Tweaking Zman Soft Plastics for Better Performance

Zman Fishing's soft plastic baits are known for their unique material and design, which set them apart from traditional soft plastic baits offered by other companies.

Zman baits are made from a proprietary material called ElaZtech. This material is extremely durable, buoyant, and flexible, providing a lifelike action in the water. ElaZtech is more durable than traditional soft plastics, which means that Zman baits can withstand more bites and catches before needing replacement.

ElaZtech is buoyant, allowing the baits to float naturally in the water. This feature is especially beneficial when using techniques like the Ned Rig, where the bait stands upright on the bottom, imitating a feeding or injured prey.

Although ElaZtech is a buoyant plastic, Zman does add salt into the formulation helping to add weight and adjust sink rates. The salt content also decreases the buoyancy sometimes causing bait to lay flat on the bottom especially if any current is present in the waters you're fishing.

Nick from the Bass Hookup YouTube channel created a pretty cool underwater video showing how a simple tweak to Zman's finesse soft plastics can greatly enhance a bait's buoyancy and performance.

Take a few minutes to watch and see what I mean...

Try a Neko Rig on Following Smallmouths

Have you been frustrated when catching one smallmouth bass on one rig only to have several more quality smallies follow it up to the boat then disappear by the time you land your fish? 

I know I have!

Did you know there's a pretty simple trick that will help catch more of those ghostly bronzebacks?

Take a moment and listen as bass pro Drew Cook describes how to use a readily-deployed Neko rig to draw strikes from those elusive following smallies...

Pretty cool and simple trick I know I'll be trying this season...

Need to stock up on Neko rig gear?

If you do, click on the following link to see the great assortment of Neko rigging gear available at Omnia Fishing:

Omnia's Neko Rig Tackle Assortment

Fishing the Neko Rig for Pressured Bass

Fishing for bass can be a challenging and rewarding experience, especially when the fish are pressured. When bass are constantly exposed to lures and other baits, they can become skittish and difficult to catch. 

However, with the right technique and equipment, you can increase your chances of hooking a bass, even in pressured waters. One technique that has gained popularity in recent years is the Neko rig.

The Neko rig is a simple rig that involves threading a soft plastic worm, crawfish or stick bait on to a Neko-style hook parallel with the length of the worm then inserting a small nail weight in the head of the bait.

To fish a Neko rig, you need a spinning rod and reel, light line, and a small hook. The ideal spinning rod should be medium power with a fast action, and it should be around 6.5-7.25 feet long. The reel should have a good drag system to help you control the fish. Use light line in the range of 4-8 pounds, and choose a hook that matches the size of your soft plastic bait.

Start fishing by casting your Neko rig to the desired location and let it sink to the bottom. The Neko rig has a unique fall rate, and the weight will cause the bait to stand up vertically when it hits the bottom. Once the bait is on the bottom, lift the rod tip, and then let it fall again. Repeat this process, working the bait slowly and methodically. This technique mimics a dying or injured baitfish and can entice even the most finicky bass.

Is the Neko Rig Better Than the Texas Rig?

The Neko and Texas rigs are two popular soft bait presentations used in bass fishing. Both have their own unique advantages and disadvantages but the choice between the two ultimately comes down to the individual angler's preference and the specific fishing conditions when on the water.

The Neko Rig!

The Neko rig is a simple rig that involves threading a soft plastic worm or stick bait a Neko-style hook parallel with the length of the worm then inserting a small nail weight in the head of the bait (see video).

The Neko rig usually excels in clear water especially when bass are feeding on small baitfish or worms. The Neko rig's main advantage is its subtle presentation, which can be especially effective when bass are finicky or in a negative feeding mood. It is also a great rig for beginners since it's easy to rig and use.

The Texas Rig!

The Texas rig on the other hand, is a more versatile rig and used in a variety of fishing conditions. It involves rigging a soft plastic worm or creature bait with a bullet weight and a flipping or EWG style hook (see video).

The weight size can be varied and is used to keep the bait near the bottom. In most cases the hook is usually rigged weedless making it a "go-to" rig for fishing in heavy cover. The Texas rig is a great option when bass are feeding on larger prey, such as crawfish or bluegills. It is also a good choice when fishing in murky or stained water where the fish may not be able to see the bait as well.

Both the Neko and Texas rigs are great options for bass fishing. The Neko rig is often best used in clear water; when the bass are feeding on small bait; or when fishing pressured water. On the other hand, the Texas rig is more versatile and often used in heavy cover or when the water is stained to dirty. 

Tight lines and full livewells!

A Different Take on Adding Nail Weights to Soft Stickbaits

Is it a weighted wacky or Neko rig?

Bass pro James Niggemeyer presents a different approach to nail weighting a soft stickbait...

Different, yes but what do you think?

Intro to the Neko Rig

There are many soft plastic worm rigs using a plastic bait, weight and a hook but there is one rigging method that has dominated the bass tournament world for the last few years; the Neko rig!

At first glance it barely seems like anything special but the nature of the rig makes this presentation method pretty snag less and gives a variety of soft plastic baits a look many bass do not often see.

Take a moment and watch as bass pro Ott Defoe gives his thoughts on the Neko rig and why it is now a staple presentation in his bassin' arsenal:

Looking for a source to stock up on Neko rigging gear?

Check out the different types of Neko rigging baits, hooks, weights, rods, reels and line Omnia Fishing has to offer:

Omnia's Neko Rig Gear Selection

Neko Rigging Soft Plastic Crawfish for Finicky Bass

Neko rigged finesse, trick and other straight-tailed plastic worms has been one of the hottest rigs/presentations in the bass fishing world for a number of years now.

Though Neko rigged worms are often highly effective on both active and inactive bass, there are times when a bait "change-up" can help trigger the most finicky bass into striking. 

Think about it! 

Working a Neko rigged, medium-size, soft plastic craw across the bottom is about as realistic a presentation that you can make and bass just love to slurp them up!

Take a moment and listen to what the folks at W2F have to say about Neko craw rigging, bait choice and presentation methods in this short video demonstration...

Check out this selection of great crawfish baits via the following link:

Crawfish Bait Choices

Neko Rig for Heavy Cover

The Neko rig has been one of the hottest bass catching rigs/presentations to hit the market over the last several years.

The Neko rig does have one significant issue however; it's great when fishing open water or sparse vegetation but almost instantly hangs up when fishing dense vegetation or around any woody type cover.

Or at least it has been up until now!

Take a moment and hear what bass pro John Crews discovered about a new Neko rigging hook that seems to solve the heavy cover hang-up issue...

I wonder how long it will take for other options to hit the market as well 😉

Fish the Neko Rig for Transitioning Spring Bass

One of the newest soft plastic bait rigs hitting the bass fishing scene like a storm is the Neko Rig!

Though many bass anglers consider the Neko Rig a deep-water presentation most suitable to summertime fishing situations, truth be old it's also very deadly during the winter to spring transition period!

Take a moment and watch this short video from the folks at Lucky Tackle Box detailing the ins and outs of Neko rig fishing for early spring bass...

This is definitely a presentation to try this spring when our favorite finny friends are making their ways to the shallows!

What do you think?