Ned Rigging is a finesse fishing technique that involves using a small plastic bait — typically a stick bait or craw — on a mushroom head jig. The technique is known for its effectiveness in catching a variety of fish species, particularly smallmouth bass. Here, we will explore the key elements of ned rigging and how to effectively use this technique to catch more fish.
Casting Technique and Bait Presentation
Ned Rigging is a finesse technique that can produce excellent results when targeting finicky fish. To be successful with a Ned Rig, rule number one is: Do NOT overfishing it. Many big bass have been caught across the nation by abiding to this simple rule.
Make long casts and get the bait out away from the boat. By casting to areas where the boat hasn’t passed yet, anglers can target finicky fish that may be spooked by the presence of the boat. In clear-water lakes, it’s important to attract fish from a distance. Dragging the bait for a bit, then jumping it up off the bottom and letting it sit for a while before repeating the process. This retrieval method helps attract fish that may be hesitant to bite.
The Importance of Side Imaging
One of the key advantages of ned rigging is its ability to target fish in deeper water effectively. Side imaging technology enables you to to identify key pieces on the spot, such as breaks where sand and rock meet or any big big boulders. This is crucial for locating fish in deeper water, as it allows anglers to pinpoint the areas where fish are likely to be holding.
Boat Control and Spot Lock
Another important aspect of finesse fishing, including ned rigging, is boat control. The angler emphasizes the importance of boat control in finesse situations. When fishing with a new rig, the angler prefers to fish from a fixed position. In shallower water, the angler uses a trolling motor with a spot lock in order to hold the boat in place after catching a fish. This allows them to fancast the area and catch more fish in that specific spot. In deeper water, the angler uses a spot lock on their boat’s trolling motor to stay in one place and continue catching fish in the same area.
The Quarantine Craw 425
The Quarantine Craw 425 is a 4.25-inch bait that has craw appendages on the back end to create tail action. It can be fished as a finesse crawl shape or with the appendages pinched off for a more traditional Ned Rig profile. The bait comes in nine colors and is formulated with Big Bite Bait’s new Sensation scent formula to increase bites.
The VMC Ned Rig Jig
The VMC Ned Rig Jig, which is specifically designed for ned rigging, features a large conical keeper to prolong the life of the plastic bait. The jig also has a forged chemically sharpened needle point hook with a hybrid wider gap, maximizing hook sets and keeping the fish pinned better than a traditional round bend hook.
Using the right rod and reel setup for ned rigging. We recommend using a medium power rod with a fast taper for long casts and a 3000-size reel with a larger spool for picking up line quickly when fishing at a distance.
Line and Leader
Bright-colored braid offers better visibility and detects line strikes. Pair the braid with a fluorocarbon leader of an 8-pound test for clear, open-water environments. The leader is about 6 to 8 feet long. For heavier weed fishing situations, the angler switches to a 30-pound test braid with a 15-pound fluorocarbon leader. This setup allows them to land fish even in heavy weed conditions.
The Effectiveness of Ned Rigging
Ned Rigging is a finesse fishing technique that can be highly effective in catching a variety of fish species, particularly smallmouth bass. The key elements of Ned igging include using side imaging technology to locate fish in deeper water, practicing good boat control and spot lock techniques, employing the right casting technique and bait presentation, and using the appropriate gear such as the VMC Ned Rig Jig. By following these tips and techniques, anglers can increase their chances of success with Ned Rigging.
