Ned Rig is a must for freshwater anglers

As you begin to fill up your tackle box for the open-water season, the rig that has taken fishing by storm should be at the top of your shopping list.

Of course, I am talking about the Ned Rig.

If you are not familiar with the Ned Rig, don't try to read too much into the name to determine what the rig is or what it does. Developed by legendary Midwest angler Ned Kehde, the rig essentially consists of a mushroom-style jig head with a small, compact plastic threaded on the hook shank to sit flush with the jig head. Though it is fairly unassuming at first look, the rig is the real deal for finesse freshwater fishing.

Simplicity is the key when it comes to Ned Rig fishing.

Whether you fish in lakes, ponds or rivers, the method does not change. The rig is at its best when slowly hopped along the bottom, thus mimicking either crayfish, dying baitfish or insects. The rig is ideal for open water fishing in rock or grass, but can also be effective near wood and weeds with the use of a weedless jig head.

As the Ned Rig has grown in popularity, more and more plastics have been developed to be fished on it.

In the early going, anglers tended to use smaller sizes of plastic stick baits like the Gary Yamamoto Senko on the rig. Nowadays, companies are creating Ned-style baits with appendages, claws and other distinguishing factors that can allow you to match what fish are eating.

Due to the smaller size of the rig, heavy duty gear is not needed to fish it. A 7 foot, medium action spinning rod is more than sufficient, as is 8- to 10-pound fluorocarbon line. Many anglers also have success using 10-pound high-visibility braided line with a 10-foot leader of 6- to 8-pound fluorocarbon. Using the high-visibility braid allows for better bite indication and hook set capabilities.

While the Ned Rig has made its money in the bass fishing game - particularly for smallmouth - it can be just as effective for walleye, trout and freshwater drum. If you like using plastics for panfish, a downsized version of the rig can be a killer on crappie and perch.

The success that this rig can have for multiple species is what makes it one of the most versatile and popular rigs on the market today.