The Molix Stick Flex – One Stick Bait to Rule Them All?

When it comes to finesse fishing for perch, finding the perfect stick bait can be a challenge. Many of the top options on the market originate from the U.S. Bass scene, where “Ned Rig” fishing originated. However, the Molix Stick Flex was designed from the ground up specifically for perch, and in my experience, it has set the benchmark for what a finesse stick bait should be.

@fishingwithbradders puts the Molix Stick Flex to use.

Why the Molix Stick Flex Stands Out

While the Z-Man Finesse TRD popularised the Ned Rig, it was always a bit on the stout side for a lot of people when it comes to UK perch fishing. The Molix Stick Flex, on the other hand, offers a more refined design with a slender, tapered body and ribbed tip section. These features give it an incredibly natural action, whether left static on the bottom or drifting along with the current.

Designed by Tommaso Martinelli for Molix, the Stick Flex wasn’t just thrown together—it was meticulously refined, with Martinelli reportedly sending back multiple prototypes until the TPE formula was perfected. Buoyancy, salt content, elasticity, and scent were all carefully balanced to create a bait that perch simply cannot resist.

My Experience with the Molix Stick Flex

I was introduced to the Stick Flex by Adam Seeley, whom at the time was a Molix team angler but later moved on to Fox Rage. Since then for me there was no way back, it’s the “lucky underwear” of lures, when all else fails… Stick Flex! The subtle tail movement and water displacement from the ribs create a presentation that stands out even in pressured waters.

Perch caught on the molix stick flex — A perch nailed on the Molix Stick Flex.

While many anglers automatically pair stick baits with a Ned Rig, my go-to setup has always been a Texas Rig. Being primarily a river angler, I find the mostly weedless nature of the Texas Rig lets me fish tight to snags and vegetation without constantly getting hung up. It’s also a game-changer on siltier bottoms, where a free-running weight prevents the lure from disappearing into the muck.

That said, there’s still a time and place for the traditional Ned Rig, especially over gravel or hard-bottomed areas. Over the years, I’ve noticed a shift—when the Ned Rig was more popular, the Texas Rig seemed to outperform it. Now, as more anglers lean toward Texas-rigged finesse baits, I’m seeing perch receptive to the Ned Rig once again. Coincidence? Maybe. But it’s something worth considering when choosing your approach.

Bradley Hunt with a perch caught on the molix stick flex — Bradley Hunt with a perch caught on the Molix Stick Flex.

Best Rigs for the Molix Stick Flex

Texas Rig Setup

Hook: Size 2 Gamakatsu G-Code Worm Offset EWG
Weight: Tungsten bullet weight (no stoppers, beads, and certainly NO CLIPS!)

Keeping the setup simple is key—going too large with hooks restricts action and reduces the lure’s ability to fold on the bite. I wouldn’t go larger than a size 1, and even that’s pushing it. Different brands size their hooks differently, so keep that in mind—VMC and ILLEX hooks tend to run smaller than Gamakatsu.

Ned Rig Setup

Jighead: Flat-head Ned heads like Z-Man ShroomZ, TT Lures, Eagle Claw, or OMTD
Weight: As light as conditions allow

Avoid domed Ned heads unless you want the bait to wobble like a weeble—if that’s your preference, you might as well use a standard ball jighead.

Molix stick flex features — The Molix stick Flex Feaatures.

Top Alternatives to the Molix Stick Flex

While the Molix Stick Flex is my top choice, a few other stick baits are well worth considering:

Molix Stick Flex – The best perch stick bait, hands down.
GeeCrack Bellows Stick (floating variant) – Excellent action and buoyancy.
Savage Gear Ned Dragontail Slug – A solid, reliable option and very similar to the GeeCrack in appearance.
Rapala CrushCity Ned BLT – A new contender with great movement, colours and material.
Z-Man Finesse TRD – The OG that started it all.

Final Thoughts

The Molix Stick Flex has become my #1 confidence stick bait for perch, outperforming nearly everything else I’ve tested. Its natural action, durability, and adaptability across different rigging styles make it a must-have for any finesse angler.

And if you’re feeling brave, get the Big Dog 4.5” Stick Flex out! This one I particularly like on a Neko rig also, but that’s for another day.

Whether you prefer the Texas Rig or the Ned Rig, give the Stick Flex a try—you might just find yourself reaching for it most sessions, just like I do.