Best Ned Rig Rods and Reels
The ned rig is one of the best bass producing techniques out there. It rarely doesn’t work. Because of this it is one of the most popular fishing techniques. There are many anglers who almost throw it exclusively.
Below you will find our tried and true recommendations for ned rig rods & reels for any budget.
- Best Ned Rig Combo: G Loomis Conquest 902S SJR paired with a Shimano Stella 2500
- High End Ned Rig Combo: G Loomis IMX Pro 882 NNR paired with a Shimano Exsence 3000
- Best Value Ned Rig Combo: Shimano Zodias 7’6″ Light paired with a Shimano Vanford 2500
- Budget Ned Rig Combo: Shimano Intenza 7’6″ Light paired with a Daiwa BG 2500
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Best Overall – G Loomis Conquest 902S SJR
The G Loomis Conquest 902S SJR is a 7’6″ medium action spinning rod that was designed to ned rigs. It is the perfect balance of weight, sensitivity and strength.
Pair your rod with the Shimano Stella 2500 reel for the perfect performance. You will notice a large improvement in performance and comfort compared to value options.
| Rod | Taper / Action | Line Wt | Lure Wt | Guides | Handle Length |
| G Loomis Conquest 902S SJR | Fast | 8 – 14lb | 1/8 – 1/2oz | 9+Tip | 15 1/2″ |
| Reel | Gear Ratio | Weight | Bearings | Line Capacity (Test/Yd.) |
| Shimano Stella 2500 | 5.8:1 | 7.4 oz | 12BB + 1RB | 8/140, 10/120 |
High End – G Loomis IMX Pro 882 NNR
The G Loomis IMX Pro 882 NNR is a 7’4″ medium action spinning rod that was designed to ned rigs. It is the perfect balance of weight, sensitivity and strength.
Pair your rod with the Shimano Exsence 3000 reel for the perfect performance. You will notice a large improvement in performance and comfort compared to value options.
| Rod | Taper / Action | Line Wt | Lure Wt | Guides | Handle |
| G Loomis IMX Pro 882 NNR | Extra Fast | 8 – 10lb | 1/8 – 3/8oz | 9+Tip | 16″ |
| Reel | Gear Ratio | Weight | Bearings | Line Capacity (Test/Yd.) |
| Shimano Exsence 3000 | 6.0:1 | 6.3 oz | 11BB + 1RB | 8/110 |
Best Value – Shimano Zodias 7’6″ Light
The Shimano Zodias is a 7’6″ light action spinning rod that makes a great ned rig rod at a great price. It has a great balance of sensitivity and responsiveness.
Pair your rod with the Shimano Vanford 2500 reel for great performance. You will notice an improvement in performance compared to budget options.
| Rod | Taper / Action | Line Wt | Lure Wt | Guides | Handle Length |
| Shimano Zodias 7’6″ Light | Moderate Fast | 3 – 6lb | 3/32 – 3/8oz | 8 + Tip | 14 1/2″ |
| Reel | Gear Ratio | Weight | Bearings | Line Capacity (Test/Yd.) |
| Shimano Vanford 2500 | 6.0:1 | 6.3 oz | 7BB + 1RB | 6/200, 8/140 |
Best Budget – Shimano Intenza 7’6″ Light
The Shimano Intenza is a 7’6″ light action spinning rod that can ned rigs very well. It is the good balance performance without breaking the bank.
Pair your rod with the Daiwa BG 2500 reel for the good performance.
| Rod | Taper / Action | Line Wt | Lure Wt | Guides | Handle Length |
| Shimano Zodias 7’6″ Light | Moderate Fast | 3 – 6lb | 3/32 – 3/8oz | 8 + Tip | 14 1/2″ |
What Makes a Good Ned Rig Rod?
The ideal Ned rig rod is 7’4″ to 7’6″ long with light to medium action. The longer length will give you a good balance of casting distance and accuracy to help you get your bait to where you want it.
Light action is better for open water or light cover. If you fish heavy cover often you may want to bump up to a medium action.
What Line to Use When Fishing a Ned Rig
I fish ned rigs on a spinning rod with 20lb braid and a 8 foot 6lb fluorocarbon leader. The braid mainline provides great casting distance and enough sensitivity to detect even the most subtle bites.
The 8 foot fluoro leader makes your line near-invisible close to your bait even in the clearest water.