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Provided by Daiwa

Daiwa and Yamamoto Collaboration Neko-Rig Plastics

Daiwa and Gary Yamamoto Custom Baits have teamed up to create exclusive soft plastic baits designed for the Neko-rig technique, a finesse technique that utilizes a wacky-rigged soft plastic bait with a nail weight inserted into just one end to create a unique fall and lively action at the bottom.

The line of baits features the 5” Neko Fat and 5.8” and 6.5” Neko Straight.

The collaboration between leading brands is not new for Daiwa, who also distributes Japanese lure brand Evergreen in the United States. Brand Manager Curt Arakawa feels the project made sense as both brands share several United States pro-staff members including Brent Ehrler, Randy Howell, and Takahiro Omori.

“These baits were designed in part by these Team Daiwa pros,” says Arkawa. “With our new Tatula Elite rods and Tatula SV reels that were designed to cast lightweight lures further, we have the whole package for the Neko-rig.”

Daiwa and Yamamoto Collaboration Neko-Rig PlasticsDaiwa and Yamamoto Collaboration Neko-Rig PlasticsBrent Ehrler, a noted finesse angler, uses each of the new baits in different situations. “The Fat version is more like a Senko with a bulkier profile that has a unique fall and appeals to big fish,” he says. “The Straight is a true finesse approach, with a slim design and excellent action designed specifically for Neko-rigging, but it also works great on a shaky-head, Carolina-rig, drop-shot or Texas-rig.”

Ehrler’s signature series Daiwa Tatula Elite finesse baitcast rod is ideal for the Neko-rig. The 701MMHXB-AGS is a 7’ medium/medium heavy model that he pairs with the Tatula SV.

Manufactured exclusively for Daiwa by Yamamoto in the United States, they feature the same proven soft plastic formula that Yamamoto is known for. They will retail for the same price as a Yamamoto Senko in a comparable size. They are available in the ten most popular Senko colors and are available now at Daiwa dealers starting at $7.49 per pack. They are available in most popular Senko colors.