Bassology: The Ned Rig is going strong
Ingenious in its simplicity, the Ned Rig is one of the newer innovations in the continually evolving world of plastic bait fishing for bass. It may have been around for a while, but I first started using the Ned Rig last year. It rapidly became a favorite and very productive presentation for me and has caught a lot of bass.
A Google search revealed the Ned Rig likely took its name from a Kansas fisherman, Ned Kehde, who is a big promoter of finesse fishing. Finesse fishing is generally a lighter approach to plastic bait fishing. Using lighter and smaller plastic baits seems to work especially well in our northern waters.
How To Make The Ned Rig
The Ned Rig is a light jig fitted with a 2- to 3-inch plastic tail. It doesn’t get much simpler. Z -Man is one of the companies making special Ned Rig jigs and tails, and their products are very good; however, I have found an easier way to put together Ned Rigs.
The Ned Rig I prefer is the VMC Pro Series Finesse Half Moon Jig. I use the 1/8-ounce size in the color black. It comes with a light wire needle point hook that can take a lot of abuse. I used one jig for over a week of heavy fishing and it became twisted at times but could easily be bent back into shape with a needle nose pliers. The hook stayed sharp throughout it all, continuing to catch lots of fish. The jig also has a small wire underneath it with a small bent end, making it easier to anchor the plastic tail to it.
For plastic tails there are specific varieties made especially for Ned Rigs, which work well. But like many fishermen, I have an abundance of plastic baits I carry all the time, so I am reluctant to carry any more. So I just take 5-nch sinking worms, cut them in half and I have two tails for the price of one worm. If you are using sinking worms, either Texas rigged or wacky style, cutting them in half after being used allows fishermen to recycle some of their plastic baits rather than just throwing them away.
I am never sure if color matters. I use two basic colors that have been successful for me. One is watermelon red, which is a dark green with red sparkles. The other is watermelon candy with a lighter green color and sparkles. It seems most people use fairly neutral colors; however, brighter colors should work as well, especially in stained or muddy waters. I have a bag of used assorted 5-inch sinking worms in a variety of colors I will be experimenting with as the season goes on.
My favorite line for plastic baits is any of the braided lines. Braided lines are much more sensitive, which can be especially important with light-striking fish. Also, they have no stretch, which makes solid hook sets much easier.
Fishing The Ned Rig
Although the Ned Rig will work in shallow water, it is ideal in deeper water. Deeper being three feet and deeper. I find Ned Rigs to be particularly effective on the outside edge of weed beds.
You work a Ned Rig like you would any plastic bait. I just cast it out, let it drop for a few seconds, and then bring it back slowly by moving the rod tip one to two feet at a time.
If it is windy, many times I will just let the wind drift the bait after I cast it. The bait is sinking and drifting with the wind at the same time. It is a very natural presentation, which triggers strikes. Watch the line carefully as sometimes the only indication you will have of a strike is when there is a slight bounce or hesitation on the line.
Going smaller and lighter in plastic bait fishing is a growing trend in bass fishing. The Ned Rig is going strong and is destined to be a winner, because it works.
Mike Yurk has published more than 600 articles in national and regional outdoor publications. He has published five books on outdoor subjects. He is a retired Army officer and lives in Hudson, Wisconsin. Contact Mike at bassinmajor@yahoo.com.