How To Fish A Ned Rig? Learn The Best Tips And Tricks Now

Fishing can be a relaxing and rewarding activity for those seeking a break from the daily grind. But like any other hobby, it requires skill and technique to execute successfully. One popular method of fishing is using the Ned Rig

“The Ned Rig is one of the hottest techniques around for catching bass.”

The Ned Rig is a finesse technique that involves presenting small plastic baits in a natural and subtle way. It has become increasingly popular among anglers who are looking for a versatile and effective way to catch fish.

If you’re new to fishing or haven’t tried the Ned Rig before, it can be overwhelming to know where to begin. That’s why we’ve put together this guide filled with tips and tricks to help you learn how to fish a Ned Rig like a pro.

In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about fishing a Ned Rig. From choosing the right gear to setting up your rig, casting, and retrieving techniques, and avoiding common mistakes, we’ll cover all the basics so that you can hit the water with confidence.

So sit back, grab a cup of coffee, and get ready to dive deep into the world of Ned Rig fishing!

What Is A Ned Rig And Why Is It So Effective?

If you’re an angler looking for a finesse technique that can help increase your chances of catching fish, then the ned rig is worth considering. This simple yet effective rig has gained quite a following among anglers in recent years due to its ability to catch fish of all sizes.

The Origins Of The Ned Rig

The ned rig was invented by Midwest Finesse fishing expert, Ned Kehde, who wanted to create a versatile and easy-to-use bait that could target both smallmouth and largemouth bass without spooking them or getting snagged on underwater structures. He used a lightweight mushroom-shaped jig head combined with a small soft plastic worm to create what we now know as the “ned rig”.

The name “Ned Rig” is derived from the inventor’s first name and it quickly became popular due to its success rate. It is said that this type of rig redefined finesse fishing because of its ability to catch not only bass but also other species such as pike, walleye, and even catfish.

Why The Ned Rig Is So Effective

The effectiveness of the ned rig lies in the way the lure is presented to the fish. The small size and subtle movement of the bait mimic natural prey, making it irresistible to game fish. By using a slow and steady retrieve, the ned rig can entice strikes from even the most finicky fish. Additionally, the mushroom-shaped jighead allows the bait to glide smoothly through vegetation, reducing snags and allowing the bait to reach deeper areas where fish may be hiding.

The beauty of the ned rig is its simplicity, versatility and cost. It’s easy to use for beginners and pros alike, and when the bite gets tough, you can often coax fish to bite using the ned rig. Moreover, it’s an inexpensive setup that costs just a few dollars to get started.

The Versatility Of The Ned Rig

One of the greatest advantages of the ned rig is its versatility. It works well in both clear and murky water, shallow or deep water, and in any season. Whether you are fishing rivers, streams, ponds, or lakes, the ned rig can be adapted to meet your angling needs.

This finesse technique works especially well when fish are less active during cold temperatures or after heavy fishing pressure. As with most finesse techniques, the key is to keep the bait simple and subtle while still mimicking natural prey. This makes it a go-to option for bass fishermen targeting shallow waters early on in the season.

Common Ned Rig Setup Components

• Jig head: Typically, anglers use mushroom-shaped jig heads weighing between ⅛ oz and ½ oz. Heavier weights work best in deeper waters. Most anglers prefer lead-free jigs which help preserve the environment while also avoiding the potential health risks posed by lead leaching into fish flesh;
• Hooks: Hooks that match the size of the soft plastic bait are commonly used. The hook should have a wide gap so that the bait sits nicely against the shank;
• Bait: Use small soft plastic baits ranging from 2-4 inches long such as Senko Worms, Z-Man TRD Dink, Roboworm, Strike King Elaztech Finesse worm etc. Match the color of the bait to the type of water being fished and the available food sources;
• Lines: Typically, any lightweight line between 3-6 pounds test is enough. This help to keep slack out of the line while ensuring that strikes are felt immediately upon contact;
• Rods: A medium-light or light-power spinning rod with a sensitive tip works best for this technique. It allows you to cast long distances and has enough power to set the hook in soft-mouthed fish without tearing the hook through their mouth.;
• Reel: Use a spinning reel with a smooth drag system.

“The very nature of the Ned Rig lends itself very well to fishing deep water when bass become tight-lipped or super pressured.” -Texas Fish & Game Magazine

The ned rig can be your secret weapon when you’re struggling to get bites on more traditional lures and baits. Next time you hit the waters, give it a try! Remember to always match the color and size of the bait to the food sources and type of water being fished. The result may just surprise you!

Choosing The Right Rod, Reel, And Line For Your Ned Rig

If you want to fish a Ned rig effectively, it’s essential to match the right rod, reel, and line. Below are some tips on how to choose the best equipment for your Ned rig setup.

Matching Your Rod To Your Ned Rig

When choosing a rod for your Ned rig setup, consider a medium-light to medium power rod with fast action. This type of rod will give you the sensitivity you need to feel bites while still providing enough backbone to hook larger fish. A great option would be a spinning rod in the range of 6′ 6″ to 7′ 2″.

A longer rod like this will give you more casting distance and help you cover more water when fishing shallow areas. Similarly, a shorter rod like a 6′ 6″ or a 6′ 10” will give you better control over your bait and let you be more precise with your casts.

Choosing The Right Reel For Your Ned Rig

Matching your reel size to your rod is just as important as selecting the correct rod length and action. Spinning reels in the 2000-2500 size range should be adequate for most Ned rig setups. It’s always better to have a reel that can handle a bit of extra weight rather than one that struggles under strain when fighting a big fish.

You’ll also want a model with a higher gear ratio, such as at least a 6:1, so that you can retrieve your lure quickly after each cast. Finally, ensure the reel has plenty of ball bearings (at least five) to provide smoothness and increase longevity.

Line Selection: Fluorocarbon vs. Braided

The Ned rig is a finesse technique, and as such, many anglers prefer to use fluorocarbon line. Fluorocarbon has superior sensitivity and invisibility underwater, making it easier for you to detect bites and set the hook effectively.

That being said, braid can also be an excellent choice when fishing in heavy cover or around vegetation or brush piles. Braided lines have much less stretch than other types of fishing lines, which means they’ll help get your Ned rig through thick weeds without getting snagged. Some people like to pair braids with a light fluorocarbon leader to take advantage of both worlds.

How To Spool Your Reel For Optimal Performance

To spool your reel properly, start by attaching the backing line to your reel using the Arbor Knot. Then attach the mainline by tying it to the backing line using a Double Uni Knot.

“The most important thing to remember when spooling up any fishing reel is proper line tension,” suggests Keith Poche on Bassmaster.com. “Too little pressure will create loose line coils that make casting difficult and lead to tangles.”

A spooling station makes this process more efficient, but if you don’t have one, it’s still achievable with a pencil or a cardboard tube. Be sure there are no twists and run the line through each guide before knotting it onto the bait or lure.

No matter what equipment you choose, remember to practice patience and endurance while fishing the Ned rig. This system takes time to master and may require some changes until you find a setting that works best for you. Try different techniques, including both slow dragging retrieves and pauses depending upon water temperature and conditions within the body of water, and observe how fish respond.

If you follow these guidelines, you’re sure to get the most out of your Ned rig setup and will land more fish in the process.

The Best Times And Places To Use A Ned Rig

The Ned Rig has become a very popular fishing technique due to its ability to catch fish in all kinds of water conditions. However, there are specific times and places where it excels the most. Let’s take a look at some of them:

Best Water Conditions For Ned Rig Fishing

The ideal water conditions for using a Ned Rig are clear waters with little or no current. The Ned Rig is designed to mimic small baitfish and bottom-dwelling creatures that may not move quickly and require less resistance from the current.

Moreover, the Ned Rig works best in shallow waters that allow the lure to be slowly dragged along the bottom. If the water is too deep, the Ned Rig might lose its effectiveness as it cannot maintain contact with the bottom well enough.

Targeting Specific Fish Species With Ned Rigs

Ned rigs can attract different types of fish species depending on their design and size. One common approach is to use a small finesse worm on a light jighead when targeting bass during the spawning season or post-spawn period. On the other hand, larger baits such as creature baits or soft plastic craws can work great for fishing walleye and panfish.

If you’re targeting smallmouth bass, try using a Ned Rig with natural colors such as green pumpkin, motor oil, or brown variants. Alternatively, you can experiment with brighter hues such as chartreuse or orange if the water clarity allows it.

Using Ned Rigs In Different Types Of Water

The versatility of Ned rigs makes them useful in various bodies of water. They can help anglers catch fish in ponds, lakes, rivers, and even saltwater. When fishing in saltwater, consider using heavier jigheads that can withstand the tide and provide more sinking power.

Moreover, Ned rigs are often effective in fishing around structures such as rocks, trees, or docks. The small profile of the lure can easily imitate a natural prey hiding in crevices or gaps between vegetation.

Ned Rigging Techniques For Different Seasons

The technique used in rigging a Ned Rig depends on the season and water temperature. In colder temperatures during the pre-spawn period, slow presentations and downsized baits tend to work well for enticing lethargic bass. However, during the warmer summer months, more aggressive techniques such as fast retrieves and larger baits may be necessary to stimulate feeding activity.

Additionally, if you’re fishing in murky waters during the fall, opt for brighter hues and vibration-producing lures as this helps fish locate your bait easier.

“The versatility of the Ned Rig makes it an ideal choice for different water conditions and seasonal changes.” – Kayak Angler Magazine

Fishing a Ned Rig requires patience and adaptability. The beauty of this technique is its ability to catch different types of fish in various environments. By keeping these tips in mind when choosing water conditions, targeting specific fish species, finding fishing locations, and changing up your rigging techniques based on the season, you’ll be able to maximize your chances of catching a big one with the Ned Rig.

How To Rig Your Bait For Maximum Success

Choosing The Right Ned Rig Bait

The first step to successful fishing with a ned rig is selecting the right bait. When it comes to choosing your ned rig bait, consider what kind of fish you’re targeting and the conditions you’ll be fishing in.

• Crawfish imitations: Crawfish are a favorite food of many species of freshwater fish, making crawfish-imitating baits a popular choice for ned rigs. Look for baits that mimic the color, shape, and movement of real crawfish.
• Curly-tail grubs: Curly-tail grubs are versatile baits that can be rigged in several different ways to give them varying actions. They come in a wide range of colors and sizes, so choose a grub that matches the size and color of the prey in the area where you’ll be fishing.
• Straight worms: Straight worms are great for subtler presentations and can be wacky-rigged or nose-rigged to create natural-looking movements.

How To Properly Rig Your Bait

Rigging your ned bait properly is essential for maximum success. Here’s how to do it:

1. Tie on your hook: Begin by tying a small jig head to your line, using a Palomar knot or other secure knot. The weight of the jig head will help get your bait down to deeper depths quickly.
2. Add bait to your hook: Next, thread your bait onto the hook. Be sure to center it on the hook to maintain balance and a natural fall. You can also use scent or attractant to give your bait more appeal.
3. Attach the hook to your line: Finally, attach the hook to your jig head using your fishing knot of choice. The loop knot, which allows the lure to move freely in the water, is a popular option for ned rigs.

Adding Attractants To Your Ned Rig

Incorporating an attractant into your ned rig can help increase your chances of success. Here are some popular attractants that work well with ned rigs:

• Berkley PowerBait: This iconic soft plastic bait comes pre-scented with fish-attracting oils and flavors.
• Fishbites: These long-lasting synthetic baits release a powerful scent trail in the water.
• Juice Bait Co. Pro-Cure Garlic Crawfish Super Gel: This gel formula works great when targeting crawfish-feeding fish and can be applied directly to your bait or added to the water around your fishing area.
• Smelly Jelly: Available in various scents and flavors, this sticky gel sticks to your bait and slowly releases scent as it dissolves in the water.

“One important aspect of finesse fishing is presenting small lures in a realistic manner, just like delicious morsels presented on a platter.” – Bassmaster.com

By selecting the right bait, rigging it correctly, and adding attractants to your ned rig, you’ll be setting yourself up for a successful day on the water. With patience and persistence, you’ll be reeling in big catches in no time.

Mastering The Retrieve: Techniques For Catching More Fish With A Ned Rig

Fishing with a Ned rig is all about finesse and technique. It’s a highly effective method for catching bass, but it requires skill and practice to perfect the retrieve. In this article, we’ll discuss some basic and advanced techniques that will help you catch more fish with a Ned rig.

Slow And Steady: The Basic Retrieve

The most basic retrieve when using a Ned rig is slow and steady. This involves casting out your line, letting the bait sink to the bottom, and reeling in slowly while shaking the rod tip gently. This creates subtle movements that mimic natural prey and entice fish into biting.

If you’re not getting any bites, try pausing for a few seconds during the retrieve. This mimics a natural rest period and can trigger hesitant fish to strike.

Remember to use light gear when fishing with a Ned rig – it’s all about finesse. A 7-foot medium-light spinning rod paired with a small reel and 6-8 pound test line is ideal.

Finesse Techniques For Tricky Fish

If the basic retrieve isn’t working, it’s time to get creative with your technique. When targeting tricky or finicky fish, switching up your retrieve can make all the difference.

One effective technique is to bounce the jig off the bottom. Instead of a smooth retrieve, hop the bait along the bottom by twitching the rod tip slightly. This can create a reaction bite from bass who are lying in wait for prey to swim by.

You can also try adding pauses or jerks to your retrieve to trigger more aggressive strikes. Experiment with different speeds and techniques until you find what works best for the fish in your area.

Advanced Retrieval Techniques For Experienced Anglers

If you’re an experienced angler looking to take your Ned rig game to the next level, there are some advanced techniques you can try. These require a high level of skill and finesse, but they can be highly effective.

The first technique is called “dead sticking”. This involves casting out your line and leaving it completely still for several seconds. This can mimic a dying or injured baitfish and trigger strikes from hesitant fish.

Another advanced technique is to use shorter hops with longer pauses. This creates a more realistic natural movement that entices even the most cautious fish into biting.

You can also try using weedless jigs or unweighted baits. These allow you to cast into weedy areas where bass like to hide without getting snagged. You can then slowly retrieve the bait through the weeds with subtle movements.

“Fishing is much more than fish. It is the great occasion when we may return to the fine simplicity of our forefathers.” -Herbert Hoover

Fishing with a Ned rig requires patience, persistence, and creativity. Start with slow and steady retrieves, experiment with different techniques, and don’t be afraid to get creative with your presentation. With practice, you’ll soon be catching more bass with this highly effective method.

Frequently Asked Questions