Length of Rod for Neds

[BassBlowup354]

What is a good size rod for neds. I use a 7’ but do I need anything shorter or longer?

[Patrick Reif]

rod choose is strictly a personal thing.

 

I personally use a St. Croix Avid MLXF 6'8" spinning rod, but could easily go to a 7'1" Kistler Helium with a whippy tip.

 

If it feels right to you, it is right for you.

[Bluebasser86]

Nothing real special is needed for a Ned. Yes, it fishes nicer on certain equipment, but a wide range of rods can do it. IMO, something in the 6'-7' 6" range and L-M/L fishes them best. I personally use a 6' 10" ML/XF and love it.

[Hook2Jaw]

I personally use a 6'10" MLF, but personally wish I had a longer rod for it for casting distance.  I plan to get something in the 7'6" range in the future.  Most of the time when I feel like I need to toss the Ned, I'm in clear water and could really benefit from reaching out there before they know I'm there.

[Jermination]

6'8 mxf

[Jig Man]

All of my Ned setups are around 6’.  I can cast them plenty far where I fish. I am a line watcher and this length works best for me.

[browne762]

I use a 7'6" and like that length the best. It is a MLXF.

[QUAKEnSHAKE]

I use 6' to 8' fast to moderate spinning or casting whatever I have on the outing. Dont think it matters too much. My favorite spinning rod is 8' ML so it gets the most use with neds.

[FryDog62]

I use either a 6’10” MXF (with braid/FC leader) or a 7’1” MLF with straight fluorocarbon.  Braid on the shorter rod to get more distance. Casting distance is key for me when throwing light lures.  

[CarpCasey]

6'6" MLF is what I use

[Finessegenics]

Posted this the other day in a similar thread:

 

I have no experiences with longer rods for bass fishing, I’ll just be giving advice on what I’ve heard. A lot of people will say a 7’6 ML XF rod is best for hair jigs or ned rigs. Basically, it’s good for very very light presentations. Specifically 1/8 and less when you aren’t expecting the bass to choke the bait. More like a soft inhale. This is because you will “see” the bite before you feel it. The long rod with the soft tip of the ML will begin to deflect (showing the bite), before you can even feel it. Basically, the tip will bend ever so slightly and you’ll realize you have a fish on there. This is probably amplified when using hi-vis braid. I personally use a 6'10 ml/xf and it works well enough for me. Also better with a shorter rod if you're bank fishing in tight spaces.

[Spankey]

Don’t over think the rod length thing. But a longer rod length will Get more line off the water quicker in your hook set. 

[Junk Fisherman]

After using a 7’ rod the first couple seasons with a Ned, I changed to a 7’4” last year and it is much better.  Longer casts and better control when fighting a fish.  My 742 Dobyns Champion HP is my rod of choice for a Ned.  

[walleyecrazy]

I use 7'6" rods for neds, and most of my other finesse stuff with the exception of drop shotting.

[MN Fisher]

I guess I'm the odd-ball. I do Ned on a 6'6" UL/F rod for the most part. My backup is my general finesse rod which is a 7'0" ML/F.

 

Yes, Ned on UL gear - a 2# LMB on 4# test is such a trip.

[Team9nine]

Here in Indiana, I fish a lot of the exact same type waters as Ned does back in Kansas; smaller flatland reservoirs with a lot of water-willow and semi-stained water much of the time, what Ned once referred to as "Kansas clear." As such, and like Ned, long casts are rarely needed (typically 25-60 feet), and so shorter rods work fine much of the time. They actually give you more control in executing subtle retrieve nuances when combined with shorter cast length. My two most used rods have historically been 6 footers, but I have found a 6'6" and 7'0" that I like and use in spurts.

[Ogandrews]

7’6” ml xf st croix eyecon, use it for all my lighter finesse stuff. I really like a longer rod, helps detect bites you wouldn’t otherwise notice because the rod tip deflects with light bites. Great for playing fish on light line too

[Bird]

1 hour ago, MN Fisher said:

I guess I'm the odd-ball. I do Ned on a 6'6" UL/F rod for the most part. My backup is my general finesse rod which is a 7'0" ML/F.

 

Yes, Ned on UL gear - a 2# LMB on 4# test is such a trip.

Nah, not an oddball. 

I much prefer a 6'6 on ML for those little hooks.

2 hours ago, walleyecrazy said:

I use 7'6" rods for neds, and most of my other finesse stuff with the exception of drop shotting.

 

[MN Fisher]

10 minutes ago, Bird said:

Nah, not an oddball. 

I much prefer a 6'6 on ML for those little hooks.

 

Ya, but did you notice

UL

not

ML

 

That's the 'odd-ball' part.

[Bird]

3 minutes ago, MN Fisher said:

Ya, but did you notice

UL

not

ML

 

That's the 'odd-ball' part.

Well you got me there.

[Columbia Craw]

I fish a Ned deeper than many so casting distance is paramount. To help get that distance I use a 7'3" with some tip.  This feels comfortable and it's efficient.

[txchaser]

For me the ned goes on whichever M or ML spinning rod I didn't pick specifically for something else. Mostly only fish the bottom presentation versions of the retrieves so I don't see much difference one way or the other.

 

In fairness, the ned is more often than not a "dangit now I have to fish that thing" than a go-to bait I start with. Dunno why, just not a favorite for me. Kind of dumb for me to do that because it works so well. 

[InfantryMP]

I use a St Croix Eyecon 7'6" ML, and a 7'1" St Croix Bass X ML for my finesse setups. I have caught a ton of fish with the eycon rod (walleye designed). I feel like I can cast everything a mile with the 7'6" rod. 

[basscrusher]

For throwing Neds on the light heads truly meant for the tactic (1/10 oz and under) my best rod is 6'3".  it's not that the length is perfect, it's just a great rod.  It's the discontinued Loomis Bronzeback 7500 (mag-light power).  it's rated 1/32 - 1/4 oz, and while I don't think that's accurate, it loads up the 1/10 + TRD better than any other rod I've used.  So even though it's a short rod, it casts better than many of my longer rods because of how well it loads up.  Like others have said, length matters, but it's not the only thing that matters (insert joke here).

[MN Fisher]

3 minutes ago, basscrusher said:

For throwing Neds on the light heads truly meant for the tactic (1/10 oz and under) my best rod is 6'3".  it's not that the length is perfect, it's just a great rod.  It's the discontinued Loomis Bronzeback 7500 (mag-light power).  it's rated 1/32 - 1/4 oz, and while I don't think that's accurate, it loads up the 1/10 + TRD better than any other rod I've used.  So even though it's a short rod, it casts better than many of my longer rods because of how well it loads up.  Like others have said, length matters, but it's not the only thing that matters (insert joke here).

That's why I've gone to an Ultra-Light rod for Neds as my norm...which based on the ratings is what your rod is. Though mine, as previously mentioned, is a 6'6" - but the same 1/32-1/4 lure rating.