Welcome to the complete guide to Ned Rig fishing! This technique will up your bass fishing game. It’s perfect for anyone wanting to learn a versatile and effective approach.
In this guide, we’ll go over how to set up your Ned Rig, the best techniques, what bait to use, what gear you’ll need, and more. It doesn’t matter if you’re just starting out or if you’re an experienced fisher. This guide has everything you need to master Ned Rig fishing and increase your bass catches.
Key Takeaways:
- Ned Rig fishing is a finesse technique used to catch bass, named after its creator Ned Kehde.
- The rig consists of a small plastic bait rigged on a mushroom head jig, imitating natural prey.
- Setting up a Ned Rig involves choosing the right jighead, hook, soft plastic bait, line, and leader.
- Fishing with a Ned Rig is versatile, allowing for various retrieves and natural presentations.
- The Ned Rig is particularly effective for catching largemouth, smallmouth, and spotted bass.
What is a Ned Rig?
A Ned rig is a simple way to catch bass, designed by an angler named Ned Kehde. It uses a small plastic lure on a special jig. Fishermen love it because it looks like real fish food. It works well for catching different kinds of bass.
The Ned rig has become a favorite among bass fishers for its gentle lure action. It features a small plastic bait named the “Ned Rig” on a unique jig. This setup moves like real prey in the water.
Its success comes from mimicking what bass normally eat, like worms and small fish. This fooling appearance and movement attract the bass. So, it’s a top choice for fishing.
The Ned rig shines in many fishing spots, both clear and muddy waters. You can use it in shallow or deep places, adjusting as needed. It’s a flexible fishing tool for various conditions.
What makes the Ned rig special is how easy it is to use. Anyone can try it, no matter their fishing experience. Plus, it’s good all year. Bass always go after small prey, making the Ned rig useful anytime.
In short, the Ned rig has changed how people fish for bass. It looks like real prey and works in many places. For catching bass of any type, the Ned rig is a smart option.
Ned Rig Setup
Setting up a Ned Rig is simple and only needs a few things. Just follow these steps. Soon, you’ll be fishing for bass with this effective method.
Choosing the Right Jighead and Hook
Pick a jighead that’s the right weight for your Ned Rig. Usually, a weight between 1/16 and 1/4-ounce works well. This depends on where you’re fishing and how deep the water is.
It’s also important to choose a hook that fits the fishing line you’re using. This helps your rig work better and keeps everything balanced.
Selecting the Perfect Soft Plastic Bait
Now, find the right soft plastic bait for your Ned Rig. A 2-4 inch bait is perfect. Choose one that looks like the natural food of bass in your area.
Slide the bait onto the jighead carefully. Make sure it’s secure. This stops it from falling off when you cast or reel in.
Securing the Rig to Your Line or Leader
After putting the bait on the jighead, tie the rig to your line or leader. Use a spinning rod with medium or medium-light power. It should have extra fast action. And, a spinning reel that works well with light braid and leader is best.
Ned Kehde recommends using 10-pound braid and a 6-pound leader for the Ned Rig. This setup usually works great.
Now that your Ned Rig is ready, you’re set to fish. Don’t forget to try different ways of moving it in the water. This can help you catch more bass. Go out there and enjoy fishing!
Ned Rig Fishing
Fishing with a Ned rig is both flexible and effective as a finesse method. It has key advantages due to its versatility, allowing for various retrieves. You can tailor these to different fishing situations and personal preferences. Whether you like a slow retrieve or a more aggressive style, the Ned rig adapts well. It can mimic various prey and attract bass.
You can cast the Ned rig and pull it back slowly. This imitates a worm moving. This approach works well when bass are not very active or during colder waters. You can also hop, swim, crawl, snap, or pitch the Ned rig. This way, it copies the behavior of different water creatures.
The Ned rig looks and moves like natural prey, making it highly effective. It’s rigged on a small jig that looks like a mushroom head. This makes it very appealing to bass. Its small size and subtle actions do not scare the fish away. This increases your chances of catching something.
Ned Rig fishing works well under various conditions. It doesn’t matter if the water is clear or murky, or if you’re fishing shallow or deep areas. This method also works during different times of the year. Its finesse style and natural look make it hard for bass to resist. This means you can still catch fish when other methods don’t work.
Try Ned Rig fishing next time you’re out on the water. Experience for yourself how versatile and effective it is. Its ability to mimic natural prey can trick even the most wary bass. This is why many anglers love using the Ned rig.
Ned Rig Fishing for Bass
Ned rig fishing works well for largemouth, smallmouth, and spotted bass. Each type of bass needs different methods for the best results.
Largemouth Bass:
For largemouth bass, you can try several techniques. A hop technique makes the rig jump off the bottom, looking like prey. You can also lift and drop the rig. Or use a steady crawl to imitate a baitfish.
Spotted Bass:
To catch spotted bass, skipping the Ned rig under docks is effective. Throw the rig near the dock and reel in slowly. This lures bass from their hiding spots. It’s great for fishing around deep docks.
Smallmouth Bass:
Two main ways can catch smallmouth bass. One way is to use the rig like a worm. Cast and retrieve it slowly. The second way is to lift and drop the rig in small motions. This makes smallmouth bass want to bite.
Ned rig fishing for bass is a flexible method. It lets you target different bass types effectively. Adapt your approach to fit each bass’s habits, and you might catch more.
Whether you’re starting out or you’ve fished for years, Ned rig fishing can enhance your bass fishing. It offers new ways to enjoy and succeed in the sport.
Ned Rig Jigheads
Choosing the right jighead is key to Ned rig fishing success. The rig’s effectiveness highly depends on it. Over time, Ned rig jigheads have evolved, offering more choices to anglers.
Mushroom jigheads were the first choice for Ned rigs, originally used in walleye fishing. Their mushroom shape helps reduce snags and improve bait action.
Lately, there’s been more variety in jighead shapes and sizes for Ned rigs. This allows for different setups, making the rig more versatile.
Weedless jigheads are now available too. They come with features like wire guards to lessen snagging. At the same time, they keep the rig’s natural look.
Some jigheads now feature heavier hooks for bigger fish or deep-water fishing. This makes the Ned rig suitable for more challenging conditions.
When picking a Ned rig jighead, think about the bait size and fishing environment. Trying out different styles can lead to finding the perfect match.
Z-Man is well-known for their Finesse ShroomZ JigheadZ. They are highly regarded by anglers. These jigheads pair well with Z-Man’s soft plastics for a top-notch Ned rig setup.
The choice of jighead greatly affects Ned rig fishing outcomes. Explore the options carefully to find what works best for catching that big bass.
Ned Rig Baits
Choosing the right bait is key for Ned rig fishing, especially to attract bass. There are many soft plastic baits to pick from, fitting different fishing needs and likes.
The YUM Ned Senko Floater is a top pick for many. It floats, drawing bass in, thanks to a special floating plastic. With its realistic minnow shape and lifelike movement, it’s a hit with fishermen.
Another good choice is the Z-Man Finesse TRD. It’s both tough and flexible. Its design looks like real fish food, tempting bass every time. The bait’s soft material makes movements smooth and real.
When picking Ned Rig baits, think about the water’s clarity and local fish food. Matching your bait’s color and shape to real prey boosts your success chances.
Trying either the YUM Ned Senko Floater or the Z-Man Finesse TRD is a great start. Mixing up shapes and colors to see what works best is key. This way, you’ll surely find the right bait to get those bass biting.
Weedless Ned Rig
To make your Ned rig weedless, consider using jigheads with wire guards or offset hooks. These help keep the hook point safe and reduce snags. Wire guard jigheads are great for fishing near snags. Offset hook jigheads are best in areas with brush, docks, and underwater plants.
Brands like VMC and Z-Man are known for their weedless jigheads suited for the Ned rig. The VMC Finesse Weedless Jig and Z-Man Pro Shroomz Weedless stand out. They offer the weedlessness and toughness you need for fishing in tougher spots.
Using a weedless Ned rig lets you skip it under docks or branches. This technique reaches spots hard to access with regular rigs. It increases your chance to catch bass hiding underneath.
With a weedless Ned rig, you can fish near cover without worries. Its blend of a weedless design and subtle bait action makes it a powerful way to catch bass, even when fishing is tough.
Conclusion
Ned Rig fishing is a top method for anglers. It adapts easily to different fishing conditions. It also targets various bass species effectively.
This rig’s simple look mimics natural bass food. That’s why bass find it hard to resist. It leads to many successful catches.
It’s great for anyone, whether new to fishing or seasoned. The Ned Rig boosts your chances of landing bass. It’s known for working well and being adaptable.
You can try different ways of using it until you find the best method. This flexibility is key in making the Ned Rig a favorite among anglers.
The Ned Rig changes the finesse fishing game. It looks and acts like the prey bass love. That makes them more likely to bite.
Its track record speaks for itself. You can trust the Ned Rig to up your bass fishing game. It’s a sure way to improve your fishing trips.
FAQ
What is Ned Rig fishing?
Ned Rig fishing is a technique loved by many for catching bass. It uses a small plastic bait on a special jig. This setup is named after Ned Kehde, its creator. You can use it in lots of fishing spots.
How do I set up a Ned Rig?
Start with a jighead that’s light, between 1/16 to 1/4 ounce. Pick a small plastic bait, about 2-4 inches long. The bait should look like something fish eat in your area.
Put the bait on the jighead, ensuring it’s secure. Use a spinning rod and reel for the best experience. This setup works great with light lines.
What are the different Ned Rig fishing retrieves?
You can fish the Ned Rig many ways. Try casting it out and reel it in slow. Or you can make it hop, swim, or even appear to crawl. This makes bass think it’s their prey.
What bass species can I catch with a Ned Rig?
The Ned Rig is great for catching different bass types. This includes largemouth, smallmouth, and spotted bass. Use it in various locations for best results.
What types of Ned Rig jigheads are available?
Many Ned Rig jigheads are out there. You’ll find mushroom-shaped heads and ones that avoid getting caught in weeds. Z-Man’s Finesse ShroomZ JigheadZ is a top pick. Choose based on where you’re fishing and the bait you’re using.
What soft plastic baits are recommended for the Ned Rig?
For Ned Rig baits, there’s a lot to choose from. Minnows, crawdads, and stick baits are popular. Try the YUM Ned Senko Floater or Z-Man Finesse TRD. Their unique floaty material gets the attention of bass.
How can I make a Ned Rig more weedless?
For a weedless Ned Rig, use jigheads with wire guards or offset hooks. Wire guards are great near snags. Offset hooks are good in places with lots of vegetation. VMC and Z-Man have some of the best weedless designs.
Why is Ned Rig fishing effective?
Ned Rig works so well because it looks like what bass usually eat. Its simple design and natural presentation are irresistible to them. Plus, you can use it in many different fishing conditions.
Why should I consider using the Ned Rig?
Using a Ned Rig could really up your bass catching game. It’s a simple yet flexible technique that’s easy to pick up. It works for new and seasoned anglers alike, making it a must-try.