Inshore fishing enthusiasts looking for new ways to target speckled trout might want to try a surprising technique that’s gaining traction beyond its original freshwater use—the Ned rig. Captain Blake Nelson of Last Cast Charters in Destin, Florida, shares his insights on using the Ned rig for saltwater fishing, revealing why it’s a game-changer for speckled trout, particularly during the cooler months.
What is the Ned Rig?
The Ned rig, Captain Blake explains, is a simple yet effective lure setup that uses a small jig head paired with a short, straight soft plastic bait designed to stand upright on the bottom. “The story I got was that bass fishermen were cutting their worms in half to deal with short strikes, then it evolved into a dedicated lure,” he says. While it looks unassuming—essentially a small jig head with a three- to four-inch straight plastic—it has a natural action that, as Captain Blake notes, “triggers strikes when nothing else will.”
Why Use the Ned Rig for Speckled Trout?
One of the biggest advantages of the Ned rig is its ability to draw strikes from finicky fish. Captain Blake has found it especially effective for trout in winter when their feeding slows. “There are times we’ll try everything, and then we throw the Ned rig, and they start biting,” he shares. The simplicity of this setup allows anglers to adapt their presentation based on the fish’s mood, making it versatile for various conditions and fishing styles.
Mastering the Presentation: Techniques for Ned Rig Success
Captain Blake’s approach to fishing with the Ned rig changes with the conditions and fish activity. His favorite tactic involves an aggressive, fast retrieve that kicks up sand and imitates small prey, which can entice a trout’s predatory instincts. “I’ll pop it hard off the bottom so it creates a little sand cloud,” he says. However, other captains at Last Cast Charters prefer a finesse approach, particularly in open flats, where they slowly drag the bait across the bottom, mimicking small invertebrates.
For Captain Blake, both techniques have their place, but finding the right method on any given day may take some trial and error. He explains, “You’ll have days where fast, reaction-driven strikes are what they want, and other days you’ll barely drag it and get hit every time.”
Gear and Setup for the Ned Rig
To optimize the Ned rig for inshore fishing, Captain Blake recommends a heavier jig head than is typically used for freshwater bass fishing. This weight provides better casting distance and creates a noticeable disturbance on the bottom that trout find hard to resist.
- Jig Head: “I like to use a heavier jig head—sometimes as much as 3/8-ounce—because it lets me cast farther and creates more action on the bottom,” Captain Blake explains.
- Soft Plastic: He suggests a durable, buoyant soft plastic, like the Z-Man, that maintains an upright position in the water.
- Line and Leader: “Using a light fluorocarbon leader, around 12 pounds, works great. We’ve even had success with a longer leader, like eight feet,” he adds, noting that this setup is especially effective on open flats where you can finesse the bait slowly.
The Role of Scent and Action
Scent can significantly impact results, especially when trout are more selective in colder water. Captain Blake shares, “I didn’t use to believe in it, but adding Pro-Cure or using a pre-scented bait makes a big difference.” Despite the mess, he recommends it, as it consistently increases his catch rate.
As for the action, he believes the Ned rig may mimic sand-dwelling creatures, such as ghost shrimp or sand eels, that trout naturally target. Whether it’s a slow drag to create a subtle effect or a quick, energetic bounce, the Ned rig’s versatility in action means anglers can switch tactics to find the most effective presentation.
When to Use the Ned Rig for Speckled Trout
While the Ned rig is effective year-round, Captain Blake finds it especially productive from November to March when trout and redfish are more particular about their feeding habits. “The colder months are when I see it shine the most. It’s like a go-to when other things aren’t working,” he says. During this time, fish tend to be more reserved, and the Ned rig’s subtle presentation can be just what’s needed to entice a strike.
Common Mistakes and Tips for Improvement
For those new to the Ned rig, Captain Blake advises keeping it simple and focusing on confidence. He shares, “I tried all sorts of fancy Ned rigs, like crawfish-style ones, but ended up coming back to a straight-stick setup.” Instead of complicating the lure, he recommends sticking with the basics and adjusting retrieval speed to find what the fish respond to on that day.
He also advises experimenting with retrieval speed and depth until you find what works. “Everyone has their own technique, and it’s more about finding what you’re confident with and then sticking to it when it’s working,” he says. If you’re a fan of reaction strikes, try a quicker, more aggressive retrieve; for a more cautious approach, opt for a slow drag and finesse.
Final Thoughts: Why Try the Ned Rig for Speckled Trout?
For inshore anglers looking to broaden their technique, the Ned rig is a valuable addition to the tackle box. With its ability to switch between finesse and reaction-driven presentations, it’s a versatile tool that suits both seasoned and beginner anglers alike. “It’s become one of those setups I can count on,” Captain Blake says. “There’s just something about it that gets fish to bite when nothing else will.”
For those interested in learning hands-on, Captain Blake and his team at Last Cast Charters offer inshore fishing trips where anglers can experience the Ned rig technique firsthand. More information and bookings are available at CaptainBlake.com, making it easy for anglers of all skill levels to learn from one of the best in the business.
