If you’re an avid bass fisherman, you’re probably constantly looking for new and effective fishing techniques. One technique that has been gaining popularity in recent years is the Ned rig. But what exactly is a Ned rig, and how can it enhance your bass fishing game?
The Ned rig is a finesse fishing technique created by Ned Kehde, an outdoor writer, and has become widely known and practiced in the Midwest. This technique involves using small plastic worms, craws, or creatures paired with a light mushroom-style head. The bait’s subtle presentation and realistic actionmake it highly effective in harsh conditions, and it has proven successful in catching bass.
What sets the Ned rig apart from other bass fishing rigs is its versatility. It can be fished in various ways, allowing anglers to experiment and find what works best in different situations. Additionally, the Ned rig can be used year-round and in any water condition, making it a reliable choice for bass fishing enthusiasts.
Regarding finesse fishing, the Ned rig is a go-to technique for many anglers. Its simplicity, effectiveness, and ability to mimic natural prey make it a valuable addition to any bass angler’s arsenal.
Key Takeaways:
- The Ned rig is a finesse fishing technique used for bass fishing
- It involves using small plastic worms, craws, or creatures with a light mushroom-style head
- The Ned rig is highly versatile and can be used year-round in any water condition
- Its effectiveness lies in its subtle presentation that mimics easy prey for bass
- The Ned rig has gained popularity among anglers for its simplicity and success in catching bass
The Origins of the Ned Rig
The Ned rig, a finesse technique widely used in bass fishing, originated from the innovative mind of outdoor writer Ned Kehde and gained popularity in the Midwest. This technique has been employed for many years in various forms on most pressured fisheries, offering anglers a practical approach to enticing bass.
The Ned rig technique uses small baits paired with a light line to entice bass to bite. While reminiscent of the traditional jighead worm technique, the Ned rig stands apart due to its specific plastic baits and distinct mushroom-style head. This combination has proven successful in catching bass, including the coveted smallmouth bass, and has garnered a dedicated following among anglers.
Why the Ned Rig is Successful
The Ned rig has proven to be highly successful in catching bass in various conditions. Its effectiveness lies in its ability to mimic an easy meal for bass. The small size and subtle presentation of the Ned rig make it appealing to pressured fish that may be wary of larger, more aggressive baits.
Unlike larger baits, the Ned rig offers bass an easy and irresistible meal. The small baits used on the Ned rig resemble natural forage, making them a tempting target for hungry bass. This finesse technique fools bass into biting when they are less active or under challenging conditions.
The Ned rig’s success is particularly evident in heavily fished waters where bass may have become accustomed to traditional lures or wary due to fishing pressure. Its compact size and natural movements make it difficult for bass to resist, even when other baits fail to elicit a strike.
Furthermore, the Ned rig’s versatility contributes to its effectiveness. It can be fished year-round and in various water conditions, including clear and dirty water. Anglers have reported consistent success using the Ned rig in different seasons, proving its reliability as a go-to bass fishing technique.
“The Ned rig’s ability to mimic an easy meal for bass is unmatched, making it an irresistible option for even the most pressured fish.” – Experienced angler.
Appealing to Pressured Fish
When bass are exposed to frequent fishing pressure, they become more cautious and selective in their feeding behavior. This is where the Ned rig shines. The small, lifelike baits used on the Ned rig closely resemble the natural food sources that bass feed on, presenting an easy meal that appeals to their instincts.
Pressured fish are often conditioned to avoid more extensive or aggressive baits, as they have become wary of these presentation styles. In contrast, the subtle presentation of the Ned rig entices even the most hesitant bass to strike. The soft plastics used on the Ned rig have a natural action when retrieved, further enhancing its realism.
Whether a finicky largemouth, a skittish smallmouth, or a picky spotted bass, the Ned rig’s finesse approach consistently produces results. Its ability to tempt pressured fish that are less likely to bite more extensive offerings sets it apart from other bass fishing techniques.
The Ned rig’s effectiveness in fooling pressured fish is supported by numerous success stories from anglers who have firsthand experienced the power of this technique. When other lures fail to elicit a bite, the Ned rig consistently delivers, making it a valuable addition to any bass angler’s arsenal.
How to Fish a Ned Rig
The beauty of the Ned rig lies in its versatility, allowing anglers to experiment with various fishing techniques to find what works best in different situations. To maximize your success with the Ned rig, it’s crucial to use the right equipment, select the appropriate plastics, and target the right areas.
Equipment for Ned Rig Fishing
Regarding equipment for fishing the Ned rig, you’ll want to use a light to medium-light action rod. This rod will provide the sensitivity and flexibility to detect subtle strikes and make accurate casts.Could you pair your rod with a light fluorocarbon line, typically 6-8 pounds, to maintain stealth and enhance your bait’s action in the water?
Plastics for Ned Rig
The Ned rig offers a wide array of plastic options to choose from. Popular choices include minnow-shaped baits, crawdad imitations, and stick baits. These plastics come in various colors and sizes, allowing you to match the local forage and conditions. You can experiment with different shapes and colors to determine what the bass in your area prefers.
Fishing Techniques and Areas for Ned Rig
When fishing the Ned rig, there are several techniques you can employ. Here are a few to consider:
- Drag and shake: This technique involves dragging the Ned rig along the bottom and giving it periodic shakes to mimic a natural movement that attracts bass.
- Hop and lift: With this technique, you’ll want to hop the Ned rig off the bottom and lift it upward, imitating a fleeing or injured baitfish. This erratic movement can trigger response strikes from nearby bass.
- Swimbaits: Instead of dragging the Ned rig, you can swim it just above the bottom. This technique mimics a baitfish swimming in the water column, and it can be effective when bass are actively feeding.
To increase your chances of success, focus your fishing efforts in areas highly concentrated on bass. Look for points, humps, ledges, brush piles, and spawning pockets in the spring. These locations often attract bass and provide ample opportunities for Ned rig fishing.
The Popularity of Ned Rig Fishing
Ned rig fishing has become one of the most popular finesse techniques for catching bass. Anglers have been drawn to this technique for its simplicity and effectiveness in enticing bass to bite. The Ned rig has proven successful in various fisheries, including those targeting largemouth, smallmouth, and spotted bass.
The versatility of the Ned rig is a critical factor in its popularity. It can be used in different fishing conditions and imitates natural forage, making it a reliable bait for many anglers. Whether you’re fishing in clear or murky water, the Ned rig can trigger strikes from bass that may be unresponsive to other baits.
Experienced bass fishing enthusiasts and tournament anglers are among those who have embraced the Ned rig. Its effectiveness in catching bass and its finesse presentation have made it a staple in their fishing arsenal. The Ned rig’s popularity extends beyond the Midwest, gaining recognition and avid users across the United States.
Ned Rig Setup
Setting up a Ned rig is simple and requires minimal equipment. The critical component of a Ned rig is the Ned head, which plays a crucial role in its effectiveness. The Ned head has a flat surface and a 90-degree angle line tie, allowing the bait to stand up when dragged along the bottom. This unique design helps to mimic natural movements and triggers bites from the bass.
When preparing your Ned rig, you have a few options for soft plastics. One option is to cut regular-sized stick baits in half and pair them with the Ned head. This combination offers a versatile and cost-effective approach to Ned rig fishing. Alternatively, you can choose from soft plastics made explicitly for the Ned rig. These soft plastics come in multiple colors, shapes, and sizes, allowing you to tailor your presentation to match the prevailing conditions and fish preferences.
In addition to standard Ned heads, you can also opt for weedless Ned heads when fishing in cover or around vegetation. These weedless options save you from constantly getting snagged, allowing for a more hassle-free and productive fishing experience.
When selecting the right Ned head for your setup, consider the weight and hook size based on the fishing conditions and target species. A lighter Ned head is ideal for finesse situations and when targeting pressured fish, while a slightly heavier Ned head can be used in deeper water or under windy conditions.Could you match the hook size to the soft plastic you choose, ensuring it is securely and effectively rigged for action?
Recommended Ned Rig Setup
| Ned Head Weight (ounces) | Hook Size | Suggested Soft Plastics |
|---|---|---|
| 1/16 | #2, #4 | Minnow-shaped Stick baits |
| 1/8 | #1, #1/0 | Crawdad-shaped, Creature baits |
| 3/16 | #1, #1/0 | Twister tail worms, Paddle tail worms |
Experiment with different Ned heads, soft plastics, and techniques to discover what works best in various fishing conditions. The great thing about the Ned rig is its versatility, allowing you to adapt and customize your setup to the ever-changing preferences of the bass.
Fishing Techniques for the Ned Rig
Fishing a Ned rig is a straightforward technique, but various methods can be employed to maximize its effectiveness. The versatility of the Ned rig allows anglers to experiment and find what works best in different situations, making it a popular choice among bass fishermen. Here are some essential fishing techniques to consider when using the Ned rig:
Versatile Retrieves
One of the advantages of the Ned rig is its versatility in retrieving. It can be fished with a slow, steady retrieve, allowing the bait to mimic a small creature crawling along the bottom. This retrieve is often effective when targeting bass in a more lethargic or inactive state. Alternatively, a hop and lift retrieve can be used, where the bait is hopped off the bottom and allowed to fall back down, imitating a wounded baitfish. Another effective technique is the swimbait retrieve, where the bait is reeled in steadily, creating a lifelike swimming action. Lastly, the Ned rig can be fished vertically with sonar, allowing anglers to target suspended fish precisely.
Bait Presentation
The presentation of the bait is crucial when fishing the Ned rig. The bait’s small size and subtle action make it essential to mimic natural movements and entice bass to strike. Keeping the bait close to the bottom and giving it occasional pauses to imitate feeding or injured prey can be effective. Experimenting with different actions and speeds is essentialto find what triggers the most strikes. Remember, the Ned rig is a finesse technique, so a subtle, realistic presentation is critical.
Targeting Different Areas
The Ned rig can be effective in various areas, depending on the season and conditions. When targeting bass in shallow water, skipping the bait under docks and overhanging cover can produce bites. In deeper water, fishing the Ned rig near the bottom around structures, such as points, humps, ledges, and brush piles, can yield successful results. During the spring, targeting spawning pockets with the Ned rig can be highly effective, as bass are often concentrated in these areas.
By employing different fishing techniques with the Ned rig, you can increase your chances of success and catch more bass. Whether you choose a slow retrieve, a hop and lift retrieve, a swimbait retrieve, or experiment with different presentations, the key is to find what works best in your fishing conditions. Remember to observe the behavior of the bass and adjust your techniques accordingly. Happy fishing!
Conclusion
The Ned rig is a finesse fishing technique that has gained popularity among anglers for its effectiveness in catching bass. Its simplicity, versatility, and ability to mimic natural forage make it a go-to bait for many anglers.
The Ned rig can be fished year-round and in various conditions, making it a versatile and reliable choice for bass fishing. Whether you’re fishing in clear or dirty water during the spring or winter, the Ned rig can consistently attract bites from bass. It’s a bait that should be in every angler’s tackle box.
With the right equipment and techniques, anglers of all skill levels can experience success with the Ned rig. Use a light to medium-light action rod and a 6-8 pound test fluorocarbon line, and experiment with different plastics to find what works best for you. Try different retrieves and target areas highly concentrated with bass, such as points, humps, ledges, brush piles, and spawning pockets.
So give the Ned rig a try on your next fishing trip and see if it increases your catch rates on the water. You may be pleasantly surprised by the results and find yourself reaching for the Ned rig repeatedly as a reliable bass fishing technique.
FAQ
What Is a Ned Rig for Bass Fishing?
A Ned Rig is a finesse fishing technique created by Ned Kehde and popularized in the Midwest. It involves using small plastic worms, craws, or creatures paired with a light mushroom-style head. The rig is effective in harsh conditions and has gained popularity due to its success in catching bass.
Where did the Ned Rig Originate?
The Ned Rig was created by outdoor writer Ned Kehde and popularized in the Midwest. It has been used for many years in some form on most pressured fisheries. The technique involves using small baits with light lines to entice bass to bite.
Why is the Ned Rig Successful?
The Ned Rig has proven to be highly successful in catching bass in various conditions. Its effectiveness lies in its ability to mimic an easy meal for bass. The small size and subtle presentation of the Ned Rig make it appealing to pressured fish that may be wary of larger, more aggressive baits.
How Do You Fish a Ned Rig?
Fishing a Ned Rig is straightforward and can be done with various techniques. It can be fished with a slow, steady retrieve, a hop and lift retrieve, a swimbait retrieve, or even vertically with sonar. The versatility of the Ned Rig allows anglers to experiment and find what works best in different situations.
Why is Ned Rig Fishing Popular?
Ned Rig fishing has become one of the most popular finesse techniques for catching bass. Its simplicity and effectiveness have gained broad appeal among anglers. The Ned Rig has successfully caught largemouth, smallmouth, and spotted bass in various fisheries.
How Do I Set Up a Ned Rig?
Setting up a Ned Rig is simple and requires minimal equipment. The critical component is the Ned head, which has a flat surface and a 90-degree angle line tie to help the bait stand up when dragged along the bottom. Anglers can choose from soft plastics made explicitly for the Ned Rig or cut regular-sized stick baits in half and pair them with the Ned head.
What Are the Fishing Techniques for the Ned Rig?
The Ned Rig can be fished in a variety of ways. It can be fished with a slow, steady retrieve, a hop and lift retrieve, a swimbait retrieve, or even vertically with sonar. The presentation of the bait is critical, as it should mimic natural movements and entice bass. Different retrieves can be used in other areas, such as skipping the bait under docks or fishing it near the bottom around the cover.
Should I Try Fishing with a Ned Rig?
Absolutely! The Ned Rig is a finesse fishing technique that has gained popularity among anglers for its effectiveness in catching bass. Its simplicity, versatility, and ability to mimic natural forage make it a go-to bait for many anglers. With the right equipment and techniques, anglers of all skill levels can experience success with the Ned Rig.Could you give it a try and see if it increases your catch rates on the water?