Floating Ned/Neko baits other than Z-Man

[Junk Fisherman]

What are some other highly bouyant brands of plastics for Ned and Neko rigs?  I'm looking for something that is easier to put a nail weight in and pop a T-rigged hook through on a hookset.  Don't get me wrong, I love my TRDs, Hula Sticks, ect. ect. but I don't like t-rigging them or gluing in a Neko weight so I am looking for some alternatives.  Thanks for any suggestions.  

[softwateronly]

Damiki air craws float up my finesse jigs and get bites.  Could be interesting for you if a craw profile works.

 

scott

[casts_by_fly]

19 hours ago, Junk Fisherman said:

What are some other highly bouyant brands of plastics for Ned and Neko rigs?  I'm looking for something that is easier to put a nail weight in and pop a T-rigged hook through on a hookset.  Don't get me wrong, I love my TRDs, Hula Sticks, ect. ect. but I don't like t-rigging them or gluing in a Neko weight so I am looking for some alternatives.  Thanks for any suggestions.  

 

Yamamoto has the floating ned senko which is (as the name says) a buoyany one.  Strike king used to make an elaztech like version as well.  Either way though, they are going to be the stretch elaztech like baits.  Presumably the isues stems from the material, not the brand.  thinner wire hooks slide right through elaztech on a texas rig.  The bass union weedless ned heads also do.  

[Big Swimbait]

Savage Gear has a Ned Salamander that gets chewed.

[TOXIC]

As has been said, Yamamoto has a 3” floating Ned Senko but I don’t throw it…gasp….I prefer a 4” regular Senko.  I like the fall rate and if you are going to nail weight it, at least the 4” has the natural weight which accomplishes the same thing.  

[FryDog62]

GrandeBass makes 3 worms with an air bubble in the tail that makes them stand up at a 60-90 degree angle. I think the bulbous tail “undulates” at rest better than Elaztech worms. 
 

GrandeBass Airtail Shakey/Neko

GrandeBass Airtail Rattler

GrandeBass Airtail Wiggler 

 

NetBait T-Mac worm is good too, very similar to the Airtail Wiggler. Big Bite Baits make a flying squirrel worm that has the floating tail. 

[whitwolf]

Deep Creek Lures has many styles that float.

[RRocket]

My "secret" Ned bait? 

 

Duo Realis Wriggle ND Slim

[C.Tucks]

X Zone makes some good options. 
2 different sizes of traditional Neds as well as some craw/creature types. 

[webertime]

Savage Gear Salamander 

Nikko ned.  This thing is amazing 

[TOXIC]

I forgot to add, I am going to try the new Yamamoto Ned Hula Grub which I believe is a floating bait

[Brian11719]

16 hours ago, C.Tucks said:

X Zone makes some good options. 
2 different sizes of traditional Neds as well as some craw/creature types. 

In terms of shakey head type worms that consistently stand up off the bottom when they are still X Zone is the closest I've found in terms of stuff that isn't elaztech...for a ned style bait I'd go w/ their ned zone or ned neko zone.

[C.Tucks]

6 hours ago, Brian11719 said:

In terms of shakey head type worms that consistently stand up off the bottom when they are still X Zone is the closest I've found in terms of stuff that isn't elaztech...for a ned style bait I'd go w/ their ned zone or ned neko zone.

The bulb tail also gives a bit more action than a typical turd bait.