Questions about using the Ned Rig or "TRD Rig" for Smallmouth

Does anyone have experience using the Ned Rig from Z-Man for Michigan smallies? I am an avid bass fisherman but have primarily stuck with jerk baits. This year I want to venture into using plastics and came across the Ned Rig that everyone seems to be ranting and raving about. For those that do use it, what is the best way you have found to fish it? If maybe you have no experience using the Ned Rig, are there any other plastics that you recommend I look into using?
Thanks

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The ned rig often catches fish when nothing else will. The problem is that its such a small profile lure that it often targets small fish. I’m not saying that it won’t catch big bass but the general pattern is smaller fish. Remember to loosen your drag – the hooks are light wire duty and will bend if your drag is too tight.

I would try out a 3″ tube with an 1/8 ounce jig head placed inside. Very easy to use and the fish tend to hold it a long time, so you have time to feel the bite and set the hook. I would recommend a tube to any Bass fisher man just starting into plastics, this is the exact setup my 7 year old son uses and he picked it up the first outing.

Hardest thing about this rig as that you rarely feel a bite. The fish will just be on the hook when you go to move the bait. It can take you off guard if you aren’t prepared for it.

Neds are getting used a lot for smallies on Mille Lacs and in the Green Bay area. Walleyes like the rig too.

These in the picture were done in a Do-It Midwest Finesse mold. There is a companion Midwest Finesse head mold that works great with this bait or any other “ned” type of bait.

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Here are the Ned Heads aka Midwest Finesse heads along with a couple other neds from the Do-It mold rigged.

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Tom Sawvell wrote:

Neds are getting used a lot for smallies on Mille Lacs and in the Green Bay area. Walleyes like the rig too.

These in the picture were done in a Do-It Midwest Finesse mold. There is a companion Midwest Finesse head mold that works great with this bait or any other “ned” type of bait.

Can you make these float?

The plastic I use is somewhat neutrally buoyant and baits may “want” to float but aren’t true floaters. There are plastics available that will float but I don’t use any of them. I don’t know where to get them, but I hear people chatting about them. The floating plastics I have heard about have some micro-bubble issues.