Wacky and Neko Rigging Bass 101 [When and Where]

Mike “Ike” Iaconelli relies on both wacky and Neko rigging finesse plastics to get bit – they’re arguably the most effective bass rigs for generating bites for anglers of all skill levels and produce even when fish are in a negative mood. Iaconelli shows us how to rig each, the differences between the rigs and when to fish them.

Both techniques make heavy use of stick worms and other thin plastics but the similarities end there. Ike favors the use of a weightless wacky worm when targeting bass in shallow areas with little depth change (think grass or gravel flats). He fishes the weightless wacky rig suspended and horizontally, allowing him to cover water more efficiently when searching for fish. Ike demonstrates his typical wacky rigging process, emphasizing the importance of o-ring positioning and hook placement.

In contrast, the Neko rig excels around areas of rapid vertical change such as steep drop-offs, seawalls, or adjacent to vertical cover such as standing trees, grass, and dock and bridge pilings. The position of the o-ring and the addition of a nail weight radically change up the action of the Neko rig, essentially making it a vertical presentation to be fished along the bottom instead of suspended in the water column like a wacky rig.

Both are finesse presentations that fish best on spinning tackle. Iaconelli shares preferred rod action and line specifics, and why he favors a braid and fluorocarbon combination over other line options.

FEATURED PRODUCT:

• VMC Ike Approved Weedless Neko Hook
• VMC Finesse Neko Hook
• VMC Wacky Rig Tool
• VMC O-Rings
• VMC Half Moon Weight
• Berkley Powerbait Fatty Bottom Hopper Worm
• Abu Garcia IKE Finesse Series Spinning Rod
• Abu Garcia REVO IKE Spinning Reel
• Sufix 832 Braided Fishing Line, 6-10lb
• Sufix Invisiline Castable Fluorocarbon, 6-10lb