Ned Rig 101: Why You Need to Add the Ned Rig to Your Fishing Arsenal

Published on August 29th, 2024

 

If you’ve spent any time fishing, you’ve likely heard of the Ned Rig. It’s one of those simple setups that packs a punch, especially when the bite is tough. Whether you’re targeting bass, walleye, or even panfish, the Ned Rig is a must-have in your tackle box. But like any tool, its effectiveness depends on knowing when and how to use it. Let's dive into what makes the Ned Rig so special and how you can get the most out of it on your next fishing trip.

What is a Ned Rig?

Before diving into the specifics, let’s cover the basics. The Ned Rig is a simple but incredibly effective setup consisting of a small soft plastic bait—often a stick bait or a small craw—paired with a lightweight mushroom-style jig head. This minimalistic approach allows the lure to mimic a small, struggling baitfish or crawfish, which are irresistible to bass and other species.

The Magic Behind the Ned Rig

The true magic of the Ned Rig lies in its subtle, natural presentation. Unlike other lures that might imitate a fleeing baitfish, the Ned Rig mimics the slow, vulnerable movements of a creature that’s just trying to stay alive. This “do-nothing” action can trigger strikes when other lures fail.

When to Use a Ned Rig

The beauty of the Ned Rig is its versatility, but there are certain conditions when it truly shines:

1. Post-Front Conditions: After a cold front, fish often become sluggish and less likely to chase down fast-moving lures. The Ned Rig’s subtle presentation is perfect for these conditions, enticing bites when fish are hesitant.
   
   
2. Clear Water: In clear water, fish can get a good look at your bait, making subtle and natural presentations essential (along with a low visibility fluorocarbon line). The Ned Rig, with its finesse setup, is ideal for these conditions, providing just enough action to attract fish without spooking them.
   
   
3. Pressured Waters: If you’re fishing in an area that sees a lot of anglers, fish can become wary of typical lures. The Ned Rig offers something different and less intrusive, making it effective in heavily fished waters.
   
   
4. Shallow Water: The Ned Rig excels in shallow waters, particularly when the fish are relating to the bottom. Its light weight allows it to fall slowly, giving fish plenty of time to notice and strike.
   
   

How to Fish a Ned Rig

Fishing a Ned Rig is all about subtlety and patience. Here’s how you can effectively work this lure:

1. Cast and Let It Sink: Cast your Ned Rig to your desired spot and let it sink to the bottom. The lightweight nature of the rig allows it to fall slowly, which is key to its effectiveness.
   
   
2. Slow Drag or Hop: Once it’s on the bottom, you can retrieve it in one of two ways. The first is a slow drag along the bottom, which stirs up sediment and mimics a small baitfish or crawfish scuttling along. The second is a gentle hop, where you lift your rod tip slightly to make the bait jump off the bottom and then let it settle back down.
   
   
3. Dead-Stick It: Sometimes, the most effective technique is to do nothing at all. After casting, let the Ned Rig sit on the bottom for several seconds. The  buoyancy of a floating soft plastic keeps the bait upright, mimicking a small creature feeding on the bottom. Fish often pick it up off the bottom without you needing to move it.
   
   
4. Light Line and Gear: Use lighter line, typically 6 to 10-pound test fluorocarbon, to maximize the subtle action of the Ned Rig. A medium-light to medium spinning rod with a fast action is ideal for this technique, providing the sensitivity needed to detect subtle bites.
   
   

Gear Recommendations

To get the most out of your Ned Rig, consider using a light to medium-light spinning rod with a fast action. A sensitive rod will help you detect even the slightest bites. Pair this with a spinning reel spooled with light line—usually 6- to 8-pound fluorocarbon or braided line with a fluorocarbon leader—to maximize your chances of success.

Ned Rig Variations

While the classic Ned Rig setup is effective, there are a few variations worth trying:

• Ripple Worm: Instead of a traditional Nedstick, use the longer Ripple Worm, which more closely resembles a minnow. Also made with floating plastic, the tapered bulbous tail will gently sway and wobble with the subtle movement of water at the bottom of the column
  
  
• Ned Creature: For a different profile, try using a creature bait like the Goober Goby with the Ned Rig. This can be effective when fish are keying in on larger prey. In bodies of water where Gobies are present, fish like Walleye and Bass will already be used to gorging on them. Where Gobies are not present, it simply looks like an easy snack.
  
  
• Heavy Ned: When fishing deeper waters or in heavy current, opt for a heavier jig head to get your bait down quickly.
  
  

When Not to Use a Ned Rig

While the Ned Rig is incredibly versatile, it’s not the best choice for every situation. Here are a few times when you might want to consider a different lure:

• Heavy Cover: The open hook of a Ned Rig can easily get snagged in heavy cover. In these situations, a Texas-rigged worm or creature bait might be a better option.
  
  
• Fast-Moving Water: In fast-moving water, the lightweight Ned Rig can have trouble getting down to where the fish are. Consider using a heavier jig or weighted lure in these conditions.

The Last Cast

The Ned Rig may be simple, but it’s far from ordinary. Whether you're fishing clear waters, targeting finicky post-spawn bass, or dealing with pressured fish, this finesse technique can turn a tough day on the water into a productive one. By understanding when and how to use the Ned Rig, you'll add a versatile tool to your fishing arsenal that can deliver big results when other lures fall short. So next time you’re planning your tackle, make sure to give the Ned Rig a spot in your lineup. You might just find it becomes your go-to when the fishing gets tough.

Now that you’re equipped with all the know-how, it's time to hit the water and put the Ned Rig to the test. 🎣

If you found this guide helpful, let us know with a comment and share it with someone who could use a little help putting more fish in the net!