Uh... Yep, The Ned Rig Is Awesome 2024
RSM789 reply :
In regards to the Ned Rig, to quote the Monkees & Smashmouth, "I'm a Believer".
My lake is in post spawn, water temps in the low 70's. The last few weeks, I haven't done a good job imitating the fry that many of the bass seemed to be keying on. I'd catch fish, but I knew more were in the area, much more. So I decided to give the Ned rig a shot and in a fit of unusual common sense, bought the 1/16" mushroom jigheads & ZMan TRD worms to use. I figured to give it a fair shake, I should use the recommended version, not some rig I threw together with parts that were "close enough".
I started off the day like I often do this time of the year with a topwater bait. In the first hour, I caught 5 bass, 4 on a Pop-R and one on a small swimbait. As the sky lightened a little & it seemed like the bass were starting to move a little deeper, I started in with the Ned rig. Now, going against my original plan, I used a 3" Senko (Green Pumpkin) instead of the ZMan bait. Why? Because I'm an idiot & I like Senko's more than ZMan baits when wacky rigging them. In the next 2 hrs, I used up all 10 Senko's in catching 11 bass. The results were good, but the fish would just destroy the Senko every time. All of the strikes were on the drop, most likely because I was trying to swim the Ned Rig like a fluke, which wasn't producing.
So I finally give in & rig up the ZMan TRD, also in Green Pumpkin. Since my only strikes had been on the drop, I decide to stop trying to swim the rig & instead hop it on the bottom. I didn't realize it until later when i was done fishing, but with the TRD, the Ned rig stands straight up off the bottom. Hopping it makes it look like a small minnow picking food off the bottom. BINGO. Over the next 7 hrs., I caught 53 bass (up to 3 lbs) and a 7lb catfish with a beer belly larger than Billy Carter. Even better, all 53 fish were caught on the same single TRD, which I finally had to retire at the end of the day (I think it earned its keep).
There were a couple of things about this rig that I wasn't expecting. First, the hook up percentage is very high, I only had about 6 bites that didn't result in a fish. Second, the hook placement in the fish's mouth is deep. Even the smaller fish really choke this bait, most of the hookups were halfway down the mouth in the roof of the mouth as opposed to in the lip. Third, even though it is only 1/16 oz weighted bait, with braid (Nanofil in my case) & a fluorocarbon leader, I felt most of the bites. Part of that may be my experience of using a small weight when fishing Texas rigs, but I think the other part was that the fish pop this bait as if it was a fish that could potentially swim away.
I am now a convert to the Church of the Ned Rig, although the name Dookie rig does makes me smile. Below are pictures of the fat catfish and one of the bigger bass with little Mr. Ned sticking out of his mouth like a cigar.
Jeff H reply :
Good job! Sounds like a heckuva fun day!
Alonerankin2 reply :
Ned rig strikes again.. Sounds like you got a work out too, incidentally, that catfish is morbidly obese
BW208 reply :
Sounds awesome. What kind of bottom did you fish it on? Rocks? Weeds? Smooth? I tired it but I kept getting hung up in the weeds. I fish mostly heavy vegiated ponds...
gulfcaptain reply :
That catfish needs a job......been hanging out in OC being lazy for too long. I wondered how someone else around here would do fishing that rig. Glad it paid off. Just think that one TRD was way cheaper then those Senkos. Just don't store/mix the Z-mans with any other plastics or they melt and become a mess. Keep them in their own pack.
livemusic reply :
RSM789, are you in CA?
I just got in yesterday the exact same setup you fished. My lakes have a lot of cover; I am hesitant to fish open hook. Did you fish open hook? I wish they sold those in weedless jigs.
Your results are indeed impressive, what a day!
RSM789 reply :
On 4/25/2015 at 1:16 PM, BW208 said:Sounds awesome. What kind of bottom did you fish it on? Rocks? Weeds? Smooth? I tired it but I kept getting hung up in the weeds. I fish mostly heavy vegiated ponds...
Most of the areas are fairly smooth, a little bit of moss mixed with patches of small rocks and shell beds. There are some large pieces of broken concrete under & around some of the docks. No brush except that which me and a couple of others have planted. All in all, the rig came through it pretty well, only hung up maybe 3 or 4 times all day. I think it may have to do with the way the rig stands head up, similar to a shakey head, the hook point is pointed down. Being so slender, it also didn't hang up in the goopy moss.
This is just off the top of my head, but in a heavily weeded area, I wonder how Texas rigging it weightless would work? The weight of the hook should make it dive nose first, but without the 1/16 weight, it my stay on top of the weeds. I dunno, I am just guessing, it may turn out that other rigs work better in heavily weeded or wooded areas.
Team9nine reply :
On 4/25/2015 at 11:40 AM, RSM789 said:In regards to the Ned Rig, to quote the Monkees & Smashmouth, "I'm a Believer".
So I decided to give the Ned rig a shot and in a fit of unusual common sense, bought the 1/16" mushroom jigheads & ZMan TRD worms to use. I figured to give it a fair shake, I should use the recommended version, not some rig I threw together with parts that were "close enough".
Welcome to the congregation 
That little excerpt above is about the best piece of advice I would give anyone first wanting to try the rig out. As for fishing it in weedy areas, go to a 1/32 oz. head with some of the Elaztech plastics that will help float the bait over and around weeds without bogging in them. Could also go to one of the single strand guarded jigheads to help. Works good around regular weeds, but not much help in moss/algae. Takes a bit more patience, but works.
-T9
RSM789 reply :
On 4/25/2015 at 8:07 PM, livemusic said:RSM789, are you in CA?
I just got in yesterday the exact same setup you fished. My lakes have a lot of cover; I am hesitant to fish open hook. Did you fish open hook? I wish they sold those in weedless jigs.
Your results are indeed impressive, what a day!
Yes, Southern California.
I did fish it open hook, but there is not a lot of bottom cover in my lake. Isn't there a way to run a piece of real heavy mono-filament (100 lb test or so) to create a weedguard? I seem to remember some pro (Mark Davis?) doing something like that. If not, you could try it along the edges of the cover, my initial experience is that the fish have no problem coming out to get it.
Thanks, it was indeed a fun day.
lectricbassman reply :
Thanks for the info. Especially the "buy the right stuff" part. Im guilty of piecing this rig together too and it never works for me. I know what im buying next...
Senko lover reply :
With all the hype surrounding these, (positive, I might add!), I really need to try them. I think they'd be killer on ponds. Just wish I could find them at my local stores....do ya'll think BPS, Cabelas, or Gander Mountain would have them, or do I have to order online?
aceman387 reply :
You can buy the zero worms at bps. Just cut them in half and rig them on some 1/16 jig heads with a couple drops of super glue gel. My best colors are the peanut butter & jelly and the color called dirt.
Jeff H reply :
Nothing wrong with that Cat, she's full of eggs. You can even see them in the picture.
RSM789 reply :
On 4/26/2015 at 3:06 AM, Senko lover said:With all the hype surrounding these, (positive, I might add!), I really need to try them. I think they'd be killer on ponds. Just wish I could find them at my local stores....do ya'll think BPS, Cabelas, or Gander Mountain would have them, or do I have to order online?
The BPS out here had the BPS branded Shroom jig heads in stock as well as the ZMan TRD worms (2.5" long). Only reason I chose the BPS jig heads over the ZMan ones is I wanted to have a choice of hook size. I got the 1/16 oz in both size 1 & 1/0, ended up using the size 1 yesterday.
I could have taken Senko's (or Stiko's or any other stickbait) and cut them in half, but I went ahead & bought what the recipe called for. Like you, I really prefer Senko's over other stick baits (hence why I stupidly used the 3" models initially), but they just get destroyed. You will be amazed at the way the fish choke this bait. The TRD's are tough little baits, stay on the hook well and a bag of 8 will be good for catching 150 - 400 fish. You will probably lose more of these baits by breaking off or snagging than you will get chewed up by the fish.
My guess is that they will do well in a pond, they really do imitate the smaller minnows or craws when hopped on the bottom (although quite a few never reach it there before being intercepted by a fish). The light weight is also good for a pond, won't spook the fish even when cast long distance.
FYI, I found yesterday that the best hookset was similar to that which you do for a wacky rigged Senko, sort of a lean back pull as opposed to a reel down hammer move.
Senko lover reply :
On 4/26/2015 at 4:55 AM, RSM789 said:The BPS out here had the BPS branded Shroom jig heads in stock as well as the ZMan TRD worms (2.5" long). Only reason I chose the BPS jig heads over the ZMan ones is I wanted to have a choice of hook size. I got the 1/16 oz in both size 1 & 1/0, ended up using the size 1 yesterday.
I could have taken Senko's (or Stiko's or any other stickbait) and cut them in half, but I went ahead & bought what the recipe called for. Like you, I really prefer Senko's over other stick baits (hence why I stupidly used the 3" models initially), but they just get destroyed. You will be amazed at the way the fish choke this bait. The TRD's are tough little baits, stay on the hook well and a bag of 8 will be good for catching 150 - 400 fish. You will probably lose more of these baits by breaking off or snagging than you will get chewed up by the fish.
My guess is that they will do well in a pond, they really do imitate the smaller minnows or craws when hopped on the bottom (although quite a few never reach it there before being intercepted by a fish). The light weight is also good for a pond, won't spook the fish even when cast long distance.
FYI, I found yesterday that the best hookset was similar to that which you do for a wacky rigged Senko, sort of a lean back pull as opposed to a reel down hammer move.
I actually set the hook very hard with wacky rigged stickbaits, have a great hookup ratio.
livemusic reply :
On 4/26/2015 at 4:55 AM, RSM789 said:The BPS out here had the BPS branded Shroom jig heads in stock as well as the ZMan TRD worms (2.5" long). Only reason I chose the BPS jig heads over the ZMan ones is I wanted to have a choice of hook size. I got the 1/16 oz in both size 1 & 1/0, ended up using the size 1 yesterday.
I could have taken Senko's (or Stiko's or any other stickbait) and cut them in half, but I went ahead & bought what the recipe called for. Like you, I really prefer Senko's over other stick baits (hence why I stupidly used the 3" models initially), but they just get destroyed. You will be amazed at the way the fish choke this bait. The TRD's are tough little baits, stay on the hook well and a bag of 8 will be good for catching 150 - 400 fish. You will probably lose more of these baits by breaking off or snagging than you will get chewed up by the fish.
My guess is that they will do well in a pond, they really do imitate the smaller minnows or craws when hopped on the bottom (although quite a few never reach it there before being intercepted by a fish). The light weight is also good for a pond, won't spook the fish even when cast long distance.
FYI, I found yesterday that the best hookset was similar to that which you do for a wacky rigged Senko, sort of a lean back pull as opposed to a reel down hammer move.
What does BPS call their Shroom jigheads?
RSM789 reply :
BPS calls them "Shroom jigs. 3 different weights, 2 different hook sizes.
BrownBear reply :
Great story and info RSM789, along with everyone else.
Todd2 reply :
I've fished stick baits on heavier jigs for years. I guess I'm going to have to try going a little lighter if my normal jigs don't work. One question......why a mushroom head? Wouldn't a lighter jig of any type work?
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 4/26/2015 at 8:44 PM, Todd2 said:I've fished stick baits on heavier jigs for years. I guess I'm going to have to try going a little lighter if my normal jigs don't work. One question......why a mushroom head? Wouldn't a lighter jig of any type work?
It sits flush with the head and picks up fewer debris and doesn't hang as often. A lighter ball head ect. will work, but the mushroom head is the best option. The Elaztech baits are another key to this rig. It doesn't look like it does much, but it actually has quite a bit of very subtle action.
Todd2 reply :
Thanks Bluebasser...
cgolf reply :
Wondered what you guys were talking about, finally figured it out. Always saw the rig in in fisherman and assumed it was their rig. I have 2 rigged up for the opener next Saturday with anglers choice wart Hawgs cut in half, but probably to heavy of a jig, will see how they work.
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 4/27/2015 at 9:55 AM, cgolf said:Wondered what you guys were talking about, finally figured it out. Always saw the rig in in fisherman and assumed it was their rig. I have 2 rigged up for the opener next Saturday with anglers choice wart Hawgs cut in half, but probably to heavy of a jig, will see how they work.
The head and hook look a little big and the rig doesn't work as well with regular stick worms but I'm sure it will still catch fish.
frogflogger reply :
The mushroom heads give a particular action that regular jig heads don't - I've tried quite a few different heads and the mushroom is the most effective for me - also - I've always liked to use bigger hooks on light jig heads for bass but with this rig the smaller hooks allow for a more seductive action. They still hook and land large bass and even if they take it deep it is usually easy to extract.
cgolf reply :
On 4/26/2015 at 8:51 PM, Bluebasser86 said:It sits flush with the head and picks up fewer debris and doesn't hang as often. A lighter ball head ect. will work, but the mushroom head is the best option. The Elaztech baits are another key to this rig. It doesn't look like it does much, but it actually has quite a bit of very subtle action.
So the ned rig is using the Elaztech baits, or any senko like bait cut in half? Assume different baits cut would give different actions and sink rates. Not trying to hijack, just trying to figure out the rig.
Alrab23 reply :
I got out fished by a guy using the ball head and yum dingers, I was using the Ned mushroom hook and the elaztech worm made for the Ned. Of course there could have been several factors like line size or techniques, but I don't feel like it matters what kind off jig head you use as long as it's small. When I say out fished I mean he caught around 12 and I caught around 8. I love the Ned Rig.
Team9nine reply :
On 4/27/2015 at 7:59 PM, frogflogger said:The mushroom heads give a particular action that regular jig heads don't - I've tried quite a few different heads and the mushroom is the most effective for me - also - I've always liked to use bigger hooks on light jig heads for bass but with this rig the smaller hooks allow for a more seductive action. They still hook and land large bass and even if they take it deep it is usually easy to extract.
This ^^ - If you fish long enough with enough different jig heads, you'll see the difference. Not that you can't use others, but mushrooms definitely seem to be best overall, at least for the conditions the technique was originally created for.
On 4/27/2015 at 10:29 PM, cgolf said:So the ned rig is using the Elaztech baits, or any senko like bait cut in half? Assume different baits cut would give different actions and sink rates. Not trying to hijack, just trying to figure out the rig.
Technically, no. Depends on how close you want to stick to the "original." Elaztech is the material in Z-Man baits, as well as the Strike King Ochos. Other baits will fish and react differently being made of a different type plastic material, as well as differences in salt content or addition. They will all catch fish, but the best thing for anyone who wants to try Ned Rigging is to first begin with the exact original setup, Elaztech plastics and light (1/32, 1/16, 3/32) Gopher mushroom head jigs. Once you've fished those and learned how they react and why they work, then you can start playing with all the different component alterations that are possible. But until you have fished with the baseline rig, you'll have no basis for comparison...only another similar version that you won't have any idea why it's different than Ned's original setup.
-T9
dead end canal reply :
Don't know how to link vids, but this'll give you an idea how those Zman TRDs jiggle and quiver in an upright position
https://youtu.be/bd-YvSXhnmw
OCdockskipper reply :
How awesome is the Ned Rig? Well yesterday afternoon, I have a ZMan TRD tied on and am holding the rod out in front of me, about 6 feet off the top of the water. Suddenly, a swallow or sparrow or some kind of smallish bird zips in and tries to grab it. I instinctively jerk it back, at which time the bird does a 180 and goes after it again. This crazy bird was zipping around me like a fighter jet, hell-bent on eating that TRD.
The only thing I could think of to do to stop him was make a cast, so I quickly skipped it under a dock I was approaching. The bird made a halfhearted attempt to follow it, but then zipped up & away. A moment later, the line jumped and I had hooked up with a bass under said dock. I landed it, looked around for the Amelia Earhart of birds, but she was no where to be found. I was freaked out for the next 10 minutes.
To me, this means the Ned rig is effective for both fish & fowl. In fact, I believe I could have pitched it up on the shore and caught the dock owners cat for a triplicate.
gimruis reply :
I've also found that since its such a small lure/bait, its more of a numbers game tactic. It catches a lot of smaller fish and the occasional larger fish. If you're in a tournament looking just for larger fish and fewer bites (or you just wanna target larger fish), its not the best strategy. Also, since you're pretty much limited to lighter spinning gear, it doesn't work well in thick cover because a spinning setup doesn't horse fish out of those areas very well either. The best aspect of those elaztech plastics is their durability for sure.
MickD reply :
On 4/26/2015 at 6:57 AM, livemusic said:I could have taken Senko's (or Stiko's or any other stickbait) and cut them in half, but I went ahead & bought what the recipe called for. Like you, I really prefer Senko's over other stick baits (hence why I stupidly used the 3" models initially), but they just get destroyed. You will be amazed at the way the fish choke this bait. The TRD's are tough little baits, stay on the hook well and a bag of 8 will be good for catching 150 - 400 fish. You will probably lose more of these baits by breaking off or snagging than you will get chewed up by the fish.
Senkos are heavy, one of the advantages of the Z man grubs is that they are bouyant, which is part of the magic. Forget senkos, the Z man grubs are right and they last forever-no more replacing them due to fish damage (at least until you are almost to triple digit fish numbers). But , when fishing senkos wacky use rubber O rings and hook the O ring and not the senko and you usually can get at least a few fish on each one.
Drew03cmc reply :
The Ned is my go to when I'm just fishing to fish. I'm looking to go wade fish for smallies soon and can't imagine doing so without this setup.
OCdockskipper reply :
On 7/18/2016 at 4:53 AM, gimruis said:I've also found that since its such a small lure/bait, its more of a numbers game tactic. It catches a lot of smaller fish and the occasional larger fish...
Here is an example of that occasional larger fish, I caught her yesterday. She weighed 8 lbs even, hit a California Craw TRD on a 1/15oz Shroomz head. It is amazing how such a small, simple lure convinces so many big fish to munch down. I imagined her cruising past the TRD & just opening her mouth to filter it in like a Baleen whale...
A-Jay reply :
On 7/21/2016 at 5:01 AM, OCdockskipper said:Here is an example of that occasional larger fish, I caught her yesterday. She weighed 8 lbs even, hit a California Craw TRD on a 1/15oz Shroomz head. It is amazing how such a small, simple lure convinces so many big fish to munch down. I imagined her cruising past the TRD & just opening her mouth to filter it in like a Baleen whale...
Holy Smokes Dude ~
That Bass has a FREAKISHLY LARGE HEAD !
Congrats on the Frankin-Bass . . .
A-Jay
Tim Kelly reply :
Last saturday I had a surprising large perch munch a trd on the river. It was followed by one slightly smaller as I was winding it in. I caught the smaller one too a few minutes later. 19+" 4lb 11oz and 3lb 06oz. The bigger one was my largest summer perch by a long way. I've had a few larger ones in the winter when they're heavier anyway and more likely to get caught too.
gimruis reply :
Holy balls those are some big perch
Josh Smith reply :
For deep vegetation, I rig Ned rigs using weedless football head jigs. They stand up very nicely.
Josh
aceman387 reply :
I've had minimal success with The TRD until I tried one as a trailer on a 1/16 oz bitsy bug jig.This has been my go to combo all year.
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