Ned rig rod <$150

[dguns19]

Hey all, 

 

Looking at getting a nicer rod specifically for ned rigs for smallmouth. Currently using a Kastking walleye rod, 7'1" ML fast, which has a softer tip which i seem to like. So far I've held the St. Croix premier 7' ML fast, which was very whippy, ie a much softer tip then id expect from a fast action rod. Also tried the BPS carbonlite 2.0 in 7'2" ML Xfast. I felt this was too stiff of a tip for small ned rigs. 

 

What would be your preference as to length, action and power rod for under $150. It will be paired with a Pflueger President XT 25 size, 15lb Power pro to SC sniper. 

 

Thanks

[WRB]

Don Iovino Major Craft finesse spinning rod.

Tom

[moguy1973]

My Ned rig rod is a H2O Express Ethos from Academy.  Works as it should for the Ned.

[Turkey sandwich]

What type of water are you fishing that ned rig mostly?  If you're mostly fishing rivers, there are a TON of advantages to using a ML (fast to moderately fast action) in the longest length you can get away with. 

[ike8120]

Dobyns FR 702SR  Budget minded decent rod.

[Allen Der]

Mojo bass 610mxf

Eyecon 70mlf

[NYWayfarer]

My current Ned Rig rods are the Lew's Mach II Speed Stick 6',7" ML and the Favorite Balance 7',3" ML

 

Out of the two I like the Favorite Balance, it is stiffer than the Mach II. The longer pole enables me to cast the Ned farther as well.  

 

 

[Preytorien]

I use a Zodias M/F for my NedRig/Senko rod. Works great. The rod is sensitive and the reel seat is very comfortable.

[Joshua van Wyk]

The Shimano Curado 6’10 ml is fantastic for ned rigs if you don’t mind tip heavy rods.

[Darren.]

I cut down a 6' St. Croix Premier MLF to 5'9" and it is my

go-to Ned setup. The Man himself uses short rods, and

inexpensive rods, too. But we all probably fish it differently

than he does.  

[GeekOutdoors]

Mine is a Fenwick HMG 6'9 ML/Fast.

[MickD]

I use and like a rod I built that sounds like the first rod you mention.

 

Keep in mind that in order for a light power rod to have a fast or XF action the tip has to be pretty soft.  It has to be that way if the rod isn't bending a lot in the middle and lower section and it still can be called light or medium light power.  

 

The challenge in ned rigging, in my opinion, is getting a rod that will comfortably cast the light jigs, that will load properly with them.  And that leads to a light or ML power.  A medium power with XF action might please you and cast the jigs pretty well since it will have a pretty soft tip compared to a fast action medium power.

 

That St Croix med light power fast action rod is a favorite of a lot of anglers here; they rave about it.  So you might take another look.  I've not heard anyone call it "very whippy" before.  I've never felt a "whippy" St Croix spin rod.

 

But we are talking subjectively, no objective numbers, like CCS.

[Tizi]

Carbon-lite 2.0 6'6" ML with Fuego LT 2500

[newyorktoiowa57]

Dobyns sierra 692 has worked well for me. 

[Mikeltee]

How $45 sound? My first ned rig rod was an ugly stik elite ML and a 10yo president 1000 reel I used to use for panfish. I didn't even change the mono that was on it. It worked perfect. Great sensitivity and I had no trouble hauling in 5#ers the 2 days I used it. It was my first taste of bass fishing. I now have 7 setups valued at over $500 a piece. They catch 5#ers too. None of them have the glow in the dark tip that the ugly stik has though. Hey... I now see that I have been had by the bass business. That's what happens when you sign up here. At least I don't own any favorite gear.

[GreenPig]

My Ned stick is the BPS Carbonlite 2.0 ML fast 6'9" 

[BoomerSooner]

Megabass Levante Shakyhead would be $150 at Kittery Trading Post with their flash sale.

[dguns19]

Thank you all for the replies. I went with the St. Croix eyecon 7ft Medium light fast action. In my hands, it balanced better than the curado, premier and carbonlite. The carbonlite was balanced, but not a soft enough of a tip for me. 

 

As for my OP saying the St. croux premier was too whippy, i kustve picked up a light action that day, as i felt the medium light and it was just about perfect. 

 

Thanks 

[FryDog62]

On 7/21/2019 at 10:01 PM, WRB said:

Don Iovino Major Craft finesse spinning rod.

Tom

I use the casting version of the Don Iovino for Nedding... outstanding rod 

[Dogface]

About a month ago I found a Shakespeare UL bait casting rod in a closeout bin at Walmart. It was less than $5.00. I couldn't pass it up...…..like I needed another rod but I thought it would be great for Ned rigs on the Susquehanna. 

 

I had an old Shimano Bantam reel that hadn't been used in years. I loaded it up with some 14 lb braid, a fluro our leader and went fishing. I never made it to the Susqy but in four trips to a friends pond I have been killing LM and crappie's on the Ned rig. My biggest LM so far was about 4.5 lb and all have come on the same TRD. 

 

Those TRDs are indestructible. I'm going to keep fishing the same one until its gone or falls off the hook.  BTW I tried a Power Bait ribbon tail worm on the Ned head. That worked great but only lasted for 3 fish.

[ChrisD46]

On ‎7‎/‎22‎/‎2019 at 5:39 AM, ike8120 said:

Dobyns FR 702SR  Budget minded decent rod.

+1 ... A Fury or Sierra 702SR would make a fine Ned Rig rod as well as double as a drop shot rod . 

[Bassattackr]

Abu Garcia Villain 2.0 can be had for $150.  I have two of their 6'10" ML spinning rods and they are perfect Ned rods.