Smallmouth Ned Rig (Braid Concerns)

[DanChicagoFishing]

Hi All,

 

I will be taking a vacation out to Door County (Northern Wisconsin) over the 4th of July this year.

 

I want to utilize a ned rig set up on one of my rods. 

 

I have done quite a bit of digging, and it seems a spinning rod 6.5-7.2' (M OR MF) 8 ish # braid, and an 8 ish # leader of Fluro is what a lot of fellow anglers recommend! (10ish feet leader) 

 

I have never used braid line before, as i've only utilized mono/fluro. 

 

Im concerned a bit with switching to braid for the ned rig set up as i've never used it, and understand there are potentially bad outcomes with being a first-time user of braid.

 

Most Concerning to me and a few questions i have is: The line cuts that can be caused to hands, as well as potential damage to the reel/eyes on the rod.

 

I feel im missing out on the benefits of braid on a spinning rod based on my above precautions.

 

Am I completely over thinking this, and i should just put braid on my spinning rod with a fluro leader to throw a ned rig? 

 

Thank you all very much for any responses/thoughts you may have

 

- Dan 

 

[roadwarrior]

Tie on a 4' fluorocarbon leader and you have all the advantages and none

of the problems associated with braid.

[gim]

I also use braided line with a section of fluorocarbon leader.  I assume Northern Wisconsin waters are relatively clear, so a length of fluoro will help with potential visibility concerns.

 

Additionally, if you're fishing around rocks and/or zebra mussels the fluoro tends to hold up a little better.  Make sure to inspect your line frequently for damage though.  The portion right above the mushroom head can take a beating.

 

If you get hung up, its pretty easy to break it off with a fluoro leader too.

[RAM3139]

For a ned rig (And most other spinning), I use braid and a leader as well.  For me, thats 20# sufix 832 and 8' or so of 8# yo-zuri hybrid.  But there isn't anything magic about that combo.  Pick whatever your favorite brands are, and I think you could go smaller in diameter on both if you preferred.

 

That said, I don't think braid is a must for fishing a ned rig.  If you are comfortable with mono/flouro, I don't think you would be missing that much sticking with what you have.  As long as you have a rod that can cast a 1/16 or 1/10 oz ned rig, its a pretty forgiving technique in terms of equipment.  The hookset is more of a reel-in than a swing, so the extra stretch or loss in sensitivity  from mono isn't a deal-breaker.

 

Braid damaging a rod is really a thing of the past (if it was ever a problem), so if your rod was made in the last 15 years or so I don't think its a worry.  Thin braid cutting your hand is a very real thing and may take some re-learning if you are used to grabbing your line straight and pulling.  Its nothing that will kill you, but I forget every so often and its like a bad papercut that itches a lot.

[TnRiver46]

Just out of curiosity, why are you trying braid ? Personally I just like it for catfishing and bass fishing with frogs 

[MN Fisher]

8# high-vis 832 to 6# InvizX is how I Ned rig - then I can see if the line starts going sideways before it hits bottom.

 

I would also go a little longer than what RW suggested...8' is what I consider minimum - at 6', I'm cutting off and retying a new leader.

[DaubsNU1]

Shouldn't have any issues with braid damaging your rods...I've been running braid in my 30+ year old casting rods for, well, thirty years. No issues.

 

I switched over all my spinning rods to braid and fluoro leader about three years ago after finding this site. Game changer!!!

 

All are spooled with 10lb power pro high visibility yellow, and mated to either 8 lb, or 10 lb fluoro.

 

LOVE fishing NED rigs with this set up. It's probably my favorite bait to throw. Enjoy!!

[DanChicagoFishing]

2 hours ago, TnRiver46 said:

Just out of curiosity, why are you trying braid ? Personally I just like it for catfishing and bass fishing with frogs 

Regardless of the site, or source i see Braid recommendations often for spinning reels. Even more so on the ned rig - and in this specific area of WI. Just want to have a rod set up with what has proven well in this area. With my others that i normally would throw. I also want to see what all the hype of braid on a spinning reel is about! 

[DanChicagoFishing]

2 hours ago, RAM3139 said:

For a ned rig (And most other spinning), I use braid and a leader as well.  For me, thats 20# sufix 832 and 8' or so of 8# yo-zuri hybrid.  But there isn't anything magic about that combo.  Pick whatever your favorite brands are, and I think you could go smaller in diameter on both if you preferred.

 

That said, I don't think braid is a must for fishing a ned rig.  If you are comfortable with mono/flouro, I don't think you would be missing that much sticking with what you have.  As long as you have a rod that can cast a 1/16 or 1/10 oz ned rig, its a pretty forgiving technique in terms of equipment.  The hookset is more of a reel-in than a swing, so the extra stretch or loss in sensitivity  from mono isn't a deal-breaker.

 

Braid damaging a rod is really a thing of the past (if it was ever a problem), so if your rod was made in the last 15 years or so I don't think its a worry.  Thin braid cutting your hand is a very real thing and may take some re-learning if you are used to grabbing your line straight and pulling.  Its nothing that will kill you, but I forget every so often and its like a bad papercut that itches a lot.

Thank you very much!

 

I am thinking of using my 7'-1" Medium Fast rod specifically for the Ned rig, i am new to ned rigs though so any insight is appreciated. I believe this should do though 

 

What do you usually use? 

[DanChicagoFishing]

2 hours ago, DaubsNU1 said:

Shouldn't have any issues with braid damaging your rods...I've been running braid in my 30+ year old casting rods for, well, thirty years. No issues.

 

I switched over all my spinning rods to braid and fluoro leader about three years ago after finding this site. Game changer!!!

 

All are spooled with 10lb power pro high visibility yellow, and mated to either 8 lb, or 10 lb fluoro.

 

LOVE fishing NED rigs with this set up. It's probably my favorite bait to throw. Enjoy!!

Thank you Daubs! Any insight on how the Fluro Leader helps with NOT nicking yourself with the braided line? Or is that not a thing (i should add i don't fish with a leader ever so that will also be new for me) 

[MediumMouthBass]

Its only a concern if you dont have guide inserts, most modern rods (except Ugly Stiks) have them.

 

And i always bring a pair of gloves when using braid, it might not be needed, but id rather have them and use them when dealing with that line.

 

Theres no reason to use braid if you arent comfortable with it, fluoro/hybrid works fine by itself.

If you want to watch the line use either hybrid or mono with a fluoro leader.

But braid is a great line if you do chose to use it.

 

10-15lb braid to a 6-8lb fluoro or hybrid leader, i only used fluoro for years, but i cant stand using it anymore so im sticking with hybrid for my leader material.

 

And go with the longest rod you can, my normal ned rig rod is a 7'2" M F, but its no longer made so i only use it from time to time, i was fishing my other ned rig rod today at the river, 7' M F Daiwa Aird X (usually those rods are stiff but for some reason this one has alot of bend to it) and the distance was horrible. So ill stick with my extremely stiff 7'2", because it can go atleast twice as far casting even just a 1/16 with a TRD.

[MickD]

4 hours ago, DanChicagoFishing said:

Most Concerning to me and a few questions i have is: The line cuts that can be caused to hands, as well as potential damage to the reel/eyes on the rod.

 

I feel im missing out on the benefits of braid on a spinning rod based on my above precautions.

 

Am I completely over thinking this, and i should just put braid on my spinning rod with a fluro leader to throw a ned rig? 

There will be no damage to the rod or reel.  If having to break off a snag just point your rod at the snag, take up line as much as possible, put your finger on the spool to prevent it from turning, and pull to break off.  After doing this, make sure the braid has not imbedded on the spool and is free to come off for the next cast.  I've never had a cut from braid.  

 

Flouro or mono, doesn't matter.  I use premium 15 pound flouro fly tippet/leader material because it's stiffer and works best with stuff like blades.  

 

If your rod does not have micro guides then use the double uni knot to connect the leader to the braid. Easy peasy and reliable.  

 

I suggest buying premium braid, at least 8 fibers instead of the usual 4.   You'll pay more, but it lasts for years, so not to worry.  Premium 8 (or more) fiber braid casts farther, fewer wind knots, worth the money.

 

do this right and you'll never go back to mono.  For anything.  Any questions I can help with just message me.  Best colors where I fish are Canada Craw and Goby Bryant.

5 minutes ago, MediumMouthBass said:

fluoro/hybrid works fine by itself.

Yes, but there it is nowhere near braid for feeling the bite, sensitivity, and long casts for the same pound test.  You can cast as far with 20 pound premium braid as you can with 6 pound flouro/mono.

[MN Fisher]

2 minutes ago, MickD said:

If having to break off a snag just point your rod at the snag, take up line as much as possible, put your finger on the spool to prevent it from turning, and pull to break off. 

Just bring a pair of braid scissors.

 

https://www.amazon.com/Booms-Fishing-Braid-Scissor-Scissors/dp/B08793R91F/ref=sr_1_12_sspa?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.mgIznDWgFDxPhyz1l-V_Q-UR1nXrOj1kTO4juq-Lo-9_GPxIHfVIiUjLWR9r9dZUlTJMRdV98K1OgaFOSD93WJAzg1CNUaxwGd6HJ6IdmDrVHUvVXooeC2mK270LX4DlUxgX7SaUjH1kNaG79aa8LWMmEsP1voJkV_cMu5tBbOzmA_jEWjHcQvYGAXErsvgVXKjHNx3nyGBkPbbJiq-Ch86nWw3yFlN1rLDd-iPyf0ISbZk6Q4BnsqhaCvERdV8RiRUS1YBtCyIwdYIxUutxjsIz3qI3yrCH1fA1ZjHq8ko.0e1nkECi7qrpbYuzcMvrG2oGDTBM868zU2o5PtYXN5I&dib_tag=se&keywords=braid%2Bscissors&qid=1715633328&sr=8-12-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9tdGY&th=1

[Susky River Rat]

I use braid for everything including ned rigs. I only use a leader due to rubbing against the rocks on the river. 

[Reel]

Starting out, your biggest problem will be the knot.  Practice making a solid knot before going out fishing.

[Scott F]

I’ve been using straight 8lb braid with no leader and Ned rigs for years. For me, there aren’t many advantages to using a leader, the disadvantages are having to have extra line, tying an extra knot and having that knot go through the guides on my rod which drives me crazy. I fish for smallmouth in rocky lakes and rivers and have never had my line break from rubbing on rocks. If my Ned rig is in the rocks, it’s getting snagged and I have to break it off. The light braid casts farther and the smaller diameter has reduced drag and lets all lures run deeper than thicker mono or flouro does. 

[Susky River Rat]

11 hours ago, Scott F said:

If my Ned rig is in the rocks, it’s getting snagged and I have to break it off

If my ned rig isn’t in the rocks I’m not fishing. You won’t make it long on the river without a leader. 

[Jig Man]

I fish a lot for smallmouth in very clear water with Ned rigs.  I have experimented with several line types and weights.  What has been the best overall for me is High vis yellow 15# along with 10# fluorocarbon leader.

 

I use the Zman TRDs with various head weights.  I like 7’ spinning rods with 2500 size reels.  I want my leaders to be at least 10’ long tied on with an FG knot which has never failed.

[MickD]

On 5/13/2024 at 1:49 PM, MN Fisher said:

Just bring a pair of braid scissors.

For breaking off a snag which is likely many feet away from the rod?  I don't want to lose that much braid when I get snagged.  Yes, good braid scissors are necessary when rigging or cutting out snarls, but I'm not about to lose that much braid to a snag.  I also don't think it wise to leave a long length of braid in the water where it can get fouled in motor props.  

 

This tool is very good, I have a number of them.  When rinsed, they don't mind salt water either.  https://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Boomerang_Tool_Company_Snip_Line_Cutter/descpage-BOOMS.html

[Junk Fisherman]

14 hours ago, DanChicagoFishing said:

Thank you very much!

 

I am thinking of using my 7'-1" Medium Fast rod specifically for the Ned rig, i am new to ned rigs though so any insight is appreciated. I believe this should do though 

 

What do you usually use? 

 

Hey Dan.

You are getting a lot of good advice in this thread.  Definitely use braid with a flouro leader for your Ned rig fishing.  I've gone through a lot of different leader brands and my favorite is  6 lb Gamma Edge.  It's a little thicker than traditional 6 lb line but it's abrasion-resistance is better than the 8-10 other brands I've used over the years.  While an FG knot is probably the best knot, it is the most difficult to learn and tie.  I use the Alberto knot and it is an excellent knot and much faster and easier to tie.    In terms of the rod, I'd go with a ML instead of that medium for better sensitivity.  

 

Don't go too heavy with your jig- 1/16th and 1/10th is all you need.  You'll probably be fishing 10' or less over the 4th.  Green pumpkin goby is really all you need.  Throw tubes and 4" swimbaits on a ball head jig as well.  Keep moving till you find fish.  I've spent a lot of time there and could give you more tips if you want.  Good luck.  

[gim]

I'll be perfectly honest, I don't like fishing a ned rig.  Its a slow, boring, ultra finesse technique.  But it works, quite often when fish aren't willing to bite anything else so I use it.

 

One thing that hasn't been mentioned yet.  I would advise not using the standard original zman mushroom head jigs.  They are very light wire hooks and they bend easily.  I used these years ago when I first started using a ned and I lost a couple fish because the hooks bent out.  Use something with a little more stoutness to it, especially with braided line.

[MN Fisher]

25 minutes ago, gimruis said:

Use something with a little more stoutness to it, especially with braided line.

Ya - I've been using the Owner Blockheads...stouter hook on those, I like the keeper better two...they also go super-finesse...down to 1/32oz.

 

This year I'll be testing some Ned Heads that Allen (Munkin) made up...we'll see how those work.

[gim]

On 5/14/2024 at 6:04 AM, MN Fisher said:

stouter hook on those, I like the keeper better two

 

When I first started using a ned years ago, I didn't really know any better.  The options for a mushroom head jig were much fewer and it was more of an emerging presentation.

 

I use the VMC ones most of the time now.  I don't think you need much of a hookset with a ned regardless of what jighead or line you're using.  I just give the tip a quick twitch or light snap and start reeling.

[Susky River Rat]

@gimruis I always just bend them back. This only happens with snags. I  have never bent one on a fish. 

[MN Fisher]

1 minute ago, gimruis said:

I don't think you need much of a hookset with a ned regardless of what jighead or line you're using.

It's not the hookset - it's fighting the fish. I actually had one, fought it for a while, then lost it...hook was straightened out just from the 'battle'...that was a Z-Man original...that's when I went to Owner.