Ned rig fishing: a beginner’s guide
Simple, subtle and deadly on pressured fish: the Ned rig has become one of the most popular finesse set-ups. Here is how to rig and fish it.
What is the Ned rig?
The Ned rig is a finesse set-up from the United States. It pairs a small mushroom-shaped jig head with a short soft lure, often buoyant: on the bottom the lure stands upright, tail up, imitating a small baitfish, crayfish or bottom-feeding insect.
The set-up
Thread the lure onto the hook of the NED head, with the keeper holding it in place. A short, slim lure (often 5 to 8 cm) works well. In cover, choose the weedless NED head with its protected point.
Choosing the NED head weight
The deeper or faster the water, the heavier the head. Our NED heads range from 1.8 g to 5.3 g depending on the model. Rule of thumb: the lightest head that lets you feel the bottom. More in our weight and hook guide.
The retrieve
- Let the lure settle on the bottom.
- Drag it slowly, with small twitches, or hop it gently.
- Pause often: most bites come when the lure is still. Don’t be afraid of long pauses.
Tackle
A light, sensitive spinning rod, fine line and a fluorocarbon leader are enough. A tungsten head improves bottom feel further.
Which species?
The Ned rig was born for black bass, but it also catches perch, zander and other predators when they are cautious or inactive.
Why a tungsten head? See tungsten vs lead.
Frequently asked questions
What is a Ned rig?
The Ned rig is a finesse set-up from the United States: a small mushroom-shaped jig head paired with a short soft lure that stands upright on the bottom. See our Ned rig guide.
Weedless or standard version?
The weedless (Texas) version shields the hook point so you can fish through weed and near snags. The standard version leaves the point exposed for easier hooksets in clear water.
What jig head weight should I choose?
Pick the lightest weight that keeps contact with the bottom for the depth, current and lure. In finesse fishing 1.8 g to 3.5 g is often enough; in deeper water or current, move to 5.3 g, 7 g or more. See our guide to choosing a jig head.
