Freshwater Soft Baits

Designed by Bassmaster Classic® winner Skeet Reese. The Berkley® PowerBait® Speed Boss features the finesse profile of a worm with the proven wide action of the "Pit Boss style" legs for maximum water disturbance in a slender profile.

The thick body adds durability for rougher grass applications and the legs provide the most action of any “grass style worm” on the market. Head is designed for Florida rig or Weightless EWG rigging and is a great bait for a Texas rig or Carolina Rig.  The Berkley® PowerBait® Speed Boss will take your fishing to the next level.

FEATURES

• Pro-designed by Bassmaster Classic® Champion Skeet Reese
• Enticing finesse profile of a worm with the proven wide action of the Pit Boss style legs for maximum water disturbance in a slender profile
• Thick body adds durability for rougher grass applications
• Most action of any “grass style worm” on the market
• Head is designed for Florida rig or Weightless EWG riggings
• Also great on a Texas rig or Carolina Rig

The C3 Baits Shimmys 3" is one of the most trusted finesse soft plastics on Southern California's hardest-fished reservoirs — Castaic Lake, Pyramid Lake, and Lake Piru. Narrow, buoyant, and just 3 inches long, the Shimmy has an incredibly natural, light profile in the water that pressured bass simply can't resist. Hand-poured and delivered by Captain Castaic himself, John Petroski, every Shimmy reflects over 40 years of dialed-in experience on the same local waters.

The Shimmy's slender profile makes it the go-to choice when fish are ultra-finicky — it excels on a dropshot or Carolina rig, producing bites year-round by matching the color to the hatch. Each pack includes 15 baits, giving you serious value for your finesse game.

Key Features

• 3" narrow, buoyant profile — ultra-natural and light in the water column
• Slimmer than the Ice Pick — ideal for the most finicky, pressured bass
• Deadly on dropshot and Carolina rig presentations
• Hand-poured and 100% handcrafted in Castaic, CA — made in USA
• Colors dialed in by Captain Castaic with 40+ years on the same local lakes
• 15 baits per pack — exceptional value
• Produces year-round — match the color to conditions

Specifications

Also try the C3 Baits Ice Pick for a slightly rounder pin tail profile.

Watch It In Action

The Berkley Powerbait Maxscent Flat Worm is an ideal imitation of multiple baitfish species. It is designed with a flat bottom and thinned-out tail section to move through the water with a wagging motion, similar to its real-life counterpart.

Studies have shown that the Maxscent flavoring used in this bait catches up to 45% more fish than prior Powerbait formulas. An excellent choice for a drop shot or any finesse technique, the Berkley Powerbait Maxscent Flat Worm should be a part of every angler's tacklebox.

FEATURES

• Now available in larger 4.25” size
• Slender baitfish profile
• Perfect drop shot bait that quivers and wiggles with the smallest movements
• Ribs provide more surface area for PowerBait MaxScent scent and flavor
• The all-new material releases a super-charged scent field attracting fish in a way never before seen

 Deps Cover Scat Stick Bait is poured with a bulky body and an ultra-high specific gravity material that boasts 40% salt content. Despite its relatively small size, the Cover Scat is heavy stick bait packed with tons of salt.  The Deps Cover Scat is for sale in 17 colors.

Designed to be fished without any extra weight, this stick bait features a fast horizontal fall and uses body stabilization fins at the sides to encourage the proper posture. 

A molded hook guard slot and belly hook slot allows for easy rigging and improves your hook-up rate with less plastic to shift down the hook, while the bulb on the top of the bait serves as a hook point guard to keep the presentation completely weedless.

With no additional legs, the Deps Cover Scat Stick Bait gets in and out of cover with ease and is ideal for fishing around heavy cover and vertical structure like overhanging trees, dams, dock pilings, and bushes along the shoreline.

Berkley PowerBait MaxScent Creature Hawg 4"

Built for heavy cover and big fish, the Berkley PowerBait MaxScent Creature Hawg is a streamlined creature bait designed to punch through matted vegetation, flip into tight docks, and pitch to laydowns with authority. Its ribbed body maximizes surface area for scent release while also moving water and concealing the point of your hook — a critical detail when you're fishing pressured fish in thick cover.

The MaxScent formula takes scent dispersion to another level entirely, releasing a super-charged scent field that attracts fish in a way traditional plastics simply can't match. Ultra-realistic matte colors and a soft, durable construction round out a bait that big bass and tournament anglers both love.

Features

• Ribbed body — maximizes MaxScent scent release, moves water, and hides hook point
• Streamlined profile — punches through matted vegetation and heavy cover cleanly
• MaxScent formula — super-charged scent field for heightened fish attraction
• Ultra-realistic matte colors — fools pressured, finicky fish
• Soft yet durable construction — lifelike action and multiple fish per bait
• Available in multiple big-fish color patterns

Best For

• Techniques: Flipping, pitching, punching, Texas rig
• Conditions: Heavy cover, matted vegetation, docks, laydowns
• Species: Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass

Berkley Powerbait Maxscent The General Worm is poured using Berkley’s new Maxscent formula, the Berkley Powerbait Maxscent The General Worm offers a slow, shaking descent and a larger scent field for heightened attraction. Offering increased durability for longer bait life, the Berkley Powerbait Maxscent The General Worm provides a scent-heavy construction that big bass and anglers will both love.

Powerbait’s new Maxscent line of baits release a super-charged scent field that attracts fish with a never before seen effectiveness. This all-new material provides an ultra-realistic texture and comes in natural matte colors to fool the most discerning fish. Engineered with enhanced flavor to keep fish from letting go, Berkley’s Maxscent offers a soft, yet durable construction that ensures a lifelike action and better hook-ups.

Qty 10

Berkley Powerbait Maxscent The General Worm is poured using Berkley’s new Maxscent formula, the Berkley Powerbait Maxscent The General Worm offers a slow, shaking descent and a larger scent field for heightened attraction. Offering increased durability for longer bait life, the Berkley Powerbait Maxscent The General Worm provides a scent-heavy construction that big bass and anglers will both love.

Powerbait’s new Maxscent line of baits release a super-charged scent field that attracts fish with a never before seen effectiveness. This all-new material provides an ultra-realistic texture and comes in natural matte colors to fool the most discerning fish. Engineered with enhanced flavor to keep fish from letting go, Berkley’s Maxscent offers a soft, yet durable construction that ensures a lifelike action and better hook-ups.

Qty 8

Designed by two time Bassmaster Classic winner Jordan Lee, the Berkley PowerBait The Champ Craw features a lifelike profile and high-definition colors that mimic real bait. Its large claws float for more lifelike action. The body shape is ideal for Texas and punching rigs, as well as jig trailers. 

FEATURES

• Pro-Designed by Jordan Lee
• Lifelike profile and high-definition colors mimic real bait
  
• Large claws float for more lifelike action
• Body shape is ideal for Texas rigs, punching rigs, and jig trailers

Deps Sakamata Shad is a soft bait with the darting and jumping action. The keels on both sides of the body give it a natural baitfish action while appealing to the predatory instincts of bass. The darting and jumping action of Deps Sakamata Shad makes it irresistible to bass. With natural-looking keels on both sides of the body, this soft bait has a baitfish-like movement that is sure to entice those predatory instincts.

It can be fished weightless to imitate baitfish trying to escape near the surface and jumping out of the water. It can also be fished on the bottom with a split-shot or Carolina-Rigs and the bait will dart near the bottom like a fish looking to hide.

The performance and versatility of the Sakamata Shad makes it easy to catch fish in a variety of situations.  This fluke style bait is like the regular flukes but on a whole other level.

8 inch (4 pack)

• NORMAL material: SALT 5% (36.5g)
• HEAVY WEIGHT material: SALT 65% (41.0g)
• HOOK SIZE: # 6/0 OFFSET HOOK

7 inch (5 pack)

• NORMAL material: SALT 5% 
• HEAVY WEIGHT material: SALT 65% (
• HOOK SIZE: # 5/0 OFFSET HOOK

6 inch (6 pack)

• NORMAL material: SALT 10% (16.0g)
• HEAVY WEIGHT material: SALT 75% (17.0g)
• HOOK SIZE: # 4/0 OFFSET HOOK

5 inch (6 pack)

• NORMAL material: SALT 10% (9.8g)
• HEAVY WEIGHT material: SALT 75% (11.3g)
• HOOK SIZE: # 3/0 OFFSET HOOK

4 inch (8 pack)

• NORMAL material: SALT 5% (3.7g)
• HOOK SIZE: # 1/0 OFFSET HOOK

The Deps Sakamata Shad design of the body is smooth and creates low water resistance making it easy for the bait to dart side-to-side. It can be fished quickly to generate reaction bites.

The salt content varies based on the size of the bait (8inch = 5%, 6inch / 5inch = 10%, 4inch = 5%) and the material has strength and holds hooks securely, which reduces tearing and breaking.

The Keel is the secret for the unique jumping dirt action of Sakamata Shad. It allows the water to flow and creates a unique jumping action. It also acts as a rudder to create better darting action.

Why Buy the Yamamoto Cowboy?

The Yamamoto Cowboy is the perfect "line dance" partner for bass anglers who flip into heavy cover, punch through thick vegetation, and need a jig trailer with maximum kicking action. Its large, J-shaped legs produce a prominent, rhythmic kicking motion — like a cowboy dancing with his chaps on — that triggers reaction strikes from bass buried deep in cover. Two sets of small, flapping appendages add bite-triggering secondary action on every pause. Bulky enough for secure rigging, streamlined enough to slip through heavy vegetation. 7 per pack, 14 proven colors.

Main Use & Benefit

A creature bait designed for flipping, pitching, and punching into heavy cover — its large J-shaped legs produce a prominent kicking action that triggers strikes from bass holding tight in grass, brush, and laydowns, while two sets of flapping appendages add secondary action that keeps fish committed on the bite.

Problem It Solves

Standard creature baits either have too much bulk to penetrate heavy vegetation or too little action to trigger strikes from bass buried deep in cover. The Yamamoto Cowboy's streamlined profile slips through thick grass and brush while its J-shaped legs and flapping appendages produce maximum action once it reaches the strike zone — the best of both worlds for heavy cover fishing.

Advantages

• ✅ Large J-shaped legs — prominent kicking action that triggers reaction strikes in heavy cover
• ✅ Two sets of flapping appendages — bite-triggering secondary action on every pause
• ✅ Streamlined profile — slips through heavy vegetation and brush without fouling
• ✅ Bulky enough for secure rigging on heavy hooks and punch rigs
• ✅ Versatile — jig trailer, flipping, pitching, punching, Texas rig
• ✅ 14 proven color options across natural and reaction shades
  
• ⚠️ Larger profile — best for heavy cover and power fishing; for finesse applications, consider a smaller creature bait

When to Choose It

Reach for the Yamamoto Cowboy when bass are buried in heavy grass, brush piles, laydowns, or dock pilings and you need a bait that can penetrate the cover and produce maximum action in the strike zone. It's equally effective as a jig trailer for adding bulk and kicking action to a flipping jig or football jig, and as a standalone punch rig bait through thick matted vegetation.

Best Fishing Techniques

• Flipping & Pitching — Texas-rig on a 4/0–5/0 EWG hook with a 1/2–3/4 oz bullet weight; flip into docks, laydowns, brush piles, and sparse grass; the J-legs kick on the fall and at rest
• Punching — rig on a 4/0–5/0 straight shank hook with a 1–2 oz tungsten punch weight; the streamlined profile punches through matted grass and the legs explode with action once through the mat
• Jig Trailer — pin onto a flipping jig, football jig, or swim jig; the J-legs and flapping appendages add bulk and kicking action that complements the jig's movement on every hop
• Texas Rig — 1/4–3/8 oz bullet weight for a slower-falling presentation through sparse cover and open water
• Carolina Rig — drag slowly along the bottom over hard structure; the legs and appendages flutter naturally on the pause

Best Conditions

• Heavy grass, matted vegetation, and thick cover where punching is required
• Docks, laydowns, brush piles, and wood cover for flipping and pitching
• Stained to muddy water where a bulky profile with maximum action is most effective
• Warm water (summer and early fall) when bass are buried deep in heavy cover
• Pre-spawn and spawn when bass are holding tight to cover and structure

Best For

Key Features

• Large J-shaped legs — prominent kicking action that triggers reaction strikes in heavy cover
• Two sets of flapping appendages — bite-triggering secondary action on every pause
• Streamlined body — penetrates heavy vegetation without fouling
• Bulky profile — secure rigging on heavy hooks and punch rigs
• 14 proven color options
• 7 per pack

Models & Specs

Count: 7 per pack | Water Type: Freshwater | Target Species: Bass

Tackle Express Tips

1. Match the cover color — Green Pumpkin Black Flake (#297) and Dark Green Pumpkin Amber (#926) are your best natural matches for green grass and wood cover. Switch to Okeechobee Craw for Florida-style fisheries with orange-tinted crawfish, and use Black Large Blue Flake in dark or muddy water for maximum silhouette visibility.
2. Trim the legs for a jig trailer — When using the Cowboy as a jig trailer, trim the J-legs to about half length for a more compact profile on smaller jigs (3/8 oz and under). Leave the full legs intact on larger flipping jigs (1/2–3/4 oz) for maximum bulk and kicking action.
3. Go heavy on the punch rig — For punching through matted grass, use a 1.5–2 oz tungsten punch weight with a 5/0 straight shank hook. The Cowboy's streamlined body punches through the mat cleanly — once through, the J-legs and appendages explode with action in the pocket below the mat where big bass are holding.

FAQ

Q: What makes the Cowboy's J-shaped legs different from standard craw claws?
A: The Cowboy's large J-shaped legs are designed to produce a prominent, rhythmic kicking action — more like a swimming or dancing motion than the pinching action of standard craw claws. This creates a unique, highly visible action in heavy cover that triggers reaction strikes from bass that have seen standard creature baits.

Q: What hook size works best for flipping the Cowboy?
A: A 4/0 or 5/0 EWG hook works best for Texas rig flipping and pitching. For punching through matted grass, use a 4/0 or 5/0 straight shank (Gamakatsu G-Finesse Heavy Cover or similar) with a 1.5–2 oz tungsten punch weight for the best penetration and hookset performance.

Q: Is the Cowboy good as a swim jig trailer?
A: Yes — the J-legs produce excellent action on a swim jig retrieve. Pin it onto a 3/8–1/2 oz swim jig and the legs kick and flutter on a slow, steady retrieve through grass edges and open water. Baby Bass and Watermelon Black Flake are top swim jig trailer color picks.

Master the art of Midwest finesse with the Z-Man TRD MinnowZ, a slender 3.5-inch baitfish imitation designed to mimic a wide variety of small forage species. Built with Z-Man's legendary 10X Tough ElaZtech superplastic, this bait offers unmatched durability and extreme buoyancy that keeps it performing long after traditional soft plastics have failed.

The TRD MinnowZ features a unique, small flat tail that provides two distinct actions: it accentuates a darting, quivering movement when rigged vertically or a graceful gliding action when oriented horizontally. This versatility makes it a "must-have" for tournament anglers facing tough conditions or clear-water predators that require a more subtle, natural presentation.

Key Features:

• Anatomical Baitfish Profile: Accurately mimics minnows, fry, and small baitfish preferred by both freshwater and saltwater predators.

• 10X Tough ElaZtech: Delivers extraordinary durability, allowing you to catch dozens of fish on a single lure without tearing.

• Salt-Free Formulation: Ensures extreme buoyancy, allowing the bait to stand up or glide effortlessly for a realistic vertical presentation.

• Versatile Rigging Options: Perfectly suited for a Ned Rig, drop shot, split shot, or even weedless around heavy cover.

• Optimized for Finesse: Pairs seamlessly with Z-Man Finesse ShroomZ, NedlockZ, and Finesse BulletZ jigheads.

• Proven Performance: A top choice for Midwest Finesse enthusiasts (including Ned Kehde) for targeting largemouth, smallmouth, and inshore saltwater species.

When it's time to target trophy predators, the Z-Man StreakZ XL 8"is the ultimate 8-inch oversized soft plastic jerkbait. This full-bodied baitfish imitation is engineered for big-game applications, featuring a realistic split-tail design and intricate gill-plate detailing that produces a natural darting and gliding action on the retrieve. Its salt-impregnated construction adds critical weight for long-distance casting and increases the sink rate, making it perfect for both surface and deep-water presentations.

Constructed from Z-Man's legendary 10X Tough ElaZtech superplastic, the StreakZ is incredibly durable and naturally buoyant. This specialized material allows the bait to withstand repeated, aggressive strikes from toothy predators like musky, pike, stripers, and tuna without losing its lifelike flexibility. Whether you're vertical jigging offshore or working a weedless setup in heavy cover, this bait delivers a high-impact profile that triggers instinctive reaction strikes from the largest fish in the system.

Key Features:

• 10X Tough ElaZtech Construction: Delivers extreme durability that outlasts traditional soft baits, even when targeted by toothy predators.

• Salt-Impregnated Body: Increases weight for superior casting distance and ensures a faster sink rate for subsurface applications.

• Realistic Baitfish Action: Features a split-tail design and molded gill plates that create a natural, unpredictable darting motion.

• Maximum Versatility: Naturally buoyant and effective for topwater, midwater, or deepwater fishing across fresh and saltwater environments.

• Integrated Hook Slot: Designed with a specialized slot to facilitate easy weedless rigging in heavy vegetation or timber.

• Optimized Rigging: Pairs perfectly with heavy-duty hardware like 8/0 HeadlockZ jigheads or 10/0 ChinlockZ SWS weighted hooks.

• Target Species: A proven producer for Stripers, Snook, Cobia, Musky, Pike, Tuna, and monster Largemouth Bass.

Step Up the Size, Keep the Action

Hookup Baits are hand-crafted in San Diego and engineered around shape, color, and action — the three things that actually trigger bites. The Large body is the middle ground in the Hookup Baits lineup: bigger than the Medium for more water displacement and a larger profile, but sized for the versatile 3/8oz, 5/8oz, and HUB Bullet jig heads that cover a wide range of inshore and nearshore situations. When the body wears out, swap it onto your existing jig head and you're back fishing in seconds. Five bodies per pack keeps you covered all day.

The Right Fit for Your Jig Head

These bodies are designed specifically for Hookup Baits 3/8oz, 5/8oz, and HUB Bullet jig heads. The larger profile pushes more water and gives fish a bigger target — ideal when yellowtail or calico bass are keyed on larger baitfish or when you need more action at depth. Like all Hookup Baits products, the Large body can be cast, jigged vertically, or trolled.

Why Replacement Bodies Make Sense

Soft plastic bodies take a beating — from fish, from rocks, from repeated casts through structure. Buying replacement bodies instead of whole new jigs keeps your proven jig head in rotation and saves money over time. If you've found a color that's been producing, stocking up on bodies means you never have to fish without it.

Seven Colors, Matched to the Conditions

• Brown Silver — natural baitfish imitation with flash, effective in a wide range of conditions
• Red Crab — high-contrast attractor color, great in low-vis or stained water
• Chovy — anchovy-match profile, a staple when 'chovies are the primary forage
• Sardine Green — natural sardine imitation, strong in clear water and bright conditions
• Pearl Glow Green — subtle glow finish for low-light and deeper presentations
• Pearl White — versatile high-flash color that works across species and conditions
• Mint — translucent, subtle color for pressured fish and clear water

Three Ways to Fish It

• Cast and retrieve — work it along kelp edges, structure, and rocky points
• Vertical jigging — drop to the mark and work it up through the water column
• Trolling — pull it behind the boat to cover water and locate fish

Best Conditions

• Inshore and nearshore saltwater — kelp beds, rocky structure, and open water
• Situations where a larger profile triggers more aggressive strikes
• Any session where fish are keyed on larger baitfish like sardines or mackerel

Best For

• Yellowtail and calico bass on cast-and-retrieve and vertical jig presentations
• Bonito and barracuda when fish are chasing larger bait
• Anglers who already fish Hookup Baits 3/8oz, 5/8oz, or HUB Bullet jig heads and want to stock up on bodies
• Anyone looking to extend the life of their existing jig investment

Key Features

• Brand: Hookup Baits (designed & manufactured in San Diego, CA)
• Fits: 3/8oz, 5/8oz, and HUB Bullet jig heads
• Pack contents: 5 replacement bodies
• Colors: Brown Silver, Red Crab, Chovy, Sardine Green, Pearl Glow Green, Pearl White, Mint
• Techniques: Cast, vertical jig, troll
• Target species: Yellowtail, calico bass, bonito, barracuda

Models & Specs

How to Replace the Body

Watch the official Hookup Baits tutorial below for a step-by-step walkthrough on swapping out the soft body on your jig head.

Tackle Express Tips

• Brown Silver is a versatile all-around color — if you're not sure what the fish are keyed on, start here and adjust based on what's getting bit.
• Pearl Glow Green is worth keeping in your bag for early morning or late afternoon sessions when light is low — the subtle glow finish can make a real difference at depth.
• Keep a few extra bodies in your tackle bag on every trip. Bodies wear out fast when fish are biting — having spares means you never have to slow down.

FAQ

What jig heads do these bodies fit?
These replacement bodies are designed specifically for Hookup Baits 3/8oz, 5/8oz, and HUB Bullet jig heads. For smaller jig heads, see the Medium Replacement Bodies. For larger offshore jig heads, see the Big Game Replacement Bodies.

How many bodies come in a pack?
Each pack contains 5 replacement bodies in your selected color.

How does the Large compare to the Medium and Big Game bodies?
The Large fits 3/8oz and 5/8oz jig heads — bigger than the Medium (1/8oz and 1/4oz) for more water displacement and a larger profile, but smaller than the Big Game (1oz and 1.5oz) which is built for offshore pelagics like tuna. The Large is the go-to for inshore and nearshore yellowtail and calico bass fishing.

Fresh Body, Same Proven Jig Head

Hookup Baits are hand-crafted in San Diego and built around a formula that works: shape, color, and action dialed in to trigger more bites. The Medium body is sized for inshore and nearshore fishing — calico bass around kelp, yellowtail on the iron, and any situation where a smaller, more natural profile gets more looks. When the body wears out, swap it onto your existing 1/8oz or 1/4oz jig head and you're back in the game. Five bodies per pack keeps you fishing all day.

Sized for Inshore, Built for Results

The Medium body fits 1/8oz and 1/4oz Hookup Baits jig heads — the go-to sizes for calico bass, smaller yellowtail, and inshore species where a compact profile matches the forage better than a larger body. Like all Hookup Baits products, it can be cast, jigged vertically, or trolled, giving you flexibility across techniques and conditions.

Why Replacement Bodies Make Sense

Soft plastic bodies take punishment — from fish, from rocks, from repeated casts through structure. Buying replacement bodies instead of whole new jigs keeps your proven jig head in rotation and saves money over time. If you've found a color that's been producing, stocking up on bodies means you never have to fish without it.

Seven Colors, One for Every Condition

• Chovy — anchovy-match profile, a staple when 'chovies are the primary forage
• Red Crab — high-contrast attractor, effective in low-vis or stained water
• Brown Gold — natural, earthy tone that works well around structure and rocky bottom
• Sardine Green — sardine imitation, strong in clear water and bright conditions
• Pearl Glow Green — subtle glow finish for low-light and deeper presentations
• Pearl White — versatile high-flash color that works across species and conditions
• Mint — translucent, subtle color for pressured fish and clear water

Three Ways to Work It

• Cast and retrieve — work it along kelp edges, structure, and rocky points
• Vertical jigging — drop to the mark and work it up through the water column
• Trolling — pull it behind the boat to cover water and locate fish

Best Conditions

• Inshore and nearshore saltwater — kelp beds, rocky structure, and sandy bottom
• Clear water situations where a natural, smaller profile gets more bites
• Any session where fish are keyed on smaller baitfish like anchovies or sardines

Best For

• Calico bass around kelp and structure on cast-and-retrieve
• Yellowtail and bonito on the iron or vertical jig
• Inshore species where a compact, natural profile outperforms larger lures
• Anglers who already fish Hookup Baits 1/8oz or 1/4oz jig heads and want to stock up on bodies

Key Features

• Brand: Hookup Baits (designed & manufactured in San Diego, CA)
• Fits: 1/8oz and 1/4oz Hookup Baits jig heads
• Pack contents: 5 replacement bodies
• Colors: Chovy, Red Crab, Brown Gold, Sardine Green, Pearl Glow Green, Pearl White, Mint
• Techniques: Cast, vertical jig, troll
• Target species: Calico bass, yellowtail, bonito, inshore species

Models & Specs

How to Replace the Body

Watch the official Hookup Baits tutorial below for a step-by-step walkthrough on swapping out the soft body on your jig head.

Tackle Express Tips

• For calico bass around kelp, Chovy and Sardine Green are the go-to colors — match the forage that's in the water and you'll get more bites.
• Pearl Glow Green is worth keeping in your bag for early morning or late afternoon sessions when light is low — the subtle glow finish can make a real difference.
• Keep a few extra bodies in your tackle bag on every trip. Bodies wear out fast when fish are biting — having spares means you never have to slow down.

FAQ

What jig heads do these bodies fit?
These replacement bodies are designed specifically for Hookup Baits 1/8oz and 1/4oz Medium jig heads. They are not designed for the Big Game jig heads — for those, see the Big Game Replacement Bodies.

How many bodies come in a pack?
Each pack contains 5 replacement bodies in your selected color.

What's the difference between the Medium and Big Game bodies?
The Medium body fits smaller 1/8oz and 1/4oz jig heads and is sized for inshore species like calico bass and smaller yellowtail. The Big Game body fits 1oz and 1.5oz jig heads and is built for larger pelagics like tuna and big yellowtail.

Why Buy the Daiwa Yamamoto Neko Fat 5"?

The Daiwa Yamamoto Neko Fat 5" is the result of two legendary fishing brands combining their best — Daiwa's precision detailing and Yamamoto's legendary salt-impregnated soft plastic formula. The result is a thick-bodied, 5-inch Neko rig worm with a Senko-style body and a unique bulbous tail that produces a quivering, head-down action that bass simply can't resist. The nail weight in the nose gives you the ability to use heavier gear and reach fish in deeper water where weightless worms aren't practical. 10 per pack, 11 proven Yamamoto colors.

Main Use & Benefit

A 5-inch thick-body Neko rig worm combining Yamamoto's salt-impregnated soft plastic with a Senko-style body and bulbous tail — the nail weight in the nose creates a head-down, quivering presentation that triggers strikes from finicky bass at any depth, making it more versatile than a standard weightless worm.

Problem It Solves

Standard weightless finesse worms can't reach fish in deeper water and require ultra-light gear that limits hookset power. The Neko Fat's thick body and nail weight setup lets you fish a finesse presentation on heavier gear, reach fish at depth, and still produce the subtle, quivering action that triggers strikes from finicky bass in clear water and pressured fisheries.

Advantages

• ✅ Thick Senko-style body — more bulk and presence than a standard Neko worm
• ✅ Bulbous tail — unique quivering action that differentiates it from standard stick baits
• ✅ Nail weight compatible — reach fish at depth on heavier gear
• ✅ Yamamoto salt-impregnated formula — natural feel, fish hold on longer
• ✅ Daiwa precision detailing — consistent quality and action
• ✅ 11 proven Yamamoto color options
• ✅ 10 per pack
• ⚠️ Thicker body requires a slightly larger O-ring for wacky rigging than a standard stick bait

When to Choose It

Reach for the Neko Fat when you need a finesse presentation that can reach fish deeper than 15 feet, when standard weightless worms aren't getting to the strike zone, or when you want the Neko rig's head-down quiver with more body bulk and presence than a standard finesse worm. It's equally effective on wacky rig for shallow presentations and on Neko rig for deep structure.

Best Fishing Techniques

• Neko Rig — insert a 1/32–1/16 oz nail weight into the nose; hook through the center with a #1 or #2 wacky hook; the head-down fall and quivering tail action triggers strikes on the drop and at rest on the bottom
• Wacky Rig — hook through the center with a #1/0 or #2/0 wacky hook; use an O-ring to extend bait life; the thick body produces a pronounced, symmetrical wiggle on the fall
• Drop Shot — nose-hook on a #1 or #2 hook, 12–24" above the weight; the bulbous tail quivers naturally in the strike zone
• Shaky Head — thread onto a 3/16–1/4 oz shaky head for a stand-up presentation on hard bottom; the thick body and bulbous tail quiver on the pause
• Weightless Texas Rig — rig on a 3/0–4/0 EWG hook for a slow-falling presentation through sparse cover

Best Conditions

• Clear water (visibility 2ft+) where a natural, subtle presentation is most effective
• Deep structure (15–40ft) on Neko rig where weightless worms can't reach
• Post-frontal high pressure and slow-bite days
• Docks, laydowns, and open water on wacky rig
• Year-round — especially effective in summer (deep Neko) and spring (shallow wacky)

Best For

Key Features

• 5" thick Senko-style body — more bulk and presence than a standard Neko worm
• Bulbous tail — unique quivering action on the fall and at rest
• Nail weight compatible — reach fish at depth on heavier gear
• Yamamoto salt-impregnated formula — natural feel, fish hold on longer
• Daiwa × Yamamoto collaboration — precision detailing meets legendary soft plastic
• 11 proven color options
• 10 per pack

Models & Specs

Size: 5" | Count: 10 per pack | Water Type: Freshwater | Brand: Daiwa × Yamamoto

Tackle Express Tips

1. Start with a 1/32 oz nail weight — The Neko Fat's thick body is heavier than a standard finesse worm, so a 1/32 oz nail weight is usually enough for presentations up to 20ft. Move to a 1/16 oz nail weight for deeper water (20–40ft) or when you need a faster fall to stay in contact with the bait in current or wind.
2. Green Pumpkin w/ Black Flake for most situations — Green Pumpkin w/ Black Flake (#297) is your go-to in clear to lightly stained water. Switch to Fading Watermelon (#194) in clear water with a natural bottom, and use Blue Pearl w/ Silver Flake (#031) when bass are keying on shad in open water.
3. Use an O-ring for wacky rigging — The Neko Fat's thicker body benefits from an O-ring on wacky rig to extend bait life and keep the hook centered. You'll get 3–5x more casts per worm and the action is identical. The thick body also produces a more pronounced, symmetrical wiggle than a standard stick bait on the fall.

FAQ

Q: What makes the Neko Fat different from a standard Neko worm?
A: The Neko Fat has a thicker, Senko-style body with a unique bulbous tail — giving it more bulk and a different action profile than a standard straight-tail Neko worm. The bulbous tail quivers distinctly on the fall and at rest, creating a different visual trigger that can outperform standard Neko worms when bass have seen a lot of finesse presentations.

Q: What nail weight size works best for the Neko Fat 5"?
A: A 1/32 oz nail weight works best for shallow to mid-depth presentations (under 20ft). Use a 1/16 oz for deeper water (20–40ft) or when you need a faster fall. Insert the nail weight into the nose (blunt end) of the worm for the best head-down fall angle.

Q: Is the Neko Fat good for wacky rigging?
A: Yes — the thick Senko-style body makes it an excellent wacky rig bait. Hook through the center with a #1/0 wacky hook and use an O-ring to extend bait life. The thick body produces a pronounced, symmetrical wiggle on the fall that's very similar to the original Yamamoto Senko on a wacky rig.

Why Buy the Daiwa Yamamoto Neko Fat 4"?

The Daiwa Yamamoto Neko Fat 4" brings the proven Daiwa × Yamamoto Neko Fat formula into a more compact, finesse-friendly size. Combining Daiwa's precision detailing with Yamamoto's legendary salt-impregnated soft plastic, the 4" Neko Fat features a thick Senko-style body and a unique bulbous tail that produces a quivering, head-down action that bass can't resist. Fished weightless or on a Neko rig with a nail weight in the nose, it's one of the most versatile finesse baits in the lineup. 10 per pack, 10 proven Yamamoto colors.

Main Use & Benefit

A 4-inch compact thick-body Neko rig worm combining Yamamoto's salt-impregnated soft plastic with a Senko-style body and bulbous tail — the nail weight in the nose creates a head-down, quivering presentation that triggers strikes from finicky bass at any depth, while the shorter profile excels in clear water and finesse situations where the 5" is too large.

Problem It Solves

The 5" Neko Fat is a proven fish-catcher, but its larger profile can be too much for ultra-clear water, finicky smallmouth, and spotted bass that key on smaller forage. The 4" Neko Fat delivers the same thick-body action and bulbous tail quiver in a more compact package — ideal for downsizing without sacrificing the unique action that makes the Neko Fat series stand out.

Advantages

• ✅ Compact 4" profile — ideal for clear water, smallmouth, and finesse situations where the 5" is too large
• ✅ Thick Senko-style body — more bulk and presence than a standard Neko worm
• ✅ Bulbous tail — unique quivering action that differentiates it from standard stick baits
• ✅ Nail weight compatible — reach fish at depth on heavier gear
• ✅ Yamamoto salt-impregnated formula — natural feel, fish hold on longer
• ✅ Daiwa precision detailing — consistent quality and action
• ✅ 10 proven Yamamoto color options
• ✅ 10 per pack
• ⚠️ Thicker body requires a slightly larger O-ring for wacky rigging than a standard stick bait

When to Choose It

Choose the 4" Neko Fat over the 5" when you're fishing ultra-clear water, targeting smallmouth or spotted bass, or when you need to downsize to get more bites without giving up the Neko Fat's unique thick-body action. It's equally effective weightless on a wacky rig for shallow presentations and on a Neko rig with a nail weight for deeper structure.

Best Fishing Techniques

• Neko Rig — insert a 1/32–1/16 oz nail weight into the nose; hook through the center with a #1 or #2 wacky hook; the head-down fall and quivering tail action triggers strikes on the drop and at rest on the bottom
• Wacky Rig — hook through the center with a #1/0 wacky hook; use an O-ring to extend bait life; the thick body produces a pronounced, symmetrical wiggle on the fall
• Drop Shot — nose-hook on a #1 or #2 hook, 12–18" above the weight; the bulbous tail quivers naturally in the strike zone
• Shaky Head — thread onto a 3/16 oz shaky head for a stand-up presentation on hard bottom; the thick body and bulbous tail quiver on the pause
• Weightless Texas Rig — rig on a 2/0–3/0 EWG hook for a slow-falling presentation through sparse cover

Best Conditions

• Ultra-clear water where a compact, natural profile is most effective
• Smallmouth and spotted bass fisheries where a smaller profile gets more bites
• Deep structure (15–35ft) on Neko rig where weightless worms can't reach
• Post-frontal high pressure and slow-bite days
• Docks, laydowns, and open water on wacky rig
• Year-round — especially effective in summer (deep Neko) and spring (shallow wacky)

Best For

Key Features

• 4" compact thick Senko-style body — more bulk than a standard Neko worm in a finesse-friendly size
• Bulbous tail — unique quivering action on the fall and at rest
• Nail weight compatible — reach fish at depth on heavier gear
• Yamamoto salt-impregnated formula — natural feel, fish hold on longer
• Daiwa × Yamamoto collaboration — precision detailing meets legendary soft plastic
• 10 proven color options
• 10 per pack

Models & Specs

Size: 4" | Count: 10 per pack | Water Type: Freshwater | Brand: Daiwa × Yamamoto

Tackle Express Tips

1. Start with a 1/32 oz nail weight — The 4" Neko Fat's thick body is heavier than a standard finesse worm, so a 1/32 oz nail weight is usually enough for presentations up to 15ft. Move to a 1/16 oz nail weight for deeper water (15–35ft) or when you need a faster fall to stay in contact with the bait in current or wind.
2. Green Pumpkin for clear water, Electric Shad for reaction — Green Pumpkin (#297) is your go-to in clear to lightly stained water where a natural bottom-matching color is critical. Switch to Electric Shad (#973) or Smoke w/ Black, Blue & Chartreuse Flake (#214) when you need a reaction color or when bass are keying on shad in open water.
3. Downsize to the 4" when bites slow on the 5" — If you're fishing the 5" Neko Fat and bites slow down, switch to the 4" before changing colors or techniques. The smaller profile often triggers strikes from fish that have seen the larger bait — especially in clear water and post-frontal conditions.

FAQ

Q: What's the difference between the 4" and 5" Neko Fat?
A: Both use the same Daiwa × Yamamoto thick Senko-style body and bulbous tail formula. The 4" is the compact, finesse-oriented version — ideal for clear water, smallmouth, spotted bass, and situations where a smaller profile gets more bites. The 5" has more bulk and presence for largemouth in deeper water and situations where a larger profile is more effective. Start with the 4" when conditions are toughest or when targeting smaller bass species.

Q: What nail weight size works best for the 4" Neko Fat?
A: A 1/32 oz nail weight works best for shallow to mid-depth presentations (under 15ft). Use a 1/16 oz for deeper water (15–35ft) or when you need a faster fall. Insert the nail weight into the nose (blunt end) of the worm for the best head-down fall angle.

Q: Is the 4" Neko Fat good for smallmouth bass?
A: Yes — it's an excellent smallmouth bait on Neko rig and drop shot over rock and hard bottom. The compact 4" profile matches the smaller forage smallmouth key on in clear lakes and rivers. Natural Shad (#306) and Baby Bass (#305) are top smallmouth color picks.

The Hookup Baits HUB Bullet Jigs feature the smaller profile of the Large Hookup Baits with the weight of the Big Game Hookup Baits. Perfect for when the fish are only biting smaller profile baits on long casts!

There are many ways to fish the hookup bait but casting it out and letting it fall on a tight line will pendulum it down in an arc.  This can be very effective since it allows the bait to swim as it falls.  This is effective when fish are suspended in the column and not on the top or bottom.

If fish are on the bottom, we like to let it sink to the bottom and pop it off the bottom and then allowing it to sink back down.  Continue this retrieve all the way back to the boat or shore.

If they are in the upper part of the column, cast and start retrieving soon after the lure hits the surface.  Most of the time a slow and steady retrieve works best but you can also burn it on the surface for very active surface feeding fish.

Tie a Hookup Bait on and see what method works best for you.  The bottom line is these baits get bit on salt and fresh water fish.

•  4" Body 
• 1oz and 1.5oz
• 2 Per Pack