Rod advice for Ned rigs

Hi all,

I would like some opinions on rod length, and action for a dedicated spinning rod for fishing Ned rigs and Neko rigs. I will pay up to 120 bucks that’s my budget. Using a Quantum accurist med 6.6 rod now I like it but when I get a meaty fish it flexes to the point the reel gets loose even when tightened down all the way. I have smaller hands so I don’t want a broomstick handle if possible. Just want to get something good for my budget.

7ft Medium fast. I have fallen in love with the Daiwa Tatula spinning rods. They retail for around $150 and are extremely sensitive for being a “budget rod”. I also like the Shimano Crucials and Compre which are in that price range as well.

Check out Cabelas Fish Eagle rods. I think I’m going to order a FE54S704-1-B for myself. They sell for $69. I have several Fish Eagles and love all of them.

I have been using a 7’2″ ML as most of my ned rigs are light.

I do like a faster action and a fairly lightweight rod.

Caught more large walleyes on ned rigs this year too.

tucrs wrote:

I have been using a 7’2″ ML as most of my ned rigs are light.

I do like a faster action and a fairly lightweight rod.

Caught more large walleyes on ned rigs this year too.

I’ve noticed that as well the few times I’ve used a ned.

I have a 6’6 Med Light St Croix Triumph that works pretty darn well. $100, but you can find them as cheap as $80 on sale. Handles light neds and heavier nekos well, and has plenty of flex as well. Caught everything from Largemouth to Crappies to Goldfish on it and it still works amazing. I would definitely recommend it.

Thanks for the replies all. Does the ML rod have enough backbone for larger bass? I have never really fished with a lighter rod although the Quantum I have now seems to have a lighter feel which I like and I use very light Ned rig jig heads.

I use a St Croix med light with an extra fast action for 1/16 and 1/8oz.
If I go heavier than 1/8, I prefer a med extra fast.
The medium light has enough backbone. I do run braid with a short flouro leader. I think the low stretch of the braid helps bury the hook a bit better with the softer rod.

Remember to back off on those drags when fishing neds. It is a finesse style of fishing, not power fishing. I’ve straightened a couple of ned jigs on big fish because my drag was set too tight.