WHAT IS A NED RIG
The Ned Rig is a powerhouse in the world of fishing, and for good reason. While it is such a simple presentation for bass, it seems to get bites when other lures simply won’t.
As a fishing setup, the Ned Rig is the epitome of minimalism. The design involves two key components: a small, buoyant, soft-plastic bait, typically about 2.5 to 3 inches in length, and a light, mushroom-shaped jig head. This compact composition not only makes it easy to handle and setup, but also gives it an undeniably effective presence underwater.
The real charm of the Ned Rig lies in its adaptability. It is one of the most versatile rigs around and can be fished in practically any environment – be it clear or stained water, at any depth or temperature, and in various weather conditions. Its subtly enticing movement mimics the action of a variety of prey, luring the fish to strike.
Moreover, its minimalist design makes the Ned Rig one of the most affordable options for anglers. The rig doesn’t demand high-end equipment or a wide array of different baits and lures, which is a major plus for those on a budget or for those who prefer a more simplistic approach to fishing. Yet, despite this affordability, its effectiveness remains unhampered. In fact, it often outperforms other, more complex rigs.
Over the years, the Ned Rig has rightfully gained recognition for its high catch rate. Whether you are a seasoned angler or a newcomer to the sport, the Ned Rig is a reliable and valuable part of any tackle arsenal.
Ned Rig Setup
Despite its impressive track record in catching fish, the setup process for a Ned Rig is surprisingly straightforward and easy to learn, making it an appealing option for both novice and seasoned anglers. Here’s a detailed guide on how to prepare your Ned Rig.
The first component is the jig head, often referred to as the ‘mushroom head.’ Its shape is integral to the presentation of the Ned Rig, as it maintains the bait’s upright position on the water bed. Jig heads typically range from 1/32 to 1/4 ounces, and the choice largely depends on the depth of water you are fishing and the speed of current. Shallow and calm waters call for lighter jig heads, while deep waters or strong currents might require something heavier. As a simple rule of thumb, if you can get away with lighter presentations, it often gives you a better opportunity to catch severely pressured fish.
Next comes the selection of the soft plastic bait. In essence, the perfect bait for a Ned Rig is a small, straight, and buoyant stick bait. The buoyancy is key here, as it ensures that the bait stands upright underwater, imitating the natural movement of small forage species. Standard choices are around 2.5 to 3 inches long, but you can adjust this based on the fish you’re targeting.
After you have your jig head and bait, it’s time to pair them together. Thread the jig head into the bait, ensuring it’s snug and secure. The bait should sit flush with the jig head’s collar, presenting a seamless profile.
When it comes to the knot, many anglers opt for the Palomar or Improved Clinch knot due to their strength and simplicity. The knot should be tied to the eye of the jig head, with the line running straight through the knot to ensure the best possible presentation.
Once set up, the Ned Rig should be fished on a light line, typically 4-8lb test fluorocarbon or monofilament for spinning tackle and 10-15lb test for baitcasters. A lighter line allows for a more subtle presentation, which can be crucial in clear waters or heavily pressured conditions.
In conclusion, the Ned Rig setup embraces simplicity yet doesn’t compromise effectiveness. Its natural presentation, paired with the right jig head and soft plastic bait, can prove irresistible to fish, making it a setup every angler should know how to assemble.
Ned Rig Jig heads
Jig heads form a significant part of the Ned Rig setup, essentially controlling the action, rate of fall, and the overall presentation of the bait. Understanding their importance can greatly enhance your Ned Rig fishing experience.
The design of a Ned Rig jig head is distinctive, usually featuring a mushroom or a rounded shape. This design is not purely aesthetic; it plays a key role in maintaining the vertical posture of the bait underwater. By doing so, it mimics the natural behavior of a feeding baitfish or craw, making it highly enticing to predators.
Another crucial factor that you must consider while choosing a Ned Rig jig head is its weight. The weight directly influences the rate at which your bait sinks, how it moves in the water, and how effectively you can control it. Jig head weights typically range from 1/32 to 1/4 ounces.
Lighter jig heads are perfect for shallow waters and slow presentations, giving the bait more time to flutter and catch the eye of any nearby fish. On the other hand, heavier jig heads are better suited for deeper waters or swift currents, where you need to get your bait down quickly and keep it in the strike zone.
In terms of material, most Ned Rig jig heads are made from lead or tungsten. Tungsten, while more expensive, offers higher density, allowing for a smaller profile at the same weight, and provides better sensitivity, helping you feel any subtle bites or contact with the bottom.
Finally, the choice of hook size in your jig head is essential. A hook that’s too large could affect the action of your bait and make fish suspicious, while a hook that’s too small might not provide a secure hold on larger fish. Most anglers favor a medium-sized hook for their Ned Rig setup, finding it the most versatile for a range of conditions and species.
Some favorite Ned rig Jig heads of mine are listed below:
- Z-Man Finesse Shroomz Jig Head – The one that started it all, and one of the best Ned rig jig heads you can use.
- Z-Man Finesse Shroomz Weedless Jig Head – This is a great jig head that allows you to fish a ned rig in slightly vegetated areas without getting caught in grass.
- Strike King Tour Grade Ned Head – Nice alternative to Z-man jigs, and have had nice luck with.
Ned Rig Baits
Choosing the right bait for your Ned Rig can make the difference between a successful fishing trip and a disappointing one. For this setup, you’re looking for soft, buoyant, and straight baits that can mimic a range of small prey species in their natural habitats.
Z-Man’s Finesse TRD
One of the most well-regarded baits for Ned Rig fishing comes from Z-Man’s lineup, the Finesse TRD (The Real Deal). Its smaller profile and buoyant, soft ElaZtech material make it perfect for this type of rig. The Finesse TRD is impregnated with salt for a realistic taste, ensuring that bass will hold on longer, giving you more time to set the hook. It’s available in a multitude of colors, allowing you to tailor your setup to match the forage species in your fishing location.
Z-Man’s Hula StickZ
Another excellent bait option from Z-Man is their Hula StickZ. A hybrid between a straight-tail bait and a finesse worm, the Hula StickZ’s tentacles add an enticing action that can trigger bites in even the toughest conditions. Made from Z-Man’s proprietary ElaZtech material, the Hula StickZ is buoyant and incredibly durable, standing up to repeated bites.
Missile Baits’ Ned Bomb
The Missile Baits’ Ned Bomb is another fantastic option. Its ribbed body and thin beaver-shaped tail create an enticing combination of vibration and subtle action that drives fish wild. The Ned Bomb’s tapered shape and soft material make it highly versatile, as it can be rigged on a variety of jig heads. The Ned Bomb is available in a variety of colors, allowing you to mimic a wide range of baitfish and craw species.
Remember, the best Ned Rig baits can stand up straight in the water, mimicking the defensive or feeding posture of a crayfish or the vertical movement of other bottom-dwelling species. In reality, there are so many baits on the market now that I recommend buying several and giving them all a try. You never know when you might find your next favorite bait. For other options, check out Tactical Bassin’s guide.
Ned Rig Rods
Selecting the appropriate rod for Ned Rig fishing can elevate your success rate significantly. As you’re typically casting a lightweight setup and dealing with subtle bites, the attributes you need to focus on are rod power, action, and sensitivity.
In terms of power, a medium-light to light power rod is often recommended for Ned Rig fishing. These rods provide the right balance of flexibility and strength to cast small, lightweight Ned Rigs effectively. Their softer flex also serves to cushion the fight with the fish, reducing the chances of hook pullouts, especially since Ned Rigs typically use lighter lines and smaller hooks.
When it comes to action, a fast to extra-fast action rod is the go-to for most Ned Rig anglers. The ‘action’ of a rod refers to where it bends, with fast action rods bending mostly near the tip. This design provides two main benefits. Firstly, it offers superior sensitivity, enabling you to feel even the slightest nibble at your bait. Secondly, it facilitates quick, powerful hooksets, as the bend is concentrated in the tip rather than distributed along the length of the rod.
Additionally, the rod’s sensitivity is a crucial aspect to consider. High sensitivity allows you to feel the bottom composition and detect those subtle bites that are so common with Ned Rig fishing. Graphite rods are typically more sensitive than their fiberglass counterparts, helping you to better decipher what’s happening under the water.
Length is also worth considering. Rods between 6’6″ and 7’6″ are typically favored for Ned Rig fishing. A longer rod can provide better casting distance and line control, especially useful when fishing in deeper water or when precise casts are required. However, a shorter rod can offer more accurate casting in close-quarters or when targeting specific structures for us bank fisherman.
For a personal recommendation, I have been using a Powell Diesel Medium Light rod paired with a Pflueger President with great success.
Get out there and get to Ned Rigging folks, it is a simple yet effective technique and worth having at your disposal. For the tough days that where nothing else works, the Ned Rig always seems to secure a couple bass bites.
Tight Lines,
Dawson
For the folks who want to do some deep digging:
- Looking for an idea on some budget lines to use for Ned Rigs? Check out this article.
- The Complete Guide to Wacky Rig Bass Fishing: Strategies, Budget Gear, and More
- Budget Bass Setups: The Top 5 Affordable Rod and Reel Combos