https://bit.ly/3ALs7OI

Colors: Electric Shad


POPPER...

•Nomad Chug Norris Popper: https://bit.ly/3wn1zRJ

Color: Holo Ghost Shad


WALKING BAIT...

•Megabass Giant Dog X: https://bit.ly/2yU84eE

Color: Megabass Sexy Shad


UNDERSPIN...

•Dirty Jigs Tactical Mini Underspin: https://bit.ly/3JOd8UY

Size: 1/4 oz

•Xzone 3.5" Swammer: https://bit.ly/2PogV0q

Color: Pro Blue Red Pearl


SPINNERBAIT...

•War Eagle Screamin Eagle (1/2 oz): https://bit.ly/2IEHHjA

Color: Mouse

•Gamakatsu Spinnerbait Trailer: https://bit.ly/2IGCfg1

Size: 2/0


POPPER COMBO...

Rod– Dobyns Xtasy 7'2" Medium Heavy: https://bit.ly/36fIHCg

Model: DRX 723 C

Reel– Abu Garcia Zenon MG–X: https://bit.ly/4dv7WT0

Line– Sufix 832 Braid (30 lb): https://bit.ly/2ae93Ji

Leader– Sufix Advance Mono (12 lb): https://bit.ly/3GJEUix


WALKING BAIT COMBO...

Rod– G Loomis GLX 7' Medium Heavy: https://bit.ly/3PmpCqj

Model: 853C MBR

Reel– Shimano Metanium 70 DC: https://bit.ly/2qrSZvs

Line– Sufix 832 Braid (30 lb): https://bit.ly/2ae93Ji

Leader– Sufix Advance (17 lb): https://bit.ly/3GJEUix


UNDERSPIN COMBO...

Rod– Dobyns Xtasy 7'2" Medium Light: https://bit.ly/2KS92gK

Model: 722

Reel– Shimano Exsence A 3000 (HG): https://bit.ly/2iMtscV

Line– Seaguar PEX8 (16 lb): https://bit.ly/3UEhhl2

Leader– Seaguar Gold label (10 lb): https://bit.ly/3UqrUbi


BUDGET TOPWATER COMBO...

Rod– Cashion Element Z2 6'9" Medium: https://bit.ly/48w69eC

Reel– Shimano SLX 150 XT (HG): https://bit.ly/2BRTYL8

Line– Power Pro Braid (30 lb): https://bit.ly/2aFg46b

Leader– Sufix Advance (17 lb): https://bit.ly/3GJEUix


TACTICALBASSIN LURE DESIGNS (AND APPAREL)

We have a variety of custom lure designs and apparel available! Everything from Swimbaits and crankbaits, to apparel and merch! See it here…

•TacticalBassin Apparel and Merch: https://bit.ly/3ZxEI0z

•TacticalBassin Lure Designs: http://bit.ly/38YpPIz