The 3 Best Neko Rig Hooks

Neko Rig fishing has gained huge popularity as one of the best and most versatile finesse rigs in the bass fishing industry.

As with any rig, the proper equipment and components of the Neko rig will help to maximize your success and catch more fish.

Probably the most important component to this technique is the hook, so let’s go over the best Neko rig hooks.

General Neko Hook Characteristics

Let me very quickly go over the basic characteristics that make a great Neko hook. First, is the hook should be a fairly small, light wire hook.

This is a finesse technique so you will be using light line and light rods. In order to make sure the hooks penetrate the mouth easily and efficiently on light gear, you need a very thin hook that can penetrate with even a gentle hook set.

Second is the length of the hook shank. Generally, a longer, straight shank hook design works much better for the Neko rig to ensure a high hook up percentage.

Since the hook point is rigged parallel or in-line with the worm, the longer shank helps to put the hook point at the right angle in the bass’s mouth and penetrate much better.

And lastly is the weed guard if you are fishing around grass or wood. When fishing the Neko rig around cover, a high quality weed guard that isn’t too stiff but gives enough hook point coverage is critical.

Best Hooks for the Neko Rig

1. VMC Neko Hook

This is pretty much the industry standard when it comes to Neko hooks. The VMC Neko Hooks are made from high-carbon steel with a super-sharp point and a long shank.

The Neko has a resin sealed eye to keep your line secure and not slip off. These hooks are easy to rig for powerful hook sets and increased bait action for Neko-wacky fishing.

VMC Neko Hooks are forged for maximum strength and durability.

• Offset point
• Resin closed eye
• Long shank
• Wide gap
• Forged
• Perfect for Neko-wacky rigging
• IKE approved
• Qty. per Pack: 6

2. Trokar Weedless Pro-V Finesse Hook

The Trokar Weedless Pro-V Finesse Hook features a design to enhance wacky or Neko-style fishing in weed beds and grassy areas for bass.

These Trokar weedless hooks offer the patented Surgically Sharpened Technology Trokar hook point. Testing shows that these points penetrate twice as much as similar competitor hooks with 50% less force for faster, surer hooksets.

The low-profile barb near Trokar’s unique triple-sided hook point easily pierces while offering significant holding power.

The Trokar hooks’ Pro-V bend aids the hold on soft plastic baits, funnels fish to the hook throat’s deepest point for more power after the hookset, and supplies more strength over other round bend hooks in the same classification.

• Weedless finesse hook for Neko-style rigging
• Fine wire Trokar hook
• Trokar hook point with Surgically Sharpened Technology
• High carbon, cold-forged steel hook produced under a tempering process for the right amount of flex.
• Pro-V hook bend
• Straight eye
• Wide gap
• Finish: platinum chrome, platinum black
• Qty. per Pack: 6

3. Reaction Tackle Wide Gap Hook

The Reaction Tackle Wide Gap Neko hooks are a hybrid between a straight shank hook and an EWG style of hook.

These hooks are perfect for Neko rigging with a bit thicker soft plastic baits such as Senk style baits, flukes, or other slightly thicker soft plastics.

The wide gap design gives the hook point a bit extra room to find the bass’s mouth when using the bulkier plastics and will increase your hook up ratio.

The Reaction Tackle Wide Gap Hook comes in both the standard hook and a hook with a fiber weed guard if you are fishing around cover.

• Wide gap design
• Versatile shape and size
• Optional weed guard
• Matte black finish
• More affordable price

Best Size Hook for Neko Rig Fishing

Size 1 or 2 Neko hooks are generally the best sizes. If you’re fishing with really thin baits or super light line in crystal clear water, go with a size 2 Neko hook.

If you’re using thicker soft plastics or fishing in more stained water where bass can’t get as good of a look at the bait, use a size 1 Neko hook.

You can experiment and find out exactly what size hook you prefer, but a size 1 or 2 Neko hook will always get the job done.

Best Bait for a Neko Rig

• Best Neko Rig Baits

Reeling this In

A Neko rig is one of the best finesse setups you can use for bass fishing. And the right hook for the right situation makes a world of difference.

Whether you are a beginner or expert Neko fisherman, these are going to be the best Neko hooks the bass fishing industry has to offer.