How to Rig a Ned Rig

The ned rig is the most beginner-friendly finesse technique in bass fishing. A small mushroom-head jig paired with a short stick bait catches everything that swims — largemouth, smallmouth, spotted bass, walleye, and panfish. Its simplicity is its greatest strength.

Components

Step-by-Step Rigging

Step 1: Choose Your Line Setup

You have two options:

Straight Fluorocarbon (simplest): Spool 6-8lb fluorocarbon directly onto your reel. This works for most ned rig fishing and keeps things streamlined.

Braid to Fluorocarbon Leader: Use 6-10lb braid as your main line and tie a 5-6 foot fluorocarbon leader using a Double Uni Knot or FG Knot. This gives you better sensitivity and casting distance.

Step 2: Select the Jig Head

Mushroom-head jigs are the standard ned rig jig because the flat head design:

• Stands the bait up off the bottom when at rest
• Falls slowly with a gliding action
• Has a compact profile that matches the short baits

Step 3: Tie the Knot

Tie the jig to your fluorocarbon using the Palomar Knot:

1. Double 6 inches of line and pass the loop through the jig eye
2. Tie a simple overhand knot with the doubled line
3. Pass the loop over the entire jig head
4. Moisten and pull tight

The Palomar is the best choice because it tests at 95%+ strength and is fast to tie with cold or wet hands. An Improved Clinch Knot also works well.

Step 4: Thread the Bait

1. Insert the hook point into the center of the bait’s flat head
2. Push the hook straight through the center of the bait, keeping it aligned
3. Slide the bait up until it sits flush against the mushroom head

The bait should be straight on the hook — no curves or bends. A straight bait stands up off the bottom naturally and gives the best action.

Best Ned Rig Baits

Material matters: ElaZtech (buoyant) baits float the tail upward when at rest, which helps the rig stand up. Standard plastisol baits are neutrally buoyant — they still work, but they do not stand up as dramatically.

How to Fish a Ned Rig

Cast and Drag

1. Cast to your target
2. Let the jig fall to the bottom on a semi-slack line
3. Drag slowly with the rod tip — 6 to 12 inch pulls followed by a pause
4. Let the bait sit motionless for 3-5 seconds between drags
5. Reel up the slack after each drag

Swim and Hop

1. Cast out and let the jig settle
2. Lift the rod tip 1-2 feet to hop the bait off the bottom
3. Let it fall back on a semi-slack line — most bites come on the fall
4. Repeat with short hops

Dead Stick

1. Cast and let the bait sit on the bottom
2. Do nothing for 10-30 seconds
3. Give it one small twitch, then let it sit again
4. This technique is lethal during cold fronts and tough bites

Where to Fish It

The ned rig works almost everywhere, but it excels on:

• Rocky banks and chunk rock — the jig bounces over rocks naturally
• Points and ridges — drag it along depth transitions
• Docks and piers — skip it under cover
• Post-frontal conditions — when bass are not actively feeding
• Pressured lakes — the subtle profile fools wary bass

Common Mistakes

1. Fishing too fast — the ned rig is a slow technique. Slow down, then slow down more
2. Using too heavy a jig — lighter is almost always better with a ned rig
3. Overworking the bait — the best ned rig action is barely any action at all
4. Using too heavy a line — anything over 8lb fluorocarbon is too stiff and kills the natural fall
5. Setting the hook too hard — a firm lift is all you need. These are small light-wire hooks — a bass tournament hookset will straighten them or rip the bait