Spring/Early Summer 2026
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Gussy’s Nedster selection is based on the depth of water he is fishing. In 10-feet of water or less, he’ll use a 3/16-ounce From 10- to 20-feet, he’ll use a 1/4-ounce and for anything deeper than 20-feet, he’ll use the 5/16-ounce size.
FISHING A FINESSE FOOTBALL JIG LIKE A NED RIG FOR BASS
As Gussy detailed above, he employs a Ned Rig at most of the events he fishes. One additional lure choice he uses is the Elite Series Finesse Football Jig.
“This past year at the St. Lawrence, I used that jig almost exclusively and fished it just like a Ned Rig,” he said. “It is perfect for deep water structure fishing around boulders.”
When targeting pressured bass, or when bass are tight- lipped in cold water, a smaller profile bait will often get more bites. By using a smaller jig, like the Finesse Football Jig, anglers can get the bait to the bottom quickly. Its compact size, combined with the weight of a traditional football jig, allows it to sink efficiently through the water column.
You can also change the soft plastic trailer on the jig to create different profiles in the water. When you want to fish it like a beefed-up Ned Rig, a Ned Senko is a great option. The Shinobi Grub or Covert Craw gives the Finesse Football Jig a more traditional football jig appearance.
Areas to fish this setup include grass lines that meet hard bottom areas, as well as rocky shorelines where larger jigs may be more prone to getting hung up in the structure.
NEKO RIG SETUP FOR BASS FISHING AND HOW TO ADJUST IT
Bass Pro Tour Pro Brent Ehrler keeps his setup for a Neko Rig simple and uses it across the United States.
“I like to keep my rigging simple and consistent. That way I don’t have to worry about packing extra tackle in my
truck when I leave home in January, and when I’m rigging for an event, I don’t have to keep changing something that I have a lot of confidence in,” said Ehrler.
His go-to Neko Rig setup is a Yamamoto Baits Senko or Sensei Worm with a 3/32-ounce Ark nail weight, rigged on a Gamakatsu Weedless Wacky Stinger Hook.
One of the main advantages of the Neko Rig is the ability to adjust terminal tackle to change the bait’s action. If you want your worm to fall faster or need it to get through vegetation, you can increase the size of the nail weight. If you are fishing shallow water or targeting suspended bass, a lighter nail weight allows the bait to fall more slowly.
The hook also affects the action of the soft plastic worm. My standard hook choice is the TroKar TK137 Pro V Finesse Hook in a size 2. If I want my Senko to fall more slowly, I will go to a size 1. If I am fishing around brush and want to avoid getting hung up, I will use a version of the hook that includes a weedguard.
BEST FISHING LINE FOR NED RIG AND FINESSE BASS FISHING
When fishing finesse lures, it is important to use a line that complements your presentation rather than limits it. When dragging a Finesse Football Jig, I prefer using a casting rod, so my line needs to be strong enough for a baitcaster without being so heavy that it bends the hook on a hookset.
My go-to line is 14-pound Seaguar R18 Fluorocarbon, which is sensitive, casts well, and is strong enough to handle big bass in rocky cover.
Bass Pro Tour Pro Matt Becker prefers to downsize his line to achieve a more natural presentation. “Generally, I’ll use 8- to 12-pound test Seaguar TATSU. It’s thinner than other lines, so it’s a great choice for finesse fishing,” said Becker.
This spring, when you need to rely on finesse tactics to catch bass, don’t overlook these updated ways to rig and fish finesse baits. Changing your presentation is often what it takes to keep your line tight and bass coming over the gunwale. •