Double Your Bites On A Ned Rig By Doing This!

[@jamescaspersamanthalintner4767]

A few years ago I read an article in Field and stream where they talked to Ned Katie the creator of the Midwest finance or Ned rig and he talked about in the winter time he basically fishes a Ned rig 100% of the time and him and two of his friends fish 3 days a week all winter long no matter what the weather is and they always have a goal of 100 fish in an 8 hour day and they count everything they catch not just Bass and Ned swears that a red 16 oz shroom head is his go-to an interestingly enough he talked about exactly what you said in the beginning of the video they either want it on the lightest head you've got or the heaviest head you've got there really is no middle ground ever since I read that article I've always started off with a 16-oz and 80% of the time that seems to be what I get bid on I rarely go up unless I'm fishing deeper but I will give this a try thank you Matt

[@MattStefanFishing]

thanks for sharing!

[@ivanradi4275]

This past weekend was quite cold here in Miami, 39 degrees which is very unusual. I had a good weekend with the Ned rig however I think it would have been better, I found this video of yours and the answer was there. I was using a heavy jig and did not consider the other possibility. Thanks Matt.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Sounds great!

[@jimk4267]

My experiences coincide 100% with your assessment. For northern river smallies I always go heavy UNLESS they are relating to weeds on current edges then I float them. Keep 'em coming winter has just begun!

[@MattStefanFishing]

THanks for sharing!

[@ballzybaits4414]

For Ned I sometimes wacky rig it and run different weights to make it shimmy down at a different rate. Works for here I'm from. Awesome tips as usual.

[@MattStefanFishing]

thanks for sharing!

[@czrider3999]

Well that isn't a ned rig. That's a trd rigged wacky. Am I right?

[@scottvermonter920]

Very nice Matt the Ned's work great here in Vermont on the smallies!

[@MattStefanFishing]

they work everywhere!

[@dhjhawk]

Juicy tip! Water warming back up here in FL, seeing fresh beds now. Bass are moving up to beds any day now and the bite is good. Also caught a nice bunch of crappie last weekend! Easy pickins!

[@MattStefanFishing]

Im jealous!

[@Choffa09]

Great info! I have shied away from throwing the lights heads due to being impatient. With your info I have a better understanding. Thanks Matt!

[@MattStefanFishing]

Glad it was helpful!

[@dennisederer3594]

Outstanding presentation. You answered my question perfectly. Now I can throw the “deadly nedly with confidence. Thank you for taking time to explain.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Glad it was helpful!

[@dalezindler2509]

I like the info, one other thing about the ned is swimming it. If you're only getting hits on the fall try swimming it back ( steady retrieve) stay close to bottom but I have had success mid water column.

[@MattStefanFishing]

yep! Me too!

[@mdlapl0212]

Steady retrieve, slow, barely, little shaking with the rod tip. 6' fast action rod, , little lift to the jig, itermittently, half a 5" senko, keep on the trolling motor, slow, it's about the finesse, not a jig worm technique. I hope this help you all with the Ned Rig. '

[@MattStefanFishing]

thanks for sharing

[@richardbumpuscjf347]

I have a clear water mountain small bass fishery. It kinda depends but usually making long cast with a heavy weighted rig gets bigger fish and the little ones are up in the rocks near the bank. So I can relate to this information. Keep the videos coming. I watch every day.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Will do! Thanks for watching!

[@jimdeale]

Thanks for your very good tips on the Ned Rig. I fish the Coosa River and Guntersville Lake using the Ned rig is a great fish catcher, on Guntersville I use 20-50# braid line due to the grass with lots of success. In grass dont be afraid to go to braid it has not hurt my bites.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Great tip!

[@stephanelavoie2258]

Thank you Matt , ned rig just always catch fish and really hope we will get those Max scent ned rig bait in Quebec this spring ! I cannot fish until may but it’s always a pleasure watching your video !

[@MattStefanFishing]

Tackle warehouse has some berkley maxscent lil' general neds in stock right now!

[@pelagicprincesses6123]

Tried out Gambler’s Power Ned (which is much heavier than any of Zman’s offerings) during our CA smallie spawn. It proved very effective! I think you were spot on with your advice!

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks for sharing!

[@mikeantes9597]

Very helpful usually would just throw a lite one then,put it down.I will now try what you said thank you Matt.Hope all is well.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks, you too!

[@comfortablynumb9342]

This is definitely a good idea. But if you want a way to manage a rope for a lure retriever or a bridge gaff/snatch hook or whatever, you can get a "Cuban yoyo" or Cuban handline are the names I know for them. It's just a big spool for wrapping line around. They're used a lot in Central America by commercial fisherman for snapper and even mahi mahi and little tuna. Anyway it's a cheap easy way to store a long thin line for any purpose.

[@MattStefanFishing]

I’ll check it out

[@DrDanTDC]

I live on Noxon Reservoir in Trout Creek Montana. I would love to see a breakdown of it.

[@MattStefanFishing]

sounds like a fun place to fish!

[@MrJohnB-qs6dp]

Thanks for that great tip!!!!👊🏻 Always wanting to learn more ways to fish the ned rig!!!!! Stay Safe & God Bless!!!

[@MattStefanFishing]

You bet!

[@stoneysdead689]

I've experienced this but, I didn't really put my finger on what was going on- thanks for pointing it out.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Anytime!

[@gradyhines5789]

Love fishing the ned rig but as you said sometimes they will sometimes they won't, thnx for the info i'll definately try the variation in weights next time i'm out .

[@MattStefanFishing]

good luck!

[@woefman9467]

Thanks a Million Matt, I suck at Ned Rigs, of course catch some but, not enough for me to believe in them.

[@MattStefanFishing]

thanks for watching!

[@edpelkey7798]

Great double barrel punch Matt! Interesting info about the heavy weight Jacob has been using. Great time saving tip about not fishing much after the initial fall! The only other lake in the NorthEast you might want to consider for a lake breakdown would be Cayuga Lake (thanks for adding Oneida) 👍

[@MattStefanFishing]

Its on my list thaks for sharing!

[@jamiehartzell5286]

Great video great information awesome tips on using the ned rig

[@MattStefanFishing]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@Glock-1]

I’ve never used a Ned rig. I’ve used shaky head but that’s as finesse as I’ve ever gone other than a wacky worm, I guess I better try it and see what I’m missing

[@MattStefanFishing]

give it a try!

[@B3BlueBellyBaits]

Matt, I don't have a bass boat, and I was wondering if you can do your top 5 baits or techniques that is your favorite. Also do a top 5 baits for different seasons for bank anglers. Thanks for you consideration.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Ill put it on the list!

[@shannonkirby9295]

Great info, Matt. Fishing on a river I was tempted to buy 3/8 ounce head. Now I know it is ok to do so

[@MattStefanFishing]

give it a try!

[@vrt1032]

Smart for Johnnie to partner with you on lake breakdowns. Good luck with your channel

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thank you!1

[@mikek3638]

Love the Ned. I have a heck of a time feeling the 1/16. I have to go 1/10 or heavier b/c I just can't get a feel for anything lighter. I definitely know what you mean about the heavier heads though. Solid tips!

[@MattStefanFishing]

thanks!

[@wolverinex4243]

Sometimes a faster drop is key as in the Panther Martin Vivif sb hopping the bottom as compared to hopping other sbs.

[@MattStefanFishing]

yep!

[@dennisnieradka6668]

Thank you sir, Happy Holiday. Very helpful

[@MattStefanFishing]

Happy Holidays!

[@robertbrost7777]

Agree about the lighter weight Matt, especially with my waters being 3-6' in depth. Having said that, there isn't much time for the bait to do much on it's way down in 3-6' of water. Also, the light weight limits the time I can use it due to the wind. Not many calm days in the Winter here, seems the wind is always blowing. I do however agree 100% on the not playing the bait for a long time once it hits bottom. I need to cover water and find fish. Drag for a little and a few hops. If they haven't hit by then, I'll move on. If I find fish, I'll wait longer and play it longer because, I know there are fish there. That heavier head also kicks up silt on the bottom. Imitates a crawfish fleeing. Equals strikes!

[@MattStefanFishing]

thanks for sharing!

[@mayachapman1744]

My next season must learn lure, keep'em coming Matt 🍺

[@MattStefanFishing]

Will Do!

[@miken7275]

When are you going to give us a tour of all that cool gear hanging on the peg board. Nice set up !

[@MattStefanFishing]

Maybe one day

[@juleswinnfield826]

Good info, thanks for the vid, ned rigging is great.

[@MattStefanFishing]

it catches them everywhere

[@kennyg3192]

Matt very well explained I would like to know here in Maryland how would you do that on pretty boy lake/also liberty Lake in Carroll county Maryland can’t get small mouth to bite, What is your best opinion on fishing at lake hope that made some of your other projects thanks bro lines tight

[@jasonmeyers3423]

I always like to start out with light head as well.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Me too

[@johnrayner5599]

Outstanding info on the ned rig Matt, I really enjoy using this bait and it works so well, when you fish the heavier heads are you using casting set up?

[@MattStefanFishing]

thanks for your support!

[@vtxdaryl]

@@MattStefanFishing You didn’t answer John Rayners question.

[@SpookyRedz]

Thanks for your expertise bro , really loved it !

[@MattStefanFishing]

Glad you liked it!

[@r.l.pritchett5986]

Great video, enjoy watching all your videos.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Glad you like them!

[@davidmeyer9648]

Excellent advice. Thanks

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks!

[@stevekeen7035]

Another very informative video, great job Matt

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks again!

[@kevintran8948]

COULD YOU COME DOWN TO TEXAS BREAK DOWN THE 2 HARDEST LAKES TO CATCH ON ? LAKE GRAPEVINE AND LAKE LEWISVILLE

[@MattStefanFishing]

I actually like both of those lakes!

[@dariusking2927]

Great video Matt here in Kentucky lake l use 80% of the time the heavy option and baits 4 “ or better. That TRD giant is a great one for me too. I used that giant up at St Clair and they crushed it just the opposite of what everybody else is doing little small Ned’s 😂😂

[@MattStefanFishing]

thanks for sharing!

[@pirate7646]

I used 5 in pearl white with 1/4 oz LEAD HEAD OWNER HOOK 2/0 FISHED IT ON THE SWIM SLOW 8 LB TEST BASS PRO SHOPS 5IN PEARL WHITE STICK O, you can cut the front down to 3in OR 2 IN BUT I LEFT IT AT 5IN AND COUGHT 3 TO 4.5 SMALLIES

[@ctarvestad]

Can you do a Lake breakdown for Belton Lake in Belton, Texas?

[@MattStefanFishing]

I did this one for smallmouth on belting that’s up on fish the moment fishthemoment.com/winter-lake-breakdowns-matt/belton-lake-texas-winter

[@ctarvestad]

@@MattStefanFishing Ty Sir

[@shadow8403]

Great information, thank you for sharing your knowledge. If you get a chance, please look at Percy Priest Lake in Nashville, TN. Very hard lake, Edwin Evers broke it down and stated "it looks like a difficult lake". I would love to hear your opinion and what you would do on that lake, especially in December. Thank you so much, what you're doing is worth it. Kane Fishing Gear

[@MattStefanFishing]

I will check it out. One of the few lakes i havent fished.

[@mikeruiz9745]

I look forward to every video you put out there man. I learn something new every sigle time. Have you ever fished seneca or Cayuga lake up here in new york? Thanks again!!

[@MattStefanFishing]

Ive fished cayuga but not seneca.

[@ernieowens742]

Great info Matt keep it up

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks, will do!

[@jeffniebanck6387]

Great tip Matt!👍

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks! 👍

[@kentbrown5369]

As always great information. Thank you

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks!

[@wolverinex4243]

This explanation of fall action is exactly why I don't do Neds. I use another product to get the maximum action, maximum bites.

[@MattStefanFishing]

And whats the product?

[@DEADKING624]

Cayuga Lake ---- Oneida Lake ---- Champlain Lake Breakdowns....!!!!

[@MattStefanFishing]

Ive done a champlaina and oneida lake breakdown. giving some juice in those. I havent done cayuga yet. should be shorlty.

[@woefman9467]

Ever fish Waupaca Wisc? Any Tips for June 1st?

[@MattStefanFishing]

All the time. guide out there a bunch as well

[@JimGLopez67]

Good information thanks buddy

[@MattStefanFishing]

anytime!

[@meef1610]

Thanks Matt

[@MattStefanFishing]

you bet!

[@guywithagoprofishingshow3011]

Howdy@MattStefan-always enjoy your vids man.So here in W.V. everything is dominated by current.I found using the Lunkerhunt 1/4oz weedless ned head keeps me in contact with the bottom when fish are feeding down.On the opposite,if I'm fishing in a small lake or pond,my go to ned head is the Picasso 8th oz tungsten head-very unique-ly designed from the line tie placement to the concave head,and keeper.Just thought I'd share since I'm unsponsored and field test as much as i can afford till i find one im satisfied,wait-the fish are satisfied with.

[@MattStefanFishing]

thanks for sharing!

[@mikeeller557]

The rattling ned is killer with heavy head on smallies.

[@MattStefanFishing]

thanks for sharing!

[@williamcharleson2051]

Can you break down lake berryessa in California?

[@MattStefanFishing]

Ill put it on my list!

[@Fletch111]

Great video! Can you talk about water clarity from lake to lake we have 5ft visibility at best more in the fall in southern Indiana and Ohio ft and a half to 2ft visibility most part of the year. Is clear water just relevant for the water/lake your fishing? I hope this question makes since?

[@TheRecon1a]

I'm not good at the Ned Rig as I want to be but most of my bigger fish... 3+lbs have come from me fishing with a 1/4 Ned head.

[@MattStefanFishing]

makes sense that they like the fast fall

[@dougjack3532]

What is the best rod/reel combo to use with or for a ned rig

[@MattStefanFishing]

I like a 7'3" ML spinning rod with a an 8lb Berkley 100% fluorocarbon leader to 10 lb Berkley X braid with an Abu garcia revo premier spinning reel

[@youtubzkoz]

Mikey Ballz does the mega ned rig!! Heavy head, 3-4" ned worm.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Very cool!

[@Mr.Higgs.]

Rewatching this video 3 months after you put this up. If you are blind casting a ned in a area with smallmouth will you work the bait all the way back to the boat or will you do what you described as working it for a short amount then reeling it in?

[@MattStefanFishing]

work it a short amount and recast.

[@Mr.Higgs.]

@@MattStefanFishing Thank you 👍

[@glenndaugherity6187]

Great vid Matt nice Red Rider too LoL

[@MattStefanFishing]

I love the red riders!

[@ro-cl2do]

Thanks for info.

[@MattStefanFishing]

No problem!

[@seriousmechanicing]

Interesting I used the rain's tungsten 1/16 Oz jig head when I'm working from the bank and the owner blockhead offset 3/16 Oz when I'm working a little bit further out from the bank on structure. It seems like the offset hook would cause a poor hookup but it doesn't seem to matter.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks for sharing!

[@robertbrost7777]

I use the VMC Rugby Jig EWG hook when I want to Ned weedlessly. Haven't had any success at all. Plenty on the shroomz head. Wondering if the action is limited with a number 1 EWG hook.

[@seriousmechanicing]

@@robertbrost7777 I've not tried the VMC offering, looking at photos though it looks like the hook point is at a greater angle than the Owner hook which is more parallel with the shank. Maybe the physics of the plastic and jighead pairing are just a little off and causing problems. I do like the owner blockhead offset I can keep my bait in the water longer and lose far fewer jigheads and catch the same numbers as the exposed hook.

[@robertbrost7777]

@@seriousmechanicing I will take a look at both you suggested in your original post. My point with the VMC’s is I think the added length of the EWG hook kills the TRD action. The tail doesn’t have that wiggle with the hook being so far up the bait. Also, texposing the hook in Elaztech is a lesson in futility. The point just won’t stay buried and, if you really bury it, you’ll set yourself up for a lot of missed fish. Ditto the ZMan Bulletz also BTW. Nice idea going weedless with Elaztech but, an epic fail IMHO.

[@johncloud2851]

With that being said... I know you would recommend throwing the Ned on spinning gear, but at that 1/4 - 3/8 oz could you use baitcasting rod & reel. Same goes for drop shot?

[@MattStefanFishing]

Yes sir you can throw it on baitcasting gear!

[@johncloud2851]

@@MattStefanFishing medium or medium light? Moderate or fast action? 10/12lb fluorocarbon

[@mawbass2272]

Thanks for the tip. Maw bass.

[@MattStefanFishing]

You bet!

[@johngalt3568]

I never would have thought of making a Ned a reaction lure.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Oh it is!

[@PistolPete3322]

Thx Matt

[@MattStefanFishing]

Anytime!

[@genebishopsbassfishingadve6765]

GREAT INFO!! THX!!👍🔥

[@MattStefanFishing]

Glad it was helpful!

[@JamesSproles-t9h]

Fantastic

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks!

[@michaelrgreen3487]

Please tell us the colors of all baits

[@MattStefanFishing]

noted!

[@grandwonder5858]

So your idea of going from super light jigheads to super heavy jigheads is 1/16oz to 3/80z?

[@MattStefanFishing]

On a ned rig yes. 1/2 oz at times as well but a 3/8 oz ned head is like a 1 oz on any other bait. its the minimum weight i use for a super fast fall.

[@grandwonder5858]

Okay, thanks! I wouldn’t go as heavy as 5/8 simply because I’m a shore fisherman and the ned rig gets hung up a lot when you’re fishing from the shores. I’ll give some other rigs a try if I need to go heavier. Maybe I’ll find a snagless ned rig to fish with.

[@Owl4909]

Tuckertownn NC. dang snot grass

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks for watching!

[@lufkin412]

Nice Red Ryder

[@MattStefanFishing]

I love that thing! Got a bunch of them. we used to get them for making the FLW Forrest Wood Cup

[@binkwood]

If you're looking for content, I've noticed most fishermen don't understand the difference between rod power and action and because of that they don't know how to properly pick a rod for a particular technique.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks for sharing!

[@rodlinvon-hugenstine5142]

Time of year to deadstick the ned too

[@MattStefanFishing]

Agreed!

[@daveengstrom9250]

You need more packages of bait.

[@MattStefanFishing]

I do! Can never have to much!

[@EdwardClarkIII]

There is a lot of tackle on that there wall behind you...

[@MattStefanFishing]

Just a few bags!

[@terrykloster9121]

I use the lightest possible.

[@MattStefanFishing]

i tend to prefer that as well

[@dmays5413]

Couldnt see that 16th ounce you held up

[@MattStefanFishing]

they are small

[@Drog2730]

Lake of the woods break down

[@MattStefanFishing]

ill put it on the list

[@pirate7646]

I USED THE NED RIG IN 1994 TOURNAMENTS

[@MattStefanFishing]

Nice!

[@pirate7646]

IT WORKS IN THE COLUMBIA RIVER 1/4 OZ LEAD HEAD SWIMMING IT IN 20 TO 30 FT OF WATER OVER MIDDLE RIVER HUMPS AND DIPS. IT LOADS UP AND YOU REEL FAST TO RECOUP THE LINE FOR A GOOD HOOK SET NORMALY QUALITY FISH

[@willjackson716]

If the lake you’re fishing has very heavy grass , how would you fish that rig. (From a guy that fished tournaments in the 70’s and 80’s) . Lake Juliette in Georgia is clear and full of grass, and bass!

[@MattStefanFishing]

its net the best bait for grass unless fishing a clean weedline