Mastering Prespawn Bass Fishing with Neko and Ned Rigs

Fisher Anaya demonstrates how the Neko rig and Ned rig shine as prespawn bass fishing techniques when bass move up on spawning flats. As water temperatures rise, male spotted bass prepare beds in shallow pockets. Anaya targets these areas, noting that spotted bass commonly spawn in 8- to 12 feet of water, making them less visible for sight fishing.

FEATURED PRODUCTS
• PLASTIC 1 – Rapala CrushCity Customs Janitor Worm, color – Green Pumpkin: Buy at Bass Pro Shops https://bassproshops.vzck.net/JK4XEq | Buy at Tackle Warehouse https://bit.ly/3XGeGbh | Buy at FishUSA https://bit.ly/4ldorYv
• PLASTIC 2 – Rapala CrushCity Ned BLT: Buy at Bass Pro Shops https://bassproshops.vzck.net/eKX07Z | Buy at Tackle Warehouse https://bit.ly/4fEN6lZ | Buy at FishUSA https://bit.ly/3BXmJZ8, color – Green Pumpkin Flash
• NED JIG – VMC Ned Rig Jig: Buy at Bass Pro Shops | Buy at Tackle Warehouse https://bit.ly/3SIokaR | Buy at FishUSA https://bit.ly/3WEqppr
• HOOK – VMC Weedless Neko Hook, size #1: Buy at Bass Pro https://bassproshops.vzck.net/zxrGQr | Buy at Tackle Warehouse https://bit.ly/43ArzaD
• O-RING – VMC Crossover Ring, size 5mm: Buy at Bass Pro Shops https://bassproshops.vzck.net/5g6jE1 | Buy at Tackle Warehouse https://bit.ly/3xPCpfv | Buy at FishUSA https://bit.ly/3RrcD7I
ROD – 13 Fishing Myth Spinning Rod, 6’10” Medium Light – Fast: Buy at Tackle Warehouse https://bit.ly/48iYPDP | Buy at FishUSA https://bit.ly/3FL5MTG
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*Boat setup at the bottom.

Neko Rig for Prespawn Bass
Anaya favors a high-action worm on his Neko rig. He uses the CrushCity Janitor finesse-style worm over a traditional stick bait due to its reduced tendency to bunch up on the hook and lifelike action. Paired with a weedless Neko hook and VMC Crossover Ring, the setup is cover-resistant while securing the plastic, making it ideal for fishing around isolated cover.​

Transitioning to the Ned Rig
Anaya switches to a Ned rig to elicit reaction bites with a faster fall rate. When paired on a heavier jig, this setup sinks quickly, prompting bass to strike before getting a thorough look. Anaya emphasizes the importance of allowing the bait to sit momentarily on the bottom, giving fish time to approach and bite.​

Identifying Productive Areas
Using mapping, Anaya identifies creek channels adjacent to shallow points, indicating prime spawning grounds. These areas offer bass easy access to deep water and suitable spawning substrates. By focusing on these transition zones, he quickly locates active prespawn bass.​

Equipment and Technique
For the Ned rig, Anaya uses a 6’10” medium-light rod, providing a soft tip for accurate casting. He pairs it with a 3000-size spinning reel spooled with 10-pound braid and a 10-pound fluorocarbon leader. This combination offers sensitivity and strength, crucial for detecting subtle bites but with the strength to extract fish from cover.​

BOAT SETUP
• BOAT – Phoenix 21 XE Bass Boat: Check out at Phoenix https://bit.ly/3XEVsCU
• MOTOR – Mercury Pro XS 250hp: Check out at Mercury https://bit.ly/3PeIhVk
• FISH FINDER 1 – Humminbird APEX 16 MEGA SI+ CHARTPLOTTER: Buy at Humminbird https://bit.ly/4gLX707
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• TROLLING MOTOR – Minn Kota Ultrex QUEST, 112lb, 36V, 52″: Buy at Bass Pro Shops https://bit.ly/49npejB

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