If you're always looking for new ways to catch more bass, small Ned lures deserve a spot in your tackle box. Here's what we've learned about them — their history, the components, and how we fish them.

 

History and Origin of Ned Rigs

The Ned rig was invented by Ned Kehde, a fishing guide and writer from Kansas who wanted a simple, effective way to catch bass. His technique paired a small jig head with a soft plastic bait trimmed down small — and the Ned rig was born.

It caught on with bass fishermen in the early 2000s and has been a staple ever since. Its strengths are its small size, its simplicity, and the way it catches bass in all kinds of conditions.

 

Components of a Ned Rig

A Ned rig has two main components: the jig head and the soft plastic bait.

 

Jig Head

The jig head is the foundation of the rig — it provides the weight and shape. Mushroom heads, ball heads, and stand-up heads all work; go heavier for deeper water or stronger current.

 

Soft Plastic Baits

The soft plastic gives the rig its action and appeal. A good Ned bait has a small profile, natural colors, and a soft texture that feels like live bait. Stick baits, creature baits, and curly tail grubs are all popular styles.

 

Introduction to Small Ned Lures

Small Ned lures run under three inches long and pair with light jig heads — typically 1/16 to 1/8 ounce. They shine because they mimic small baitfish and work in just about any conditions.

 

Characteristics of Small Ned Lures

What makes small Ned lures effective? Their small size and natural colors match what bass are eating when they key on baitfish or insects, and their soft texture and subtle action draw bites even when fishing is tough.

 

Situations Where Small Ned Lures Excel

Small Ned lures excel in clear water, finesse situations, and tough conditions. Their small, subtle profile won't spook fish in clear water or when bass get finicky, and they're naturals for finesse techniques like drop shotting or wacky rigging. In cold water or high pressure, when bass won't commit to bigger baits, small Neds still get bit.

 

Ned Palmer Lure: A Worm-Style Ned Soft Plastic

The Ned Palmer Lure is our worm-style Ned bait. It fishes like a traditional worm with a few key differences that make it effective on a Ned rig: a small profile, natural colors, and a weedless design that fishes clean through cover.

 

When and Where to Use the Ned Palmer Lure

The Ned Palmer is versatile — it works in a variety of situations, and it's especially good in clear water or when bass are finicky, since its small size and subtle action won't spook them. The weedless design also lets you fish it in cover where other lures would snag.

 

Tips for Rigging and Fishing the Ned Palmer Lure

Rig the Ned Palmer on a small jig head — 1/16 to 1/8 ounce. Thread it on centered and straight, cast it out, and retrieve slowly with short, subtle movements for a natural action.

 

 

 

Wagu Craw: A Crayfish-Style Ned Lure

The Wagu Craw is our crayfish-style Ned bait, built to mimic the look and action of a crayfish — one of bass's favorite meals. It has a small profile, natural colors, and a weedless design that keeps it versatile in all kinds of situations.

 

When and Where to Use the Wagu Craw

The Wagu Craw shines when bass are feeding on crayfish or other bottom-dwellers, and its weedless design handles cover where other lures would snag.

 

Tips for Rigging and Fishing the Wagu Craw

Rig the Wagu Craw on a small jig head — 1/16 to 1/8 ounce. Thread it on centered and straight, cast it out, and retrieve slowly with short, subtle movements for a natural action.

 

Other Popular Ned Rig Soft Plastics

Beyond the Ned Palmer and Wagu Craw, plenty of other soft plastics work on a Ned rig. Stick baits, creature baits, and curly tail grubs are all proven choices, each with its own advantages.

 

 

 

Techniques for Fishing Small Ned Lures

The key to fishing small Ned lures is a slow, subtle presentation. Cast out, let the lure sink to the bottom, then work it with short, subtle movements. Keep it close to the bottom on a slow reel — and be ready, because bites can come at any moment.

 

Working Different Types of Cover

Small Neds are great in cover. Around rocks or hard cover, bounce the lure along the bottom so it looks like a baitfish or crayfish. Around weed beds or soft cover, use a slow, steady retrieve to hold the right depth.

 

Adjusting Your Presentation Based on Water Conditions and Time of Year

Adjust your presentation to the conditions. In cold water or high pressure, slow down and downsize to entice bites. In warm water or low pressure, speed up and go bigger to get bass's attention.

Gear Recommendations for Ned Rig Fishing

The right gear makes Ned rig fishing a lot more effective. Here's what we recommend:

 

Rod and Reel Selection

A medium-light spinning combo is ideal for Ned rigs. Look for a 6-7 foot rod with fast action to detect bites quickly, paired with a high-gear-ratio spinning reel so you can pick up line fast when you need to.

 

Line Type and Size

Fish light line with small Neds — fluorocarbon or monofilament in the 6-10 pound test range. Light line casts more accurately and telegraphs bites better.

 

Essential Tackle Box Items

Beyond rod, reel, and line, stock your tackle box with a variety of jig heads in different sizes and weights, plus soft plastics in different styles and colors. Pliers and a hook sharpener are worth carrying too — they help when rigging baits and setting hooks.

 

Tips for Maximizing Success with Small Ned Lures

A few more tips for getting the most out of small Ned lures:

 

Observing Bass Behavior

Watch the bass. Note where they're feeding, what they're eating, and how they're moving — that tells you which lure and presentation to throw.

 

Experimenting with Lure Colors and Sizes

Experiment with colors and sizes. Rotate through natural colors like green pumpkin and watermelon, plus brighter options like chartreuse and pink. And try different sizes — some days the fish want it smaller, some days bigger.

 

Proper Hookset Technique

When you feel a bite, pause a beat before setting the hook, then drive it home with a quick, firm motion. Don't overdo it — jerking too hard can pull the hook loose.

 

Conclusion

Small Ned lures are one of the most versatile tools in bass fishing. Learn the rig, dial in your presentation, and give them a try — the results might surprise you.