Ned Rig
Finesse Bass - Weedless Option
A compact mushroom-head or weedless jig setup for river smallmouth and neutral fish.
Catches fish that are willing to eat but not interested in chasing something loud.
Products in this rig video
Z-Man ShroomZ, VMC Half-Moon Wacky
Z-Man ElaZtech for buoyancy and durability
Sensitive tip for subtle bites
10lb braid to 6-8lb fluoro for clear water
How to build it
Mark the components you already have, then work through the assembly. Your selections stay on this page and do not create a saved gear profile.
Ingredient list
0 of 4 components marked owned. Check their suitability before using them.
Assembly order
- 1. Main line / leader
- 2. Jighead eye
- 3. Jig hook through soft bait
Component order, not a scale drawing. Hook, bait and weight connections differ by method.
0 of 4 assembly steps checked.
Before you cast
- Bait is straight on the jighead and the hook point is unobstructed.
- Loaded rig is within the rod rating.
- The selected head and hook suit the cover; an exposed point can snag.
Educational assembly checklist. Verify actual ratings, component instructions and local rules; no current conditions, personal fit or product compatibility certification. Reviewed 2026-10-26. Method reference: Z-Man: Midwest finesse / Ned-rig system.
How to fish it
Shallow river bass, current edges, rock transitions, and fish that have seen the circus.
Variations
- Green pumpkin with purple flake for clear rivers.
- Copper or green pumpkin heads for subtle contrast.
- Weedless hooks around grass and wood.
Tie the weak links correctly
A strong, simple terminal knot that shines on braid, hooks, jigs, and drop-shot style presentations.
The everyday terminal knot for hooks, jigs, spinners, and flies when you want a fast tie that behaves.
A compact braid-to-mono or braid-to-fluoro connection for spinning setups.
Current water that fits this setup
No active river report is confidently pointing at this exact rig right now. Scan the river board and let the gauges argue their case.
Gear shelf
