Mastering the Neko Rig with Denali Rods – Michael Neal’s Go-To Setup

Denali Pro Michael Neal has made this one of his go-to techniques, relying on the Denali Kovert 7’6” Medium (KW762MS) spinning rod to get the job done in all conditions.

Why Michael Neal Trusts the Denali Covert 7’6”

The Denali Kovert series is built for performance, and the 7’6” Medium model is perfect for Neko rigging, especially when targeting offshore fish. The extra length allows for long, accurate casts, keeping you further from pressured fish while still getting your bait exactly where it needs to be. Plus, that added length helps drive the hook home on long-distance hooksets—a crucial factor when fishing deeper water or targeting suspended bass.

Michael Neal’s Approach to Neko Rigging

The Neko rig is essentially a wacky rig with a nail weight inserted into the nose of the bait, creating a unique spiraling fall. According to Neal, the key to success is using the lightest weight possible while still maintaining effectiveness. In calm conditions, downsizing to 1/16 or even 1/32 oz will get more bites compared to heavier options that fall too fast.

This technique isn’t just for bottom-dwelling fish. While many anglers associate suspended fish with a Damiki rig or hover strolling, Neal has found that the Neko rig has quietly become a powerhouse for catching fish hanging over ledges on TVA fisheries and in highland reservoirs.

Michael Neal’s Neko Rig Setup

  • Rod: Denali Kovert 7’6” Medium Spinning Rod (KW762MS)  – Ideal for making long casts and maintaining control in deep water.
  • Line: Sunline SX1 braid to an 8lb Sunline Shooter fluorocarbon leader – Essential for finesse presentations.
  • Hook: Gamakatsu G-Finesse Stinger Hook – Arguably the best hook for Neko and wacky rigging.
  • Bait: Big Bite Baits Straight Six Magworm – Proven to get bites, with colors like K Magic and Tilapia Green Pumpkin standing out.

Final Thoughts

Michael Neal has proven time and time again that the Neko rig is an underestimated tool for catching big fish offshore, and pairing it with the right rod makes a world of difference. The Denali Kovert 7’6” Medium (KW762MS)  offers the perfect blend of length, sensitivity, and backbone to master this technique. Whether you’re fishing brush piles, skipping under docks, or targeting suspended bass, this setup will help you put more fish in the boat.

Take a page out of Michael Neal’s playbook and give the Denali Kovert 7’6” (KW762MS) a shot on your next trip—you might just land your biggest bass yet!

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