POST SPAWN PLAYBOOK

May 1, 2026|Ryan Hanks

POST SPAWN PLAYBOOK

3 proven ways to rig the NOVA 4.5 and keep them biting

Post spawn can be one of the toughest times of the year to stay consistent. Fish are scattered, recovering, and not always willing to chase. This is where slowing down with the 4.5” NOVA shines.

Between the natural action, compact profile, and that subtle glass rattle, it gives you just enough to trigger bites without overdoing it.

Here are our top 3 ways to rig it using BKK terminal tackle to stay dialed during the post spawn.

1. NEKO RIG

BKK Wacky Neko Hook

This is one of the most consistent ways to get bites when fish are suspended around docks, brush, ledges, and deeper areas.

The NOVA was built for this.

Insert a 1/16 or 3/32 tungsten nail weight into the head
Hook it through the midsection with the BKK Wacky Neko Hook
Let that tail stand up and do the work

That embedded glass rattle creates a subtle clicking sound that mimics crawfish and bluegill feeding. It’s not overpowering, just enough to get their attention.

How to fish it:
Let it fall on slack line, incorporate light shakes of the rod, and let it sit. When you get bit simply reel into the fish and let the rod do the work since the hook is exposed. You will miss fish with a big sweeping hook set. Our preferred NEKO setup is as follows:

Rod - medium to medium light 7ft spinning
Reel- 2500-3k size spinning
Line - 12lb CAST X12 or 10lb CAST BFS Braid
leader- 7-10lb Fluorocarbon
Hook - BKK Wacky Neko size #4
Keeper - VMC Crossover size 5 or 6
weight - 1/16 - 3/32 Tungsten nail weight

2. TEXAS RIG

BKK Armor Point Permalock Hook

When fish start setting up around cover, this is one of the most efficient ways to get bites. This rigging method excels at pulling the 4.5" Nova through Wood, Grass and Brush.

The BKK Armor Point Permalock Hook lets you rig the 4.5” NOVA completely weedless while keeping it locked in place. Sicne the tungsten weight is already attached to the Permalock hook there is no need to by additional bullet weights for this rigging method.

Push the nose of the NOVA onto the Permalock keeper ( Tungsten Spike)
Tex-pose the hook for a clean, weedless profile
Use a 1/16 or 3/32 weighted version depending on depth

This setup gives you a natural horizontal fall while still allowing you to fish through anything without hanging up.

Where it shines:

Grass lines
Laydowns
Docks
Brush
Rock

How to fish it:
Cast to cover and slowly pull the Nova through. This is a sneaky way to target fish that are using Cover for both protection and as an ambush spot.

Our preferred Permalock Nova rig setup is as follows:

Rod - medium 7ft spinning
Reel- 2500-3k size spinning
Line - 12lb or 20lb CAST X12 braid
leader- 8lb-12lb Fluorocarbon depending on structure
Hook - BKK Permalock weighted hook (size 3/0)

GEAR USED IN THIS BREAKDOWN

To fish these rigging methods exactly how we do, here’s everything we’re using:

3. NED RIG

BKK Silent Chaser Draggin’ Ned Head

When things get tough, this is the deal.

The NOVA paired with the BKK Draggin’ Ned Head gives you a compact profile with more action and added sound.

Run 1/16, 1/8, 3/16, or 1/4 depending on depth and wind
You can trim about 1/4 inch off the head for a more compact profile if needed
The ribbed body + rattle gives it more drawing power without overdoing it

Where it shines: