First Impressions of Clam Maki Neki
The Clam Maki Neki is a small, but potentially mighty addition to any ice angler’s arsenal. Marketed as a “co-rigging” bait to enhance jigs, these tiny hand-poured plastic baits from Clam promise to add extra profile and enticing movement to your presentations. What caught my eye was the idea of mimicking live bait more closely without the hassle of constantly re-baiting with the real deal in freezing conditions.
I was looking for an edge, something that would make my jigs more appealing to finicky winter panfish. I’ve seen days where the slightest change in presentation can be the difference between catching a few fish and having a banner day, and the Maki Neki seemed like a clever solution.
Upon unboxing, the first thing I noticed was their size – these things are tiny! They’re a far cry from the larger plastic trailers I’m used to seeing. The hand-poured plastic felt soft and pliable, suggesting a good amount of action in the water. Compared to other small ice fishing plastics like Berkley Gulp! Alive! Micro Power Baits, the Maki Neki felt more realistic in terms of texture. I also appreciated that these are not scented with an overpowering artificial smell. The Maki Neki promises a protein infusion, which is a nice change from the norm.
My initial impression was one of cautious optimism. I was excited to see if such a small addition could actually make a noticeable difference on the ice, but also slightly skeptical about their durability given how soft the plastic feels.
Real-World Testing: Putting Clam Maki Neki to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Clam Maki Neki on a local lake known for its crappie and bluegill population. The conditions were typical for mid-winter: clear skies, frigid temperatures hovering around 15 degrees Fahrenheit, and about 10 inches of ice. I used them in conjunction with a variety of tungsten jigs ranging from 1/32 to 1/16 ounce, targeting depths between 8 and 15 feet.
The Maki Neki was surprisingly easy to slide onto the jig hook, despite its small size. The action in the water was immediately noticeable; the little tail wiggled enticingly with even the slightest jigging motion. On my first drop, I hooked a decent-sized bluegill, which gave me a lot of confidence in the product. After about 30 minutes of use, I noticed one of the Maki Neki baits started to tear near the head. I’m chalking this up to the frigid temps.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, the Clam Maki Neki has proven to be a worthwhile addition to my ice fishing tackle. While the plastic is relatively soft (which contributes to its great action), it does mean they aren’t the most durable. A single Maki Neki typically lasts for 3-5 fish before needing to be replaced.
Cleaning is not applicable with these small plastic baits, since they can simply be thrown away if damaged. Compared to using live bait like wax worms or maggots, the Maki Neki is far less messy and requires significantly less fuss. It outperforms some of the stiffer, less realistic plastic options on the market in terms of triggering strikes.
Breaking Down the Features of Clam Maki Neki
Specifications
- The Clam Maki Neki is approximately 7/8 inch in length. This small profile is ideal for targeting panfish in clear water or when they are exhibiting a more cautious feeding behavior.
- Each Maki Neki is designed to slide up and over the hook shank, butting right up against the jig head. This snug fit creates a streamlined presentation.
- The listed weight is 0.06 lb, for the package of baits. Each individual bait will be negligible in weight, which won’t affect jig presentation.
- The Maki Neki is constructed with hand-poured soft plastic. This construction results in lifelike movement and action in the water.
Performance & Functionality
The Clam Maki Neki excels at adding visual appeal and enticing movement to otherwise plain jigs. The soft plastic construction gives it a subtle, natural action that triggers strikes from even the most finicky fish. Adding the Maki Neki to the jig increased the number of strikes I received, especially when the fish were being selective.
Its main weakness is its durability, as it can tear easily, particularly in cold temperatures. This is offset by the relatively low cost of the baits.
Design & Ergonomics
The simple design of the Clam Maki Neki is effective. The small size and soft plastic construction contribute to its realistic action and ease of use.
There’s no real learning curve – simply slide it onto the hook and start fishing.
Durability & Maintenance
As mentioned, the Clam Maki Neki is not the most durable bait. Expect to replace them frequently, especially if you’re catching a lot of fish or fishing around sharp cover.
There is no maintenance required; simply discard the used baits.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Clam Maki Neki doesn’t come with any accessories; it’s designed to be used in conjunction with your existing jigs. The customization comes in the form of color combinations and jig pairings.
It is compatible with virtually any ice fishing jig that has an exposed hook shank.
Pros and Cons of Clam Maki Neki
Pros
- Inexpensive.
- Adds enticing action to any jig.
- Easy to use – simply slide it onto the hook.
- Effective at triggering strikes from finicky fish.
- Small profile is ideal for clear water and pressured fish.
Cons
- Low durability.
- Small size can make it difficult to handle with gloved hands.
Who Should Buy Clam Maki Neki?
The Clam Maki Neki is perfect for ice anglers who target panfish such as crappie, bluegill, and perch. It’s also a great addition to the tackle box of anyone who wants to add a little extra appeal to their jigs without the hassle of live bait.
Anglers who are primarily targeting larger species like walleye or pike might find the Maki Neki too small. Those who prefer ultra-durable baits that can withstand a lot of abuse may also want to consider other options.
A must-have accessory would be a good pair of forceps or small pliers to help with handling the small baits, especially when wearing gloves.
Conclusion on Clam Maki Neki
The Clam Maki Neki is a small but impactful addition to any ice angler’s arsenal. While its durability is a drawback, its effectiveness in triggering strikes and the ease of use more than makes up for it.
At a price of around $5, the Clam Maki Neki offers excellent value for the money. It is a low-cost way to increase your chances of success on the ice.
I would definitely recommend the Clam Maki Neki to anyone looking for an edge when targeting panfish through the ice. Give the Maki Neki a shot, and you might just find yourself icing more fish this winter!