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Spring/Early Summer 2026
F
inesse fishing for bass has long been built around
the Ned Rig, but the way anglers are using it today
continues to evolve. It is no longer just about downsizing line and bait size. Anglers are adjusting weight,
rigging, and presentation to get more control and more bites
in tough conditions.
From fishing a heavier Nedster to reach the bottom faster, to using a finesse football jig like a Ned Rig, and dialing in Neko rig setups, these new school finesse tactics give anglers more ways to target pressured and cold water bass. Small adjustments in how these baits are rigged and fished can make a major difference when traditional finesse approaches stop producing.
HOW TO FISH A HEAVIER NED RIG AND NEDSTER FOR BASS
When anglers talk about finesse fishing tactics for bass, the common image that comes to mind is light line, small baits, and a spinning rod. While this is still the traditional look of finesse fishing, there are new finesse fishing lures on the market that give bass anglers the ability to change how they target fish using finesse techniques.
The Ned Rig is a proven fish catcher for bass anglers from coast to coast, and Bassmaster Elite Series Pro Jeff “Gussy” Gustafson has a Northland Fishing Tackle Elite Series Nedster tied on for every event he fishes.
“One thing that I’ll do a little bit different with my Ned rig is I’ll go heavier than most,” said Gussy. “I want the jig to get to the bottom quickly so it can do its thing.”
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