Whether the bite is good or bad, subtle finesse tactics catch bass. Wired2fish’s Kyle Peterson showcases a few of his go-to finesse bass fishing techniques, the 1) Ned rig and 2) power shot. Peterson demonstrates the when and how of both tactics and shares his refined gear setups for each, focusing on sensitivity.
FEATURED PRODUCT (retail links)
POWER SHOT SETUP (casting)
- ROD – Trika 6X Carbon-Weave Fishing Rods Casting – 7’3″ Medium Heavy Fast: Buy at Trika
- REEL – Daiwa Tatula Elite Casting Reel, 7.1:1: Check out at Daiwa
- LINE – Sunline Super FC Sniper, 16-pound: Buy at Bass Pro Shops, Buy at Tackle Warehouse
- Check out the Sunline Knot Guide for making your perfect connection.
- PLASTIC – Duo Realis Wriggle ND Slim 3″: Buy at Tackle Warehouse
- HOOK – VMC RedLine Finesse Neko Hook, 1/0: Buy at Bass Pro Shops, Buy at Tackle Warehouse
- WEIGHT – VMC Tungsten Teardrop Drop Shot Weight, 5/16-ounce: Buy at Bass Pro Shops, Buy at Tackle Warehouse
- SHIRT – Realtree Men’s Long Sleeve Performance Fishing Hoodie: Shop at Walmart
NED RIG SETUP (spinning)
- ROD – Trika 6X Carbon-Weave Fishing Rods Spinning – 7′ Medium Fast: Buy at Trika
- REEL – Shimano Vanford Spinning Reel, 2500: Buy at Bass Pro Shops, Buy at Tackle Warehouse
- LINE (braided mainline) – Sunline Siglon PE AMZ Braided Line Orange, 12-pound: Buy at Tackle Warehouse
- LINE (fluoro leader) – Sunline Tepa Tapered FC Leader, 12lb to 8lb: Buy at Tackle Warehouse
- PLASTIC – Duo Realis Wriggle ND Slim 3″: Buy at Tackle Warehouse
- JIG – BKK Silent Chaser Draggin’ Ned Jighead: Buy at FishUSA
Peterson likes using a lightweight Ned rig fished across hard bottom areas. Bass can’t resist a small worm ticking across rock and gravel when affixed to a small jig head. A lightweight and sensitive spinning setup is optimal here. Of particular interest, Peterson likes using a tapered leader material that provides more strength at the line-to-line knot and a reduced diameter (thus visibility) at the lure. The rod’s sensitivity, coupled with a high viz line, allows for exceptional bite detection, which is critical when the fish are finicky.
His second setup is a power shot, which is basically a beefed-up drop shot rig. Peterson likes this setup when he can get away with it, as casting gear affords more power, a real benefit when fishing around cover. A heavier line and a stiff yet light gauge hook delivers finesse and strength. Buoyant and durable plastics get the nod here, with realism and unique profiles coaxing more bites on pressured fisheries.
There’s no wrong way to fish either setup, making each an excellent option for anglers of all ages and skill levels. You just need to know how to cast a baitcasting reel.
BOAT & ELECTRONICS
- FISH FINDER – Garmin EchoMap Ultra 126sv (PN: 010-02529-51): Buy at Bass Pro Shops
- FORWARD-FACING SONAR – Panoptix LiveScope™ Plus System w/ GLS10 & LVS34 Transducer: Buy at Bass Pro Shops
- TROLLING MOTOR – Garmin Force Kraken Trolling Motor: Check out at Garmin, Buy at Bass Pro Shops
- BOAT – Lund 2075 Pro-V: Check out at Lund Boats
- MOTOR – Mercury 300hp FourStroke: Check out at Mercury
