Why the Ned Rig Works in Winter

Don’t get comfortable!

I’m sure I don’t have to tell you about comfort-zone fishing. 

You know what I’m talking about. 

You're a spinnerbait guy right?

You’ve got every color and every size. You know how to keep it just below the surface of the water where it sends a ripple across the surface. Colorado blades, willow blades, and Indiana blades - you got em’ all! 

I’m here to tell you that throwing your confidence lure is hurting your chances in December!

Introducing your new go-to rig for cold weather!

There’s a rig that has changed the way I fish in December and it’s called the Ned Rig!

It’s a finesse fishing rig that uses a small, lightweight jighead (usually 1/16 oz to 1/8 oz) with a short, soft plastic bait - typically a stickbait or worm that is nose-hooked to allow the bait to stand up off the bottom.

This simple, subtle presentation creates a natural, slow-falling action that bass find irresistible, particularly in tough conditions.

To better understand what the rig is, I scoured youtube and came up with 3 great videos that will help you better understand what the rig is, how to use it, and some baits that work well on a Ned Rig. 

Let’s get into it. 

I’ve been using the Ned Rig for over a decade and this rig clearly performs best in cold weather. When bass become sluggish and are less likely to chase fast-moving baits. Because the head forces the bait to point down, it mimics the movement of a struggling or injured baitfish, making it a perfect fit for colder water. Here are 4 points to drive home the reasons why the rig works so well in winter:

Slow, Natural Presentation: In cold water, bass are less active and prefer an easy meal. The Ned Rig's small, slow-falling profile matches their lowered metabolism and preference for conserving energy. It’s fished near the bottom, where bass are likely holding, making it an excellent choice for winter fishing.

Subtle Action: The bait’s action is subtle but enticing. The small, finesse presentation (often with no added weight or extra accessories) creates a realistic, lifelike appearance that bass can’t resist, especially when they’re not actively chasing larger baits.

Easy to Use: The Ned Rig is effective for anglers of all skill levels because it requires minimal effort to use. Cast it out, let it sink to the bottom, and then drag or twitch it gently. The bait will do most of the work for you, and the slow movement in colder water is often all it takes to trigger a bite.

Effective in Clear Water: In winter, many bass fisheries experience clearer water conditions. The subtle, finesse action of stick bait is particularly effective in these situations where bass are more likely to scrutinize their prey and need something smaller and less intrusive.

The Retrieve:

Working a Ned Rig on the bottom is a bit different than any other rig. 

Here’s how I do it:

After the lure hits the bottom, I lower my pole pointing it at the bait. Then I gently lift the rod slowly dragging the lure on the bottom. It’s important to watch your line as a mid-winter bass bite can be very subtle.

Remember, these fish are cold and moving very slow so make sure your lure isn’t being popped or reeled in at a fast pace.

The idea is to keep the bait in constant contact with the substrate while giving it just enough movement to imitate a distressed prey item.

If your line moves sideways or tightens up when you are dragging it, set the hook! Hook-sets are free!