Ned Rig

Category: Techniques

The ned rig is a minimalist finesse presentation consisting of a small mushroom-head jig (1/16 to 1/4 ounce) paired with a short, buoyant stick bait (typically a Z-Man TRD or similar ElaZtech bait). The buoyant bait stands up off the bottom when the rig is at rest, creating an irresistible presentation that looks like a small creature or baitfish feeding on the bottom. The ned rig's effectiveness comes from its simplicity: cast it out, let it sink to the bottom, and retrieve it with slow, subtle drags and pauses. The standing presentation during pauses is the key trigger — bass find it nearly impossible to resist. Developed by Midwest finesse legend Ned Kehde, the rig was originally designed for smallmouth bass in clear Ozark reservoirs but has proven effective for every species of bass in every condition from cold (45°F) to warm (85°F) water. The ned rig is often the last-resort technique that produces when nothing else works, making it a confidence bait for tough-bite conditions: post-frontal, high-pressure, heavily pressured waters, and cold water. Light spinning tackle (6-8 pound fluorocarbon or 10-pound braid with a fluorocarbon leader) provides the sensitivity to detect subtle bites.