Page 61 - ODUNovAndDec2018

previously throw a Ned Rig.

“I like to rig a 1/10-ouncer with a TRD
MinnowZ—Smelt and Hot Snakes are two of my
favorite patterns—and skip it under docks.
Rigging the same bait on a 1/6-ounce Finesse
BulletZ jig also shines for casting into deeper
schools of bass.”

Nania notes how the jig’s keel weight makes the
bait glide and slide horizontally, rather than
nose-down. “It’s like some radical, improved
version of the slider head, except this jig
perfectly matches 2- to 4-inch finesse-style baits.
And you can pull it right through the thickest

brush piles with no problem at all.”

From southern impoundments to northern lakes and rivers, the Finesse BulletZ jig may be at its best
when rigged with Z-Man’s authentic mini-crayfish bait, the 2.5-inch TRD CrawZ. “The TRD CrawZ is a
subtle, unassuming little critter,” says professional angler Luke Clausen. “But rigged with the Finesse
BulletZ jig, the bait rides in this freakishly lifelike, claws-up posture. Put it in the water and its buoyant
little claws flap and wave, virtually taunting bass to bite—and they do,” Clausen laughs.

Ned-Neko?

Blurring boundaries between Ned-style and other finesse presentations, creative anglers have
concocted what we’ll call the Ned-Neko Rig. Coupling a Finesse TRD, Hula StickZ or other buoyant
finesse bait with a Neko hook and Neko weight yields astonishing action, and an intriguing underwater
posture.

Hooking configurations depend on cover and bass activity level. The simplest is to Texas-rig your chosen
finesse bait onto a #1 to 2/0 Neko style hook. Finish the Neko-Ned Rig by inserting a 1/32- to 1/8-ounce
Neko weight into the bait’s tail-end, resulting in a compelling pogo-stick-action along bottom. Also
effective is a drag-and-deadstick retrieve,
particularly in small, high-percentage zones.

Or, you can get extra wacky (pun intended),

and hook the worm right through the middle,
leaving the Neko weight in the tail. The
toughness of ElaZtech even eliminates the
need for an O-ring; just a 1/0 Gamakatsu
Finesse Wide Gap hook, your favorite TRD
and another alluring look bass can’t say no to.
Ned inspired. Ned approved.