Ned Rig
Ned Rig pairs a 3–4" ElaZtech-style floating plastic (TRD, Finesse TRD, or similar) on a 1/15–1/6 oz mushroom head jig. The bait's buoyancy causes it to stand upright on the bottom, creating a subtle action that triggers bites when nothing else will. Exceptional on hard bottom, gravel, and rock.
Setup & Gear
| Rod | 6'10"–7'2" medium-light spinning rod, moderate-fast action |
| Reel | 2500 size spinning reel |
| Line | 10 lb braid + 8 lb fluorocarbon leader |
| Weight | 1/15–1/6 oz mushroom jig head (Z-Man Finesse ShroomZ or similar) |
| Hook | Size 1 or 1/0 wide gap, built into jig head |
Best Conditions
Clear water, hard and rocky bottoms, post-cold-front, heavily pressured fish, any season except peak summer spawn
Seasonal Tactics
Deadly on pre-spawn fish holding on gravel and pea-gravel flats in 4–12 feet.
Work deeper rock piles and main lake points. Drag slowly, let it stand. Green pumpkin and watermelon dominate.
One of the best techniques as fish get finicky before winter. Match shad colors on sandy/gravel bottom.
Best cold-water finesse technique after drop shot. Extremely slow drag on hard bottom near deep structure.
Use Z-Man ElaZtech plastics exclusively — they float and are nearly indestructible. Regular soft plastics sink and kill the technique.
Frequently Asked Questions
What rod and reel do I need for Ned Rig?
6'10"–7'2" medium-light spinning rod, moderate-fast action. Pair it with a 2500 size spinning reel, spooled with 10 lb braid + 8 lb fluorocarbon leader. Use 1/15–1/6 oz mushroom jig head (Z-Man Finesse ShroomZ or similar).
What conditions are best for Ned Rig?
Clear water, hard and rocky bottoms, post-cold-front, heavily pressured fish, any season except peak summer spawn
When is the best season to fish the Ned Rig?
Spring: Deadly on pre-spawn fish holding on gravel and pea-gravel flats in 4–12 feet. Fall: One of the best techniques as fish get finicky before winter. Match shad colors on sandy/gravel bottom.
What is the biggest mistake anglers make with the Ned Rig?
Use Z-Man ElaZtech plastics exclusively — they float and are nearly indestructible. Regular soft plastics sink and kill the technique.
More Techniques
Want to know when to throw this?
Ask Hank about your specific lake, water temp, and conditions — he'll tell you exactly what to tie on.
Ask Hank →