Bass fishing in challenging conditions often requires a finesse approach, and it’s difficult to outperform the trifecta in finesse fishing presentations: the shaky head, Neko rig, and drop shot. Stephen Browning takes us on an in-depth lesson on rigging and fishing each of these rigs. Throughout the process, he shares the when and where of fishing each, a detailed rigging walk-through, and his tackle and rod setup preferences.
THE FINESSE TRIO: SHAKY HEAD, NEKO RIG, AND DROP SHOT
Whether faced with challenging post-spawn conditions, a cold front, pressured bass, or just a combination of all three, consistently catching bass requires having an assortment of light-line finesse presentations at the ready.
SHAKY HEAD FISHING
A shaky head worm consists of a jig and worm fished across the bottom on a sensitive spinning rod and light line. It’s an excellent option anytime bass are unwilling to chase moving baits or eat a big presentation. Browning offers tips on maintaining contact with the bait and how he works the rod to impart the best action. He also shares the biggest mistake he sees anglers making when retrieving a shaky head and how to prevent missing fish by maintaining the best rod angle.
SHAKY HEAD SETUP
- WORM – Z-Man SMH WormZ, color – Plum: Buy at Bass Pro Shops | Buy at Tackle Warehouse
- JIG – Z-Man SMH Jighead, 3/16 oz: Buy at Bass Pro Shops | Buy at Tackle Warehouse
- ROD – St. Croix Tournament Bass Spinning Rod, 7’1″ Medium-Fast: Buy at Bass Pro Shops | Buy at Tackle Warehouse
- Check out our St. Croix Legend Tournament Bass Spinning Rod Review
- REEL – Lew’s Custom Pro Speed Spin Spinning Reel, size 3000: Buy at Bass Pro Shops | Buy at Tackle Warehouse
- LINE – Gamma Edge Fluorocarbon Line, 8-pound: Buy at Tackle Warehouse
NEKO RIG ESSENTIALS
Switching to the Neko rig introduces a slightly more aggressive approach. In contrast to the shaky head, Browning imparts more action with his rod tip. He moves the bait with a series of short hops, then lets it rest. A buoyant plastic is ideal for Neko rigging. In addition to keeping the bait highly visible and in their face, a vertical bait maintains the hook at an optimal angle for an excellent hookup ratio. Check out or Neko Rig Tips compilation to gain more insight.
NEKO RIG SETUP
- PLASTIC – Z-Man FattyZ Worm: Buy at Bass Pro Shops | Buy at Tackle Warehouse
- WEIGHT – Z-Man Neko ShroomZ Wacky Rig Nose Weight: Buy at Bass Pro Shops | Buy at Tackle Warehouse
- HOOK – Gamakatsu G-Finesse Stinger Weedless Wacky Hook: Buy at Bass Pro Shops | Buy at Tackle Warehouse
- ROD – St. Croix Tournament Bass Spinning Rod, 7’3″ Medium Heavy-Fast: Buy at Tackle Warehouse
- REEL – Lew’s Custom Pro Speed Spin Spinning Reel, size 3000: Buy at Bass Pro Shops | Buy at Tackle Warehouse
- LINE (braided mainline) – Gamma Torque High Performance 100% Spectra Braid, 10-pound: Buy at Tackle Warehouse
- LINE (fluorocarbon leader) – Gamma Edge Fluorocarbon Line, 10-pound: Buy at Tackle Warehouse
THE VERSATILITY OF THE DROP SHOT RIG
No finesse roundup is complete without covering the drop shot rig. The drop shot delivers precise control over the bait’s position in the water column. Focusing on subtle movements and providing a detailed explanation of the rigging process, Browning shows how this technique can cover more water and target bass more effectively.
DROP SHOT SETUP
- PLASTIC – Z-Man SMH WormZ, color – Plum: Buy at Bass Pro Shops | Buy at Tackle Warehouse
- HOOK – Owner Cover Shot Worm Hook: Buy at Tackle Warehouse
- WEIGHT – Drop Shot Weights (teardrop style): Buy at Tackle Warehouse
- ROD – St. Croix Legend Xtreme Spinning Rod, 7′ Medium-Fast: Buy at Tackle Warehouse
- REEL – Lew’s Custom Pro Speed Spin Spinning Reel, size 3000: Buy at Bass Pro Shops | Buy at Tackle Warehouse
- LINE (braided mainline) – Gamma Torque High Performance 100% Spectra Braid, 10-pound: Buy at Tackle Warehouse
- LINE (fluorocarbon leader) – Gamma Edge Fluorocarbon Line, 10-pound: Buy at Tackle Warehouse
GEAR RECOMMENDATIONS
Browning shares insights on rod selection, line choices, and the importance of adapting the weight of your rigs to maintain the perfect presentation. Sensitive spinning rods and durable, buoyant plastic are standard across all setups. From selecting the right gear to understanding when and how to switch between techniques, Browning covers all bases to leverage these proven finesse techniques.
