This rig is basically a weedless version of the Ned rig. At the same time, though, it has a completely different look to it.
The weedless part is a big deal. We all know that the Ned rig is one of the hottest finesse techniques around. And for good reason. It catches bass by the ton. But we also know that it’ll hang on anything and everything in the water. And, even with a weedless hook hangups can be an issue. The tiny child rig solves those issues.
You’ll need four things to build this bad-boy:
- We’ll start with the hook. I like a VMC Finesse Neko Hook in a size 2 or a size 1. It has just the right bend off its shank, and the hook point has a 3 degree offset that really helps with hooksets. The other thing I like about this hook is that it has an adjustable fluorocarbon bait keeper on the shank. That keeps the bait on the hook which makes fishing easier and saves money at the same time.
- Next, you’ll need a bait. I prefer a Berkley Powerbait Maxscent The General Worm in the 4-inch size, or a Berkley Powerbait Flute Worm in the 4.7-inch size. If you pushed me, I’d have to say that my favorite is the Flute Worm.
- Now you’ll need a nail weight. My most favorite is the VMC Half Moon Wacky Weight in the 1/8-ounce size.
- Our final component is a small bottle of Super Glue. Any brand will work as long as it’s strong, waterproof and dries fast.
Putting the tiny child rig together is easy:
- The first thing we need to do is shorten our plastic bait. If I’m using The General, I’ll cut it off at about the ring (egg sack) and keep the thickest end. If I’m using a Flute Worm, I’ll cut it off at the last ring closest to the tail. Again, I keep the thickest part. Either way, I end up with something around 3 inches long, or maybe a little better than that.
- The next step is to Texas rig your bait with the VMC Finesse Neko Hook. Do that from the skinny end, not the fat end. This is important. Don’t put you hook through the thickest end. You’ll understand why in just a minute.
- Once that’s done it’s time to put the nail weight into the fat end of the bait. But before you do put a tiny dab of Super Glue on the end of the weight. That’ll hold it in place as the rig bounces along the bottom.
So now you have a Ned rig with the weight at the bottom and your hook on the top. That design will make it weedless as well as make it stagger along the bottom as you drag it over whatever’s there. It’ll stagger along like a tiny child who’s just starting to walk.
I’m telling you, this will take your Ned rig fishing to another level. You’ll know what I’m saying is the real deal the first time you fish with it.
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