Ned rig fishing for walleye is a popular technique among anglers. This rig is a finesse technique that uses a small jighead and a soft plastic bait to imitate a variety of prey species. The Ned rig is known for its versatility, and it can be fished in a variety of conditions and depths.
Understanding the Ned rig setup is essential for success. The rig consists of a small mushroom-shaped jighead and a soft plastic bait. The jighead is designed to stand upright on the bottom, while the soft plastic bait moves naturally in the water. The Ned rig is a finesse technique, and it requires a light touch and a slow retrieve. This rig is designed to imitate small prey species, such as worms, insects, and small baitfish.
Techniques for fishing the Ned rig for walleye vary depending on the conditions. In clear water, the Ned rig can be fished with a slow, steady retrieve. In murky water, a more aggressive retrieve may be necessary to attract the attention of walleye. The Ned rig can be fished in a variety of depths, from shallow water to deep water. In deeper water, a heavier jighead may be necessary to get the rig to the bottom.
Key Takeaways
- The Ned rig is a finesse technique that uses a small jighead and a soft plastic bait to imitate a variety of prey species.
- Understanding the Ned rig setup is essential for success, and it requires a light touch and a slow retrieve.
- Techniques for fishing the Ned rig for walleye vary depending on the conditions, and it can be fished in a variety of depths.
Understanding The Ned Rig Setup
When it comes to catching walleye, the Ned rig setup is a popular and effective choice for many anglers. This simple rig consists of a small jig head and a soft plastic bait, which is typically a small stick bait or finesse worm. The Ned rig is known for its ability to mimic natural prey and entice bites from even the most finicky fish.
Explanation Of How To Rig The Ned Rig Properly
To rig the Ned rig properly, start by selecting a small jig head that matches the size of your soft plastic bait. The jig head should be light enough to allow for a natural presentation, but heavy enough to maintain contact with the bottom. A 1/16 or 1/8 ounce jig head is a good place to start.
Next, thread the soft plastic bait onto the jig head, making sure to leave enough space at the top for the hook to be exposed. The bait should be rigged straight, with the tail end hanging freely. This allows for a subtle, lifelike action when the bait is retrieved.
When fishing the Ned rig, it’s important to use light line and a sensitive rod. The light line allows for a more natural presentation, while the sensitive rod allows the angler to detect even the slightest bites. A 6-8 pound test line and a medium-light spinning rod are good choices for Ned rig fishing.
Overall, the Ned rig setup is a simple yet effective way to catch walleye. By rigging the bait properly and using the right gear, anglers can increase their chances of success on the water.
Techniques For Fishing The Ned Rig For Walleye
Fishing with a Ned Rig can be a highly effective way to catch walleye. Here are some tips and techniques to help you get the most out of your Ned Rig fishing experience.
Tips On Using The Ned Rig To Target Specific Areas Or Depths
One of the benefits of fishing with a Ned Rig is that it can be used to target specific areas or depths where walleye are likely to be found. Here are some tips on how to do this:
- Shallow water: When fishing in shallow water, use a lighter jighead and a smaller plastic bait. This will allow you to keep the Ned Rig close to the bottom without snagging on weeds or rocks. A slow, steady retrieve is often effective in shallow water.
- Deep water: When fishing in deep water, use a heavier jighead and a larger plastic bait. This will allow you to get the Ned Rig down to the desired depth quickly. Once you’ve reached the desired depth, use a slow, steady retrieve to entice the walleye to bite.
- Weedy areas: When fishing in weedy areas, use a weedless jighead to prevent snagging. A slow, steady retrieve is often effective in these areas.
- Rocky areas: When fishing in rocky areas, use a jighead with a weed guard to prevent snagging. A slow, steady retrieve is often effective in these areas.
- Drop-offs: When fishing near drop-offs, cast the Ned Rig along the edge of the drop-off and let it sink to the desired depth. Once you’ve reached the desired depth, use a slow, steady retrieve to entice the walleye to bite.
Overall, the key to using a Ned Rig to target specific areas or depths is to experiment with different jighead weights, plastic baits, and retrieves until you find what works best for the conditions you’re fishing in. With a little practice, you’ll be able to use the Ned Rig to catch walleye in a variety of different situations.
Choosing The Best Ned Rig Bait For Walleye
Discussion Of Which Baits Work Best For Walleye And Why
When it comes to fishing with a Ned rig for walleye, choosing the right bait is crucial. The bait you choose can make all the difference between a successful day out on the water and coming back empty-handed. Here are some of the best baits to use when fishing for walleye with a Ned rig:
Worms
Worms are a classic bait option that never goes out of style. They are a natural food source for walleye and can be very effective when used with a Ned rig. The Z-Man Finesse TRD worm is a popular choice among anglers due to its durability and lifelike action.
Plastics
Plastic baits are also a great option for Ned rig fishing. They come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and colors, making it easy to match the bait to the conditions and preferences of the fish. The Z-Man Finesse ShadZ and Z-Man Finesse WormZ are two plastic baits that work well for walleye.
Other Baits
While worms and plastics are the most popular bait choices, other baits can also be effective. Small minnows, leeches, and crayfish can all be used with a Ned rig to catch walleye.
When choosing a bait, it’s important to consider the water conditions and the preferences of the fish. If the water is clear, a more natural-looking bait may be more effective. If the water is murky, a brighter or more contrasting bait may be better. Additionally, walleye can be picky eaters, so it may be necessary to try multiple baits before finding one that works.
In conclusion, when fishing with a Ned rig for walleye, the bait you choose is critical. Worms and plastics are the most popular options and can be very effective when used correctly. Other baits can also work well, so it’s important to experiment and find what works best for the conditions and preferences of the fish.
Gear And Equipment For Ned Rig Fishing For Walleye
Overview Of Recommended Rod, Reel, Line, And Other Gear For Ned Rig Fishing
When it comes to gear and equipment for Ned rig fishing for walleye, there are a few things that anglers need to keep in mind. The Ned rig is a finesse technique that requires specific gear to be effective. Here is an overview of the recommended rod, reel, line, and other gear for Ned rig fishing:
Rod
The ideal rod for Ned rig fishing is a spinning rod that is medium-light to medium power. A 6’6″ to 7′ rod is ideal, and it should have a fast to extra-fast action. The rod should have a sensitive tip to feel the light bites and a strong backbone to set the hook. Some recommended rods for Ned rig fishing are:
- St. Croix Bass X Spinning Rod
- Dobyns Fury Spinning Rod
- Shimano Zodias Spinning Rod
Reel
The reel for Ned rig fishing should be a spinning reel that matches the rod’s size and power. A 2000 to 3000 size reel is ideal, and it should have a high gear ratio of 6:1 or higher. The reel should have a smooth drag system and a good line capacity. Some recommended reels for Ned rig fishing are:
- Shimano Stradic Ci4+ Spinning Reel
- Daiwa BG Spinning Reel
- Abu Garcia Revo SX Spinning Reel
Line
The line for Ned rig fishing should be light and sensitive. A 6 to 10-pound braid mainline with a 6 to 8-pound fluorocarbon leader is ideal. The braid provides sensitivity, and the fluorocarbon provides invisibility. Some recommended lines for Ned rig fishing are:
- Sufix 832 Braid
- PowerPro Super 8 Slick Braid
- Seaguar InvizX Fluorocarbon
Other Gear
In addition to the rod, reel, and line, there are a few other gear items that are essential for Ned rig fishing for walleye. These include:
- Jigheads: Ned rig jigheads are small and light, usually 1/16 to 1/8 ounce. They have a mushroom-shaped head that holds the soft plastic bait securely. Some recommended jigheads for Ned rig fishing are:
- Z-Man Finesse ShroomZ Jigheads
- Owner Block Head Jigheads
- VMC Finesse Half Moon Jigheads
- Soft Plastic Baits: The soft plastic baits for Ned rig fishing are small and simple, usually 2 to 3 inches long. They have a straight tail or a stick-shaped body that wiggles with the slightest movement. Some recommended soft plastic baits for Ned rig fishing are:
- Z-Man Finesse TRD
- Strike King Ned Ocho
- Keitech Easy Shiner
- Pliers: Pliers are essential for removing the hook from the walleye’s mouth. A good pair of pliers should be lightweight, rust-resistant, and have a comfortable grip. Some recommended pliers for Ned rig fishing are:
- Piscifun Fishing Pliers
- KastKing Cutthroat Pliers
- Booms Fishing X1 Aluminum Fishing Pliers
In conclusion, the gear and equipment for Ned rig fishing for walleye requires specific items to be effective. Anglers should have a medium-light to medium power spinning rod, a 2000 to 3000 size spinning reel, a 6 to 10-pound braid mainline with a 6 to 8-pound fluorocarbon leader, and a few essential gear items such as jigheads, soft plastic baits, and pliers.
Conclusion
Ned rig fishing for walleye is a highly effective technique that every angler should consider using. With its simple design and versatility, the Ned rig can be used in a variety of conditions and is particularly effective in clear water or when walleye are feeding on smaller baitfish.
When fishing with a Ned rig, it is important to use the right gear and techniques. A light to medium power rod with a fast action tip is ideal for casting and retrieving the rig. A fluorocarbon or monofilament line with a low diameter is recommended for better sensitivity and presentation.
In terms of bait, soft plastic lures in natural colors such as green pumpkin, watermelon, or brown are popular choices. The lures should be rigged on a small jig head with a mushroom-shaped head and a wire keeper to keep the bait in place.
When fishing with a Ned rig, it is important to keep the bait close to the bottom and to use a slow, steady retrieve. The angler should also be prepared to set the hook quickly when a walleye takes the bait, as the light tackle used with this rig requires a more delicate touch.
Overall, Ned rig fishing for walleye is a technique that can help anglers catch more fish and enjoy a more successful day on the water. With the right gear, bait, and techniques, anyone can learn to fish with a Ned rig and experience the thrill of catching walleye in a whole new way.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I choose the right size Ned rig head for walleye fishing?
The size of the Ned rig head you choose depends on the depth of the water you’re fishing in and the current conditions. As a general rule, use a lighter jig head in shallower water and a heavier one in deeper water. A 1/16 to 1/8 oz. jig head is usually sufficient for most walleye fishing situations.
What are the best plastics to use for Ned rig walleye fishing?
The best plastics to use for Ned rig walleye fishing are those that mimic the natural prey of the fish. Soft plastic stickbaits, worms, and minnows are all effective options. Choose colors that match the baitfish in your area or experiment with different colors to see what works best.
What is the best technique for fishing a Ned rig for walleye?
The best technique for fishing a Ned rig for walleye is to slowly drag it along the bottom, bouncing it off any structure or cover in the area. The key is to keep the bait in contact with the bottom at all times, as this is where walleye tend to feed. Vary your retrieve speed and pause occasionally to entice strikes.
How can I avoid losing fish when using a Ned rig for walleye?
To avoid losing fish when using a Ned rig for walleye, use a light rod with a sensitive tip and a low-stretch line. When you feel a bite, set the hook quickly but gently to avoid pulling the bait out of the fish’s mouth. Keep your line tight and maintain a steady pressure on the fish to prevent it from shaking the hook.
What are the most effective Ned rig jig heads for walleye fishing?
The most effective Ned rig jig heads for walleye fishing are those with a mushroom shape and a light wire hook. The VMC Half Moon Jig and Finesse Half Moon Jig are popular options. Use a jig head that matches the size and weight of your soft plastic bait.
When is the best time of year to fish a Ned rig for walleye?
The best time of year to fish a Ned rig for walleye is during the spring and fall months when the water temperature is cooler. Walleye tend to be more active during these seasons and are more likely to be feeding near the bottom where a Ned rig is most effective. However, a Ned rig can be effective year-round in the right conditions.