Ned Rigging for Summer to Fall Transitioning Smallmouths

As summer gives way to fall and smallmouth bass adjust to the changing conditions, the Ned Rig offers a finesse approach that consistently produces results. Its simplicity and natural presentation make it an excellent choice for hooking into transitioning bass.

Why Choose the Ned Rig for Summer to Fall Transitioning Smallmouth Bass?

Smallmouth bass experience changes in their metabolism, feeding habits, and preferred habitats as summer transitions into fall. They often move from deeper, cooler waters to shallower areas in search of prey like baitfish, crayfish, and other aquatic creatures. This is where the Ned Rig shines:

Subtle Action: The Ned Rig's finesse approach perfectly imitates the slow movements of injured prey, making it an irresistible target for transitioning bass.

Natural Appearance: The compact size and lifelike texture of the soft plastic bait mimic the look and feel of the bass's favored prey items, increasing your chances of getting a strike.

Versatility: The Ned Rig can be presented in various ways, such as dragging it along the bottom, hopping it gently, or even dead-sticking it. This versatility lets you adapt to the changing preferences of smallmouth bass.

Ned Rig Techniques for Success:

Choose the Right Gear: Opt for a light spinning rod and reel combo with 6 to 10-pound test fluorocarbon line. The light gear ensures a delicate presentation and allows you to feel even the slightest nibbles.

Jig Head Selection: Use a rounded edge, mushroom-shaped jig head in the range of 1/16 to 1/4 ounce. This weight keeps the rig close to the bottom while maintaining its natural, horizontal posture.

Soft Plastic Baits: Experiment with various soft plastic baits like stick worms, finesse worms, crayfish, and creature baits. Colors that mimic natural prey are usually effective, such as green pumpkin, brown, and watermelon.

Retrieve Techniques: Try different retrieval techniques to find what the bass prefer on a given day. Drag the rig slowly along the bottom, occasionally lifting it a few inches and letting it settle. Allow the bait to rest on the bottom for a moment, mimicking a feeding opportunity.

Location Matters: Focus on transition zones between deeper and shallower water. Look for structures like rocky points, drop-offs, submerged vegetation, and areas with current.

Patience is Key: The Ned Rig requires patience and a keen sense of touch. Strikes can be subtle, so pay attention to any slight changes in line tension or movement.

Bassmaster Elite series pro Josh Douglas is a specialist at fishing for big northern smallmouth bass. Take a few moments and watch as he explains several of the adjustments he makes to his Ned rig when fishing for transitioning smallies, especially in the north country...

Remember, each fishing day is unique, so adapt your techniques and approach to the conditions you encounter on the water. With practice and persistence, you'll be reeling in those smallmouth bass during this exciting seasonal shift.

10 Tips for Catching Late Summer Bass

Late summer can be a tricky time for bass fishing. The water is warm, vegetation is thick, and the bass can be lethargic. With the right approach, however, you can still catch plenty of bass during the doldrums of late summer. 

Here are 10 tips for increase your late summer bass fishing success:

1. Fish Early and Late - During the hottest part of the day, bass seek cooler water and cover. Focus on the mornings and evenings when they are more active.

2. Downsize Your Lures - In warm water, bass are less aggressive. Use smaller, more subtle lures like finesse worms and small crankbaits that mimic this year's forage and often trigger more strikes. 

3. Fish Deeper - Bass often move to deeper, cooler water in the summer. Target drop-offs, creek channels, and structure in 15-20 feet of water.

4. Look for Shady Spots - Shady cover like docks, overhanging trees, and floating vegetation give bass relief from the sun. Key in on these shady ambush spots.

5. Try Topwater Poppers - Despite the heat, early morning and late evenings are prime times for topwater plugs. Keep the fish are looking up!

6. Follow the Baitfish - Find the bait, find the bass. Schools of shad, perch, shiners, herring and bluegill are magnets for hungry largemouth and smallmouth bass.

7. Fish at Night - Some of the best summer action happens after dark. Big bass become more active and often feed under the cover of darkness.

8. Stay on the Move - Keep moving and cover water until you locate where the bass are holding. Bass often shift locations day to day and sometimes over the course of the same day.

9. Watch the Wind and Weather - Bass become more active with changes in barometric pressure and when wind/cloud cover are on the increase.

10. Beat the Heat - Hydrate, use sun protection, and take breaks. Don't overexert yourself fishing in hot summer conditions.

Late summer bass fishing can be fantastic if you adjust your tactics. Following these tips will help you catch more bass during the dog days of summer and with the right approach, you can enjoy some of the best action of the year.

Lures for the Summer – Fall Transition

With summer winding down, both bait and bass start their moves from deep-water holding areas to the shallows for the fall feeding binge…

But what lures should you consider throwing to catch these transitional bass?

There are several options you should consider as discussed in the following video from the folks at Wired2Fish…

Frog, jig, squarebill, buzzbait, soft stickbait?

What's your favorite bait when fishing the summer/fall transition?