Beating the July Heat with the Ned Rig

Well shoot, I reckon it’s that time of year again where the air is thick enough to chew and the water temperatures are pushing eighty degrees before most folks even finish their morning coffee. If you’ve been out on the Piedmont lakes lately, you know exactly what I’m talking about—the bass are feeling the heat, and they aren't exactly lining up to chase down a noisy topwater bait. When the mercury climbs, these fish head for the shadows, looking for the coolest water they can find, usually tucked away in the deep brush or hugging the shady side of a dock piling. A lot of folks get frustrated when the bite slows down, but I’ve got a little secret that’s kept my stringer heavy for years: the Ned Rig. Now, I know there’s all sorts of fancy lures on the market, but there’s something special about that Z-Man ElaZtech stuff. It’s got that buoyancy that keeps the tail fluttering just right, and it’s tough as a hickory nut. When the fish are lethargic and hiding in the submerged timber, you don’t need to be burning a crankbait through the water. You need to be subtle. I usually tie on a 1/15th ounce Finesse ShroomZ head and pair it with a TRD in Green Pumpkin or The Deal. My favorite trick this time of year is to locate those deep-water secondary points where the creek channels meet the main lake. You won't find the fish running in packs like they do in the spring. You’ve got to be patient. I’ll cast that little plastic right into the thickest cover I can find, let it hit the bottom, and just let it sit. I mean really sit—count to five, maybe ten if you’re feeling stubborn. When you do move it, just a tiny hop or a slow drag will do the trick. You’ll feel that tell-tale 'thump' that’ll make your heart skip a beat. If you aren't getting bit, don't be afraid to change your retrieve speed. Sometimes these bass are just sitting there watching, waiting for something that looks like an easy meal that didn't have to work too hard to get there. It’s finesse fishing at its finest, friend. It ain't about the power game right now; it’s about persistence and putting that bait exactly where they’re hiding. If you’re heading out this weekend, remember to stay hydrated, keep your head cool, and keep that Ned Rig tied on. It’s hard to beat the simplicity of a tiny lure when the dog days of summer are upon us. Tight lines to you all, and I hope to see you out on the water.