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Bassmaster Elite At The Sabine River Rescheduled For June 7-10

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Bassmaster Elite At The Sabine River Rescheduled For June 7-10

The Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Elite at Sabine River presented by Econo Lodge has been rescheduled for June 7-10. The Sabine River and Orange, Texas, are home to the second-most attended regular-season Bassmaster Elite Series event in history, drawing more than 33,650 fans.

Photo by B.A.S.S.

April 5, 2018

Bassmaster Elite At The Sabine River Rescheduled For June 7-10

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BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — The Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Elite at Sabine River presented by Econo Lodge, which was postponed last week because of heavy rains and unsafe boating conditions in the Sabine River watershed, has been rescheduled for June 7-10 at Orange, Texas.

Citing concerns for the safety of anglers and other boaters on the Sabine River and its tributaries, B.A.S.S. Tournament Director Trip Weldon said last week that he and other B.A.S.S. officials “felt compelled to postpone the event until conditions are more favorable.”

The decision to reschedule was announced jointly today by B.A.S.S., which conducts the prestigious bass fishing circuit, and the host organization, the Greater Orange Area Chamber of Commerce (GOACC).

Practice for the event, which was originally scheduled as the second of nine regular season Elite Series tournaments, will get underway Monday, June 4, with competition taking place Thursday through Sunday, June 7-10.

The tournament originally was to begin Friday, April 6, and conclude Monday, April 9.

“We recognize that some of our anglers, staff and others involved in the Elite Series will have commitments that conflict with the new dates, but we owe it to our fans, hosts, sponsors and anglers to reschedule the event at Orange this season,” said B.A.S.S. CEO Bruce Akin. “We appreciate the hard work our staff and our partners in Orange have put into rescheduling this tournament and overcoming the curveball nature threw at us.”

Previous Elite Series tournaments in Orange have been among the most popular and well-attended in B.A.S.S. history. Local organizers were hoping to set new records this week and had planned concerts following the afternoon weigh-ins to further entertain bass fishing fans.

“We are excited that B.A.S.S. has worked with the Greater Orange Area Chamber of Commerce to reschedule the Bassmaster Elite Tournament on the Sabine River. This community has looked forward to this event, and we are pleased that we can still offer it,” said Tad McKee, Chairman of the GOACC Board, “Orange County has suffered a huge loss in the wake of Hurricane Harvey, and this tournament will offer a significant economic boost to the businesses in our area. We look forward to the welcomed distraction from the everyday recovery process. We value our continued partnership with B.A.S.S. for years to come.”

Chamber of Commerce officials said they intend to hold a festival during the rescheduled tournament. A Bassmaster Outdoors Expo also will be held during the event, which will take place at the City of Orange Boat Ramp. Visit Bassmaster.com for further details.

2018 Bassmaster Elite At Sabine River Title Sponsor: Bass Pro Shops

2018 Bassmaster Elite At Sabine River Presenting Sponsor: Econo Lodge

2018 Bassmaster Elite Series Platinum Sponsor: Toyota

2018 Bassmaster Elite Series Premier Sponsors: Mercury, Minn Kota, Nitro Boats, Power-Pole, Skeeter Boats, Triton Boats, Yamaha, Abu Garcia, Berkley, Huk, Humminbird

2018 Bassmaster Elite Series Supporting Sponsors: Phoenix Boats, T-H Marine, Academy Sports + Outdoors, Carhartt, Livingston Lures, Lowrance

2018 Bassmaster Elite Series Elite Partner: Black Velvet Canadian Whisky

About B.A.S.S.

LIVETARGET Lures for Spring Bass Success

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LIVETARGET Lures for Spring Bass Success

 

LIVETARGET Lures for Spring Bass Success

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A one-two punch of cold-water bass tips from a Bassmaster Elite Series Champion

Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON (April 4, 2018) – As evidenced by the 2018 GEICO Bassmaster Classic, early spring is a challenging season to consistently find bass fishing success. Fluctuating water levels, variable temperatures and clarity, and even a subtle wind shift can turn feast into famine, demanding that even the most experienced professionals shift on the fly to remain dialed into the spring bass bite.

For LIVETARGET pro and Bassmaster Elite Series competitor Stephen Browning, patterning cold-water bass during the pre-spawn period begins by getting out of the main lake and heading into tributaries and creek arms. Browning, who won the recent Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Central Open on Ross Barnett Reservoir, begins by, “looking for the first channel swing bank as the creek channel runs from the main lake toward the back of the bay. Then, I dissect cover and cover water, using a one-two punch of confidence lures from LIVETARGET.

HFC Craw in Copper Root Beer

The HFC (Hunts for Center) Craw

A channel swing bank is, quite simply, an area where a submerged creek channel changes direction as it runs close to the bank. The steep, hard-bottomed outer edge of the creek channel is one location that focuses pre-spawn bass activity.

The first LIVETARGET tool out of Browning’s toolbox is the HFC (Hunt For Center) Craw, designed with an off-center tracking action that causes the lure to randomly dart left or right, mimicking a fleeing crawfish in an evasive retreat. This erratic action is an outstanding trigger for big bass bites in cold water, particularly as the HFC Craw deflects off cover and hard bottom.

HFC Craw in Red

Browning notes, “the HFC Craw is a compact, two-inch long bait that is just the right size for bass in cold water. It has a nice steep dive curve, digging down six to eight feet on the retrieve, knocking into cover and the bottom along the channel edges. I use the HFC Craw as my primary search tool to parallel the bank. Red is one of my confidence colors for the HFC Craw, as are the more subtle, but extremely lifelike Phantom Green and Root Beer patterns.”

Equipped with three-dimensional anatomical features, ultra-realistic color patterns, and premium hooks and hardware, the HFC Craw will quickly become a mainstay in your cold-water crankbait collection. Available in six colors that complement a wide array of spring water conditions, the HFC Craw is available now with MSRP $14.49.

 

Yearling BaitBall Jerkbait in Silver/Black

The Yearling BaitBall Jerkbait

Not all bass will relate to the steep, outer edge of the creek channel as it bends close to shore. Indeed, many fish will frequently transition out of the channel along its more gradual, inside edge.

To target these pre-spawners, Browning selects a long, slender Yearling Baitball Jerkbait 110, which features an in-line grouping of baby baitfish, effectively simulating a small group of bait that has been separated from the school. Its unique three-dimensional design creates a multitude of flash points and delivers a shimmering presentation that attracts the attention of any nearby bass.

Browning adds, “my approach with the Yearling BaitBall Jerkbait is somewhat different than the presentation I use with the HFC Craw. Rather than paralleling the bank, I make long casts at a 45-degree angle to the bank, working the bait back with a regular cadence including some long pauses. The Yearling BaitBall Jerkbait suspends perfectly on the pause, which drives neutral fish crazy.”

 

Yearling BaitBall Jerkbait in Gold/Black

The 4 ¼” Yearling BaitBall Jerkbait dives four to five feet on the retrieve and is available now with MSRP $14.49 in six ultra-realistic patterns, including Browning’s favorites of Siver/Black and Gold/Black.

At LIVETARGET, our connection and commitment to the primal spirit of competition drives us to design and craft lures that give anglers a distinct advantage. Bassmaster Elite Series pro Stephen Browning depends on that advantage on the tournament trail, and you can rely on it too, whenever you step into the boat, cast a line from shore or wade in your favorite stream. Whenever and wherever we fish, we compete.

Visit us today at https://livetargetlures.com/ to shop and learn about LIVETARGET lures and The Nature of Competition.

 

 

Jason Dew & Tom Elliot Win CATT SENC Lake Waccamaw Mar 31, 2018

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Jason Dew & Tom Elliot Win CATT SENC Lake Waccamaw Mar 31, 2018

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**Remember guys you have to enter 3 CATT Qualifiers to be able to enter the June 2-3 CATT Championship on Kerr. $10,000 1st Place! You can make your 3 by having fished any FALL 2017 CATT Trails and by fishing any SPRING CATT Trails—the 3 don’t have to be in the same Division!

Jason Dew & Tom Elliot took the win on Lake Waccamaw this past Saturday with 5 bass weighing 23.94 lbs! They weighed the 1st BF at 8.08 lbs and took the BONUS $ as well. All total they earned $631.00!

2nd went to Chris Savage and Michael Campbell with a limit weighing 20.06 lbs. They weighed the 2nd BF at 7.99 lbs and took home $329.00!

Next SENC CATT is April 21st at Sutton Lake!

13 Teams Big Total Total  
                                   Team Fish Weight Winnings Points
Jason Dew – Thomas Elliot  BF & BONUS $ 8.08 23.94 $631.00 110
Chris Savage – Michael Campbell   2nd BF 7.99 20.06 $329.00 109
Jeremy Sullivan – Jamie Pierce 5.91 18.11 108
Mitch Garner – Will Spaulding 5.06 15.57 107
Shawn Hicken 3.94 13.51 106
Travis Priest – Matt Gause 3.90 13.33 105
Joe High – Brad Robbins 3.73 10.52 104
Austin Stormes – Marc Moore 3.38 9.62 103
Lamar Siler – Mitch Varnum 3.00 6.75 102
Jamie Milam – Michael Milam 0.00 2.94 101
Jackie Horne – Billy Malester 0.00 0.00 100
Kevin Crabtree – Elijah Crabtree 0.00 0.00 100
Tony Davis – Ashley Cotrell 0.00 0.00 100
Total Entrys     $1,040.00
BONUS $     $240.00
Total Paid At Ramp     $960.00
2018 SENC Spring Final Fund     $300.00
2018 CATT Championship Fund     $20.00
       
2018 SENC Spring Final Fund Total     $575.00
2018 CATT Championship Fund Total     $3,770.00

4 Carolina Rig Fishing Hacks To Mix Up A Classic Technique – MTB

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4 Carolina Rig Fishing Hacks To Mix Up A Classic Technique – MTB

4 Carolina Rig Fishing Hacks To Mix Up A Classic Technique

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The inclination of most anglers is to drag a plastic lizard or French fry worm to catch bass while Carolina rig fishing. But with some tinkering, you will discover there’s more innovative ways to fish the rig.

Here are four improvisations for Carolina rig fishing to catch more bass.

1. Rapid Retrieve

With a Carolina rig a lot of people just throw it out and drag it around real slow, but you can cover more water quickly and get aggressive bass to hit a Carolina-rigged bait just like a crankbait or spinnerbait by working the rig faster. So in a day’s time you can fish several areas looking for those one or two spots that hold several bass.

A heavier weight such as a 1- or 1 1/4-ounce egg sinker works best for Carolina rigging at a fast pace because the heavy weight helps you detect a strike easier. You need a lure that generates plenty of action so you can use either a plastic lizard or a creature bait with lots of curly appendages for speed rigging.

Retrieve the Carolina rig in a pumping fashion or drag it along the bottom with a long sweep of the rod so the lure moves about 3 to 5 feet at a time. When moving the rig at this faster pace, you still need to keep it in constant contact with the bottom.

Bass can be taken on this Carolina Rig Fishing technique year-round, but it produces best when the fish are moving on or coming off the nest when the water temperature is in the mid-60s or higher.

2. Jighead Carolina Rig Fishing

carolina jig rig

Source: AllOutdoor

To increase your chances of catching bass on a Carolina rig, you can replace the regular Carolina rig weight with a specially designed Carolina jig weight for the front of your rig. Start your double lure rig with the a 3/4- or 1-ounce jig weight followed by a skirted double-tail plastic grub on a hook at the back end of the rig.

There are times when bass hit at the sinker, so the jig weight increases your odds of catching that fish. The jig weight also seemed to move through rocks better than egg sinkers do.
You can use a standard Carolina rig retrieve for fishing the jig weight and trailer lure. Just drag it 2 or 3 feet and then reel in the slack line. Most of the bites on the jig weight or the lure will come on the pause.

3. Three-Way Swivel Rig

three way rig

Source: ThatFishing

Using a Carolina rig with a three-way swivel allows you to fish two soft plastics at one time.
Start the rig by slipping 20 to 25-pound test fluorocarbon line through a 3/4- or 1-ounce weight and then tie on a number 8 three-way swivel with two leader lines. The first leader consists of a 3- or 4 –inch piece of 25- to 30-pound monofilament with a French fry worm on the end. The other leader of 17- to 20-pound test should have a plastic lizard or worm attached 2 1/2 to 3 feet behind the swivel.

You should switch to this rig whenever bass keep biting the sinker of your standard Carolina rig. The two baits trailing the sinker will usually draw a bass’ attention away from the weight and towards the double meals on the back of the rig.

Most of the time you can drag the two lures in the same fashion as regular Carolina rig fishing. In colder water drag the rig slowly for short distances and then move the lures at a steady pace when the water warms. If you pull it up against something on the bottom and it hangs, let it sit there for a while and shake it until a bass grabs one of the baits.

4. Triple Threat Rig

carolina rig fishing

Source: A and M Baits

If you know how to pour your own jigs, you can make a triple-threat Carolina rig.
You can mold a swivel into a 3/4- or 1-ounce flat jighead and connect the swivel to a split ring followed by a three-way swivel with two drop lines. You can enhance the jighead by adding a craw worm to the jig’s hook.

The leader lines should be different lengths with the first line 10 to 12 inches long and the second about 3 feet long. Use 14-pound line for the leaders for most situations, but switch to 10-pound test for fishing in cold or clear water. Attach a French fry worm to one leader and a 4-inch finesse worm on the other.

The triple rig works best retrieved in a normal Carolina rig fashion along gravel flats. The prime time to throw the triple rig is during the postspawn when spotted bass school along the gravel flats.

If standard Carolina rig fishing techniques fail to produce, try one of these rig presentations to catch more bass.

Ready To Catch Some Fish?

Gear up and catch more fish! With a Mystery Tackle Box Subscription, you’ll get a box of baits hand delivered to your door each month. In addition to the best new baits you’ll have access to our expert tips, how-to videos, fishing decals, MTB exclusive baits, and more. With baits up to 40% off retail, this is one service every angler needs to try!

Learn More About Mystery Tackle Box!

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Flats Fishing 101: How To Identify And Fish A Flat – MTB

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Flats Fishing 101: How To Identify And Fish A Flat – MTB

Flats Fishing 101: How To Identify And Fish A Flat

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This post was guest written by Will Hogan of The Indiana University Bass Fishing Team.

Although it may feel like winter will never end, spring fishing will be here before we know it. As the water temperatures start to increase in the coming months, bass will enter their pre-spawn stage and eventually the spawn. Arguably one of, if not, the best time of year to fish, and there is arguably no better place to target these fish than flats.

What Is Flats Fishing?

The best part about flats is they are pretty self explanatory. A flat is essentially any piece of bottom in a pond or lake that creates a flat surface, usually substantially above the lowest depth in the body of water. For example, if the average depth is in the range of 18-20 feet,you will find there are multiple flats that are only 10-12 feet below the surface. This is just one example of a flat, as fishing flats can be found in any depth of water. In smaller lakes, close to shore flats can be as shallow as 5 feet, whereas huge bodies of water like the Great Lakes will have flats as deep as 35-40 feet. Bass move to flats during the pre spawn to feed up, and oftentimes spawn on the same flats they will feed near.

What to Consider While Fishing Flats

Knowing the bottom composition of the flat is key as well. For those flats fishing anglers who have electronics on their boat or kayak, being able to identify rock formations or other hard sources of cover is a good sign there will be fish down there. If you don’t have electronics, be familiar with the bottom structure of the body of water you’re fishing. I.E muddy bottom vs sand, grass, rocks, etc.

Flats Fishing Strategies and Lures

Bass do not feed heavily during the winter, so once they enter pre-spawn mode they go right back up into heavy feeding patterns. Jerkbaits are the tried and true preferred method for pre spawn fish. I’ve had days of fishing flats where I don’t even have to pause the jerkbait, because fish are feeding so aggressively. Buzzbaits and poppers are fun to throw as well, if you have a significant shad population in your lake or pond.

Structure

Just like the pre-spawn, knowing the substance and makeup of the lake or pond you’re fishing makes a huge difference for fishing the spawn. Fishing flats can be full of many different types of structure, or only one. But, knowing what to look for is key when fishing a flat. Grass is the most common cover for flats, and many anglers will throw a spinnerbait or chatterbait, because it allows you to cover lots of water.

Another common type of structure you will find is rock piles or large rock on the floor of the flat. It is always safe to assume a crankbait or swimbait will produce a few bites there. In many of the bigger lakes, you will find scattered beds throughout the flat. A good strategy here is dragging a drop shot along the bottom, or maybe even a jig with a crawfish trailer.

Follow The Indiana University Bass Fishing Team
http://www.iubassfishing.com/
Facebook/Instagram/Twitter: @iubfishing

Ready To Catch Some Fish?

Gear up and catch more fish! With a Mystery Tackle Box Subscription, you’ll get a box of baits hand delivered to your door each month. In addition to the best new baits you’ll have access to our expert tips, how-to videos, fishing decals, MTB exclusive baits, and more. With baits up to 40% off retail, this is one service every angler needs to try!

Learn More About Mystery Tackle Box!

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Black Velvet Named B.A.S.S. Elite Partner And Presenting Sponsor Of St. Lawrence Event

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Black Velvet Named B.A.S.S. Elite Partner And Presenting Sponsor Of St. Lawrence Event

April 4, 2018

Black Velvet Named B.A.S.S. Elite Partner And Presenting Sponsor Of St. Lawrence Event

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BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Black Velvet Canadian Whisky has signed on as an Elite Partner of the 2018 Bassmaster Elite Series.

The Elite Partner agreement provides for promoting Black Velvet at Bassmaster Elite Series events this year with special activities planned for four of the Elite tournaments. They are to be held at Lake Oahe at Pierre, S.D., June 29-July 2; Upper Chesapeake Bay at Harford County, Md., July 26-29; St. Lawrence River at Waddington, N.Y., Aug. 23-26; and the Toyota Bassmaster Angler of the Year Championship at Lake Chatuge at Young Harris, Ga., Sept. 20-23.

It also includes a presenting sponsorship for the brand in the New York Elite, which will be entitled, “Bassmaster Elite at St. Lawrence River presented by Black Velvet Canadian Whisky,” and advertising in B.A.S.S.’s print and digital media, including Bassmaster Magazine and Bassmaster.com.

“Waddington, N.Y., has always been one of our most enthusiastic host communities, and it holds the all-time attendance record for a Bassmaster Elite Series event after 34,100 fans attended in 2013,” said B.A.S.S. CEO Bruce Akin. “This will be a great venue for promoting Black Velvet Canadian Whisky.”

“Black Velvet has long been loved by outdoorsmen. We are thrilled to be partnering with Bassmaster and to be a part of these extraordinary events,” said Carl Evans, Vice President, Marketing, Spirits.

Black Velvet is a blended whisky that has been available since 1951. It is part of the family of brands from Constellation Brands, a Fortune 500 company headquartered in Victor, N.Y.

“We welcome Black Velvet as an Elite Partner and presenting sponsor,” Akin added. “Constellation Brands has earned a reputation for integrity and is one of world’s most admired companies, according to Fortune Magazine, and we are proud that they recognize the importance of the Bassmaster Elite Series in exposing their brands.”

The Lure Lock Tackle System By Bruce Callis April 4,2018

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The Lure Lock Tackle System By Bruce Callis April 4,2018

The Lure Lock Tackle System
By Bruce Callis

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The storage box has gotten a new player on the market. The Lure Lock is the newest player to enter the field with its revolutionary new approach. The Lure Lock tackle system is 100% made in the USA from quality materials that are built to last and environmentally safe. What makes it unique among the field is its proprietary gel that holds and cradles fishing lures, hooks and terminal fishing tackle into a soft, safe environment, locking it into place while keeping the vibration and movement from dulling the hooks, barbs, paint, and even the overall effectiveness of the lure itself. The non-toxic gel is environmentally safe and is formulated from a soy-based recipe with renewable resources. It comes in 3 sizes, small (3500), medium (3600) and large (3700) to fit all your needs. And it also comes with the option of how many compartments, 1, 2, or 3 in the small and medium boxes and up to 4 in the large.

I tested out the medium box with no dividers myself and while I went in with an open mind, I was worried about what it would do with used lures who’s paint wasn’t perfect anymore. So I took a well used lure and put it in the box right away so I could see what happened. I was surprised (and relieved) to see that the paint did not peel off in the box. As I fished through the day, I would place the baits I changed into the box, giving them a gentle push as I put them in. I even put a brand new bait in there to test how it did with it also. It made a huge difference, as normally, I would have lures all over from a day of fishing. And I had no issue with the stickiness from the gel pad transferring onto the baits.

While it does hold the bait securely, I found that if you tossed it into the truck upside down, it did good if you had pressed the baits down firmly, but the bumps of the country roads would sometimes dislodge a bait, especially the heavier ones. If the box was laid with the bottom down, even if at an angle, I never had a bait come loose. So I am sure it will handle some rough water in a boat just as well.

Lure Lock also sells a retro kit that will fit your existing boxes as well a gel pad that you can use for other applications, such as holding your cell phone to the dash.
They can be found at www.lurelock.com and at online retailers such as Tackle Warehouse, TackleDirect and Academy Sports + Outdoors. They range in price from $14.99 to $19.99 depending on the size. The Retro Kit sells for $7.99 on the Lure Lock website and the Lure Pad sells for $6.99 on the site as well.

I would highly recommend that you have at least one in your boat or on shore to help keep your hands, feet, and lures protected.

Matt Cantrell Win CATT Savannah River Mar 31, 2018

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Matt Cantrell Win CATT Savannah River Mar 31, 2018

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You have 1 more chance to be eligible to enter the 2018 Savannah River Spring Final May 19 and that’s April 14th at the Hwy 301 Bridge! This will also be a double point event!

Matt Cantrell took 1st Place with 5 bass weighing 14.81 lbs! He also earned the Bonus $ along with the 1st BF at 4.86 lbs! All total Matt collected $550.00!

2nd went to Monte & Sean Misplay with a limit weighing 11.85 lbs They took home $150.00!

 

  Big Total Total    
10 Boats Fish Weight Winnings Points  
Matt Cantrell  BONUS $ & 1st BF 4.86 14.81 $550.00 110
Monte Misplay/Sean Misplay 0.00 11.85 $150.00 109
Rocky Mullis/Jeff Mullis  2nd BF 3.93 10.37 $30.00 108
Joe Toth/Kyle Suddath (Sub) 0.00 10.04 107
Tim Roundtree/Al Pittman 0.00 9.76 106
Dan Martin II/Eric Setto 0.00 8.11 105
Anthony Joyner/Ronald Welch 0.00 8.02 104
Jeff Harris/Stevie Perkins (New Team) 0.00 7.29 103
Michael Hurt II/Madeline Conner 0.00 5.04 102
Perry Yawn/Barry Durden 0.00 0.00 101
Total Entrys $800.00
BONUS $ $180.00
Total Paid At Ramp $730.00
Savannah River 2018 Spring Final Fund $225.00
2018 CATT Championship Fund $25.00
2018 Savannah River Spring Final Fund Total $875.00
2018 CATT Championship Fund Total $3,750.00

Pre Spawn Smallmouth Bass Fishing In Rivers: 3 Places To Look – MTB

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Pre Spawn Smallmouth Bass Fishing In Rivers: 3 Places To Look – MTB

Pre Spawn Smallmouth Bass Fishing In Rivers: 3 Places To Look

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 The key to pre spawn smallmouth bass fishing in rivers is to think critically about where they spent the winter, and where they spawn – and then locating holding places along that route.

In many rivers, bass winter in the channel – but in areas out of the current. Places like the backs of wing dams, in deeper holes behind rocks, and deeper wood in running sloughs. They spawn in areas protected from current, typically natural or manmade backwaters.

Here are three places to look for pre spawn smallmouth bass fishing in rivers:

1. Backwaters Adjacent To Current

pre spawn smallmouth bass fishing

If you know smallmouth bass will spawn in a typical backwater, a key focus point is the current areas most closely related to that backwater. Sometimes it’s rocks around the mouth, or an entry or exit point. Look at an aerial photo and imagine how a bass could swim in – and find the closest areas with current.

2. Marinas

pre spawn smallmouth fishing

On many developed rivers like the Susquehanna, Mississippi, and others, marinas and boat canals are the number one spawning area for many smallmouth. Spend some time fishing both the outside and inside of these areas until you find what stage they’re in. In the beginning of pre spawn smallmouth bass fishing, they’ll be on the outside rocks and wood – then move to the marina proper once they actually spawn.

3. Points

river fishing point

 

Just like in lakes, when you’re pre spawn smallmouth bass fishing, points are key spots for river smallies. They deflect current, offer a feeding eddy, and can concentrate fish migrating from one part of the river to another. Use satellite imagery to locate any points between where bass winter, and where they spawn and fish them thoroughly.

Ready To Catch Some Fish?

Gear up and catch more fish! With a Mystery Tackle Box Subscription, you’ll get a box of baits hand delivered to your door each month. In addition to the best new baits you’ll have access to our expert tips, how-to videos, fishing decals, MTB exclusive baits, and more. With baits up to 40% off retail, this is one service every angler needs to try!

Learn More About Mystery Tackle Box!

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The secret’s out, so stock up on Neko Hooks while you still can Posted on April 3, 2018 by Rapala

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The secret’s out, so stock up on Neko Hooks while you still can Posted on April 3, 2018 by Rapala

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Now that everyone knows how well Neko Hooks keep bass buttoned up, you’d best stock up on ‘em while you still can. After leading pros relied on them to win top tournaments, including the 2018 Bassmaster Classic, VMC®’s hot hooks could get harder to find.

The Neko Hook is “one of the most amazing pieces of tackle I’ve ever tried,” says Rapala Pro Ott Defoe.

It’s a bold statement backed up by success.

“Since getting them,” DeFoe says, “I’ve caught literally hundreds of fish and I can only think of two that I’ve lost.”

At the time DeFoe wrote that ringing endorsement on his blog, Neko Hooks had helped him to a top-10 finish in the 2016 Bassmaster Angler of the Year Race and helped fellow Rapala Pro Seth Feider to a 1st-place finish in the final Bassmaster Elite Series tournament of that season.

“I had such a good landing percentage on it, I decided to use it as my drop-shot hook for smallies,” Feider said following his win on Lake Mille Lacs, Minnesota’s famed smallmouth factory. His initial confidence in Neko Hooks came from Neko and wacky rigging with them.

“With a lot of finesse-style hooks, you end up skin-hooking the fish on the roof of the mouth,” Feider explained at the time. “The Neko Hook, it doesn’t skin-hook it ‘em – it punches solid meat every time. It’s a big confidence-booster for me when every fish you set into is pinned perfect.”

Weedless Neko Hooks For the Win
Since Feider’s win with a Neko Hook, fellow Rapala pro Brandon Palaniuk won a 2017 Bassmater Elite Series tournament and Alabama pro Jordan Lee won the 2018 Bassmaster Classic with fish caught on Neko Rigs armed with Weedless Neko Hooks.

“I was throwing it on a little VMC hook,” Lee said in his Classic Champion press conference. “They’re not a sponsor of mine, but I got it – bought some of those this past week – and I never lost a fish on that Neko Rig.”

Starting to see now why Neko Hooks might be flying off store shelves?

What gives the Weedless Neko Hook its name and function is a unique snag-guard made from two heavy-duty fluorocarbon bristles. DeFoe unofficially unveiled it in last year’s Bassmaster Classic, after he wacky-rigged a prototype of one to pull big bass out of woody, brushy heavy cover.

“It’s killer for when you’re around a bunch of stick-ups and stuff,” DeFoe explains. “You’ve got to have some kind of weedguard, otherwise you’ll just stay hung all the time.”

Another benefit of the 50-pound-test fluorocarbon bristles that comprise the Weedless Neko Hook’s snag-guard is that, unlike wire, they are invisible fish.

Neko Hooks and Weedless Neko Hooks feature a black-nickel finish, wide gap, 3-degree offset point, resin-closed eye and a forged, long shank. They’re available in four sizes: 2, 1, 1/0 and 2/0.

Neko Rigging Tips

A modern take on a nail rig, a Neko Rig, comprises a VMC Neko Hook and a Neko Weight designed to embed in – and stay put in – one end of a soft-plastic stick worm. It will put bass in your boat now and into the summer, no matter where in the country you fish for ‘em.

“This rig excels at catching bass that don’t want to bite anything else,” Feider says.

Fish a Neko Rig wherever you would fish a traditional wacky rig or a shaky head. They excel especially around isolated pieces of cover like grass, docks and rocks. Around heavier cover, arm your Neko Rig with a Weedless Neko Hook.

Although Neko Rigs are productive year-round, most anglers favor them in the post-spawn, spawn and summer. “For me, it really shines once the fish get offshore a little bit and grouped up,” Feider says.

Neko Rig bites usually come on the initial fall. A semi-slack line is key. If your rig hits the bottom without getting bit, lift your rod tip and let it fall again.

Feider’s preferred Neko Rig comprises a No. 2 Neko Hook, a 1/16th oz. Neko Weight, a size 36 O-ring and a 6-½-inch soft-plastic stick worm. Follow these directions to set up a Neko Rig like Feider does:

•  Thread your worm through your O-ring with an O-ring tool. Don’t center the O-ring. An off-center balance point helps create the rig’s unique action.

•  Embed your Neko Weight into one end of your worm (if one end is thicker, use that end). The weighted end of the worm should be shorter than the other end; adjust your O-ring position accordingly.

•  Run your Neko Hook through the worm parallel with the plastic, the point facing away from the weight. That’s opposite of a wacky rig, in which the hook point goes through the plastic perpendicular to the worm. “Some guys just go through the O ring,” Feider says, “but I think you get a little bit better action if you come in there and bite a little bit of that worm.”

•  Be sure the point of the hook is facing towards the weight when you first stick it through the bait.

•  Be sure that your hook point is exposed.

See VMC® Neko Hook

See VMC® Weedless Neko Hook

See VMC® Wacky Too

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