How to Fish the Ned Rig: The Finesse Technique That Catches Bass When Nothing Else Will
The Ned rig looks like nothing — a 3-inch piece of mushroom-colored plastic on a tiny jig head. Yet it's one of the most effective bass techniques of the past decade, particularly for clear water and post-frontal conditions when more aggressive presentations get refused. Here's what makes it work and how to fish it.
What the Ned Rig Is
The Ned rig is a finesse presentation developed by Midwest fishing writer Ned Kehde. It consists of:
- A **mushroom-head jig** (1/16–3/16 oz, size 1–2/0 hook) — the flat bottom allows the bait to stand upright on the bottom - A **short stub worm** (2.5–3.5 inches) hooked through the nose, with the remaining body floating upward off the bottom
The upright tail posture is the key feature. Unlike other bottom presentations where the bait lies flat, the Ned rig stands the soft plastic tail up off the bottom, creating a small, subtle, tantalizingly vulnerable profile. The flat head also allows the lure to inch and pivot naturally with the slightest current or line movement.
**Components:** - Z-Man TRD (The Real Deal) — the original Ned worm, made from ElaZtech which floats and is extraordinarily durable - Berkley PowerBait MaxScent Flat Worm — scent-infused alternative - Z-Man Finesse ShroomZ jighead or similar flat-bottomed mushroom head
When the Ned Rig Excels
**Clear water:** The small, subtle profile and natural posture don't trigger the wariness that larger lures do in clear conditions. Bass can inspect it closely without being spooked.
**Post-cold-front conditions:** After a cold front passes, bass go inactive and tight to cover. The Ned rig fished slowly in place often provokes bites that nothing else can generate.
**Heavily pressured water:** On public lakes where bass see hundreds of lures per week, the Ned's subtle, non-threatening presentation frequently catches fish that have learned to avoid conventional presentations.
**Shallow rocky areas:** The stand-up posture and mushroom head are designed for rocky, hard-bottom areas. The flat head doesn't snag nearly as much as ball-head jigs on rocky substrate.
**When bass are "short-striking":** If fish are following but not committing to other lures, switch to a Ned. The short body means the hook is right at the bait — the fish has to eat the hook to eat the bait.
How to Fish It
**Standard technique:** Cast, let it sink on semi-slack line, let it settle on the bottom. Then do almost nothing — inch it forward with very subtle rod shakes, 6-inch drags, and long pauses. The posture does the work. Many strikes come on an extended pause.
**Shaking in place:** Hold the rod still and shake the tip rapidly (small, quick trembles). The tail vibrates and the bait stays mostly in one position. Extremely effective when fish are visible near the bait but won't commit.
**Slow drag:** Drag the bait 6–12 inches along the bottom, then stop completely for 5–10 seconds. The lure tips back upright after each drag. This is the most natural-looking presentation on hard bottom.
**What makes the Ned different from the drop shot:** The Ned sits on or very near the bottom; the drop shot suspends the bait above the bottom at a set height. Use the Ned when fish are tight to the bottom or in very shallow rocky areas; use the drop shot when fish are suspended off the bottom or in open water. Both have their time and place.
Gear for Ned Rig Fishing
**Rod:** A 6.5–7 foot medium-light or light spinning rod with a fast or moderate-fast tip. The sensitive tip transmits the subtle bites you'll receive and allows the delicate Ned head to load the rod on the cast.
**Reel:** 2000–2500 size spinning reel. You're fishing light so gear doesn't need to be heavy.
**Line:** 6–8 lb fluorocarbon or 10 lb braid with a 6–8 lb fluorocarbon leader 18–24 inches long. The light, invisible leader is critical in clear water situations. Straight fluorocarbon mainline eliminates the knot connection for the clearest presentation.
**Jig head size:** 1/16 oz in very shallow water (2–4 feet). 3/16 oz for standard depth up to 15 feet. 1/4 oz for deeper water or light wind. Lighter heads fall more slowly and allow the worm to stand up more naturally — go as light as conditions allow.
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