Freshwater Soft Baits

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

Hookup Baits Large Jigs have to be one of the most popular sizes Hookup Baits produces, the 5/8oz Red Crab and Mint are known as the "White Seabass Special"

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.

• Approximately 4 inches
• 3/8oz and 5/8oz 
• 2 Per Pack

Hookup Baits Medium Jigs are a 3" tube jig pre-rigged with a 1/8oz or 1/4oz jighead in a pack of three. The Hookup Baits have been proven to catch the hard to catch bass and trouts in the lake all the way to the SoCal finicky Bluefin on micro-bait.

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.

• 3"
• 1/8oz and 1/4oz
• 3 Per Pack

Hookup Baits Small Jig gives a whole new meaning to a "Mini Jig", these have an action like now other.  With a spiral action on the fall and an erratic dart action with a pop of the rod tip. Great to fool any stocker trout and subtle enough to entices the big natural browns.

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. 

There is no scent on this size Hookup Bait.

• 2"
• 1/32oz and 1/16oz
• 3 Per Pack

The Z-Man DieZel MinnowZ is a highly durable paddle-tail swimbait designed for both freshwater and saltwater fishing. It is made from Z-Man's proprietary 10X Tough ElaZtech material, which makes it resistant to tearing and allows it to survive multiple strikes from toothy fish.

Key Features

• ElaZtech Durability: The material is incredibly soft yet nearly indestructible, often lasting through dozens of catches.

• Buoyancy: Unlike traditional plastics, ElaZtech is naturally buoyant, which allows the tail to float up when at rest, creating a more lifelike presentation.

• Weedless Design: It features a molded-in belly hook slot and a split dorsal fin to hide the hook point, making it easy to fish through heavy grass and cover.

• Versatile Sizes: Available in 4-inch, 5-inch, and 7-inch models to match various baitfish profiles.

The Z-Man TRD CrawZ is an ultra-realistic, 2.5-inch crayfish imitation specifically engineered for finesse fishing and the popular Ned rig technique. Its standout feature is its extreme buoyancy, which causes the claws to float upward in a natural defensive posture whenever the bait is at rest on the bottom.

Key Features & Design

• 10X Tough ElaZtech Material: This proprietary material is not only highly buoyant but also incredibly durable, allowing anglers to catch dozens of fish on a single lure.

• Gliding Action: The bait features a tucked-under tail and a flat belly, which creates an enticing gliding motion as it falls through the water column.

• Realistic Details: It includes bulbous claws, small appendages, and a ribbed body to mimic the appearance and texture of a live crawfish or even a saltwater fiddler crab.

• Versatile Sizing: Each lure is 2.5 inches long and typically comes in packs of six.

The Strike King Rage Tail Rage Chunk is a versatile and highly effective soft plastic trailer that is a must-have for anglers looking to enhance their jig presentations. Designed with the iconic Rage Tail technology, this chunky trailer delivers maximum action and irresistible vibrations, making it an ideal choice for attracting bass in a variety of conditions.

Its bulkier body and flappy, kicking appendages create a natural, lifelike action in the water, mimicking the movement of a fleeing prey item. Whether you're flipping, pitching, or using it as a trailer for your jigs, the Rage Chunk provides incredible bulk and stability, allowing for a smooth and consistent presentation that draws fish in from a distance.

Built with Strike King’s exclusive Rage Tail technology, the Rage Chunk ensures that the bait moves with a unique, erratic action that drives fish wild. Made from durable, yet supple soft plastic, this trailer is built to withstand the toughest bites and conditions, ensuring that it stays intact through multiple catches.

Available in a variety of colors that mimic natural forage, the Strike King Rage Tail Rage Chunk is perfect for both clear and murky waters, offering versatility for various fishing techniques and species. Whether you're targeting largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, or other predatory fish, this trailer is sure to give you the edge you need to increase your catch rate.

The Strike King KVD Perfect Plastics Dream Shot is a high-performance finesse bait designed for precision casting and incredible fish-catching action. Crafted from the exclusive KVD Perfect Plastics formula, this soft plastic worm offers unmatched durability and lifelike movement that draws fish in even under tough conditions. Its unique, slim design and segmented body make it ideal for drop-shot, wacky rigging, or finesse techniques, delivering a subtle yet enticing presentation.

The Dream Shot features an irresistible tail action that creates subtle vibrations in the water, making it perfect for targeting bass and other predatory species. Whether you're fishing in clear or murky waters, its natural colors and realistic texture make it a go-to choice for anglers who want to maximize their catch rate.

Engineered with a blend of buoyancy and flexibility, the Strike King KVD Dream Shot excels in both shallow and deep water, offering versatility for various fishing environments. With the added advantage of being part of the KVD Perfect Plastics line, anglers can expect long-lasting performance without the risk of the bait tearing apart during intense use.

Perfect for both novice and experienced anglers, the Dream Shot is a must-have addition to your tackle box.

The Reaction Innovations Shiver Shot is a 3.65-inch shad-style soft plastic built around a shiver tail that produces action with the slightest flick of the rod tip — on a drop shot, the tail shivers and vibrates at rest with minimal rod input; on a jig head, it swims with a realistic baitfish action; on a Carolina rig, the tail shimmies on the drift. The durable yet supple plastic maintains the tail action through repeated strikes. 9 per pack in 8 colors spanning shad, crawfish, and attractor patterns.

Key Features

• Shiver Tail — Action on the Slightest Rod Input — The Shiver Shot’s tail is designed to produce a shivering, vibrating action with the smallest rod tip movement or current; on a drop shot, the tail shivers at rest and on the fall with minimal rod input, producing a lifelike baitfish action that triggers strikes from bass that are watching the bait closely; the tail action is most pronounced on a drop shot where the bait is suspended in the strike zone and the tail moves freely.
• Durable Yet Supple Plastic — Maintains Tail Action — The plastic formulation is durable enough to withstand repeated strikes while remaining supple enough for the tail to move freely with minimal resistance; the balance between durability and suppleness is what allows the tail to produce action with the slightest rod input rather than requiring aggressive rod movement.
• Versatile Rig Compatibility — Effective on drop shots, Carolina rigs, and jig heads (fished like a fluke or swimbait); the 3.65" profile fits a wide range of hook sizes and jig head weights across all three applications.
• 8 Colors — 9 Per Pack — Eight colors spanning shad imitations (Sexy Shad, Bad Shad Green, Small Mouth Magic, Pride Shad), crawfish/creature patterns (Magic Craw Red, Green Pumpkin Purple & Copper Flake), and attractor colors (Spring Break, Poutine); nine baits per pack.

Color Selection Guide

Best For

• Drop Shot — Primary Application — The Shiver Shot’s tail action is most effective on a drop shot where the bait is suspended in the strike zone; nose-hook or wacky-hook on a drop shot hook and suspend above the bottom; the tail shivers at rest and on the fall with minimal rod input, triggering strikes from bass that are holding tight to bottom structure or suspended in the water column; most effective in clear water and post-frontal conditions.
• Carolina Rig — Effective on a Carolina rig for covering open water, points, and transition areas; the tail shimmies on the drift and produces action on the pause, triggering strikes from roaming bass; use a 1–2 ft leader for a natural, drifting presentation.
• Jig Head — Swimbait Style — Thread on a 1/8–3/16 oz jig head and swim steadily for a baitfish imitation presentation similar to a fluke or paddle tail swimbait; the shiver tail produces a swimming action on the retrieve that triggers strikes from bass feeding on baitfish.

The Megabass Hazedong Shad generates an enticing tail action that will have bass choking it deep into their throats. The Megabass Hazedong Shad features an super thin paddle tail that creates a vortex through the water with a tight back and forth motion. Large bubble eyes also provide an added element of realism for those weary bass.

Molded from Megabass’ exclusive Vios Mineral Plastic, the Megabass Hazedong Shad is extremely durable and can withstand repeated beatings from the biggest bass. Designed with a built-in hook pocket on the belly, the Megabass Hazedong Shad delivers an excellent hookup ratio whether it’s rigged on a jighead, weightless, or on a drop shot. 

3" (8cm) Qty 8 Per Pack

4.2" (11 cm) Qty 5 Per Pack

The Z-Man Big TRD is an upsized, 4-inch version of the original Finesse TRD, designed to provide a larger profile for targeting bigger bass while maintaining the "magic" of the Ned rig. Made from Z-Man's proprietary 10X Tough ElaZtech material, it is incredibly durable and naturally buoyant, allowing it to stand straight up on the bottom to mimic a defensive baitfish or craw.

Key Features

• Upsized Profile: Features the same dimpled body and stickbait shape as the original but elongated to 4 inches to trigger bites from larger fish.

• Extreme Buoyancy: The ElaZtech construction ensures the bait stands vertically at rest, creating an irresistible presentation on a Ned rig.

• Unmatched Durability: Designed to withstand dozens of strikes and catches without tearing, outlasting standard plastisol baits.

• Versatile Rigging: While built for the Ned rig, its larger size also makes it effective for wacky rigging, Texas rigging, and Carolina rigging.

Why Buy the Yamamoto Zako Swimbait?

The Yamamoto Zako Swimbait was designed by Bassmaster Elite Series angler Brett Hite — and it's his personal go-to as a swimbait trailer on chatterbaits and as a standalone flip bait. Every design detail on the Zako was intentional: accordion-style tail cuts and a flanged tail keep the action tight and realistic, mimicking an actual baitfish rather than producing the exaggerated thump of a standard paddle tail. A center rigging line on the top of the bait ensures you're always rigged dead center, so the Zako runs true on every cast. 8 proven colors.

Main Use & Benefit

A pro-designed soft swimbait built for chatterbait trailers and flip presentations — its accordion-style tail cuts and flanged tail produce a tight, realistic baitfish action that improves hookset ratios (the tail folds in on itself when fish bite) and runs true every time thanks to a built-in center rigging line.

Problem It Solves

Standard paddle tail swimbaits produce an exaggerated thump that can be too much action for pressured fish, and their soft tails often fold over during the hookset, reducing hookup ratios. The Zako's accordion-style tail cuts keep the action tight and natural, while the tail's design causes it to fold in on itself when a fish bites — improving hookset ratios significantly over standard swimbait trailers.

Advantages

• ✅ Designed by Bassmaster Elite angler Brett Hite — tournament-proven design
• ✅ Accordion-style tail cuts — tight, realistic baitfish action (not an exaggerated thump)
• ✅ Flanged tail — minimal, natural action that mimics real baitfish movement
• ✅ Tail folds in on itself when fish bite — improved hookset ratios over standard swimbaits
• ✅ Center rigging line on top — always rig dead center for a true-running presentation
• ✅ Versatile — chatterbait trailer, swim jig trailer, flip bait, swimbait head
• ✅ 8 proven color options across natural and reaction shades
• ⚠️ Tight action profile — not designed for maximum thump; choose a standard paddle tail if you need more vibration

When to Choose It

Reach for the Zako when you need a swimbait trailer with a tight, realistic baitfish action rather than an exaggerated thump — especially on chatterbaits and swim jigs in clear to lightly stained water where a natural profile gets more bites. It's equally effective as a standalone flip bait when bass are keying on baitfish in and around cover.

Best Fishing Techniques

• Chatterbait Trailer — Brett Hite's primary use; pin onto a 3/8–1/2 oz chatterbait for a tight, baitfish-style action that complements the blade's vibration without overpowering it
• Swim Jig Trailer — pin onto a 3/8–1/2 oz swim jig for a natural swimming presentation through grass edges, laydowns, and open water
• Flip Bait — Texas-rig on a 3/0–4/0 EWG hook and flip into docks, laydowns, and sparse cover; the center rigging line ensures the bait runs true on every pitch
• Swimbait Head — thread onto a 1/4–3/8 oz swimbait head for a standalone swimming presentation; the tight tail action is most effective on a slow, steady retrieve
• Underspin Trailer — pin onto an underspin jig head for a baitfish-style presentation over deep structure and open water

Best Conditions

• Clear to lightly stained water where a tight, natural baitfish action outperforms exaggerated thump
• Grass edges, laydowns, docks, and open water on chatterbait and swim jig
• Post-spawn and summer when bass are keying on baitfish in open water
• Any depth — equally effective shallow on chatterbait and deep on swimbait head
• Year-round — especially effective in summer and fall when bass are schooling on shad

Best For

Key Features

• Accordion-style tail cuts — tight, realistic baitfish action on every retrieve
• Flanged tail — minimal, natural movement that mimics real baitfish
• Tail folds in on bite — improved hookset ratios over standard paddle tail swimbaits
• Center rigging line — always rig dead center for a true-running presentation
• Designed by Brett Hite — Bassmaster Elite Series tournament-proven
• 8 proven color options

Models & Specs

Water Type: Freshwater | Target Species: Bass

Tackle Express Tips

1. Use the center line — every time — The Zako's center rigging line on the top of the bait is one of its most underrated features. Always align your hook point with this line before rigging — it takes 5 seconds and guarantees the bait runs true on every cast. A bait that runs slightly off-center will spiral and kill the action.
2. Electric Shad for open water, Green Pumpkin Black Flake for cover — Electric Shad (#973) and Chartreuse Shad Laminate (#909) are your go-to reaction colors for open water and schooling situations. Switch to Green Pumpkin Black Flake (#297) or Green Pumpkin & White Laminate (#981) when flipping into cover or fishing grass edges where a more natural profile gets more bites.
3. Slow down on the chatterbait — The Zako's tight tail action is most effective at a slow to medium retrieve speed. Resist the urge to burn it — a slow, steady retrieve keeps the tail working naturally and gives bass more time to track and commit to the bait. If fish are short-striking, slow down before switching colors.

FAQ

Q: Why does the Zako have accordion-style tail cuts instead of a standard paddle tail?
A: Brett Hite specifically designed the accordion-style cuts to keep the tail action tight and realistic — mimicking the subtle, natural movement of an actual baitfish rather than the exaggerated thump of a standard paddle tail. The cuts also allow the tail to fold in on itself when a fish bites, which significantly improves hookset ratios compared to a rigid paddle tail.

Q: What chatterbait weight works best with the Zako?
A: A 3/8 oz chatterbait is the standard pairing for most situations — it gives the Zako enough speed to produce action without overpowering the tight tail movement. Move to a 1/2 oz in deeper water (10ft+) or when you need to cover water faster. The Zako's tight action works at any retrieve speed, but shines on a slow to medium retrieve.

Q: Can the Zako be fished as a standalone swimbait without a jig or chatterbait?
A: Yes — thread it onto a 1/4–3/8 oz swimbait head or underspin jig head for a standalone presentation. The center rigging line ensures it runs true, and the tight tail action is very effective on a slow, steady retrieve over deep structure and open water where bass are keying on baitfish.

The Roboworm Ned Worm was designed specifically for the deadly Ned rig. Using Roboworm's patented techniques they are now available to offer anglers worms in colors never previously offered for the Ned rig. Its short, fat profile and flat bottom make it the perfect for this effective technique in any lake. It is also deadly when wacky rigged, drop shotted or Carolina rigged! By utilizing Roboworm's innovative patents, we are proud to bring anglers a wide variety of never-before-seen colors for the Ned rig. With its unique short and fat profile and flat bottom, this worm is the ultimate choice for the NED rig.

3" - 8 Per Pack

4.5" - 6 Per Pack

The Z-Man Slim SwimZ 2.5" is a compact, highly versatile paddle-tail swimbait designed for both freshwater and saltwater finesse fishing. Its slender profile and unique tail design make it a go-to choice when gamefish are keyed in on small forage like glass minnows or fry.

Key Features

• 10X Tough ElaZtech: Made from Z-Man's proprietary material, these baits are extremely durable and resist nicks or tears from toothy fish.

• Curved Paddle Tail: This design provides a tight, high-frequency vibration even at slow retrieve speeds, mimicking the natural movement of small baitfish.

• Natural Buoyancy: The material allows the bait to float, which creates a tail-up posture when paused on the bottom—a natural defensive or feeding look that triggers strikes.

• Packaging: These are typically sold in 8-packs.

The Z-Man TRD TubeZ is a 2.75-inch finesse tube bait specifically designed for the Ned Rig technique. While most traditional tubes are hollow and sink flat, the TRD TubeZ is made from 10X Tough ElaZtech, which is naturally buoyant and causes the tentacles to stand up and dance off the bottom.

Key Features & Design

• Solid Nose Construction: Unlike standard hollow tubes, the TRD TubeZ features a solid head, making it easy to rig on a mushroom-style jighead without the bait tearing or sliding.

• Super-Soft Tentacles: The thin, round tentacles are highly reactive, moving with the slightest water current or rod tip twitch to mimic a small crawfish or prey fish.

• Salt-Impregnated: The body is loaded with salt to encourage fish to hold on longer, giving you more time to set the hook.

• Indestructible Material: The ElaZtech build is virtually impossible to tear, often lasting for dozens of catches per bait.

The Z-Man Finesse TRD (The Real Deal) is a 2.75-inch stickbait designed specifically for the Ned Rig, a finesse technique famous for catching bass in tough or highly pressured conditions. It is widely considered a staple for smallmouth, largemouth, and spotted bass.

Key Features

• 10X Tough ElaZtech: This proprietary material is virtually indestructible, often lasting for dozens of catches per bait.

• Buoyancy: Unlike traditional plastics that sink flat, the TRD is naturally buoyant, causing it to stand vertically off the bottom when at rest to mimic a feeding crawfish or minnow.

• Salt-Impregnated: The soft formulation and salt content provide a precise sink rate and an irresistible feel that encourages fish to hold on longer.

• Dimpled Texture: A realistic, dimpled surface adds to its natural look and feel.

8 per pack

The 3.5-inch Fat Gitzit Tubes is a classic, tournament proven bait. The Fat Gitzit actually has a narrower profile, and is a great choice any time the fishing gets tough. It has a natural fall in the water, and delivers an excellent crawfish imitation when dragged along the bottom. Available in several colors.