The Best Ned Rigs for Largemouth Bass Fishing

A Ned rig is a finesse bass fishing technique that involves rigging a small soft plastic bait, usually a stick worm or finesse-style plastic, onto a mushroom-shaped jig head. It’s primarily used for targeting largemouth bass in clear or pressured waters where a subtle presentation is needed. The rig’s compact size and slow, natural fall mimic the movement of prey, making it effective for enticing wary bass. Anglers often fish the Ned rig on light spinning tackle with light line, allowing for delicate presentations and increased sensitivity to detect subtle bites.

*Our Top Choices*

What we look for in a quality ned rig…

1. Durable Jig Heads: We look for Ned rig jig heads made from sturdy materials like tungsten or lead, with sharp and durable hooks that can withstand repeated use and hook sets without bending or breaking.
2. Variety of Bait Options: We choose Ned rig kits or components that offer a variety of soft plastic baits in different sizes, shapes, and colors, allowing you to match the hatch and adapt to changing fishing conditions.
3. Natural-Looking Presentation: We opt for Ned rig baits with realistic designs and subtle color patterns that mimic the appearance of natural prey, such as small baitfish, insects, or aquatic organisms, to increase their effectiveness at enticing strikes from largemouth bass.
4. Balanced Rigging: We ensure that the Ned rig components are properly balanced, with the jig head and soft plastic bait working together to create a slow, natural fall that appeals to bass in clear or pressured waters. We avoid overly bulky or heavy baits that may impede the rig’s action or sink too quickly for finesse presentations. Pick plastics that are hollow and float in order to keep the rig standing at the bottom of the water column.

When to fish the ned rig…

1. Clear or Pressured Waters: When fishing in clear or heavily pressured waters where bass are more cautious and selective, the subtle presentation of a Ned rig can entice strikes from wary fish.
2. Finesse Situations: In situations where bass are less active or feeding selectively, such as during cold fronts or post-spawn periods, the finesse approach of a Ned rig can be highly effective at triggering bites.
3. Shallow Water and Vegetation: When targeting bass in shallow water or areas with dense vegetation, such as weed beds, grass flats, or brush piles, the compact size and weedless design of a Ned rig allow for effective presentations without constant snagging.
4. Year-Round Use: The versatility of a Ned rig makes it suitable for year-round bass fishing, from spring through fall and even into the winter months when bass may be more lethargic and less willing to chase fast-moving baits.

How to rig a ned rig…

1. Select Your Components: Choose a mushroom-shaped jig head appropriate for the size and weight you need. Then, select a soft plastic bait, typically a finesse-style stick worm or creature bait, in a size and color that matches the local forage.
2. Thread the Bait: Insert the tip of the jig head into the head of the soft plastic bait and thread it onto the hook until it reaches the bend. Ensure the bait is straight and evenly threaded onto the jig head to maintain its natural appearance.
3. Optional Texpose the Hook: If desired, you can slightly expose the hook point by pushing it through the bait’s body near the head, ensuring a better hook set while still maintaining a relatively weedless presentation.
4. Check Rigging: Before casting, inspect the rig to ensure the bait is securely attached to the jig head and sits straight. Make any adjustments as needed to ensure proper presentation and action in the water.
5. Fish Slowly and Methodically: Cast the Ned rig near potential bass-holding areas such as structure, cover, or drop-offs, and retrieve it slowly along the bottom with occasional pauses to mimic natural prey. Pay close attention to any subtle bites or changes in line tension, as strikes from largemouth bass can be subtle when fishing with finesse techniques like the Ned rig.

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