Ned Rig Fishing for Perch: A Complete Guide
Ned rig fishing is a minimalist and highly effective lure fishing technique that has gained popularity among anglers targeting perch and other predatory species. Originating in the U.S. for bass fishing and brought to mainstream attention by Ned Kehde, it has proven to be equally effective for European perch due to its subtle presentation and ability to provoke strikes from both active and finicky fish. This method is particularly useful when fish are in a neutral or negative mood, making it a must-know technique for any serious perch angler.
In this article, we’ll dive into what Ned rig fishing is, why it’s so effective for perch, and the best ways to utilize it in various fishing conditions.
What is Ned Rig Fishing?
The Ned rig is a simple but highly effective soft-plastic lure rig. It consists of a small soft plastic bait (usually between 2 and 3 inches long) rigged onto a lightweight, mushroom-shaped jig head. The combination of a buoyant plastic lure and the light jig head creates a unique presentation that is irresistible to many species, especially perch.
Components of a Ned Rig:
- Mushroom Jig Head: The flat head of the jig allows the lure to stand upright on the bottom, mimicking the behavior of small prey like a worm or crayfish. These jig heads typically range between 1/16 oz to 1/4 oz, with lighter weights often preferred for perch.
- Soft Plastic Lure: A small, buoyant soft plastic bait, often a stick worm or small creature bait. The flat bottom and the design of the lure help it to glide and sink slowly, creating a subtle and natural appearance.
Why is the Ned Rig Effective for Perch?
Perch are known for being curious and opportunistic feeders, striking at a wide variety of prey items, from small fish to invertebrates. The Ned rig excels at mimicking these small prey items and stands out due to its:
- Subtle Action: The soft plastic lure has very little action on its own, but its slow fall and upright posture on the bottom mimic natural, vulnerable prey. Perch, particularly in colder water or when they are in a lethargic mood, are often drawn to this understated presentation.
- Buoyancy: The soft plastic often floats or remains semi-buoyant when paired with the right ned head. This causes the lure to stand upright on the bottom, making it look like a small fish or worm nosing around in the sediment. The visual appeal of this motion, especially to perch foraging near the bottom, makes it hard for them to resist.
- Finesse Approach: The lightweight nature of the Ned rig offers a finesse approach to fishing, which is often essential when perch are wary or pressured by heavy fishing activity. This subtle presentation allows you to catch perch that may ignore larger, more aggressive lures.
How to Fish the Ned Rig for Perch
While the Ned rig can be used in various environments, its effectiveness depends on how you work the lure and adjust to different conditions. Here are some of the best strategies to utilize the Ned rig when targeting perch:
1. Slow Retrieve with Pauses
The key to Ned rig fishing is keeping it subtle. Cast the lure out, let it sink to the bottom, and slowly retrieve it with a series of short hops and long pauses. Perch are often intrigued by the lure’s slow fall and the slight movement along the bottom. This method is especially useful in cooler months when perch are less aggressive.
2. Dragging the Bottom
In deeper or colder water, perch are often found near the bottom, so gently dragging the lure along the lake bed can be a very effective presentation. This technique mimics small prey scurrying along the bottom, enticing perch to strike. Make sure to use a light jig head to ensure the lure doesn’t get stuck too often on rocks or weeds.
3. Fishing Along Structures
Perch love to hang around structures like submerged trees, rock piles, and weed beds. Cast your Ned rig parallel to these features, and slowly retrieve it back while allowing it to make contact with the bottom. The lure’s minimalistic action works wonders when presented near these hiding spots, often drawing bites from perch lurking in ambush.
Choosing the Right Gear for Ned Rig Perch Fishing
While the Ned rig itself is relatively simple, using the correct gear is important for maximizing success when targeting perch.
1. Rod and Reel
A medium-light to light spinning rod, about 6-7 feet in length, paired with a 1000-2500 size spinning reel is ideal for this technique. The lighter rod allows for better sensitivity to feel subtle bites, while the spinning reel ensures smooth casts and retrieves with lightweight lures.
2. Line
Some anglers prefer to fish with fluorocarbon as their mainline, eliminating the need for a leader. While this can be effective, fluorocarbon mainline can be challenging to manage. Most lure anglers opt for a braided mainline (6-10lb test) paired with a fluorocarbon leader (10-14lb). This setup offers the best of both worlds: the strength and thin diameter of braid combined with the stealth and abrasion resistance of a fluorocarbon leader where it matters most.
3. Ned (Jig) Head Weight
The weight of the Ned head is critical to its presentation. For perch, lighter weights are typically more effective—usually between 2-4g. A lighter Ned head creates a slower fall, which is essential for maintaining a subtle and enticing presentation. The key is maximizing “hang time,” as this often triggers more strikes.
In challenging conditions, such as flooded rivers or faster currents, increasing the weight of the Ned head helps keep the lure in the strike zone. Carrying a variety of weights (ranging from 2g to 10g) ensures you’re prepared for almost any situation.
Best Times to Use the Ned Rig for Perch
The Ned rig is versatile and can be used year-round, but it shines during specific conditions:
- Cold Weather: During colder months, perch slow down and become less active. The subtle action of a Ned rig, with its slow fall and gentle movement, is perfect for coaxing lethargic perch into striking.
- Pressured Waters: In areas that receive heavy fishing pressure, perch can become wary of aggressive lures. The finesse presentation of the Ned rig can often tempt fish that have grown accustomed to seeing larger, more active baits.
- Clear Water: In clear water conditions, perch tend to be more cautious. The natural, finesse presentation of the Ned rig works particularly well in these scenarios where a more subtle approach is required.
Final Thoughts
The Ned rig is a highly effective and simple technique that every perch angler should have in their arsenal. Its finesse presentation, subtle action, and versatility make it a go-to method for catching perch in a wide range of conditions but most notably when the colder weather arrives and the waters cool. Perch (or pike) may want a much slower, more subtle presentation and this is where the Ned Rig excels.
