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FRESHWATER RIG LIBRARY

Ned Rig

A small, flat-sided mushroom jig head with a short, buoyant stick bait. On the bottom the head rests flat and the floating plastic tips up, gently moving.

Best forBass, peacock bass, sunfish
WhereRock, gravel, clear water
MethodFinesse bottom
DifficultyEasy
Ned Rig — BigJoe rig illustration
Main lineMushroom jig headBuoyant stick bait

Rig diagram (component order)

Ned Rig: Main line, Mushroom jig head, Buoyant stick bait

Step-by-step how-to

Ned Rig How To Graphic
Graphic: Tackle Village, CC BY 2.0, via Flickr

Step-by-step build instructions

  1. 1

    Tie the jig head directly to the line.

  2. 2

    Thread the stick bait onto the hook so it sits straight.

  3. 3

    Push it snug against the head; leave the point exposed.

  4. 4

    Cast and let it sink to the bottom on a slack line.

  5. 5

    Drag or hop it slowly. On the pause the tail stands up.

  6. 6

    Long pauses: many bites come while it sits.

BigJoe Tips

  • Lighter heads give more float and more bites.
  • Use a light-wire hook on spinning tackle.
  • Natural colors in clear water.
  • A little glue keeps the bait from sliding.

Variations

  • Mini craws or tubes instead of a stick.
  • Weedless Ned heads for grass.
  • Heavier head for wind or depth.
  • Trim the bait shorter for small fish.

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Target Species

Largemouth bassMicropterus nigricansButterfly peacock bassCichla ocellarisRedbreast sunfishLepomis auritus