Varmint / Ned Rig Rods, Line, Reels

[dtrs5kprs]

Have had several folks ask about gear for the Ned Rig in phone calls, pm's, and emails. I know that info has been posted here before, but is scattered across many threads and several years. Just putting together a rough list to make it easier (hopefully) to find when searching.

Rods:

I more or less use three different rods for the little rig.

1) St Croix Eyecon ECS66MLF - 6'6" ML walleye spinning rod- The first rod I fished it on remains one of the best for me. Originally bought it for 1/8oz grubs, and other small baits. The blank is an SCII, like the graphite used in the St Croix Premier rods.

Just a touch softer than a drop shot rod, it does a great job of protecting light line. It is nearly ideal for the 1/16oz heads, and will handle the 1/8oz head. It is relatively easy to find at Cabela's, on eBay, and have even seen them in BPS in Springfield.

Have recommended this rod many times, and we have some OAF'ers who have purchased it and like it. Pretty good deal at around $120.

2) St Croix SCIII 6'9" MLXF- 6'9" ML SCIII (Avid series) spinning rod- This is the Avid drop shot blank. Mine is built with a split grip TN handle, but the factory version feels nice also. Pretty much the same in terms of feel as the Eyecon, but a lighter blank. With a light build it is a comfortable rod to fish all day. Handles the 1/16oz a little better than it does the 1/8oz head. More in the $200 range.

3) Jann's/Mudhole SJ9000- a 7'6" "hotshot" blank, built with a split TN grip. It is designed to replicate the old IMX SJ9000 Loomis rods. Don't know if it does that, but it is one whacking good Ned Rig rod. The added length helps deal with the slack created when deadsticking the little rig, and the slightly beefier blank handles the 1/8oz head better. It does encourage you to make longer casts, which can be a negative at times. A relatively inexpensive blank, the build is the spendy part.

Generally, I have been suggesting folks avoid blanks that are very high modulus (some Falcons, higher end Loomis) because they are too crisp, and too stiff. Blanks like that will tend to help you feel for the fish and the bait, which can be counterproductive. A slightly lower modulus helps you let the fish pick it up without taking it away from them. I often suggest starting with a "drop shot" rod because it tends to be a rod people already own. A shakey head rod tends to be too stiff.

Line:

Seems like the popular choice is a braid to FC leader combo. I can't stand it, and run straight six pound FC, usually Invizx. Personal choice for a lot of reasons that make sense to me.

Take home message on line- keep it around six pound, whether it is mono or FC. Have also tried straight braid, some of the really fine 2# diameter stuff, and did not think it fished well in our clear water. It works fine in colored water at home in NE KS/NW MO.

Reels:

Use a bigger spinning reel than the standard "bass medium". Most of those are sold as 20/2000 or 25/2500 sizes. They just do not have the large spools to handle light line. The 3000 Daiwas and 40 BPS are abut right. I did recently look at a Lews in the 30/3000 size and noticed it had a small capacity spool for its size.

It has been great talking with folks about the little rig, and you are more than welcome to contact me about it. Just wanted to try and group some info together for those either who may not want to, or may not have a chance to pick up the phone and call or send a message.

[motoman]

As always, good info Dave!

-

This might make a good 'sticky' at the top of the Table Rock forum for a while?

[abkeenan]

Nice write up Dave.

[Gavin]

You ever toss one on a caster? Been thinking of a build. Hate spinning tackle. Fly rod or bait caster preferred.

[dtrs5kprs]

You ever toss one on a caster? Been thinking of a build. Hate spinning tackle. Fly rod or bait caster preferred.

I have not, but did have a gentleman buy some jigs who had the same idea. My initial thought is it would be tough to find a reel that would handle the small diameter line, worse yet the braid combos. I did build one of my SJ9000 blanks as a casting rod, and like it for warts and redfins with a Lews parked on it. Would not even think of throwing the little rig on that build. When I need to throw a light bait on a casting rod (rarely, by the way) I usually turn to a couple of ancient Curado 100 Super Free reels, or an equally ancient Chronarch MG.

My kids still use some spincast reels on M and ML type casting rods and do well with that arrangement.

It is really a system built around spinning tackle because of the light weights and light line. Won't say it can't be thrown effectively on a casting rod, just not sure how long it would take to find the right setup. Actually, I would love to have anyone who has made it work that way tell us how they did it. For me, a lot of the fun in the little rig is in pushing the envelope with it.

[Gavin]

Thanks. I've tossed it on on old... 1990 era MH casting setup but not easy with 1/8oz. Have a couple ideas for blanks. My kids do well with custom 5'6" light actions & spin casters. Will ask Mitch.

[dtrs5kprs]

Thanks. I've tossed it on on old... 1990 era MH casting setup but not easy with 1/8oz. Have a couple ideas for blanks. My kids do well with custom 5'6" light actions & spin casters. Will ask Mitch.

At a guess, a ML or M spin jig blank built as a casting rod is probably the right route.

You can probably find a blank that will load up, but the harder part will be finding a reel that won't let the line get between the spool and frame. Usually OK down to eight, but six gets dicey.

If you are bound and determined, the old Ryobi Vmag 3 or equivalent old Lews might work. Would have to be an eBay find.

Is it safe to ask what bugs you about spinning reels? Sometimes those questions bring out the twitching and foaming reactions.

[magicwormman]

Great info Dave!! I can't imagine me even attempting to throw the little rig on a bait caster. I have visions of my first blow up throwing into a 20 mph wind.

[dtrs5kprs]

Great info Dave!! I can't imagine me even attempting to throw the little rig on a bait caster. I have visions of my first blow up throwing into a 20 mph wind.

The 1/8 might work because of the weight of the zinkerz. Have a few folks fishing a 3/16 and that would work. Might knock them unconscious if they are up shallow though.

Spinning reels just handle light line so much better.

[uptonfish]

I frequently look but rarely post but I will throw in my .02(not sure if its even worth that ) on rods for the Ned rig.

I settled on throwing my rigs on 2 different rods:

St Croix Premier 6' ML

and

BPS Carbonlite 6' 9" ML

both are adequate for my needs although I tend to throw the heavier rigs on the 6 footer.

I will say it took me a few trips to realize that my Medium spinning rods were just not as effective for the rigs. I finally tried the 6' ML I had originally bought years ago for small river smallmouth fishing and found I was more successful with it.