The 3 Best Ned Rig Worms
The Ned rig is a staple in the finesse fishing category. It is an ultra finesse and subtle presentation that excels at getting bites. Nothing will catch more bass than a Ned rig.
So when fishing gets tough and you can’t catch anything, the Ned rig can save your trip and help you avoid a skunk.
With just about every soft plastic company making their own version of a Ned worm, it might be hard to pick the right one. I have found that these are the 3 best Ned rig worms.
What I Look for in a Ned Worm
Keep it simple. There are only things I look for in a good Ned rig worm:
- Simplicity: The Ned rig is all about having a super minimal, simple profile. So I want my stick worm to be super simple. I don’t want a bunch or appendages, legs, or claws.
- Buoyancy: I believe that floating worms are much better when fishing a Ned rig. They help to give worm a slower fall, keep it out of muck on the bottom, and make it easier for the bass to see the very small profile.
1. Z-Man Finesse TRD
The Z-Man Finesse TRD is by far the most popular and consistent Ned rig worm in the world. The TRD is the original bait that was actually designed and optimized to be fished on a Ned rig.
And if you ask any angler out there, the TRD will be at the top of their list. What separates Elaztech plastics from other soft plastics is their life-like action, natural buoyancy and unmatched durability.
Elaztech baits not only look great, they are also up to 10X tougher than other plastics. They resist nicks, cuts and tears, and that means you’re likely to catch a lot more fish on Elaztech before having to replace them.
- Length: 2 3/4 in.
- Custom ElaZtech formulation and salt content to provide the ideal sink rate, lifelike feel, and unique flutter
- Effective on a wide variety of species
- Routinely employed by tournament fishermen in tough conditions
- ElaZtech baits are 10X more durable than other soft plastics
- ElaZtech baits are naturally buoyant and will float when rigged unweighted
2. Z-Man TRD Ticklerz
Sticking with the Z-Man Ned formula, the TRD Ticklerz is an awesome variation of the traditional Ned worm design.
The Z-Man TRD TicklerZ stand up off the bottom and features tail tentacles that spread apart at a 45-degree angle to produce a tantalizing action with minimal bait movement and tempt the most finicky of fish into biting.
They also feature a dimpled surface and are impregnated with salt, which creates a natural texture and taste that makes fish hold on longer than other soft plastics.
Because of how popular the original Finesse TRD worm is, sometimes bass have seen it one too many times and will be conditioned to avoid it.
If you are noticing that bass just don’t seem to be eating the original TRD, try using the Ticklerz to give them a bit different profile.
- Length: 2 3/4 in.
- Unique tail shape and subtle action
- Custom ElaZtech formulation and salt content to provide the ideal sink rate, lifelike feel, and unique flutter
- Effective on a wide variety of species
- Routinely employed by tournament fishermen in tough conditions
- ElaZtech baits are 10X more durable than other soft plastics
- ElaZtech baits are naturally buoyant and will float when rigged unweighted
3. Missile Baits Ned Bomb
The Missile Baits Ned Bomb is a super awesome bait that has a unique shape and action. I have found that the Ned Bomb is a better baitfish imitation than more traditional Ned worms.
The tear drop body shape and flat tail makes the Ned Bomb look exactly like a small baitfish. I love using this bait when imitating small bluegill, goby, or sculpin.
The Missile Baits Ned Bomb Worm features a fully ribbed body that captures air to create an enticing bubble trail and subtle vibration while its super thin paddle tail generates an undulating action with the slightest movement.
Whether you’re a die-hard Ned-rigger or an occasional bank walker, the Missile Baits Ned Bomb Worm needs to be in your tackle box.
- Length: 3.25 in.
- Perfect Ned Rig bait based on the popular D Bomb
- Neutral Buoyancy
- Ribs and thin beaver shaped tail leads to subtle action even at rest
- Durable body
What is the Ned Rig?
Created by Mid-West angler Ned Kehde in the early 2000s, the Ned rig is essentially an ultra finesse bass fishing rig. The Ned rig uses a very light weight jig head and a small, subtle soft plastic worm.
The idea behind the Ned rig fishing is that it is so simple and so subtle that bass just have no reason to avoid eating it.
There isn’t any loud noise or flashy blades. No intimidating action or bold sizes.
Yes, the Ned rig doesn’t necessarily look exactly like any particular bass forage, but it looks enough like all of them and that they can’t help but eat it.
Think of the Ned rig like a little piece of candy that you are putting right in front of a fish. It is just about impossible for them to say “no” to that piece of candy.
Reeling this In
In short, the Ned rig’s subtle effectiveness makes it a go-to for tough bass fishing.
While many Ned worms exist, the Z-Man Finesse TRD remains a top choice, with the TRD Ticklerz offering a valuable variation and the Missile Baits Ned Bomb excelling as a baitfish imitation.
For consistent success with this ultra-finesse technique, prioritize simplicity and buoyancy in your worm selection to entice even the most hesitant bass and avoid a fishless trip.
