November’s killer rig: The Ned setup that delivers

Hey, Keith here. I’ll admit it: I’m a creature of habit. Once I get locked in on a certain lure, I’ll stick with it for far too long.

So, when I tell you it’s time to switch things up in November, that’s a reminder to myself, too.

I’m a self-admitted bank-beater. I love topwater baits like weightless flukes and floating crack-backs.

But when the water cools and bass get sluggish, my confidence bait becomes the Ned rig.

My latest trip to the Abita River in Louisiana reminded me why.

Today, I’ll show you how to fish the Ned rig in cold water, including what not to do and the best retrieve pattern, line choices, and plastics to make it shine.

BEST LINKS

What I looked at this week

• The Ned rig: Your secret weapon for December bass (OutdoorHub)

• 5 fish lures ultimate Ned jig review (Wired2Fish)

• WATCH THIS video before fishing the Ned rig! (Nathan Quince Fishing)

• Get the ultimate guide on how to fish a Ned rig (Anglers)

• 4 Ned rig retrieves you MUST try (become a Ned rig expert) (Steve Rogers Outdoors)

Deals of the week

• Dicks Sporting Goods has a pack of Z-Man TRD MinnowZ reduced to $3.47 from $4.99

• Scheels has a 5-pack of Googan Rattlin’ Ned Worms marked down from $4.99 to $2.49.

• Walmart has a Shimano SLX 150 XG Baitcast Reelmarked down from $224.99 to $114.99

DEEP DIVE 

Why November demands finesse

When water temperatures dip into the low 60s and 50s, bass metabolism slows and so does their willingness to chase. That’s where the Ned rig shines.

The beauty of this rig is its subtle presentation.

A lightweight head lets your bait hover and fall naturally, an easy meal for cold, lazy bass. In November, that realism matters more than anything else.

I noticed this firsthand on a recent trip to the Abita River. I usually fish the lake near my house, but low water made the river perfect for walking the bank.

I eased out onto a sandbar that jutted into the current and found a deep, dark hole. The first few casts were quiet.

Then I moved to a small eddy near a half-submerged log and made a cast. As my avocado-colored Z-Man TRD sank, I saw the line drift to the right. I reeled in the slack, set the hook, and landed a chunky 1.5-pound spotted bass.

I let that one go, made another cast, and repeated the process. In that single spot, I caught four more fish in quick succession.

Each bite came from the same slow, patient motion, lifting the rod tip gently from 9 to 12 and keeping a slight bow in the line. When it straightened, I knew what to do.

By the end of the morning, I’d caught and released thirteen bass. None were trophies, but each one reminded me why the Ned rig deserves a permanent spot in my tackle box. It’s not flashy or fast, but when temperatures drop, it’s the most reliable producer out there.

How not to fish a Ned rig

The biggest mistake anglers make is overworking it. The Ned rig isn’t a Shaky Head or a Texas rig. It’s meant to rest, not dance.

Cast it, let it hit bottom, and fight the urge to move it too soon. Most bites happen on the fall or when it’s just sitting still. Think of it as controlled inaction, the less you do, the more lifelike it becomes.

Many anglers also make the mistake of using heavy hooks or overly large plastics. A too-heavy jighead ruins the subtle fall and gives away the natural presentation that cold, sluggish bass prefer. 

It’s tempting to pull harder or faster when you’re not getting bites, but with the Ned rig, that often backfires. The faster you retrieve, the more you switch into chase-mode instead of triggering a lazy bass to eat.

The right retrieve pattern

Once your bait settles, slowly raise the rod tip from 9 o’clock to 12 o’clock. That gentle lift makes the lure crawl or stand upright before dropping back down, mimicking a small craw or baitfish.

After the pause, lift gently and let the bait glide back down. The descent can trigger reaction strikes from fish that are still lethargic but opportunistic.

If you get nothing after repeating the lift, pause, and glide, change your position or target slightly instead of speeding up the retrieve.

A slow but accurate presentation is almost always better than covering tons of water with quick casts that turn off cold fish.

Keep a bow in your line and watch carefully. If it shifts or straightens, reel down and set the hook. Cold-water bites are often whispers, not thumps.

What line works best

Cold-water finesse fishing demands sensitivity.

I recommend 6 to 8 lb. fluorocarbons like the P-Line Floroclear, nearly invisible and sensitive enough to feel the slightest tick. If you prefer braid, use 10 lb braid to a 6 lb fluorocarbon leader. The braid transmits feel, and the leader keeps things stealthy.

Avoid heavy line. The thick line ruins the natural fall rate and can spook clear-water bass.

The plastics that make it work

The Ned rig shines with buoyant, subtle plastics that stand upright on the bottom. My go-tos:

• Z-Man Finesse TRD: The standard. Durable, buoyant, and perfectly balanced. Green pumpkin and Canada craw are late-fall staples.

• Strike King Ned Ocho: Soft ribs add vibration and lifelike movement.

• Yamamoto Ned Senko: Slightly denser, great for deeper holes and windy conditions.

Stick with 2.5 to 3 inch baits and 1/16 or 1/10 oz mushroom heads. Lighter is usually better.

Key takeaways

1. Slow down. Let the bait do the work. Most bites come on the fall or when it’s resting.

2. Watch your line. Movement cues matter more than feel.

3. Use light gear. Small heads and fine line keep the presentation natural.

4. Stay patient. The Ned rig rewards anglers who commit to slowing down.