The Truth About Ned Rigs for Inshore Fishing

When it comes to inshore saltwater fishing, there’s been a lot of buzz about Ned rigs lately—and for good reason. This finesse technique, long popular in freshwater circles, has quietly been turning into an absolute powerhouse for targeting lethargic fish in saltwater, especially during extreme conditions like the winter cold or the heat of summer.

Recommended gear in this video:
Slam Stick Medium Light Spinning Rod
: The Slam Stick Medium Light Rod delivers perfect casting and fewer wind knots with precision guide spacing for 2500-3000 reels.  

The Ultimate Winter Bundle: The ULTIMATE WINTER BUNDLE has been hand-picked by our coaches to guarantee you have what you need to succeed.

But here’s the thing: while Ned rigs can absolutely work wonders, not every situation calls for them. They shine under certain conditions and, when paired with the right gear and tactics, can help you pull in fish when nothing else seems to work.

In my latest video, I break down everything you need to know about Ned rigs, including:

  • What exactly is a Ned rig, and why does it work so well?
  • The types of fish that can’t resist this finesse setup.
  • The key times and places where Ned rigs outperform other lures.
  • When NOT to use them (trust me, they’re not for every situation).

Check out the full video for all the intel!

Insider Members: If you’re ready to take your Ned rig game to the next level, be sure to check out our exclusive mini-course! It’s packed with rigging and retrieval tips that’ll have you catching fish like a pro.

Not an Insider Yet? What are you waiting for? Joining the Salt Strong Insider Club gives you access to detailed courses, Smart Fishing Spots, a community full of anglers ready to help and so much more.

Click here to see if you’re approved to join the Salt Strong Insider Club today!

Tight lines, and I’ll see you out on the water!

-Pat

Related categories:

Subscribe
Notify of
guest

83 Comments
newest
oldest
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
Dan Griffith
7 days ago

Excellent video Pat!

Steven Free
8 days ago

I have never used the ned rig before but I do remember when I was a kid in the 70s a kind of similar setup that was used for crappie fishing (aka speckled perch called here in the south) but in mich where im from there was the Charlie brewer slider head setup that consisted of a very light very flat pancake flat style jighead that was used with very small plastic jigs mainly tube jigs and then about the same time mister twister came out with there curly tail grubs and the smallmouth bass anglers that I used to remember that fished on the lake that I lived found that the 1.5 to 2 inch sized curly tailed mister twister jig was not only great for crappie but the smallmouth loved them as well and in the springtime right before the spawn when the ice on the lake had just all melted and the water was still very cold this setup was awesome for those lethargic bass and I remember alot of the small tournaments that were held on that lake that were won using this simple setup the jig was flat because it was ment to fall very slowly imparting a fluttering action that perfectly mimiced a dying minnow then resting on the bottom the curly tail would slowly wiggle giving the lure even more enticement action the bass would destroy it also the hook was a long thin wire hook that was usually embedded in the plastic grub texas style so it could be thrown into structure unlike the ned rig which is an open hook jighead anyways just saying thanks for the info and all you do

Isaac Smith
8 days ago

I am a baitcaster fisherman and would like to know what your baitcasting setup is for using lighter baits such as the ned rig.

David Bankston
9 days ago

I have been using a Ned rig in the winter months for many years now. The small creature baits made by Zman have worked the best for me. Zman’s proprietary elaztec material seems to be more inherently buoyant than other materials, such as plastisol. They don’t get stiff due to colder water temps, either. These two factors help to impart better action with the bait, even when it is resting on the bottom. They don’t fall over, they just stand up and wiggle in the current.

Scott Morrison
9 days ago

Good stuff Pat, Thank you!!

Keith Begley
9 days ago

Pat another helpful video. Thank you.

Richard Hall
9 days ago

Great video Pat……………thanks

Michael Justice
9 days ago

Pat:you are amazing,you are so complete in your videos,you have to spend a lot of time in your preparation and it is very much appreciated.i just keep on learning more and more about every subject that you do.thank you mike justice

Norm Massengill
10 days ago

I started using what I always called a “finesse rig” in TN during the winter months around boat docks (deeper areas under boats). The soft plastics have air in them, which causes them to float, on a light football jig. The retrieve is exactly as you described, just barely bumping off the bottom. The hits usually come on the drop and often you just see your line move. When no one else was catching, I was. Great info in the video and I know it works!

ROBERT TAYLOR
10 days ago

Great video. Thanks Pat.

STOP WASTING TIME ON THE WATER!

Do what the “SMART ANGLERS” are doing and join the Insider Club.

Here’s what you’ll receive today when you join:

Other Fishing Tips You May Like :

Research, Conservation, and 30,000 Redfish!

Today's episode is all about research, conservation, and 30,000 redfish!!! We all know it's critical for every fisherman to be responsible...
See Full post
4 comments

How To Thread A Sabiki Rod (The Quick & Easy Way)

Want to see an easy way to thread a sabiki rod? The line will often get bunched up inside of the rod, or will get caught on a lip, but threading them...
See Full post
6 comments
20
0
Would love your thoughts, please comment.x
()
x

Get Instant Access To “The Inshore Fishing Manifesto” PDF Now

You’ll automatically be emailed a private link to download your PDF, plus you’ll be added to the Salt Strong Newsletter.
(Please double-check your email below to ensure delivery.)