Join Elite Series pro Bob Downey as he shares his approach to using an upsized Ned rig to catch bass out of highly pressured schools. Downey starts by switching to a larger version of the Ned rig after the bite slowed down on other baits. He rigs a 4-inch Z-Man Big TRD on a 1/4-ounce VMC Ned head. The heavier weight allows the bait to get down quickly and stay in the strike zone longer.
FEATURED PRODUCT (retail links)
- JIGHEAD – VMC Ned Rig Jig, 1/4-ounce: Buy at Tackle Warehouse | Buy at FishUSA
- PLASTIC – Z-Man Big TRD: Buy at Bass Pro Shops | Buy at Tackle Warehouse | Buy at FishUSA
- ROD – St. Croix Avid Spinning Rod, 7’0″ Medium Fast: Buy at Bass Pro Shops | Buy at Tackle Warehouse | Buy at FishUSA
- REEL – Shimano Stradic FM Spinning Reel, 2500HG: Buy at Bass Pro Shops | Buy at Tackle Warehouse | Buy at FishUSA
- LINE (braid) – Sufix 832 Advanced Superline Hi-Vis Yellow, 10-pound: Buy at Bass Pro Shops | Buy at Tackle Warehouse | Buy at FishUSA
- LINE (fluorocarbon) – Sufix Advance Fluorocarbon Line, 8-pound: Buy at Bass Pro Shops | Buy at Tackle Warehouse
USING AN UPSIZED NED RIG FOR PRESSURED FISH
Downey emphasizes that slower presentations can be essential when using and upsized Ned rig. Unlike a traditional Texas rig and worm combo, the Z-Man ElaZtech floats. After casting, he lets the bait hit bottom and pauses for a moment, allowing the floating worm to rise. Many bites come right after the pause, as the bait appears natural, whether resembling a worm or feeding baitfish. He also suggests slow hops or drags across the bottom.
THE PERFECT NED RIG SETUP
For his setup, Downey uses a 7-foot medium-fast spinning rod, paired with 10-pound braided line and an 8-pound fluorocarbon leader. He highlights the importance of a sensitive rod to detect the subtle bites that often occur when fishing this technique. A high-visibility braid helps him monitor line movement, while the fluorocarbon leader provides a combination of stealth and stretch.
BOAT SETUP
- FISH FINDER – HELIX 12 CHIRP MEGA DI+ GPS G4N: Buy at Bass Pro Shops
- LIVE SONAR – Humminbird MEGA Live Imaging Transducer: Buy at Bass Pro Shops
- 360 SONAR – Humminbird MEGA 360 Imaging Transducer – Ultrex: Buy at Bass Pro Shops
- TROLLING MOTOR – Minn Kota Ultrex QUEST, 112lb, 36V, 52″: Buy at Bass Pro Shops
- BOAT – Bass Cat Eyra: Check out at Bass Cat
- MOTOR – Mercury Pro XS 250hp: Check out at Mercury Marine
