Unlocking the Potential: Mastering the Art of Ned Rig Fishing for Bass

What are Ned rigs?

Ned rigs are a popular finesse fishing technique primarily used for bass fishing. This do-nothing technique has gained recognition in recent years due to its effectiveness in catching bass in tough conditions such as in clear water or in the dead of winter. A Ned rig consists of a small, mushroom-shaped jighead paired with a soft plastic stick bait that mimics a small worm, gobie, crawfish, craw or baitfish. The presentation of the Ned rig is simple yet highly effective. The lure is typically casted out and allowed to sink to the bottom, then it is slowly hopped or dragged along the bottom to entice bites. The key to mastering the art of Ned rig fishing for bass is finesse and patience. The slow and subtle movements of the Ned rig, with light line, can trigger sluggish bass to bite even in challenging conditions. Furthermore, its compact and realistic design closely resembles natural prey, making it highly enticing for bass. With practice and a little extra attention to detail, anglers can unlock this big fish catching technique.

Where and How to Fish a Ned Rig 

The Ned rig is a highly effective fishing technique that can be used in a variety of situations. What began as an ultra finesse technique in the midwest is now being used across the country in standard finesses or power fishing scenarios. It was originally developed by famed angler Ned Kehde and has gained popularity among bass anglers all over the world for catching lots of numbers. When it comes to where to fish the Ned Rig, it is best suited for fishing in areas with sparse cover, such as rock piles, points, and drop-offs. The ideal depth ranges from 5 to 15 feet, but it can be effective in shallower or deeper water as well from boat or shore. Adjusting your gear has opened this technique up to variations such as power ned fishing and targeting walleye and panfish. As for the original technique, a slow and steady retrieve works best in most situations. Anglers are also finding luck fishing these baits with short snaps of the rod tip causing the bait to scurry along bottom. Either way, the key is to keep it simple and let the bait do the work to entice the fish. 

Do Ned rigs catch big fish?

This rig will undoubtedly help anglers catch more fish and has helped anglers catch their PB (Personal Best). Improving confidence for anglers throughout the year, this deadly technique shines when targeting big lethargic smallmouth, largemouth and spotted bass in the heat of summer and frigid cold days of winter. When forage is sparse and bass are not actively feeding, throwing a ned rig can get big bites in a hurry. Tournament anglers are relying on this technique to not only catch their limits but to upgrade those fish, specifically smallmouth bass in gin clear water on perfect bluebird days.  

What gear do I need for ned rig fishing?

This technique is meant to be simple but has become quite complex. Let’s start with the spinning rod and spinning reel. Originally a finesse almost ultra-light fishing technique, it has turned into an every day fishing rig. That means it can be fished effectively on a six to seven foot spinning rod paired with a size 2000 to 3000 spinning reel. To refine this technique and unlock the true power of midwest finesse, we recommend a quality medium-light spinning rod to get started that has a fast tip. 

Editors Pick: Fenwick Elite 7′ ML Spinning Rod – ELB70ML-FS

Ned Rig Jigheads – From finesse to power

Ranging from as small as 1/32oz all the way to 1/2oz, ned rig jig heads come in all shapes and sizes. We’ve found that 1/8oz to 1/4oz are the most popular size amongst anglers. This is a bait that should be on or near bottom, so adjust weight heavier based on the deeper the water. Ned rig jigheads should have a small but sturdy size 1 or 1/0 hook with a 90 degree line tie to maximize the bait activity. The head of the jig itself may be rounded or squared and the should have a bait keeper on them. 

Editor’s Pick: Savage Gear Ned Head

Ned Rig Baits for bass fishing

The baits that perform best on these ned heads will depend on a few factors including local forage, conditions like lighting and water clarity. We highly recommend keeping color options limited to one natural and one a touch louder. You can cut your favorite stick bait in half or pick up one of these from our favorite retailers. Either way, a standard ned bait is between 2.75″ and 3″ typically. They come in many different shapes and sizes. Often the presentation is more important than the bait itself but here is a list of our favorites. 

Editors Pick: Yamamoto Yamatanuki 2.5″

What Line should I use for fishing this finesse rig? 

To optimize this technique, using a combination of quality braided main line and a fluorocarbon leader is hard to beat for this finesse rig. Let’s go one step further. A common selection is 8# or 10# braided linje and your leader, connected with a leader to mainline knot, should be between three and seven feet. Braided main line gives us the ability to cast this rig much further than standard monofilament line. Braid also features no stretch which increases our ability to feel the bait and fish bite. The leader helps by adding some stretch during hook sets, saving some money on an invisible link to our bait and it adds some toughness if you tangle with a larger fish. Typical leaders are from 6# to 10# test. 

Editors Pick: Berkley Fireline 8lb Mainline – Trilene 100% Flouro 6lb

Ned rig has become a go-to technique

The slow sinking action and subtle movements of the bait make it irresistible to a wide range of predator species specifically bass. Its versatility and ability to catch fish consistently have made the Ned rig a staple in many anglers’ tackle boxes. We are finding that we turn to this bait in many of the same situations we would a wacky rig. Having the correct gear suited for how and where you’re fishing this deadly finesse (or power) technique, is how we unlock the power of the ned.