Keith Lusher 12.20.24
Living along the Gulf Coast and fishing these waters my entire life, I’ve learned one critical lesson: adapt to changing conditions or lose! And nowhere is this more true than when targeting bass during the cold, raw month of December.
For years, I was that guy. A fisherman who stubbornly clung to summer techniques.
I was a spinnerbait guy. Colorado, willow, and Indian blades – oh yeah! Spinnerbaits were my favorite lures to throw. All summer, I would work them just below the surface, where the blade would create a ripple that would produce powerful subsurface strikes.
But December? December demands a different approach.
About a decade ago, I discovered the Ned Rig, which completely transformed my winter bass fishing strategy. This finesse technique is specifically designed for those challenging cold-water conditions when bass get notoriously sluggish and hesitant to chase anything.
At its core, the Ned Rig is simple. It consists of a lightweight jighead, typically 1/16 to 1/8 ounce. It’s paired with a short, soft plastic bait like a small stickbait or worm. I like to nose-hook my stickbait so it creates a unique, standing presentation. When it sinks down to the bottom, the bait stands upright, mimicking a struggling or injured baitfish which is an irresistible target for cold-water bass.
Why It Works
In cold water, bass aren’t looking to expend unnecessary energy. Their metabolism slows down, and they prefer easy meals. The Ned Rig’s subtle, bottom-twitching action perfectly matches this behavior. By keeping the bait close to the bottom and moving it with minimal, gentle twitches, you’re essentially presenting an easy meal that’s hard for a bass to ignore.
The Retrieve
Working a Ned Rig requires a different touch compared to more aggressive techniques. After casting and letting the lure settle on the bottom, I keep my rod tip low and pointed directly at the bait. Then, I’ll slowly lift the rod, dragging the lure across the bottom. The key is to subtly drag your lure on the bottom. Remember, these fish are cold, and your presentation needs to reflect that.
When retrieving, watch your line like a hawk. Winter bass bites can be so subtle that they’re almost unnoticeable. If you see the slightest sideways movement or feel a slight tension, set the hook immediately.
The Lure
I’ve found Z-Man TRD baits to be particularly for using with a Ned Rig. It’s soft plastic design and color patterns seem to trigger strikes even in the coldest conditions. Pair these with a light jighead, and it’s lights out for December bass!
Bass fishing in December isn’t about covering a lot of water so slow down, be patient, and trust the Ned Rig. Learn its nuances, experiment with the speed of your retrieve, and you’ll find yourself choosing the cold lake over a warm fire every single time.
This technique isn’t just a fishing method—it’s a mindset. It’s about understanding the fish and adapting your approach to match the conditions. And in December, the Ned Rig is your ticket to success!
