How do you fish a Ned Rig? Thread a small soft plastic onto a mushroom-head jig, cast it out, let it reach the bottom, and move it slowly. A gentle drag, small shake, or even letting it sit still can catch fish. It’s simple, beginner-friendly, and especially useful when the bite is slow.
What You’ll Need
- Mushroom-head jig: Start with 1/10 or 1/8 oz. Use a heavier head only when wind, current, or deeper water makes it hard to feel the bottom.
- Small soft plastic: Try the Pinchy Craw 2.5" or Go-to Grub 3".
- Light line: 6–10 lb monofilament is an easy starting point for beginners.
How to Rig a Ned Rig
- Push the hook point into the center of the bait’s nose.
- Thread the bait straight onto the hook.
- Bring the hook point out through the body.
- Slide the bait up until its nose sits flush against the jig head.
Check that the bait is straight. A crooked bait may spin or fall unnaturally.
How to Fish It
Cast out and watch your line. When it goes slack, the jig has probably reached the bottom. Then try one of these simple retrieves:
- Let it sit: Do nothing for a few seconds. Give fish time to investigate the bait before moving it again.
- Slow drag: Pull the bait gently along the bottom, then pause.
- Small shake: Lightly move the rod tip without pulling the bait far from its spot.
Bites may feel like a tap, extra weight, or sudden slack in the line. Reel down and lift the rod steadily instead of making a hard hookset.
When to Use a Ned Rig
- When fish are ignoring larger or faster baits
- In clear or cold water
- Around rocky or hard bottoms
- Any time you want a slow, simple presentation
Beginner Tips
- Move it less. Slow and subtle usually works better than constant action.
- Start light. A lighter jig falls more slowly and looks natural.
- Keep the bait straight. Re-rig it if it sits crooked.
- Stay patient. Let the bait pause before moving it again.
Want another finesse option? Try the Drop Shot. For weedless or open-water bottom fishing, see the Texas Rig and Carolina Rig guides.
Keep it light, move it slowly, and let the bait do the work. Tight lines!
Frequently Asked Questions
What size jig head should a beginner use?
Start with 1/10 or 1/8 oz. Move up to 1/4 oz only when you need help reaching the bottom in deeper water, wind, or current.
What bait works best on a Ned Rig?
Choose a small soft plastic that rigs straight on your mushroom-head jig. The Pinchy Craw 2.5" is a compact crawfish option for slow drags, small shakes, and pauses along the bottom. A bait doesn't need to float to work on a Ned rig.
What line should I use?
For a simple beginner setup, use 6–10 lb monofilament on a spinning rod and reel.
Why am I missing bites?
You may be setting the hook too hard or not noticing subtle bites. Keep an eye on your line, reel down when something feels different, and lift the rod steadily.
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