Can a Ned Rig Catch Big Bass?

The Ned rig is a popular finesse fishing technique that has gained immense popularity among bass anglers in recent years.

Ned Kehde, an avid, mid-western finesse angler, was looking for a finesse technique that could help him catch more bass in tough fishing conditions. He experimented with different baits and presentations before finally settling on a simple rig consisting of a mushroom-shaped jig head and a soft plastic stick bait.

The original Ned rig consisted of a small jig head with a short hook shank and a round, mushroom-shaped head. The hook was typically inserted into the head of a soft plastic stick bait, such as a Senko or a Z-Man Finesse TRD. The bait was rigged so that the hook point was exposed, allowing for better hooksets.

The Ned rig proved to be incredibly effective at catching bass in tough fishing conditions, such as clear water, heavy fishing pressure, or during cold fronts. It's simple design and subtle presentation mimicked natural prey items that bass feed on, making it irresistible to even the most finicky fish.

The question is can the Ned rig be used to consistently catch big bass?

According to Lurenet's Frank Scalish, the answer is absolutely, so long as you know where and how to use it!

Take a moment and watch the following video as Scalish describes the conditions, environment and presentations where the Ned rig shines at not only producing finicky bass but big ones as well...

Although he discusses the use of Yum products in this video, the same approach and presentations will work using your favorite Ned baits as well!

Curly Tail Grubs for Smallmouth Bass

Curly tail grubs are a versatile and effective bait for catching smallmouth bass. They can be fished in a variety of ways, making them a great choice for anglers of all skill levels.

There are a few reasons why curly tail grubs are so effective for smallmouth bass. First, the grub's soft plastic body and curly tail give it a lifelike action that smallmouth bass find irresistible. Second, the grub's small size makes it a perfect imitation of small baitfish, which are a major food source for smallmouth bass. Third, curly tail grubs can be fished in a variety of ways, making them a versatile bait that can be used in a variety of fishing situations.

Rod and Reel Selection

Grub fishing is considered a finesse bass fishing technique and selecting the right rod and reel combination is key to feeling even the slightest bite. A sensitive 6.5' to 7.25 medium-light to medium power fast action rod and matching reel filled with 6 to 8-lb fluorocarbon line are great options for fishing grubs.

How to Rig a Curly Tail Grub

To rig a curly tail grub, you will need a jighead and a 3" to 5" curly tail grub. The size of the jighead will depend on the depth you are fishing, wind conditions, and the size of the grub typically ranging from 1/16 to 3/8-ounce. An 1/8 or 3/16-ounce jighead is a good all-around size for most conditions.

Once you have chosen your jighead, thread the grub onto the hook. The grub should be threaded on so that the curly tail is just behind the hook point.

How to Fish a Curly Tail Grub

Though there are a number of ways to fish grubs, two methods to fish a curly tail grub are most typical: swimming and jigging.

Swimming a Curly Tail Grub: To swim a curly tail grub, simply cast it out and retrieve it slowly. The grub will swim with a seductive wiggle that is irresistible to smallmouth bass. You can swim a curly tail grub in a variety of water conditions. It is a great bait for fishing shallow water, as the grub will create a lot of action in the water column. It can also be fished in deeper water, but you will need to retrieve it more slowly.

Jigging a Curly Tail Grub: To jig a curly tail grub, simply cast it out and let it sink to the bottom. Then, jig it up and down slowly. The grub will create a lot of noise and vibration as it jigs, which will attract the attention of smallmouth bass. Jigging a curly tail grub is a great way to fish for smallmouth bass in deeper water. It is also a good way to fish for smallmouth bass that are holding on to bottom structure.

Color Selection

The color of the grub you use will depend on the water clarity and the time of year. In clear water, you will want to use a natural-colored grub, such as watermelon, green pumpkin, white or black. In stained water, you can use brighter colors, such as chartreuse, orange or pink.

In the spring, you will want to use brighter colors, as the water will be colder, often stained, and the smallmouth bass will be more aggressive. In the summer, start with more natural colors, since the water is warmer, clearer and the smallmouth bass are usually more selective.

Where to Fish Curly Tail Grubs

Curly tail grubs can be fished in a variety of places, but they are especially effective in water depths < 20'. You can fish them in rivers, lakes, and ponds. Look for places where there is cover on structure, such as rocks, weeds, or wood on points, drop-offs, etc. Smallmouth bass will often hold close to the cover on structure, so it is a good place to start fishing.

Take a few moments and watch as the folks from W2F provide a great video overview on successfully fishing curly tail grubs for smallmouth bass:

Bass Fishing During Summer Heat Waves

As the scorching summer heat blankets the landscape, many anglers find themselves facing a unique set of challenges when it comes to bass fishing. The rising temperatures can cause fish to become more lethargic and seek shelter in deeper, cooler waters.

However, with the right strategies and a few adjustments, you can still enjoy a successful bass fishing expedition even during the hottest heat waves. Here are several tried-and-tested techniques that will help you reel in those elusive bass during the summer heat.

Seek Out Cooler Water Pockets: During heat waves, shallow bass tend to retreat to cooler, protected areas of the water to beat the summer heat. Look for shady spots, such as docks, overhanging trees, bridges, or vegetation-rich areas that provide cover and respite from the summertime sun. These spots act as natural sanctuaries where bass can find relief from the oppressive heat. Additionally, consider fishing early in the morning or late in the evening when air and water temperatures are relatively cooler.

Fish Deep: As the sun beats down, many bass are more likely to be found in deeper water where the temperature remains cooler. Adjust your fishing technique accordingly by targeting drop-offs, ledges, submerged structures, or deeper channels. Use your sonar to locate these deep water cover and structure. Use bottom-oriented presentations such as deep diving crankbaits, Carolina rigs, or jigs that can effectively reach the desired depths and entice bass to strike.

Slow Down Your Presentation: In hot weather, bass can be lethargic and more reluctant to chase fast-moving baits. Opt for a slower presentation to tempt sluggish bass. Techniques like Texas rigs, wacky rigs, football/structure jigs, Carolina rigs, or slow-rolling spinnerbaits can be effective. Experiment with different retrieves and bait sizes to find what works best on a given day. Patience is key, as bass may take their time before striking during these conditions.

Target Shaded Areas: Bass seek shade to escape the direct sunlight, so it's crucial to focus on shaded areas for a higher chance of success. Overhanging trees, docks, weed beds, or any structure that provides shade can be productive. Pitch your bait into these areas and allow it to fall naturally, imitating prey seeking shelter. Keep in mind that bass are often lurking in the shadows, waiting for an easy meal to pass by.

Fish at Night: One of the most effective ways to beat the heat and catch bass during summer heat waves is to fish during the cooler/quieter hours of the night. Bass tend to become more active in low-light conditions and are more likely to roam shallower waters in search of food. Utilize topwater lures, buzzbaits, spinnerbaits, chatterbaits, or soft plastics to entice strikes. Ensure you have proper lighting and take necessary safety precautions when fishing in the dark.

Stay Hydrated and Protect Yourself: Fishing during a summer heat wave can take a toll on your body. Remember to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and taking breaks in the shade. Wear appropriate sun protection, including a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Consider lightweight and breathable clothing that provides adequate coverage while keeping you cool.

Catching bass during summer heat waves requires adaptability and a strategic approach. By targeting cooler waters, fishing deeper, employing slower presentations, targeting shaded areas, and fishing at night, you increase your chances of success. Remember to prioritize your safety and well-being by staying hydrated and protecting yourself from the sun's harmful rays.

The Summer Night Bite

While daytime fishing is the common choice for most bass anglers, night fishing offers a unique and exciting experience. The cover of darkness adds an extra layer of challenge and mystery, requiring a different set of strategies and techniques.

Summertime night bass fishing also presents an opportunity to connect with more active bass and nature in a special way that many new night anglers find exciting. The  following guide explores a number of valuable tips to help you become a better nighttime bass angler.

Understand Bass Behavior at Night: Bass are known to be more active and less cautious under the cover of darkness, making them more likely to venture out into open waters and feed. With increased activity at night means bass move closer to the shoreline or shallow flats searching out forage such as crayfish and minnows. Prioritize areas with shallow water near deep water, since deeper bass tend to move closer to the shore under the cover of darkness. Look for shallow cover such as docks, vegetation patches, fallen trees, or rocky areas that provide hiding spots for forage and a calling card for hungry bass. Additionally, look for areas with ample lighting, such as bridges, marinas, or docks, as the lights draw insects therefore attracting forage and subsequently bass.

Master the Art of Stealth: During the night, bass rely heavily on their sense of hearing and lateral line system. Minimize noise and disturbances to avoid spooking them. Move quietly in your boat or along the bank, avoid unnecessary splashes, and refrain from using overly bright lights. Switch to a headlamp or low-intensity LED light for visibility without compromising the natural lighting of the surroundings.

Consider the Influence of Moonlight: The moon can play a significant role in night fishing. A full or nearly full moon can illuminate the water, both enhancing visibility and increasing the presence of shadows from treelines, docks, bridges, etc. Conversely, during a new moon or on cloudy nights, darkness prevails, necessitating the use of alternative techniques such as slower presentations or lures with rattles to attract bass. Understanding the moon phases and planning your outings accordingly can greatly impact your success rate.

Use Baits That Generate Noise and Vibration: Since visibility is reduced at night, bass rely more on their hearing and lateral line sense to locate prey. Utilize lures that generate noise and vibration, such as noisy topwaters, buzzbaits, spinnerbaits, chatterbaits, or crankbaits with rattles. Slow, steady retrieves help bass locate/track your lure and trigger their predatory instincts to entice strikes. If steady retrieves are not working, experiment with different retrieval speeds and cadence patterns until you find what works best on a given night.

Remember Bug Repellent: Protect yourself from mosquitoes and other insects that are more active during the night. Apply bug repellent and sunscreen before heading out to ensure a comfortable and safe fishing experience.

Stay Safe: Night fishing presents potential hazards and safety should be a top priority. Always inform someone of your plans and expected return time. Wear a personal flotation device (PFD) and ensure all necessary safety equipment is on board. Familiarize yourself with the waterway and potential hazards during daylight hours to avoid accidents at night. Also be mindful of weather conditions and keep an eye out for approaching storms or heavy fog.

Night bass fishing offers a unique and exciting angling experience. By understanding bass behavior, harnessing the power of moonlight, considering baits utilizing noise and vibration, and prioritizing safety, you can increase your chances of landing a true trophy bass in the dark.

Tips for Targeting Summer Bass in Small Ponds

Bass fishing in small ponds during the summer presents an exciting challenge for anglers of all skill levels. The bass in small ponds are often more aggressive than bass in larger bodies of water and can be caught using a variety of baits and techniques; an important consideration depending on the types of cover present.

Small ponds can be summer bass havens, providing great opportunities to hone your skills and catch some impressive bass i the process. However, summer bass in small ponds can be finicky at time, so it's important to understand their behavior and how to target them effectively.

Study the Pond's Structure and Cover: The first step in targeting bass effectively is to understand the pond's structure as well as the types of cover present. Look for areas with submerged vegetation, fallen trees, rocky outcrops, docks, subtle points, ditches and shallow flats. These are potential hotspots where bass are likely to hide and ambush their prey. Take some time to explore the pond's topography, especially in relation to cover and mark key spots on a map or in your mind for future reference.

Plan Your Fishing Times: During the summer, bass in small ponds tend to be most active during low light conditions during the early morning, late evening or cloudy days when the water temperature tends to be cooler. Plan your fishing trips accordingly, arriving at the pond well before sunrise, a few hours before sunset or when it very cloudy. Fishing during these times will increase your chances of encountering feeding summer bass and maximize your overall catch rate.

Adapt Your Bait Selection to Conditions: In small ponds, summer bass are often accustomed to feeding on natural forage, including small fish, insects like dragonflies, frogs, and crustaceans. Choose lures and baits that mimic their natural forage to increase your chances of catching more and bigger bass. Topwater lures, such as buzzbaits, frogs or poppers, can be effective during the early morning, on cloudy days, and late evening when bass are focused on active forage near the surface. When fishing during sunny days, change your bait selection to shallow crankbaits, spinnerbaits, chatterbaits, soft plastic baits, or jigs to fish the mid part of the water column and bottom structure/cover where bass seek shelter under those conditions.

Watch the Weather: Keep an eye on weather patterns as they greatly influence bass activity. Summer storms, for instance, can create feeding opportunities for bass. Rainfall often washes terrestrial insects into the water, triggering a feeding frenzy. Similarly, a slight drop in barometric pressure before a storm can make summer bass more active and willing to strike a variety of artificial baits.

Utilize Stealth When Bank Fishing: In small ponds bass are sensitive to disturbances and can be easily spooked. Approach the water with caution and be as stealthy as possible to minimize noise and casting unnatural shadows. To avoid making unnecessary noise, keep your movements slow and deliberate. Try using long casts to cover a larger area without getting too close to the bass holding in the shallows. Patience is key in these situations, so take your time and thoroughly but quietly work each potential hiding spot before moving on.

Target High-Percentage Areas: Focus on areas with structure and cover, such as points, ditches, lily pads, weed beds, fallen trees, and docks. Be sure and work your lure effectively around these features to provoke strikes from lurking bass.

Experiment with Retrieves: Vary your retrieves to find the right one and trigger a bass's predatory instinct. Work through a mix of slow, steady retrieves and quicker retrieves with more erratic movements to simulate struggling of fleeing prey. Bass are known to strike when they perceive an easy opportunity, so play around with different speeds, pauses, and jerks to entice them into biting.

Master the Art of Skipping: Skipping lures under overhanging trees or docks is a skill worth developing, especially when fishing small pond. This technique can be highly effective for reaching areas where summer bass hide and ambush their prey. Practice your skipping technique to deliver lures accurately and quietly into tight spaces, increasing your chances of triggering a strike from normally hard to reach bass.

Remember that small ponds can present unique challenges due to limited water depths, limited cover and potential increased fishing pressure. Be adaptable in your approach, try different techniques, and be patient. If a particular spot or lure isn't producing, don't be afraid to move around and experiment until you find what works.