Saw something and felt something that might work out great for a decent ML Spinning Outfit for lighter plastic presentations. I don’t really have a need for it but on a recent trip to DICK’S to buy shooting gloves I ran across a Lew’s Carbon Fire 6’8” ML spinning Rod fast action w/ 1/8 oz - 3/4 oz. (?) lure weight and Lew’s Carbon Fire Spinning reels the size 20 is what I looked at. Both the rod and reel were $39.99 each. I thought that $80 combo was a decent price. They balanced decent. DICKS looks to have a million Lew’s combos in the racks but in my opinion this pair feels better than the American hero and Mach I and II stuff they have there. I didn’t touch the Orange combo. I know opinions don’t mean much but someone needing this setup without breaking the bank should look at it. The rod might be im8 and the reel had 10 brgs. Which only means so much in the full scheme of things. 

That should work fine for Ned and light Drop-shot. Once you add the TRD (or other finesse worm) to a 1/10 oz Ned-jig, you'll be over the 1/8 oz minimum for that rod. My ML rig (the Avocet) is rated 1/16-1/2 oz, so I can even go lighter if I want to. If I want a heavier setup, I go to the Trion.

53 minutes ago, MN Fisher said:

That should work fine for Ned and light Drop-shot. Once you add the TRD (or other finesse worm) to a 1/10 oz Ned-jig, you'll be over the 1/8 oz minimum for that rod. My ML rig (the Avocet) is rated 1/16-1/2 oz, so I can even go lighter if I want to. If I want a heavier setup, I go to the Trion.

I hear that, but I thought it was a decent deal. I could be wrong but I think the Trion, silver max, and some Okuma were all $29.99 also. 

 

Im not a big fan of DICKS. Never have what I want. Their sale revolves around buy three bags of plastics before the forth one kicks in. Don’t dig that kind of sale. 

 

I do a lot of shotgunning and use those Foot Joy Golf gloves to shoot in that about all I go there for. 

 

Im just passing it along that you certainly do not have to spend $300 for a decent finesse setup. I might be wrong but I think you can get a free hat and tee shirt if you buy the rod and reel separately. 

1 minute ago, Spankey said:

Im just passing it along that you certainly do not have to spend $300 for a decent finesse setup. I might be wrong but I think you can get a free hat and tee shirt if you buy the rod and reel separately.

I hear you there...my Avocet RZ rig was bought as a combo off Amazon. Used it last year to good effect, and it cost less than $20. If I was to upgrade, it'd be to replace the RZ with an Avocet RZT reel- twice the bearings of the RZ - keeping the rod and only $40.

According to Ned, being "frugal" is part of the whole ned rig/midwest finesse ethos.  I have imagined that if you get a relatively inexpensive rig that will work for throwing Ned rigs, Ned himself will smile at you.

16 minutes ago, Fishes in trees said:

According to Ned, being "frugal" is part of the whole ned rig/midwest finesse ethos.  I have imagined that if you get a relatively inexpensive rig that will work for throwing Ned rigs, Ned himself will smile at you.

It’s a good thing. The Garcia reel I wanted I had asked to get it at Christmas. I told the wife please don’t buy it if you can’t find it on sale. I would go another route. She found it at TW Thanksgiving sale. She know about TW. She has no interest about bass though. 

I like a 6'10" ~ 7' ML spinning rod rated for 1/8th oz.  to 1/2 oz.

Ned rig is mostly a feel nothing technique, so pretty much any semi decent rod would work, especially with braid to leader. The limited stretch will help with light Texas Riggs as well. 

 

Ml-M powered spinning rod should be about right. 

 

I believe Ned himself uses $20 walmart rods and reels older than I am. The simplicity, frugality, and finnese style is the real idea of the midwest finesse system from my understanding. There are some very good articles that goes more into the history and origins of "the ned rig". Basically what worked then still works now, just reborn and marketed. 

 

I love the technique of ned rigging and can't wait to try the new crawz from zman. Simple, small, and highly productive. 

I have the Lew’s Carbon Fire combo. Bought separately I can say I love the ML rod. The reel is decent. Like the handle and the rubber coating on it that resists scratches. It doesn’t feel as durable as my other Lew’s reels though. It’s a nice Ned and drop shot combo.

 

I also like the new Lew’s Xfinity combos that Walmart sells. They have a $60 (green) and a $70 (orange) combo. The reels feel solid and have the nice Winn grip knobs. I would have bought the orange combo over the Carbon Fire if it was available back then.

Up your budget a little bit and you can get a airdx medium light or medium rod and a revros 2500. $100 combo that feels like a more expensive combo. I have 4 of those combos and they are awesome