The finesse bass fishing category has grown over the years with new techniques and approaches emerging all the time. Perhaps two of the most common and effective finesse bass fishing techniques are the Shaky Head and Ned Rig.
A common question that a lot of anglers have is what is the difference between the Shaky Head and a Ned Rig? Although these two-finesse techniques are very similar there are some key differences.
A Ned Rig is a soft plastic bait that is usually under four inches long that is attached to a mushroom style jig head. Ned Rigs are typically smaller than a Shaky Head and can be fished on the bottom or in the middle of the water column. A Shaky Head on the other hand is a larger soft plastic bait (usually a worm) attached to a Shaky Head jig which often has a screw type bait holder.
In this shaky Head & Ned Rig guide, we will discuss with you everything you need to know about the differences between these two finesse bass fishing techniques, when & how to use each, and discuss the other types of finesse bass fishing techniques.
Shaky Head vs Ned Rig
The two main differences between the Shaky Head and Ned Rig are the baits & jig heads used. The way that you work each rig and the areas and depth that you fish them can also be different.
The Ned Rig typically has a lightweight mushroom style jig head and is fished in shallow water less than 20 feet. The soft plastic baits used with a Ned Rig are often smaller than a Shaky Head and are typically made from an ElaZtech material created by Z-Man which is a soft and extremely durable plastic.
A Shaky Head typically consists of a heavier screw lock style jig head that allows you to make this bait weedless. The baits used on a Shaky Head are typically a floating worm and are much larger than the baits used on a Ned Rig. This bigger profile generally produces bigger bites.
Another big difference between the Ned Rig and Shaky Head is the way that anglers utilize and work each rig. The Shaky Head is more weedless and is most effective when it has bottom contact. As a result, many anglers use this rig around docks, heavy cover and out deep in vegetation.
The Ned Rig is not weedless and has a much lighter wire hook. The Ned Rig usually shines in shallow open water around rocks and sparse cover. Anglers will fish this rig on the bottom as well as in the middle of the water column much like a Senko.
The Shaky Head and Ned Rig each have their own strengths and weaknesses. It’s best to let the conditions, structure, and type of water you are fishing dictate which one you should use.
Let’s talk more about each rig and when and how to use them.
Shaky Head
A finesses bass fishing technique known for catching bass in tough conditions in clear water
What is a Shaky Head?
The Shaky Head Rig is a finesse bass fishing technique that has been around for a long time. Thousands of anglers have been catching both numbers and big fish on this rig for decades. It shines in clear water and when the bite is tough, and fish are holding to the bottom.
A Shaky Head Rig consists of a small jig head with a light wire hooked and is paired with a soft plastic bait, typically a floating worm or creature bait.
Shaky Rig Setup
With the Shaky Head being a finesse technique, most anglers will throw it on lighter gear and tackle. A light setup is the perfect choice for this rig. When targeting larger fish in heavy cover its best to upsize to a casting rod and reel with heavier line.
Here is the gear and equipment I recommend using when throwing a Shaky Head:
- Rod & Reel: A 6’10” to 7’3” medium spinning rod for finesse situations or a bait caster in heavier cover
- Line: 6-8lb fluorocarbon line or 10lb monofilament when using a bait caster
- Hooks: Owner Ultrahead Shaky Type Hook (4/0,1/4oz)
- Baits: Check out this article for the best Shaky Head baits
When & Where to Fish a Shaky Head
Although the Shaky Head is primarily thought of as a clear water finesse bass fishing technique it can work just about anytime and anywhere.
I find the Shaky Head to be the most effective in high percentage areas like docks, points, and other structure where you know there are bass. It’s not a rig that allows you to cover a lot of water, so it’s important to know bass are in the area so you don’t waste a bunch of time.
Here are some key areas I like to target with the Shaky Head:
- Docks
- Points
- Brush piles
- Humps
- Rock piles
- Trees
- Grass
- Other structure
How to Fish a Shaky Head
Over the years the Shaky Head has helped many bass fishing anglers win tournaments and catch fish in tough conditions. The Shaky Head shines when it maintains bottom contact and is fished around structure.
Here are some simple ways you can work this rig to catch more bass:
- Drag it
- Hop it
- Dead stick it
- Shake it
For more insight on how to fish the Shaky Head check out another one of our articles called: The Shaky Head Everything You Need to Know.
Ned Rig
A popular ultra-finesse bass fishing rig that excels in clear water, cold water conditions and when the bite is tough.
The Ned Rig is a fairly new finesse bass fishing technique that has taken the industry by storm due to its simplicity and effectiveness. This bait excels in tough conditions and is a great option for all anglers. It has similarities when compared to the Shaky Head but is quite different.
What is a Ned Rig?
The Ned Rig consists of a light mushroom-style jig head paired with a small stick bait. It’s considered to be a super finesse fishing presentation and it uses small baits and light wire style hooks. This bait may not look like much, but it can flat out catch them.
Ned Rig Setup
The Ned Rig is an ultra-finesse fishing technique that requires a light line, a sensitive spinning rod and some light tackle. Light and sensitive equipment will help you detect bites and land more fish on this finesse technique.
Here is my ideal Ned Rig fishing setup:
- Rod & Reel: A 6’10” to 7’3” medium to medium light spinning rod
- Line: 6-8lb fluorocarbon
- Hooks: Mushroom style jig head (1/16 is my ideal choice)
- Baits: Check out this article for the best Ned Rig baits
When & Where to Fish a Ned Rig
One of the great things about the Ned Rig is that it can be an effective way to catch bass all year round and will work just about anywhere. Below is a list of some of my favorite places to throw a Ned Rig.
Best Places to Throw a Ned Rig
- Clear water
- Rock piles
- Points
- Grass beds
- Rivers & creeks
- In current
- Docks
- Rip-rap
- Light cover
How to Fish a Ned Rig
A lot of anglers refer to the Ned Rig as a do-nothing bait. Which basically means you can cast it out and let it sit there and it will catch fish. This can work at times, but there are always other ways and retrieves that might help you catch more fish.
Here is a list of some effective retrieves you should try the next time you throw this bait:
- The Swim-Glid-Shake
- The Drag
- Dead sticking
- Hop It
- Straight swim
For more tips and insights on how to fish the Ned Rig check this article: Ned Rig – The Ultimate Guide
Other Finesse Fishing Techniques
Finesse bass fishing rigs and techniques give anglers the ability to catch a ton of bass anywhere in the county and under any fishing condition. They are something every bass fishing angler needs to have in their arsenal.
Here is a list of some of the other popular and effective finesse bass fishing rigs:
- Drop Shot
- Senko
- Neko Rig
- Wacky Rig
- Tube
Other Ned Rig & Shaky Head Resources
- Ned Rig – The Ultimate Guide
- Best Ned Rig Baits
- Does the Ned Rig Work for Trout?
- The 7 Best Shaky Head Worms
- Shaky Head Rig – Everything You Need to Know!
Final Thoughts
At first glance the Shaky Head and Ned Rig are very similar. However, if you break it down, you’ll realize that they are much different. With both having their own strengths and weaknesses.
I like to throw a ned rig in open water when the bite is tough and I’m after numbers. It’s also a great option for kids and beginners. There really isn’t a wrong way to fish a Ned Rig.
I have the most success on a Shaky Head when throwing it around specific targets like docks, laydowns and other types of structure. For me this is a bottom bait and is deadliest when fishing around high percentage areas.
All and all both the Shaky Head and Ned Rig are great finesse bass fishing techniques that will put fish in the boat and allow you to have some fun out on the water.
