I tend to stick my peg-it’s through the bottom end of the bullet weight, especially when fishing grass. It eliminates the problem you mentioned, and also protects the knot especially with heavier punching weights
Maybe I missed something with that peg product. I've never seen that before. What's the benefit of that product over a typical black bobber stop? I've been using those oversized black bobber stops for years with no problems. Can anyone using a product like this tell me the benefit to it?
🍺Giving personal reasons why particular baits/products fall short is much more valuable information to me than someone telling me they love a particular bait/product but then not backing it up with any reasons why they like it.
I use the rubber weight pegs you showed on occasion. But i insert it from the other end of the weight. It seems to protect the knot from the weight and I get it through the grass and muck easily. Keep all the info flowing, I know I learn something from every show....
I always put the large end of the peg in the back of the weight and trim off the nose end of the peg, never thought about putting the big end in the nose, that would be annoying.
Matt those vmc weedless hooks are actually one of my favorites i use them in the sloppiest muck ponds in NJ and they always come back clean for some odd reason..i do agree with the material its a little flimsy and i have to bend every other cast but my hook up ratio is great
Fellow jersey Fishman here! I tried those vmc hooks as well since most weed guards seem too stiff and I felt like I missed alot of fish, so I tried the vmc and yes very flimsy and you have to fix them every cast. But I do seem to hook every fish that bites with them. Gotta creep them very carefully over branches because of how soft they are. Not a fan but not a fan of any other ones either.
G7 screw in nail weights have worked great for me. A very tiny drop of locktite gel glue on the tip of the nail that distributes along the threads as you screw it into the plastic holes the nail exceptionally well. Best I’ve found so far.
I just don't let the hook poke through the worm on a wacky rig. It's simple and works really good. I snag up a lot less often. Also, if you have an old broken jig lying around (or jig making materials, specifically a brush guard), take that brush guard off and thin it out a bit if you want. A swimjig brush guard works great for this. Take and heat (not melt) the ends of the brush guard until they can easily bend and hold that shape. Bend about 1/8 to 1/4 inch of the very end upwards and let cool. Take 5 minute epoxy and place a tiny dollop just below the line tie of your favorite wacky rig hook. Adhere the brush guard to the hook and let cure. Reinforce it with tape or fly string (or something similar). It works really good and I can custom build them how I want to.
The Freedom pegs... the disk with the slot goes on the base of your weight. Feed it in from bottom, and trim flush with the top of the weight. You will love it!!
I'd agree, except they appear to be too small in diameter for Matt's weights. I use the original larger Peggits (from the bottom), and they snug up fine - just have to clip the top and bottom off.
I prefer to have fat tapered end up as they hold better. In this case theyd be fine if I could only pull part way through the hook and then cut off both ends.
Yes! I love VMC hooks but the weedless version is junk. It simply doesn’t work. So I cut the guards off and used the for neko and wacky where weeds are not a concern. I neko rig smallmouth in MN all the time and I use drywall screws. They have course threads and it dose not com out. The other thing I like is when screwed in there isn’t much head sticking out and being made of steel that flat makes a great ticking sound when it hits a rocky bottom. Did I say their cheap.
Hey Matt, Once again, a well-done presentation. I've had the same problems with the VMC Neko Weed Guards. I believe the best are the Owner Weedless Sniper Neko Finesse hooks 1/0. They have the "titanium wire weedguards." The challenge is availability.
i glue my neko weights to the plastic that seems to cure that problem also use half of a split shot as a weight or a old jig with the bend on the hook snipped off as a weight. saves some money.
I've had success with the T-pegs when punching heavy weights. Bobber stop on top, slide peg thru bottom of weight. If the weight slides up the line the peg keeps the weight from sliding back down the line towards the hook. Eliminates the weight acting like a lure knocker on the hooked fish.
Great video! To hear about the pro’s and con’s. Possible future idea videos have like 3-4 you like and why, then gave 3-4 you don’t like. I see all the tackle on the wall and shelves. You can go forever.
.177 caliber pellets. I ran out of nail weights one time and had those in the car from having my son out shooting his pellet gun. The pointed ones push down in the worm nice and easy, and because they're cupped, it's easy to push two or three in a row, depending on how much weight you want. Plus a box of 200 is cheap.
Good video Matt!!!!! Liked it more, for a change of pace, and showing us fishing tackle before we buy, and have same issues. I mean 1st one is just total junk. I can work with vmc neko hooks, be kinda pissed but still salvageable. Slip weight peg pretty much junk to.
The Anthony Jighead salvage might be to use an exacto knife and cut a slit in the head plastic forward from the belly pocket to move the weight forward some, 50/50 it would work. The weedless wacky rig hooks might take a little lighter heat to pre soften the plastic at the eye before bending it up into place as it cools, it still looks pretty light.
On the VMC weedless neko hook, slide a used bobber stop up the hook shank and glue it up against the weed guard to keep it in a better position. My new favorite hook is the Ichikawa weedless Mukade neko hook.
Have the same issue with the VMC weedless neko hooks. Love the concept but the guards just do not make the grade. I get snagged more times using them because I end up throwing them in areas I thought I could but turned out I could not!
I agree on both the VMC products, the others were new to me. Nail weights need as much surface area to grip as possible and any weight hanging out will just help pull them free. I really like the screw-in idea from one of your recent videos... that's the best idea... better than glue which is what I've been doing.
You made good points on all of those. There is a company in Georgia that makes a neko weight that has a wire screw inside the ballhead. Just a screw sticks out of the ballhead and it works pretty well. Sometimes you have to play with it to get the ball straight with the head, but I seldom cast those out of the head of the worm.
Looks like the freedom ones are meant to be inserted from bottom of the weight says it in the product description on tw also says it’s wide like that to also protect the knot makes sense.
When it comes to nail weights I've actually switched to just using a 1 inch metal drywall stud screw. It has a button type head and gives my worm some really great action and the head is the same dimension as a rubber worm. Try it you won't be disappointed.
Brilliant! I keep 1 inch round-head zinc sheet metal screws in various diameters in my tackle box. They are cheap and the zinc surface will not rust as quickly as steel
@@08alexnyc exactly, they don't come loose or fall out also a plus is that if you bounce them down a fallen tree they nock against the wood and attract fish. Love them.
@@curtissmith1559 I'm interested in using the "Gene Jensen" method: Taking a lighter to the nail then inserting it into bait, fusing them together. If you tried this, let us know how it works.
I agree on that vmc weedless neko. I like the one without the weed guard better and I think it comes thru cover just fine when you rig your neko correctly. Hook isn’t the issue the guard is
Thanks for sharing matt. Those neko weights can be key. I use super glue but my buddy was using a neko weight that went all the way in and I wasn’t and I think the extra sound of the weight on the bottom was getting bites
Good point. I was thinking that the exposed head one would provide better feel b/c the weight is making direct contact with the bottom/structure etc.... just superglue it right before sliding in to hold in place? But it's prolly personal preference from person to person.
the cost savings and convenience of pouring your own Neko weights makes up for adding super glue. Do-it mold versions are identical to the VMC Neko weights. I also like to do lots of other secret things with them. Chopping the heads off the heavier weights is very common for me. I very rarely use the heavier Neko half moons, if I do its not for neko rigging.
On those VMC worm weights I wonder if you took a dye from a tap and dye set and cut some course threads on the end on the shaft so that way you can screw these weights in. Just a thought and this is a great video, thanks for your feedback!!
I actually like the VMC Half Moon nail weights. I don't ever use the ones that are that big though. I'm using the half moon weights in more of a finesse application. For weedless wacky rig, I really like Gamakatsu G-Finesse Weedless Wacky hooks.
Specifically for Neko rigs I use the Swagger Tackle Pagoda weights because the have aggressive cones/ridges that hold them in and hold them in all day. I put a lot of snap and drive into my casts because I’m primarily a shore fisherman and these have never come out, either because of fish or casts. There are now several brands that make a similar product but theirs was one of the first in this style and they are tungsten so if you leave the last cone exposed I feel like it makes just enough extra noise to increase the fish attracting distance.
I’ve not found any weedless wacky/neko hook that I like. The Gamakatsu weedless wacky is about the best one I found but even that one leaves room. But on the subject, I just tied on a wacky shot. Looking forward to throwing it soon. Maybe a weedless version TBA?
Gamakatsue Makes simple. Heavy wire guard hooks. I find works just as good as anything else cheaper. And you can manipulate the wire guard way you want it.
Great video Matt! I shy away from VMC hooks 😮 For Weedless Wacky rig hooks Ichikawa’s Sasori is a good choice, sharp, wide gap, solid weed guard and camo hook 👍 Ichikawa also produces treble hooks designed by legend Rick Clunn
I do enjoy the actual hands on reviews my Friend thank you and I’m certain it saves budget conscious Old Guys like me from wasting money on something that’s just sub Par and doesn’t work well. Semper Fidelis
I have three of them Matt, they barely work on the tube, and I pinched a little bit of the tube for the eyelid to come out so I can tie onto it. It just doesn’t work I agree with you, the guy should’ve been more to the front like I swim bait a Hook
Yeah that's more like a tube jig than a swimbait jig. Also more of a vertical offshore presentation than a horizontal retrieve. I'd do a belly weight for horizontal. Or a scottsboro swimbait head for offshore.
Gret video!!! Thanks for sharing your thoughts!! I agree with the halfmoon weights. I can't tell you how many I lost and very disappointed. Stay Safe and God Bless!!
Appreciate the honesty. I am always honest and get tremendous hate. The point is always to help and tell the truth. It's sad people cannot see this. To me, the art is more important than being nice or sounding good. I'd rather be hated for being right than being liked for pleasing people....you know the saying. Growth can only be had when we address these flaws.
My solution to the Nico rig weight problem has been to save all of my old ned rig hooks and cut the hook section off and use head for my nico weights. The barbed head keeps them from flying off best of all they are freeish.
Sounds like an opportunity to use your saved bobber stops on your weedless neko hooks to hold up the weed guard. If you like the concept and the hook it just might be the ticked to keep the weed guard in a position to work well. Just a thought.
For the first swimbait hook/weight, seems like it's the car part ideal i.e. it was made for a specific make/model/brand, which stinks for general applications. For the peg it rubber stop, is it supposed to go through and then cut the head off or is the head supposed to stay on? For the weedguard hook, I go texas rig, or nothing at all, but that weedguard looks very weak and useless. Seems nail weights should have barbs or some deterrent from coming back out. It's not adhered to the worm, so there should be a mechanism that prevents it from popping out, Even a hole for a toothpick would be cool. Nice video. I'd like to see more of these types of videos. I know I appreciate it but I think every day anglers appreciate opinions of people who fish more frequently and fish for a living. Also, do you provide emails or reviews to the manufacturers on these product faults/improvement ideas? I know it takes time, but sometimes you'd be surprised at their responses. I heard back from strike king on a suggestion and I'm just an average Joe.
That VMC hook I won't use for a wacky hook but works awesome for the Neko rig for me. VMC makes a wacky hook that is 100% weedless that I love. Also with the nail hook with a dab of glue you won't have any issues.
I wish more pros would do videos like this! Probably have a room full of garbage that I will never fish. For me... I cut the hook off old, or sometimes new, Z-Man ned heads for neko weights. The ones they sell are just that. Thanks Matt!
@@MattStefanFishing EASILY my favorite fishing channel... and I watch A LOT! Keep up the great content. I think you're going to have a big year on the tourney trail!
When I used them, the first thing I would do is break the bait keeper off the hook. They're so annoying when you catch a fish and your worm is twisted out of shape. It's so difficult to get them straight again without tearing up the worm when the keeper is still on. Always having super glue became a necessity at that point. Now I just pour my own.
Ive used the VMC Weedles Neko hook and fell for that “bait”. Never caught anything. Still have it and would like to know how to properly dispose of hooks for that matter instead of ending up in a landfill. Baits that I got conned: zMan Craw, ProCrawZ in blk/blue, pumpkin/orange. Never caught anthing in my local ponds.
I’m all JDM hooks at this point and I’ll never switch back. I use Nogales ringed EWG hooks and ryugi wacky hooks and I land so many more fish with these than I did using TroKar
I agree with the vmc seedless neko hook. The fiber guard is useless but the hook is good. I still use them because I found them on sale and then in the discounted bin buy 5 get 5 free. So on sale plus 5 free.
Awesome video, I wonder if you have ever used rubber bands slid thru the back of the weight after having your hook tied on just pulling the rubber band with a short piece of monofilament thru the weight It's an amazing way of pegging your weight you can also use it for a Carolina rig if you don't have a swivel 👍
I like those pegs much like others who commented, I do believe they are meant to be inserted through the bottom, hence the groove. No point in having this on the top. Still I rarely use a bobber stop unless I'm flipping and pitching heavy cover.
Aaaaaaand Phoenix baits going out of business J/K lol , I'm right with you on the nail weights, I have switched to the Zman neko shroomz, they are made to stay on elaztec but works great on other plastics , I do use the VMC weedless neko hook , I think a neko rig is kind of weedless in itself so I'm not too worried about the flimsy weed guard
I was looking for heavier nail weights to fish neko baits 25ft+ and I'm sorry I can't remember the brand but they are a button head or whatever that style is called but has course threads to thread it into the plastic. They hold great and having the metal head showing allows you to feel bottom better when deep similar to the feel of a ned head.
Can you to educate me if I have been doing it wrong for many years. With that Peg it brand and style you showed would you consider inserting it from the larger side of the bullet weight and trimming from the top.? The ones I use our little more elastic and you can pull them a little bit past, so when you cut it it’s recessed in the bullet weight. Have I been doing it wrong? Thanks!
I am also looking for the all illusive weedless wacky hook. Vmc makes the other one that has the closed off wire keeper and I lost a huge fish to that one. I've recently bought a couple other offerings including the Decoy and the Owner jungle wacky. I heard good things about the Decoy from the tactical guys so this spring we'll find out. Oh and almost forgot, I like this content and believe it is a way to get more viewers to engage. 👍🏻
Haven't tried any of what you've listed, nor shall I now. Thanks! I tend to study things like that and normally pass them up. Like that spinning reel that had a trigger, I didn't bite. Snowing yet? It looks like it might be.
I actually like the weed guard because It's soft and my line doesn't get wrapped around it at all. Other brands guards wrap around your line and if you don't notice they can fray or break your line imo. Maybe I'll try the vmcs with no weed guard and see how much more weedless they actually are. If they come thru cover just as well maybe I'll switch to the standard neko hooks and possibly get better hook ups. Thanks for the video
Yep I got bunch vmc neko hooks weedless my a- - and the vmc half moons Lol Mike Ike got me sold junk on the vmc stuff ….. so wat weight pegs do u like ? Tooth pic ? I don’t like my line off center I think it collects more junk that way also
Although I do like the vmc neko hook with floro bait holder I use them texempose my roboworm when drop shoring from bank in small rivers I lose far fewer baits and can use drop shot from bank way easier
Great video Matt. I bought the VMC Neko Nail weights with that ball on the end and I know it is highly recommended to use some super glue with it. Mike Ike Iaconelli who is sponsored I believe by VMC has done many a video with these affordable weights and always recommends some glue. I guess he figured out what is happening when you used them without the glue. Haha. I think they are a good concept as that big ball will make a lot of noise when it hits rocks when fishing near structure. Unfortunately I have not been able to find the nail weight you recommend up here in Ontario Canada but I am actually going to use some very small screws from Home Depot which should do the exact thing for drastically lower cost. 😅 On the VMV weedless hooks I have taken them out of their packs and put them in my terminal tackle box to air out if uou will and the weed guards actually expanded back up as I noticed the same thing you did that all of them were pushed way down. They are not great for thick weed but for where there is a small amount of weeds mixed with rock I found they did better. I prefer the Owner weedless as they use a stiffer wire guard vs mono. Love your terminal tackle videos Matt so keep them coming on how you rig specialty techniques and/or your favourite soft plastics. Thanks as always!
@Matt Stefan Fishing For sure but we do not get all the great options like you do in the states. That screw in one you recommend looks amazing and wish I could find it here. Everything comes up here way later than when first launched so I am sure in about a year or so I will get it in Ontario Canada. 😆
One that disappointed me was the "Trigger X" brand of soft plastics. The big selling point was that they were soaked in pheromones or hormones to stimulate feeding. I think they've been discontinued now, but my issue was with the formulation of the plastic itself... No matter what kind of hook or keeper I would use, the bait would break off after 2 or 3 casts... Couldn't keep my bait on the line long enough to find out if the attractant was any good!
As for nail weights, I would say super glue is your friend. I never rig my jighead with prongs. I cut the entire thing off at the head, then use a dash of super glue. I like the streamline look. To me everything is straight and perfect. Zero on the kink. It drives me nuts. I mean to say super glue is cheap and handy if you buy them Chinese super glue. Lol. It will save you a bunch of money for other things such as expensive-arse lures and petro. I must say I don't use nail weights as I don't use Neko rigs. I might use them for stuff like swimmybaits. I don't need a standing rig unless if it's a floating worm, which I don't hardly use either. Why when I can catch them hoping any plastic that will lay down. The laying down on the pause might just be the ticket. I mean any action/movement on the pause is good triggering action.
hey with those freedom tackle pegs can't you just trim that plastic or rubber and make it smaller I don't know just to thought I had why you were showing that product.
Very important as we rely on unbiased truth based on experience. This advice helps us save our hard-earned money as everything is getting more expensive.
I tend to stick my peg-it’s through the bottom end of the bullet weight, especially when fishing grass. It eliminates the problem you mentioned, and also protects the knot especially with heavier punching weights
thanks for watching
I was going to say the same thing. You're putting the peg it in the wrong side of the weight.
Thats how their designed, have used that style sonce 2000
Rubberbands work well too and alot cheaper
Maybe I missed something with that peg product. I've never seen that before. What's the benefit of that product over a typical black bobber stop? I've been using those oversized black bobber stops for years with no problems. Can anyone using a product like this tell me the benefit to it?
🍺Giving personal reasons why particular baits/products fall short is much more valuable information to me than someone telling me they love a particular bait/product but then not backing it up with any reasons why they like it.
Right on
I agree this is a very valuable video a lot of times we spend so much money finding out what products we don't like before finding the ones we do
I love to see your honest reaction and advice. It would be great to see more of this! Thanks
You got it!
@@MattStefanFishinggreat!
I use the rubber weight pegs you showed on occasion. But i insert it from the other end of the weight. It seems to protect the knot from the weight and I get it through the grass and muck easily. Keep all the info flowing, I know I learn something from every show....
thanks for sharing
thanks for being honest and not just trying to sell junk if you know what i mean
yep!
I always put the large end of the peg in the back of the weight and trim off the nose end of the peg, never thought about putting the big end in the nose, that would be annoying.
thanks for sharing!
I use the Peg it version of those Freedom pegs and I have always inserted them from the base not the tip. Try it and see if it works better. Thanks
i like the fat side up. the hold better.
Matt those vmc weedless hooks are actually one of my favorites i use them in the sloppiest muck ponds in NJ and they always come back clean for some odd reason..i do agree with the material its a little flimsy and i have to bend every other cast but my hook up ratio is great
stick with what works for you. Im just not a fan
Fellow jersey Fishman here! I tried those vmc hooks as well since most weed guards seem too stiff and I felt like I missed alot of fish, so I tried the vmc and yes very flimsy and you have to fix them every cast. But I do seem to hook every fish that bites with them. Gotta creep them very carefully over branches because of how soft they are. Not a fan but not a fan of any other ones either.
I totally agree Travis.👍
Maybe you should try putting the rubber stopper in the other direction of the bullet weight. I think you might be putting it in backwards.
thanks for sharing
He’s definitely putting it in the wrong way. Don’t even have to think about it. Lol
PLEASE PLEASE, keep doing these. One of my absolute favorite videos
thanks for the feedback
I love how honest you are about products. I agree 100% on the vmc weedless neko hooks and those nail weights.
thanks for sharing!
G7 screw in nail weights have worked great for me. A very tiny drop of locktite gel glue on the tip of the nail that distributes along the threads as you screw it into the plastic holes the nail exceptionally well. Best I’ve found so far.
awesome!
I just don't let the hook poke through the worm on a wacky rig. It's simple and works really good. I snag up a lot less often.
Also, if you have an old broken jig lying around (or jig making materials, specifically a brush guard), take that brush guard off and thin it out a bit if you want. A swimjig brush guard works great for this. Take and heat (not melt) the ends of the brush guard until they can easily bend and hold that shape. Bend about 1/8 to 1/4 inch of the very end upwards and let cool. Take 5 minute epoxy and place a tiny dollop just below the line tie of your favorite wacky rig hook. Adhere the brush guard to the hook and let cure. Reinforce it with tape or fly string (or something similar). It works really good and I can custom build them how I want to.
good tips thanks for sharing!
VMC Crossover rings are the juice for me as a Co angler. Need the pliers for it to work.... VMC is a great brand,however,confidence is a better brand!
agreed.
Your honesty is truly appreciated.
yep
The peg you showed I have used as well. I however insert mine from the bottom of the weight and have the head of the peg underneath
stick with what works for you
Thank you for your honest opinion and for saving all of us some money and please keep doing these types of videos!!!
You got it!
The Freedom pegs... the disk with the slot goes on the base of your weight. Feed it in from bottom, and trim flush with the top of the weight. You will love it!!
I'd agree, except they appear to be too small in diameter for Matt's weights. I use the original larger Peggits (from the bottom), and they snug up fine - just have to clip the top and bottom off.
I prefer to have fat tapered end up as they hold better. In this case theyd be fine if I could only pull part way through the hook and then cut off both ends.
Yes! I love VMC hooks but the weedless version is junk. It simply doesn’t work. So I cut the guards off and used the for neko and wacky where weeds are not a concern. I neko rig smallmouth in MN all the time and I use drywall screws. They have course threads and it dose not com out. The other thing I like is when screwed in there isn’t much head sticking out and being made of steel that flat makes a great ticking sound
when it hits a rocky bottom. Did I say their cheap.
thanks for sharing!
Hey Matt, Once again, a well-done presentation. I've had the same problems with the VMC Neko Weed Guards. I believe the best are the Owner Weedless Sniper Neko Finesse hooks 1/0. They have the "titanium wire weedguards." The challenge is availability.
thanks for watching
i glue my neko weights to the plastic that seems to cure that problem also use half of a split shot as a weight or a old jig with the bend on the hook snipped off as a weight. saves some money.
thanks for sharing!
I've had success with the T-pegs when punching heavy weights. Bobber stop on top, slide peg thru bottom of weight. If the weight slides up the line the peg keeps the weight from sliding back down the line towards the hook. Eliminates the weight acting like a lure knocker on the hooked fish.
thanks for sharing
Great video! To hear about the pro’s and con’s. Possible future idea videos have like 3-4 you like and why, then gave 3-4 you don’t like. I see all the tackle on the wall and shelves. You can go forever.
Thanks for the idea!
.177 caliber pellets. I ran out of nail weights one time and had those in the car from having my son out shooting his pellet gun. The pointed ones push down in the worm nice and easy, and because they're cupped, it's easy to push two or three in a row, depending on how much weight you want. Plus a box of 200 is cheap.
thanks for sharing!
I put the peg it with the big end towards the back of sinker.cut off front end flush...hope that helps.
i prefer the fat tapered side up. the hold better that way
I think that little anthony weighed hook was made for a swimbait called the LA Slider that isn't made any more, you could change the weight.
yeah thats why i dont like it being sold as a universal swimbait hook
Love this: Remember the weight with rubber in the middle of it, how many main lines popped wrapping around the lead. Thanks Matt
Great point!
That little Anthony was designed for LA Slider swimbait. Which was one of the earlier swimbaits made.
yep.
Good video Matt!!!!! Liked it more, for a change of pace, and showing us fishing tackle before we buy, and have same issues. I mean 1st one is just total junk. I can work with vmc neko hooks, be kinda pissed but still salvageable. Slip weight peg pretty much junk to.
thanks for watching!
you are so kind... especially the last one.. the nail weight... wow.. what to say...
Thanks for the support
The Anthony Jighead salvage might be to use an exacto knife and cut a slit in the head plastic forward from the belly pocket to move the weight forward some, 50/50 it would work. The weedless wacky rig hooks might take a little lighter heat to pre soften the plastic at the eye before bending it up into place as it cools, it still looks pretty light.
thanks for sharing
On the VMC weedless neko hook, slide a used bobber stop up the hook shank and glue it up against the weed guard to keep it in a better position. My new favorite hook is the Ichikawa weedless Mukade neko hook.
thanks for the tip!
@Matt Stefan Fishing Actually came about from your video about all the great uses for bobber stops. Thanks for the great videos!
Have the same issue with the VMC weedless neko hooks. Love the concept but the guards just do not make the grade. I get snagged more times using them because I end up throwing them in areas I thought I could but turned out I could not!
agreed
The Freedom Tackle pegs are made to insert from the hook eye side of the weight (or the bottom). Will actually set inside the weight.
thanks for sharing
I agree on both the VMC products, the others were new to me. Nail weights need as much surface area to grip as possible and any weight hanging out will just help pull them free. I really like the screw-in idea from one of your recent videos... that's the best idea... better than glue which is what I've been doing.
thanks for sharing!
I probably wouldn't have purchased the off brand stuff, but VMC is pretty popular. Thanks for calling those products out.
just my opinions
You made good points on all of those. There is a company in Georgia that makes a neko weight that has a wire screw inside the ballhead. Just a screw sticks out of the ballhead and it works pretty well. Sometimes you have to play with it to get the ball straight with the head, but I seldom cast those out of the head of the worm.
interesting
Looks like the freedom ones are meant to be inserted from bottom of the weight says it in the product description on tw also says it’s wide like that to also protect the knot makes sense.
interesting. they hold better fat side up...
On the neko 10:47 I take a cheap crappie hook and cut the hook off at the bend and they have decent bait keepers
thanks for sharing!
Thank you for letting me know what not to get I see your point On these products especially the nail weights Have a blessed day love your videos
thanks for watching!
When it comes to nail weights I've actually switched to just using a 1 inch metal drywall stud screw. It has a button type head and gives my worm some really great action and the head is the same dimension as a rubber worm. Try it you won't be disappointed.
thanks for sharing
Brilliant! I keep 1 inch round-head zinc sheet metal screws in various diameters in my tackle box. They are cheap and the zinc surface will not rust as quickly as steel
@@08alexnyc exactly, they don't come loose or fall out also a plus is that if you bounce them down a fallen tree they nock against the wood and attract fish. Love them.
@@curtissmith1559 I'm interested in using the "Gene Jensen" method: Taking a lighter to the nail then inserting it into bait, fusing them together. If you tried this, let us know how it works.
I agree on that vmc weedless neko. I like the one without the weed guard better and I think it comes thru cover just fine when you rig your neko correctly. Hook isn’t the issue the guard is
thanks for sharing!
Thanks for sharing matt. Those neko weights can be key. I use super glue but my buddy was using a neko weight that went all the way in and I wasn’t and I think the extra sound of the weight on the bottom was getting bites
Good point. I was thinking that the exposed head one would provide better feel b/c the weight is making direct contact with the bottom/structure etc.... just superglue it right before sliding in to hold in place? But it's prolly personal preference from person to person.
i think there are a lot of better options that dont require super glue IMO
the cost savings and convenience of pouring your own Neko weights makes up for adding super glue. Do-it mold versions are identical to the VMC Neko weights. I also like to do lots of other secret things with them. Chopping the heads off the heavier weights is very common for me. I very rarely use the heavier Neko half moons, if I do its not for neko rigging.
@@secretbassrigs -- Great handle.. DITTO
On those VMC worm weights I wonder if you took a dye from a tap and dye set and cut some course threads on the end on the shaft so that way you can screw these weights in. Just a thought and this is a great video, thanks for your feedback!!
could work!
I actually like the VMC Half Moon nail weights. I don't ever use the ones that are that big though. I'm using the half moon weights in more of a finesse application. For weedless wacky rig, I really like Gamakatsu G-Finesse Weedless Wacky hooks.
stick with what you have confidence in!
Specifically for Neko rigs I use the Swagger Tackle Pagoda weights because the have aggressive cones/ridges that hold them in and hold them in all day. I put a lot of snap and drive into my casts because I’m primarily a shore fisherman and these have never come out, either because of fish or casts. There are now several brands that make a similar product but theirs was one of the first in this style and they are tungsten so if you leave the last cone exposed I feel like it makes just enough extra noise to increase the fish attracting distance.
thanks for sharing
I’ve not found any weedless wacky/neko hook that I like. The Gamakatsu weedless wacky is about the best one I found but even that one leaves room. But on the subject, I just tied on a wacky shot. Looking forward to throwing it soon. Maybe a weedless version TBA?
best of luck
Gamakatsue Makes simple. Heavy wire guard hooks. I find works just as good as anything else cheaper. And you can manipulate the wire guard way you want it.
Great video Matt! I shy away from VMC hooks 😮 For Weedless Wacky rig hooks Ichikawa’s Sasori is a good choice, sharp, wide gap, solid weed guard and camo hook 👍 Ichikawa also produces treble hooks designed by legend Rick Clunn
they do make good hooks!
I do enjoy the actual hands on reviews my Friend thank you and I’m certain it saves budget conscious Old Guys like me from wasting money on something that’s just sub Par and doesn’t work well. Semper Fidelis
Right on
Try the peg it from the bottom side of the weight 🙂 5:37
i prefer to go fat side up. they hold better that way
I have three of them Matt, they barely work on the tube, and I pinched a little bit of the tube for the eyelid to come out so I can tie onto it. It just doesn’t work I agree with you, the guy should’ve been more to the front like I swim bait a Hook
thanks for sharing!
Yeah that's more like a tube jig than a swimbait jig. Also more of a vertical offshore presentation than a horizontal retrieve. I'd do a belly weight for horizontal. Or a scottsboro swimbait head for offshore.
thanks for sharing
Gret video!!! Thanks for sharing your thoughts!! I agree with the halfmoon weights. I can't tell you how many I lost and very disappointed. Stay Safe and God Bless!!
Thanks for sharing!!
for a neko ball weight 3rd eye fishing makes a good one. they are screw locks like on some swimbait heads.
thanks for sharing
Appreciate the honesty. I am always honest and get tremendous hate. The point is always to help and tell the truth. It's sad people cannot see this. To me, the art is more important than being nice or sounding good. I'd rather be hated for being right than being liked for pleasing people....you know the saying. Growth can only be had when we address these flaws.
agreed.
Brother Matt,
Great movie!!!
Maybe do a "3 Up, 3 Down" series. Sounds like it'd be marketable.
I like it!
Funny you mentioned those VMC hooks. I just cut the guards off mine.
me too
Great content keep it coming , I would really like a tour of your tackle in the room.
Noted!
My solution to the Nico rig weight problem has been to save all of my old ned rig hooks and cut the hook section off and use head for my nico weights. The barbed head keeps them from flying off best of all they are freeish.
thanks for sharing
Yeah the peg it stoppers I definitely use it the other direction and don’t have problelms
they hold better if you go fat side up
Sounds like an opportunity to use your saved bobber stops on your weedless neko hooks to hold up the weed guard. If you like the concept and the hook it just might be the ticked to keep the weed guard in a position to work well. Just a thought.
agreed
Very valuable info, keep em coming
Thanks, will do!
Love the vmc halfmoon, 1 drop of super glue problem solved...
understood but to many good options on the market that dont require super glue IMO
First comment I've made on a pros page/video and got a response... I appreciate you and your opinion
For the first swimbait hook/weight, seems like it's the car part ideal i.e. it was made for a specific make/model/brand, which stinks for general applications. For the peg it rubber stop, is it supposed to go through and then cut the head off or is the head supposed to stay on? For the weedguard hook, I go texas rig, or nothing at all, but that weedguard looks very weak and useless. Seems nail weights should have barbs or some deterrent from coming back out. It's not adhered to the worm, so there should be a mechanism that prevents it from popping out, Even a hole for a toothpick would be cool. Nice video. I'd like to see more of these types of videos. I know I appreciate it but I think every day anglers appreciate opinions of people who fish more frequently and fish for a living. Also, do you provide emails or reviews to the manufacturers on these product faults/improvement ideas? I know it takes time, but sometimes you'd be surprised at their responses. I heard back from strike king on a suggestion and I'm just an average Joe.
Thanks for he feedback. I have in the past but not recently. it is a good idea to do so.
That VMC hook I won't use for a wacky hook but works awesome for the Neko rig for me. VMC makes a wacky hook that is 100% weedless that I love. Also with the nail hook with a dab of glue you won't have any issues.
lots of other good options for nail weights that dont require glue
I totally agree with you on that VMC wacky worm hook. I've tried them and the plastic weed guard just sucks. It's useless.. 🤣😂
thanks for sharing
I wish more pros would do videos like this! Probably have a room full of garbage that I will never fish. For me... I cut the hook off old, or sometimes new, Z-Man ned heads for neko weights. The ones they sell are just that. Thanks Matt!
Thanks for watching!
@@MattStefanFishing EASILY my favorite fishing channel... and I watch A LOT! Keep up the great content. I think you're going to have a big year on the tourney trail!
When I used them, the first thing I would do is break the bait keeper off the hook. They're so annoying when you catch a fish and your worm is twisted out of shape. It's so difficult to get them straight again without tearing up the worm when the keeper is still on. Always having super glue became a necessity at that point. Now I just pour my own.
Ive used the VMC Weedles Neko hook and fell for that “bait”. Never caught anything. Still have it and would like to know how to properly dispose of hooks for that matter instead of ending up in a landfill.
Baits that I got conned: zMan Craw, ProCrawZ in blk/blue, pumpkin/orange. Never caught anthing in my local ponds.
thanks for sharing!
Ryugi makes an amazing wacky hook with super thin wire guard. Super strong hook as well..
ill check it out
I’m all JDM hooks at this point and I’ll never switch back. I use Nogales ringed EWG hooks and ryugi wacky hooks and I land so many more fish with these than I did using TroKar
I use serrated nails in different sizes and lengths with flat heads, and it works great and very very cheap
good to know!
Ryugi weedless wacky hooks. Give em a try; I’ve never heard a person say they have regretted it.
yep they are decent
I agree with the vmc seedless neko hook. The fiber guard is useless but the hook is good. I still use them because I found them on sale and then in the discounted bin buy 5 get 5 free. So on sale plus 5 free.
thats a good deal
Do you have a video on how the choose the proper color for the skirt on a jig ?
ill add it to my video suggestion list!
Thx u
Regular old Eagle Claw weedless hooks work for me. Very durable, good hookups
thanks for sharing!
Awesome video, I wonder if you have ever used rubber bands slid thru the back of the weight after having your hook tied on just pulling the rubber band with a short piece of monofilament thru the weight
It's an amazing way of pegging your weight you can also use it for a Carolina rig if you don't have a swivel 👍
I havent but I have used skirt material to do something similiar
Matt, great video I use the pegget rubber but i bring it up into the weight from the bottom. It looks like you use it coming in from the top??
thanks for sharing
Marketing got me too on the VMC weedless neko hook. They're trash. I ripped the mono keeper off completely and just used the hook.
thats what i do
I like those pegs much like others who commented, I do believe they are meant to be inserted through the bottom, hence the groove. No point in having this on the top. Still I rarely use a bobber stop unless I'm flipping and pitching heavy cover.
stick with what works for you
Aaaaaaand Phoenix baits going out of business J/K lol , I'm right with you on the nail weights, I have switched to the Zman neko shroomz, they are made to stay on elaztec but works great on other plastics , I do use the VMC weedless neko hook , I think a neko rig is kind of weedless in itself so I'm not too worried about the flimsy weed guard
haha!
Thanks Matt for the heads up on what not to buy!
You bet!
I was looking for heavier nail weights to fish neko baits 25ft+ and I'm sorry I can't remember the brand but they are a button head or whatever that style is called but has course threads to thread it into the plastic. They hold great and having the metal head showing allows you to feel bottom better when deep similar to the feel of a ned head.
sounds great!
them zman neko weights are legit with the two barbs, especially with the elaztech. i always dab a little dot of super glue onto your weight tip
ill give them a try
@@MattStefanFishing i’m not sure if you use them but those vmc crossover rings are pretty legit aswell, saves your worms normal plastic and elaztech
Can you to educate me if I have been doing it wrong for many years. With that Peg it brand and style you showed would you consider inserting it from the larger side of the bullet weight and trimming from the top.? The ones I use our little more elastic and you can pull them a little bit past, so when you cut it it’s recessed in the bullet weight. Have I been doing it wrong? Thanks!
I put the fat side up as they hold better
I am also looking for the all illusive weedless wacky hook. Vmc makes the other one that has the closed off wire keeper and I lost a huge fish to that one. I've recently bought a couple other offerings including the Decoy and the Owner jungle wacky. I heard good things about the Decoy from the tactical guys so this spring we'll find out. Oh and almost forgot, I like this content and believe it is a way to get more viewers to engage. 👍🏻
thaks for sharing
Haven't tried any of what you've listed, nor shall I now. Thanks! I tend to study things like that and normally pass them up. Like that spinning reel that had a trigger, I didn't bite.
Snowing yet? It looks like it might be.
on the verge of getting 7 inches of snow
Z-MAN has the best neko weight but it only works good with Z-MAN baits. Which in my opinion is the best plastics to use
thanks for sharing!
I actually like the weed guard because It's soft and my line doesn't get wrapped around it at all. Other brands guards wrap around your line and if you don't notice they can fray or break your line imo. Maybe I'll try the vmcs with no weed guard and see how much more weedless they actually are. If they come thru cover just as well maybe I'll switch to the standard neko hooks and possibly get better hook ups. Thanks for the video
thanks for sharing
Yep I got bunch vmc neko hooks weedless my a- - and the vmc half moons Lol Mike Ike got me sold junk on the vmc stuff ….. so wat weight pegs do u like ? Tooth pic ? I don’t like my line off center I think it collects more junk that way also
Although I do like the vmc neko hook with floro bait holder I use them texempose my roboworm when drop shoring from bank in small rivers I lose far fewer baits and can use drop shot from bank way easier
i just use the standard peg it pegs.
Had the same issue with the Neko weights. Won’t buy them again. Thanks for the info.
you bet!
Oh one more question , do you have a video on how the instal a skirt
ill add it to me list
Great video Matt. I bought the VMC Neko Nail weights with that ball on the end and I know it is highly recommended to use some super glue with it. Mike Ike Iaconelli who is sponsored I believe by VMC has done many a video with these affordable weights and always recommends some glue. I guess he figured out what is happening when you used them without the glue. Haha. I think they are a good concept as that big ball will make a lot of noise when it hits rocks when fishing near structure. Unfortunately I have not been able to find the nail weight you recommend up here in Ontario Canada but I am actually going to use some very small screws from Home Depot which should do the exact thing for drastically lower cost. 😅 On the VMV weedless hooks I have taken them out of their packs and put them in my terminal tackle box to air out if uou will and the weed guards actually expanded back up as I noticed the same thing you did that all of them were pushed way down. They are not great for thick weed but for where there is a small amount of weeds mixed with rock I found they did better. I prefer the Owner weedless as they use a stiffer wire guard vs mono. Love your terminal tackle videos Matt so keep them coming on how you rig specialty techniques and/or your favourite soft plastics. Thanks as always!
there are so many better options that dont require super glue
@Matt Stefan Fishing For sure but we do not get all the great options like you do in the states. That screw in one you recommend looks amazing and wish I could find it here. Everything comes up here way later than when first launched so I am sure in about a year or so I will get it in Ontario Canada. 😆
You could try trout bead pegs to peg your weights!
thanks for sharing!
One that disappointed me was the "Trigger X" brand of soft plastics. The big selling point was that they were soaked in pheromones or hormones to stimulate feeding. I think they've been discontinued now, but my issue was with the formulation of the plastic itself... No matter what kind of hook or keeper I would use, the bait would break off after 2 or 3 casts... Couldn't keep my bait on the line long enough to find out if the attractant was any good!
i never tried those. thanks for sharing
And also what’s your first jig do you take out : arki , swim , football, if your fishing from the shore
swim jig
@@MattStefanFishing i both also some arkie
As for nail weights, I would say super glue is your friend. I never rig my jighead with prongs. I cut the entire thing off at the head, then use a dash of super glue. I like the streamline look. To me everything is straight and perfect. Zero on the kink. It drives me nuts. I mean to say super glue is cheap and handy if you buy them Chinese super glue. Lol. It will save you a bunch of money for other things such as expensive-arse lures and petro. I must say I don't use nail weights as I don't use Neko rigs. I might use them for stuff like swimmybaits. I don't need a standing rig unless if it's a floating worm, which I don't hardly use either. Why when I can catch them hoping any plastic that will lay down. The laying down on the pause might just be the ticket. I mean any action/movement on the pause is good triggering action.
to many good options on the market to need one that uses super glue
What weedless neko hook do you like? I have been using the VMC, but would buy another if better.
owner jungle or the decoy one
I use the Norman speed clip for topwater and squarebills but they give to much wobble to flat side crankbaits. What are your thoughts?
i dont think you can have to much wobble
hey with those freedom tackle pegs can't you just trim that plastic or rubber and make it smaller I don't know just to thought I had why you were showing that product.
if it tightens up before hitting the end you can
Very important as we rely on unbiased truth based on experience. This advice helps us save our hard-earned money as everything is getting more expensive.
thats my intent...but they are just my opinions