Done being ripped off for Ned Rig Jig heads! 2024
Simp reply :
So I've had trouble finding the Zman Ned Rig jig heads locally. So of course where you do find them they are jacked up in price. Dicks had a three pack for $6. Amazon has them from prices ranging at $6-$11. That's just insane! The darn thing is just a light jig head that stands up. So I'm sure like most anglers I've been looking for a local stocked alternative. Well I found one, and of all places at Wal-Mart. Arkie makes the perfect alternative and in my tests they stand up as well or better then the zman.
Here is a weedless version for $2.50, I said TWO FIFTY! https://www.arkiejigs.com/ARKIE-WEEDLESS-STAND-UP-HEADS-p/wmhp.htm
Here is a non weedless version with the exact type of hook keeper on zman for less then $4. https://www.arkiejigs.com/product-p/ded.htm
This is just a PSA! Buy them from a Bassresource sponsor if they sell them. I'm not pushing any store or website. I found mine at Wal-Mart and arkie is sold at a ton of locations. I found the weedless hook keeper to be thin and pointed enough to hold the elaztech as well.
Burke reply :
Not Bad Idea ----I would get the 1/8 the next time Im at the Wally World.
NorthwestBasser reply :
Luckily for me, a guy in my area who used to belong to my bass club makes some of the best, highest quality terminal tackle I've ever used. Very competitive pricing, we can buy direct when purchasing large orders or in a pinch, quite a few local shops carry his product. Ned rigs, dropshot weights, swimjigs, swimbait heads, football heads... you name it, he pours it! Wish I could promote him by name here!! But if you're in the Spokane/CDA area, you probably know who I'm refering to...
1201vilbig reply :
I know they are do nothing baits, but I wonder if that Arkie 3/0 hook is too big?
Simp reply :
On 4/3/2017 at 11:59 AM, 1201vilbig said:I know they are do nothing baits, but I wonder if that Arkie 3/0 hook is too big?
The weedless one linked has a slightly smaller hook but both will work fine.
ChrisD46 reply :
Try Gopher Jigs - also I believe there is a new jig mold from Do - It molds that looks good . You want a jig head with between a #4 to perhaps a #1 hook size for and a head size of between 1/32nd and 1/8th oz. max. A 3/0 hook is too big for a true Ned finesse application (unless talking about the big TRD which has morphed into God - knows - what at this juncture...)
**There is a guy from the Mid-West I saw on the Ozark forums who pours perhaps the best jig head for Ned applications (Bluebasser 86 or Team Nine probably know the guy ?) who has studied in depth the right hook size and head weight for max effect ... I want to say he is from KS. or MO. and went from just supplying a few to friends to now a small commercial operation . While not the cheapest - from what I recall his regular and weedless versions Ned jig heads appeared to be the best !
Bluebasser86 reply :
The bronze hook and large size would both be factors that would be a turn off to me. I've used them for their intended purpose (hula grubs/chompers), and they're just okay for that.
I'd be willing to guess that if you went with a smaller hook like what is suggested for a Ned rig, you could get away without having a weedguard. I fish mine in all kinds of junk, rarely snag up, and I never fished one with a weedguard.
On 4/3/2017 at 4:21 PM, ChrisD46 said:Try Gopher Jigs - also I believe there is a new jig mold from Do - It molds that looks good . You want a jig head with between a #4 to perhaps a #1 hook size for and a head size of between 1/32nd and 1/8th oz. max. A 3/0 hook is too big for a true Ned finesse application (unless talking about the big TRD which has morphed into God - knows - what at this juncture...)
**There is a guy from the Mid-West I saw on the Ozark forums who pours perhaps the best jig head for Ned applications (Bluebasser 86 or Team Nine probably know the guy ?) who has studied in depth the right hook size and head weight for max effect ... I want to say he is from KS. or MO. and went from just supplying a few to friends to now a small commercial operation . While not the cheapest - from what I recall his regular and weedless versions Ned jig heads appeared to be the best !
Believe you're referring to Dave from Lansing, KS. He makes an excellent jighead from what I've heard, and has countless hours perfecting the technique on Table Rock.
ChrisD46 reply :
Thanks Bluebasser 86 - That's the guy ... Dave .
Simp reply :
On 4/3/2017 at 4:24 PM, Bluebasser86 said:The bronze hook and large size would both be factors that would be a turn off to me. I've used them for their intended purpose (hula grubs/chompers), and they're just okay for that.
I'd be willing to guess that if you went with a smaller hook like what is suggested for a Ned rig, you could get away without having a weedguard. I fish mine in all kinds of junk, rarely snag up, and I never fished one with a weedguard.
Believe you're referring to Dave from Lansing, KS. He makes an excellent jighead from what I've heard, and has countless hours perfecting the technique on Table Rock.
Blue I've fished the zman one's and they hang up plenty. And I've had to straighten many out. Part of the reason I'm looking for cheaper alternatives. I've saw Neds videos on YouTube as well. Gopher jig heads aren't local to me and aren't carried. These are most likely in thousand of Walmart across the country and cheap. The top one isn't bronze as well and is 1/16th. I'm not a purest on what a Ned rig is and I dont give a ****. All we are talking about is a light jig head that stands up and the hook works as intended. I'm tired of way over paying for a piece of lead on a small hook. I won't be holden to zman or gopher for what is or isn't a Ned rig lol. I want something I can buy local and works well for the application. These do that!
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 4/3/2017 at 5:39 PM, Simp said:Blue I've fished the zman one's and they hang up plenty. And I've had to straighten many out. Part of the reason I'm looking for cheaper alternatives. I've saw Neds videos on YouTube as well. Gopher jig heads aren't local to me and aren't carried. These are most likely in thousand of Walmart across the country and cheap. The top one isn't bronze as well and is 1/16th. I'm not a purest on what a Ned rig is and I dont give a ****. All we are talking about is a light jig head that stands up and the hook works as intended. I'm tired of way over paying for a peice of lead on a small hook. I won't be holden to zman or gopher for what is or isn't a Ned rig lol. I want something I can buy local and works well for the application. These do that!
Why not just fish a small ballhead with a fiber guard? A ball head is going to stand up nearly as well (better imo but that's another discussion completely), and you can get them at almost any tackle store or Wal-Mart anywhere.
ChrisD46 reply :
Based on your last reply - then stay the course as you have found a solution that works for you ...
Simp reply :
On 4/3/2017 at 6:01 PM, Bluebasser86 said:Why not just fish a small ballhead with a fiber guard? A ball head is going to stand up nearly as well (better imo but that's another discussion completely), and you can get them at almost any tackle store or Wal-Mart anywhere.
Haven't I done just that? I found a local source that does the job of the zman heads for a fraction of the price. One for light application around rocks and one with a weedguard around brush and standing timber. These hooks are plenty small and around timber I'd prefer a slightly stouter hook. I do say slightly because this hook is tiny. It's fine if you want to push gopher or a local source. It's cool if you prefer crappie gear to fish this. I'm was just giving a PSA to people tired of being gouged by the zman jig prices. Plenty of jig heads that can do the EXACT job for a fraction of the price. Anybody who has a Walmart probably has these as well.
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 4/3/2017 at 6:26 PM, Simp said:Haven't I done just that? I found a local source that does the job of the zman heads for a fraction of the price. One for light application around rocks and one with a weedguard around brush and standing timber. These hooks are plenty small and around timber I'd prefer a slightly stouter hook. I do say slightly because this hook is tiny. It's fine if you want to push gopher or a local source. It's cool if you prefer crappie gear to fish this. I'm was just giving a PSA to people tired of being gouged by the zman jig prices. Plenty of jig heads that can do the EXACT job for a fraction of the price. Anybody who has a Walmart probably has these as well.
Not sure where I was "pushing" anyone's stuff? I answered a question another member had, but that's it.
I don't buy any of mine, I make all my own, for a fraction of the price and with much better components. I haven't bought a head for a Ned rig in years. However, I was in the same boat of not wanting to spend the money on the Gopher heads (the only Ned rig head available when I started fishing the rig), so I've messed with lots of different styles and types. It's pretty easy to find small ball heads with pretty decent hooks for a very reasonable price, and you can find them with weedguards easily as well.
I'm just making my suggestion to you from my experiences going down the same road. If you're happy with the conclusion you've come to, great, continue on.
Simp reply :
On 4/3/2017 at 6:40 PM, Bluebasser86 said:Not sure where I was "pushing" anyone's stuff? I answered a question another member had, but that's it.
I don't buy any of mine, I make all my own, for a fraction of the price and with much better components. I haven't bought a head for a Ned rig in years. However, I was in the same boat of not wanting to spend the money on the Gopher heads (the only Ned rig head available when I started fishing the rig), so I've messed with lots of different styles and types. It's pretty easy to find small ball heads with pretty decent hooks for a very reasonable price, and you can find them with weedguards easily as well.
I'm just making my suggestion to you from my experiences going down the same road. If you're happy with the conclusion you've come to, great, continue on.
I'm glad you've got your own set up. I just find it hilarious reading threw the ned rig resource of topics and the amount of "not a true Ned rig" is thrown around. It doesn't have to be gopher, zman, or any other name brand product. It also doesn't have to be fished a certain way. I don't fish this for smallies on pea gravel. I don't have that on my lakes. I have standing timber and chunck in 0-25 ft I fish this in usually. So at times heavier jig heads at 1/8 is better. That doesn't make it not a Ned rig. Nor does a slightly larger hook on the weedguard version. It's like the senko vs a thousand other stickbait debate again.
Team9nine reply :
Oh, you're still being ripped off, you just haven't realized it yet 
IndianaFinesse reply :
The mushroom shaped head is not necessary to make an elaztech bait stand up, they are buoyant enough to stand up any shaped head. We use the mushroom heads to slow the fall rate down a little, and they tend to get wedged into rocks less. I tend to slowly swim my "ned" rigs just above the bottom instead of dead sticking or dragging them on the bottom, but I do occasionally in very cold water. I'm not saying you can't use those heads, but the larger hook is going to snag more and will kill the action.
If you ever want to make your own, thats the cheapest way to go, they only cost me 6-10¢ depending on weather I use a wire keeper or not.
BTW, if I wanted a finesse bait for fishing in 12-25 feet of water, I'd cut to the chase and throw a shaky head, but it sounds like you're planning on doing that anyways though.
Jaderose reply :
This thread has a weirdly angry tone. Glad you found something that works for you.
Gundog reply :
Seems like the OP has a good solution. The reason I haven't tried a ned rig is I don't want to spend more money on a technique I might not use that often. But those mushroom heads I do use for my twin-tailed grubs. That lessens the expense.
NYWayfarer reply :
I use the Arkie weedless version stand-up jigheads from Walmart. They work just fine.
I haven't seen the non-weedless ones around me. If I do I will grab some.
ChrisD46 reply :
As for me , after specifically investing in a finesse outfit to run the Ned rig with I'm willing to try some varied jig heads that will get the right action I am looking for (i.e. that "no feel" reeling a Ned rig just off of the bottom) using mainly half of a Zinker on a #4 ~ #2 size hook and a half moon shapped jig head weighing between 1/16th oz. ~ 1/8th oz. If I stray outside of that range of jig head size (due to a windy day or other conditions) I find other methods of fishing for bass more productive than the Ned Rig.
BassThumb reply :
On 4/3/2017 at 4:24 PM, Bluebasser86 said:Believe you're referring to Dave from Lansing, KS. He makes an excellent jighead from what I've heard, and has countless hours perfecting the technique on Table Rock.
How do I get in touch with this guy? Does he have a website? Feel free to PM if you wish not to post it here.
I'd like to get a couple dozen Ned heads that are identical in shape and size to the Shroomz, but with just a slightly heavier hook. I've have bad luck with the hooks breaking right where the hook-keeper barb is soldered on. I generally twist that barb off and glue the TRD to the head of the jig.
waymont reply :
I have been getting great ned rig jig heads on ebay from 2 different sellers.
Packs of 10 for $5.99 or 7.99 including shipping. Do an ebay search for ned rig and they will show up.
The $5.99 heads have Eagle Claw hooks and the $7.99 heads have VMC hooks.
Both have been excellent and cheap.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Ned-Rig-Mushroom-head-1-16oz-10-pack-/122480164241?var=&hash=item1c8462fd91:m:m5Wf9afJjEjXajX1w08ZxGA
http://www.ebay.com/itm/1-16-oz-Ned-Rig-Midwest-Finesse-jig-heads-black-10-pack-/272714850329?hash=item3f7f126019:g:YXIAAOSwTM5YtjrH
RoLo reply :
So you're actually going to thumb your nose at the Magic Mushroom!! 
Roger
tander reply :
I buy these from Dave, $.60 unpainted with weed
guard.
cgolf reply :
I have personally had great luck with the Northland fireball jig. Short shanked wide gapped hook gives more action IMO than a gopher head jig.
gimruis reply :
I have been having some issues lately with the zman jig heads but it could be operator error. Twice in the past week I had a fish pick up my jig head with a TRD on it and I set the hook and there was a big fish on the end for about 1-2 seconds and then it was gone. Upon inspection both times, the hook had been straightened out some and the barb likely came out. I know those jig heads are light wire so maybe I am setting the hook a little too hard or my drag is too tight? I use 8 pound line on a spinning reel so it aint like I'm rearing back with a heavy action bait caster like I'm frog fishing. I should note that I was fishing in waters known to have big pike and muskies so it could have been a large esox with an iron jaw.
IndianaFinesse reply :
On 6/15/2017 at 8:18 AM, gimruis said:I have been having some issues lately with the zman jig heads but it could be operator error. Twice in the past week I had a fish pick up my jig head with a TRD on it and I set the hook and there was a big fish on the end for about 1-2 seconds and then it was gone. Upon inspection both times, the hook had been straightened out some and the barb likely came out. I know those jig heads are light wire so maybe I am setting the hook a little too hard or my drag is too tight? I use 8 pound line on a spinning reel so it aint like I'm rearing back with a heavy action bait caster like I'm frog fishing. I should note that I was fishing in waters known to have big pike and muskies so it could have been a large esox with an iron jaw.
Instead of "setting the hook", next time try just reeling into them quickly. Took me a while to figure that out, but my hooking and landing percentage went way up after I started doing that. It doesn't take hardly an pressure for the thin wire hooks to penetrate.
gimruis reply :
OK I'll try that instead and loosen my drag some too.
joe chum reply :
On 6/15/2017 at 8:57 AM, gimruis said:OK I'll try that instead and loosen my drag some too.
Do both of these. Makes a huge difference. I was guilty also.
cgolf reply :
On 6/15/2017 at 8:54 AM, IndianaFinesse said:Instead of "setting the hook", next time try just reeling into them quickly. Took me a while to figure that out, but my hooking and landing percentage went way up after I started doing that. It doesn't take hardly an pressure for the thin wire hooks to penetrate.
On 6/15/2017 at 7:11 PM, joe chum said:
Do both of these. Makes a huge difference. I was guilty also.
After losing a giant largemouth at the surface that straightened out a hook on me (happened to be a brand new slider head), I stay away from lightwire hooks, because even if you do everything right hookset wise a big girl can break your heart. The fireball jigs fill that need for me for my Ned rigging, and I am guessing there are other good options out there too.
Fishes in trees reply :
I have found that the weedless Arkie jig heads ( which are readily available at most mid-west Walmart Stores can be made non-weedless with a pair of pliers. Latch on to the wire weed guard and yank, and it comes out.
I do think that the larger hook messes with the action somewhat when paired with half an elaz-tech stick bait. Now, bubba it up a bit and use 3/4 of a larger stick bait, say the larger size of the Wave Tiki Sticks - and it works good.
I used to not believe that the hook size made a difference with a Ned rig, and now I do.
Changing the subject, I think that the non weedless Arkie jig heads in 1/8 oz size make great jig worm jig heads, just thread a 7" Berkley Power worm on to the head and throw it parallel to deep weed line edges.
You've found a decent jig head at a semi-decent price (as retail goes). I think it is a better fit for throwing power worms than it is for Ned rigs. JMO
J Francho reply :
http://www.gophertackle.com/mushroomjig.html
What Ned himself uses.
Scott F reply :
When using jigs with the molded in lead barb, how well do the Z-man Elaztech plastics hold on?
Choporoz reply :
On 6/15/2017 at 6:28 AM, tander said:I buy these from Dave, $.60 unpainted with weed
guard.
Hard to tell from these pics, but I don't see a keeper on those. I've tried some similar to these and used krazy glue, but wasn't happy. I've tried gophers, but I found that keeper also lacking and needing glue. I got some great looking no-name ones from someone. After a dozen small bass, I thought I was golden. But, then a straightened the hook on a good fish....heartbreak and I tossed those.
Now, I use the zman, exclusively. I understand the search for something more economical....I'm as cheap as they come. But, I have found nothing that works for me like zman. The keeper is perfect. The shape, line tie, hook size/strength....all are perfect for TRD. Like @Bluebasser86, I don't use the ones with weed guards and I don't think I've lost more than a couple to snags...and I fish in some very woody waters. So, simply due to the fact that I don't lose many, don't need glue, etc...the zman heads turn out to be every bit as economical a choice....and the peace of mind is worth at least another .50 per head to me.
cgolf reply :
On 6/15/2017 at 9:30 PM, Scott F said:When using jigs with the molded in lead barb, how well do the Z-man Elaztech plastics hold on?
I cut it off and just use locktite gel glue to hold it. I found the material a pain to work around any keeper, and in the end it eventually just slips down on every cast anyways.
Choporoz reply :
On 6/15/2017 at 9:30 PM, Scott F said:When using jigs with the molded in lead barb, how well do the Z-man Elaztech plastics hold on?
They don't...at all. Krazy glue helps, but for me, it's not worth the trouble.
Scott F reply :
On 6/15/2017 at 9:32 PM, cgolf said:
I cut it off and just use locktite gel glue to hold it. I found the material a pain to work around any keeper, and in the end it eventually just slips down on every cast anyways.
I've been glueing my TRDs to my Z-man jigs. Cutting off the lead barbs on other jigs isn't something I'd considered before.
cgolf reply :
On 6/15/2017 at 9:57 PM, Scott F said:
I've been glueing my TRDs to my Z-man jigs. Cutting off the lead barbs on other jigs isn't something I'd considered before.
It makes it so much easier, for some reason the Z man material bunches up on barbs and you have to futz with it to get it to look right. Love how durable the material is, it does have its quirks though.
Scott F reply :
I never liked glueing plastics before because trying to do it in the boat was always a disaster. On the Ned rigs, I do it at home ahead of time. Easier to get my fingers unstuck. Plus, getting the baits to lay straight trying to thread them on the jig isn't easy. I use an O-ring to mark the spot where the hook should come out.
buzzed bait reply :
bought me some of these with owner hooks (no weed guards on mine) and couldn't be happier with them!
fishwizzard reply :
On 6/15/2017 at 9:19 PM, J Francho said:http://www.gophertackle.com/mushroomjig.html
What Ned himself uses.
unless you talked to them lately, I don't know if Gopher actually still in business. I made an order back in January and never had my card charged and never heard anything about it. When I called to inquire the phone went right to voicemail no one ever responded to the messages I left. I've read about a few other people here and other places having a similar experience.
It's a shame, because I cannot find anyone else who makes a heads with smaller then #1 hooks and I strongly believe bigger hooks negatively influences the presentation.
Iluvsmallies reply :
On 6/15/2017 at 10:53 PM, buzzed bait said:bought me some of these with owner hooks (no weed guards on mine) and couldn't be happier with them!
Where did you get those beauties??
tander reply :
On 6/15/2017 at 9:31 PM, Choporoz said:Hard to tell from these pics, but I don't see a keeper on those. I've tried some similar to these and used krazy glue, but wasn't happy. I've tried gophers, but I found that keeper also lacking and needing glue. I got some great looking no-name ones from someone. After a dozen small bass, I thought I was golden. But, then a straightened the hook on a good fish....heartbreak and I tossed those.
Now, I use the zman, exclusively. I understand the search for something more economical....I'm as cheap as they come. But, I have found nothing that works for me like zman. The keeper is perfect. The shape, line tie, hook size/strength....all are perfect for TRD. Like @Bluebasser86, I don't use the ones with weed guards and I don't think I've lost more than a couple to snags...and I fish in some very woody waters. So, simply due to the fact that I don't lose many, don't need glue, etc...the zman heads turn out to be every bit as economical a choice....and the peace of mind is worth at least another .50 per head to me.
You are right, it doesn't have a keeper. Like others. I glue them on with Locktite Super Gel. I like gluing them on rather than the Z Man keeper.
Munkin reply :
| Hooks That Will Fit This Mold | ||||||
| Hook Style | 1/16oz. Cavity | 3/32oz. Cavity | 1/8oz. Cavity | 5/32oz. Cavity | 3/16oz. Cavity | 1/4oz. Cavity |
| Owner 5313 | 1 & 1/0 | 1 - 2/0 | 1 - 2/0 | 1 - 2/0 | 1 - 2/0 | 1 - 2/0 |
| Gamakatsu 114 | 1 & 1/0 | 1 - 3/0 | 1 - 3/0 | 1 - 3/0 | 1 - 3/0 | 1 - 3/0 |
| Owner 5318 | 1/0 | 1/0 - 4/0 | 1/0 - 4/0 | 1/0 - 4/0 | 1/0 - 4/0 | 1/0 -4/0 |
| Sohumi 90º Hooks | 4 - 1/0 | 4 - 1/0 | 2 - 1/0 | 2 - 1/0 | 2 - 1/0 | 2 - 1/0 |
| Eagle Claw 500BP | 2 - 1/0 | 2 - 2/0 | 2 - 2/0 | 2 - 2/0 | 1 - 2/0 | 1 - 2/0 |
| Eagle Claw 570 | 4 - 2/0 | 2 - 2/0 | 2 - 2/0 | 2 - 2/0 | 2 - 2/0 | 2 - 2/0 |
| Mustad 32755 | 2 - 1/0 | 2 - 1/0 | 2 - 1/0 | 2 - 1/0 | 2 - 1/0 | 2 - 1/0 |
Do-It Midwest Finesse Jig Mold
The chart is from Barlows Tackle showing which hooks fit the mold.
Allen
cgolf reply :
Stopped at a Walmart today to pick up some Triple A battaries and the Arkie 1/8 heads was the only tackle that called my name. They look really good pared with the Big TRD and I will be giving them a good workout on docks very soon.
I too too am a bit frustrated/blown away by the defense of the Ned rig definition. It's a bit like the unwritten rules of baseball;) somebody will toss one inside on us if we misstep lol. I just want to catch fish, if a light jig head and small plastic does it, that is what I will use, have been doing it for years as it is.
Bluebasser86 reply :
I use to be in the glue it on camp, but since I bought the Midwest Finesse mold, I don't have glue in the boat anymore. This is one of the heads, with a Hula Stick that had over 70 fish to its credit with no glue and no slipping thanks to the keeper. They're a pain to pour, but they cost me about $.05 a jighead to make.
I pour mine on the Eagle Claw Lil' Nasty, great hooks for the Ned rigs.
ClackerBuzz reply :
On 4/3/2017 at 6:01 PM, Bluebasser86 said:Why not just fish a small ballhead with a fiber guard? A ball head is going to stand up nearly as well (better imo but that's another discussion completely), and you can get them at almost any tackle store or Wal-Mart anywhere.
X2. I didn't want to buy special tackle until I was sure I liked the Ned rig so I made due with 1/16 oz crappie jigs with the good ole gold Eagle claw #4 or 6 hook. They worked so well I thought about switch back to them this season. But now that I see that wire bait keeper
cgolf reply :
On 6/18/2017 at 1:57 PM, Bluebasser86 said:I use to be in the glue it on camp, but since I bought the Midwest Finesse mold, I don't have glue in the boat anymore. This is one of the heads, with a Hula Stick that had over 70 fish to its credit with no glue and no slipping thanks to the keeper. They're a pain to pour, but they cost me about $.05 a jighead to make.
I pour mine on the Eagle Claw Lil' Nasty, great hooks for the Ned rigs.
Wish I would have gotten into making jigs years ago, with the stance WI is starting to take on lead, I am not going to invest in the equipment now that I may only get a few years use out of. If gopher tackle is out of buisness that would bite, because I am pretty much out of those heads.
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 6/18/2017 at 8:55 PM, cgolf said:
Wish I would have gotten into making jigs years ago, with the stance WI is starting to take on lead, I am not going to invest in the equipment now that I may only get a few years use out of. If gopher tackle is out of buisness that would bite, because I am pretty much out of those heads.
You can pour other materials to get around potential lead bans. @Will Wetline pours some alternate material heads with his Midwest Finesse mold.
Will Wetline reply :
On 6/18/2017 at 9:04 PM, Bluebasser86 said:You can pour other materials to get around potential lead bans. @Will Wetline pours some alternate material heads with his Midwest Finesse mold.
I'm using Drop Out mold release and casting a lead free alloy of 88%bismuth/12% tin which is about 85% the weight of lead.
https://www.rotometals.com/bullet-casting-alloys/
If you want to get the jig you just poured out of the mold and you're using an alloy containing
bismuth - which expands as it cools - you must use this mold release.
It then becomes real easy to remove by gripping the jig head itself, not the sprue, with linemans pliers and pulling it straight out. Incidentally, this alloy is hard enough so you're not marking the jig head by gripping it. I don't know if this would be the case with soft lead.
Munkin reply :
On 6/18/2017 at 1:57 PM, Bluebasser86 said:They're a pain to pour, but they cost me about $.05 a jighead to make.
I pour mine on the Eagle Claw Lil' Nasty, great hooks for the Ned rigs.
Pain to pour is the best way to describe this mold. Trying to keep that little wire keeper in the mold while closing it sucks.
Allen
cgolf reply :
On 6/18/2017 at 11:57 PM, Munkin said:
Pain to pour is the best way to describe this mold. Trying to keep that little wire keeper in the mold while closing it sucks.
Allen
Could you guys tie the keeper on later after the jig was molded? I have done that on a few jigs in the past. Hit the thread with some glue or nail polish and it will be solid. Might be easier than fighting the mold.
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 6/19/2017 at 2:19 AM, cgolf said:
Could you guys tie the keeper on later after the jig was molded? I have done that on a few jigs in the past. Hit the thread with some glue or nail polish and it will be solid. Might be easier than fighting the mold.
Yes you could, but that's even more time consuming than getting the keeper in the mold. It's a pain, but the positives of the keeper outweigh the pains of getting them in place.
Joshua Vandamm reply :
On 6/15/2017 at 10:48 PM, Scott F said:I never liked glueing plastics before because trying to do it in the boat was always a disaster. On the Ned rigs, I do it at home ahead of time. Easier to get my fingers unstuck. Plus, getting the baits to lay straight trying to thread them on the jig isn't easy. I use an O-ring to mark the spot where the hook should come out.
Thin strip of self adhering clear stretch tape by gorilla. No glue involved. Hold strong in water. Keeps the plastic secure.
fishwizzard reply :
On 11/6/2017 at 2:51 PM, Jvanda1 said:Thin strip of self adhering clear stretch tape by gorilla. No glue involved. Hold strong in water. Keeps the plastic secure.
Wait, you mean to wrap it around the lure, then exit the hook through the tape?
Joshua Vandamm reply :
On 11/7/2017 at 7:25 AM, fishwizzard said:Wait, you mean to wrap it around the lure, then exit the hook through the tape?
Yes and no. lol
rig the lure/worm(etc.) tex-posed, then wrap the clear "tape" snuggly around the nose/head of the bait, just below the hook eye.
primetime reply :
When I fish the TRD and I need to use heavier line which is too heavy for a light wire hook, I use the light 1/16 Lazer Trokar Boxer jigheads for saltwater and they work just fine.
I also have done plenty good simply crimping a split shot to the nose and texas rigging half a zinker to keep it completely weedless.
I don't like weedless jigs or weedguards because I feel it costs me fish, plus weedguards also snag grass just like a hook. I find when fishing weeds that are not too crazy, on lighter line I catch most of my fish popping my jigs off of the grass, I use light darter heads, ball heads, even the cheap eagle claw jigs you see at walmart.
The ned rig is simply a buoyant worm that is elaztech "I think it helps but take any small stick bait or tube & not sure making it stand vertical is the end all be all". I believe the guy Ned who created the technique started out with a 3" Dinger, Larew small ringed brush hog style bait, and a few other small baits.
The Ned rig using Elaztech does have a different look after they get beat up since the plastic kind of breathes, but that only matters in clear water or if fishing really slow imo. They also last forever, so one pack of Zinkers or Trd's and you are good to go for a long time. I view it as a downsized jig worm like a slider rig only vertical, fishing a slider worm on 6lb test will usually work pretty good in same situations.
In colder water I honestly think a light 1/32 darter head jig works the best for me with a tiny fluke or tiny piece of a zinker, or just a 3" stick o. They usually strike it on the fall anyway or when strolling it slowly above the bottom. There is no wrong way to fish a "Ned Rig or Jig worm". If a worm floats, it will float a pegged bullet weight and light wire worm hook.
TheRodFather reply :
I just use ball head jigs with #2 (I think) hooks, that I get in bulk from the LTS. I use Gorilla super glue as I found it doesn't attack the Elaztech like the locktight brand does. Rig the bait, long as it looks straight, pull back the TRD from the ball, a dab of glue on the shank towards the ball, and then push the TRD back into place and let dry.
Maybe the small mouth don't bite it as often as they would if I was using the "correct" jighead for the technique. But I will say that the my Ned is by far my most productive bait. And as long as I don't go too heavy on the weight of the jig I rarely get them hung where I can't unsnag it with the usual tricks (fishing the very rocky Susquehanna).
I learned this from a profitable guide that I know, I imagine he was going through a ton of the shroom heads and needed to find a cheaper alternative that caught fish. Oddly enough, he is even sponsored by Zman.
TRF
Joshua Vandamm reply :
On 11/9/2017 at 9:42 AM, primetime said:When I fish the TRD and I need to use heavier line which is too heavy for a light wire hook, I use the light 1/16 Lazer Trokar Boxer jigheads for saltwater and they work just fine.
I also have done plenty good simply crimping a split shot to the nose and texas rigging half a zinker to keep it completely weedless.
I don't like weedless jigs or weedguards because I feel it costs me fish, plus weedguards also snag grass just like a hook. I find when fishing weeds that are not too crazy, on lighter line I catch most of my fish popping my jigs off of the grass, I use light darter heads, ball heads, even the cheap eagle claw jigs you see at walmart.
The ned rig is simply a buoyant worm that is elaztech "I think it helps but take any small stick bait or tube & not sure making it stand vertical is the end all be all". I believe the guy Ned who created the technique started out with a 3" Dinger, Larew small ringed brush hog style bait, and a few other small baits.
The Ned rig using Elaztech does have a different look after they get beat up since the plastic kind of breathes, but that only matters in clear water or if fishing really slow imo. They also last forever, so one pack of Zinkers or Trd's and you are good to go for a long time. I view it as a downsized jig worm like a slider rig only vertical, fishing a slider worm on 6lb test will usually work pretty good in same situations.
In colder water I honestly think a light 1/32 darter head jig works the best for me with a tiny fluke or tiny piece of a zinker, or just a 3" stick o. They usually strike it on the fall anyway or when strolling it slowly above the bottom. There is no wrong way to fish a "Ned Rig or Jig worm". If a worm floats, it will float a pegged bullet weight and light wire worm hook.
I mostly agree do the same with splitshot but on a snap so it’s more respoive to shaking. Splitshot right over the snap holds the snap in place even better actually also.
There is just something about the ned rig tho. It works when a light shakie head doesn’t sometimes. No clue why.
Interesting about the trokar jigs. Hadn’t heard of them.
...just looked them up. Swim jigs? There’s no way those will stand up vertically.
Note: to make any work (even elaztech) way more buoyant, just soak them in water over night. Or an hour even. It’s the salt that makes them all sink.
Joshua Vandamm reply :
On 11/7/2017 at 7:25 AM, fishwizzard said:Wait, you mean to wrap it around the lure, then exit the hook through the tape?
....it’s not something I do much on straight shank. Works better on z-bent hooks like EWGs etc.
primetime reply :
On 11/9/2017 at 10:35 AM, Jvanda1 said:
I mostly agree do the same with splitshot but on a snap so it’s more respoive to shaking. Splitshot right over the snap holds the snap in place even better actually also.
There is just something about the ned rig tho. It works when a light shakie head doesn’t sometimes. No clue why.
Interesting about the trokar jigs. Hadn’t heard of them.
...just looked them up. Swim jigs? There’s no way those will stand up vertically.
Note: to make any work (even elaztech) way more buoyant, just soak them in water over night. Or an hour even. It’s the salt that makes them all sink.
I don't worry about standing vertical, I find sometimes it works better with a salted bait, but I agree, some days you need light line, thin guage hook really small like the Gopher style heads, and the Jig heads I buy I found at Dicks.
Lazor Trokar Boxer Jig heads which will stand them upright. 1/16 and hooks are saltwater but small and sharp, doesn't add too much weight. If you want to get them to stand you can just add a carolina spacer and peg it with a bobber stop, Texas rig it with a light wire straight shank worm hook in #4. Mister Twister keeper hooks work well with Elaztach, The Jig heads are always on sale for $5 instead of $10. I agree, it is different than a shaky head, but I grew up fishing Jig worms, When Brewer started the Slider trend, it was the same type deal of how the Ned rig is today.
Do nothing thin finesse worm, flat head that glides and 6lb test line. I still prefer the slider Jig heads most of the time over any other jighead, if it lands flat that is fine, I can lift it and let it fall, or just reel it straight line the Slider system was all about.
I also soak my zinkers to get the pores open, I leave them in a tub of gulp, helps add scent since I fish stained water mostly and it is not all that great in stained water but in winter tiny baits do work awesome.
I have used the Z-Man heads and they work fine, I just feel I can buy better jigs much cheaper with the same Asprin style head. Oldham makes a weedless Tube Jig that works well, especially for a bigger TRD..Cheap also....Hope that helps.
Joshua Vandamm reply :
On 11/9/2017 at 9:26 PM, primetime said:Lazor Trokar Boxer Jig heads which will stand them upright. 1/16 and hooks are saltwater but small and sharp, doesn't add too much weight. If you want to get them to stand you can just add a carolina spacer and peg it with a bobber stop,
Interested but confused...how do you make them stand up?
On 11/9/2017 at 9:26 PM, primetime said:Oldham makes a weedless Tube Jig
Thats brilliant man. Never would have though to use a tube jig.
primetime reply :
On 11/12/2017 at 6:23 AM, Joshua Vandamm said:Interested but confused...how do you make them stand up?
Thats brilliant man. Never would have though to use a tube jig.
I usually don't worry if they stand up or not. I honestly do not think it makes a difference, just my opinion but I notice the elaztech once the salt is soaked out, will stand on almost any jig head you use, or at least be 45%.
I have wacky rigged the trd, put a nail in the front, and with those boxer jigs being so light, they actually stand up and the hooks are small, #4 I believe,
The Oldham tube jigs are good because the hooks are light, they have a good weed guard if you want one, and they are stand up jigs. Glad it helped give you some ideas.
"Ned" who created this rig started using the old 3" Dingers which had salt, the larew Small HO daddy and beetles for baits. In Fisherman has a few articles explaining this technique and it was more based on being Frugal which is why they originally favored Z-Man since the baits last forever.
I have read that certain pro's like the bait not standing, and if you ever put a 3" Senko of any brand on the hook, sometimes I feel as though the extra salt allows it to get bit more, I usually don't worry about how well it stands, but I do notice the more beat up a zinker get's, the better it works, especially in clear water. Z-Man baits are bouyant at first, they have salt, they only truly float after the pores open up....Just my take but the in fisherman covers this method in detail and is a good resource from the guys who have 100+ days, can't say I have had any 50+ myself.
TnRiver46 reply :
I've been doing it this way for a decade. No weed guard required.
PaBassMan13 reply :
I actually started using the Berkley Half Head Jigheads (Mushroom Jigs). They typically sell for $3.99 for an 8 pack which I consider a very good bargain. I exclusively use the 1/16 oz. They also hold baits very well. Thye use a size #1 hook which I think is just right (not too big; not too small).
Bluebasser86 reply :
Ned has started using VMC NME Neon Moon eye jigheads now, so everyone needs to start buying those to maintain compliance with the rules of Ned rigging 
The shape/style of jighead really isn't important. What is important is that it's lightweight, and it has a small, lighter wire hook to allow the bait to have its subtle action. It doesn't have to be a mushroom head to work.
fishwizzard reply :
I started oit using the VMC halfmoon head and they have the most brittle hooks I have ever used. I just saw that Barlows Tackle sells heads that appear to be from the new MWF mold, but with #4 hooks on the 1/16oz size. I have not ordered any yet I have a few other I alreay bought and need to try out, but they look like a good option.
DSTN reply :
Dang, I was avoiding using the VMC Neon Moon Eye heads so I wasn't violating the ned rig protocol. They look solid but cost a little bit more than the heads I usually use so I haven't gotten around to trying them out.
the reel ess reply :
CADMAN has them. He's on this board.
TnRiver46 reply :
On 1/13/2018 at 11:29 AM, Bluebasser86 said:Ned has started using VMC NME Neon Moon eye jigheads now, so everyone needs to start buying those to maintain compliance with the rules of Ned rigging
The shape/style of jighead really isn't important. What is important is that it's lightweight, and it has a small, lighter wire hook to allow the bait to have its subtle action. It doesn't have to be a mushroom head to work.
Blasphemy!!!!!!! Haha
Team9nine reply :
On 1/13/2018 at 11:29 AM, Bluebasser86 said:Ned has started using VMC NME Neon Moon eye jigheads now, so everyone needs to start buying those to maintain compliance with the rules of Ned rigging
The shape/style of jighead really isn't important. What is important is that it's lightweight, and it has a small, lighter wire hook to allow the bait to have its subtle action. It doesn't have to be a mushroom head to work.
On 1/13/2018 at 11:19 PM, DSTN said:Dang, I was avoiding using the VMC Neon Moon Eye heads so I wasn't violating the ned rig protocol. They look solid but cost a little bit more than the heads I usually use so I haven't gotten around to trying them out.
On 1/14/2018 at 3:48 AM, TnRiver46 said:Blasphemy!!!!!!! Haha
Ned could have chosen any jig head or head style on the market to use and promote in lieu of the Gophers, including Z-Man's own mushroom head version designed to match their beloved plastics, yet he appears to have chosen the Moon Eye. Surprised? Blasphemy? Ask yourself why. If you know the answer, you've transcended the hype...
Part of my Moon Eye box. Been using them heavily for 6-7 years now.
d-camarena reply :
I use owner finesse jig head hooks, they are weedless. Size 1. Trd stands straight up. But i like using 3 inch senkos more. For exposed hood i use gopher
Or maybe they are size 2
DSTN reply :
I was only suprised to hear Ned was using the moon eye heads because everything I've read of his talks about the mushroom jigheads. I like the looks if the neon moon eyes but I like the ball head Double Cross crappie jigs I've been using so haven't been swayed to try anything else. They have a #3 hook for 1/16 and 1/32 oz sizes.
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