I did a search and didn't really find what I was looking for so I thought I would ask. I want to try to fish ned rigs more over the winter but can't really find the hook combination that I like and its probably my issue but thought I would ask. The lakes I fish have lots of brush and not a lot of rock so I really need a weedless presentation. I have some texas style ned jigs but the hooks are tiny. I know thats the idea but is it really crazy to want a 2/0 hook? Is a 1/0 really the biggest that I should go?

 

Looking for suggestions for texas rigged ned head, thanks.

1/4oz or 3/8oz with a 2/0 Gammy hook do you?

https://wootungsten.com/products/1-4-oz-woo-tungsten-ewg-ned-head-3-pack

https://wootungsten.com/products/3-8-oz-woo-tungsten-ewg-ned-head-2-pack

Have you looked at the Z-Man bulletz weedless jig heads? I started using these a couple yrs ago & really like them. The have 2 different sizes. A finesse size with smaller hooks but a bigger size with larger hooks. 
 

Here's the version with larger hooks. 
https://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Z-Man_Pro_Bulletz_Weedless_Jig_Heads_3pk/descpage-ZPRW.html

 

3 minutes ago, MN Fisher said:

1/4oz or 3/8oz with a 2/0 Gammy hook do you?

https://wootungsten.com/products/1-4-oz-woo-tungsten-ewg-ned-head-3-pack

https://wootungsten.com/products/3-8-oz-woo-tungsten-ewg-ned-head-2-pack

Thanks wish they had more space going up to the head. Am I crazy for wanting a bigger hook, does it kill the action? I'm just afraid that I will break hooks even if I have the drag set properly.

That price is outrageous.  Gammy hooks don’t cost an arm and leg and there isn’t anything special about the mold.

I use that type with TRDs on a Victory #1 hook.  I don’t move to the 1/0 and 2/0 until I am fishing a Shaky worm.  Then I use a VMC hook.  If you know anyone who pours lead you might buy the mold and strike up a deal.  Check Barlow’s or Zinners for the Victory hooks.

4 minutes ago, Jig Man said:

That price is outrageous.

Realize it's Tungsten heads - not Lead

5 minutes ago, Jig Man said:

That price is outrageous.  Gammy hooks don’t cost an arm and leg and there isn’t anything special about the mold.

Thats what I am looking for, im in st. Louis can you make me any? Just shoot me a PM if you have the time etc....

https://barlowstackle.com/victory-10777-bn-jig-hook-size-1-4-0/

4 minutes ago, Jig Man said:

https://barlowstackle.com/victory-10777-bn-jig-hook-size-1-4-0/

Thanks, I don't use enough to start making them but thats exactly what I am looking for, just need to find someone making them.

I think you'll catch more fish with a smaller hook like a # 1.  A ned rig is a small bait that works better with a small hook.

Just now, Reel said:

I think you'll catch more fish with a smaller hook like a # 1.  A ned rig is a small bait that works better with a small hook.

Yeah understand and this isn't for smallmouth, lakes I fish are largemouth and just worried about breaking/bending hooks.

I have caught largemouth up to 6.25 on the Ned with a Victory #1 using 6# line.   I don’t go after hung up baits unless they are pricey and since I started using the weedless hooks my loss of Neds has dropped significantly.

 

Bish check your pm.

2 hours ago, bishoptf said:

Thanks wish they had more space going up to the head. Am I crazy for wanting a bigger hook, does it kill the action? I'm just afraid that I will break hooks even if I have the drag set properly.

 

I have yet to break a hook...any hook..with drag set correctly.  Also, don't over power the hooks with too heavy of rod/line. And don't set the hook like you're swinging for the fences, either. This is a finesse technique after all.

 

You don't need bigger hooks. 

 

Also, If you happen to have an small EWG you already have confidence in, I suggest using a Jika Rig instead. They are easy to make yourself.

 

I call the Jika Rig the "Improved Ned".

https://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Bass_Union_Weedless_Ned_Heads_3pk/descpage-BUNWNH.html
 

this is what you’re looking for. 

On 12/7/2025 at 8:01 AM, bishoptf said:

wish they had more space going up to the head.

That's why I use these instead. Decoy VJ-36 Decibo Darter Offset Jig Head - Tackle Warehouse The way the hook's point is bent downward really helps with weedlessness and the shank is longer than what's found on the Finesse BulletZ. I've been able to fish these through some remarkably heavy cover. Also, they super sharp.

 

 

I haven't had a hook break or bend out with these whereas the hooks on the Finnesse Bullets are brittle. Try to bend the hook to get the point more in line to the hook's eye for a better skin-hooking and it' likely to snap.

 

 

Siebertoutdoors has what you need. Take your pick.

I love the morel heads!

On 12/7/2025 at 10:54 AM, MN Fisher said:

1/4oz or 3/8oz with a 2/0 Gammy hook do you?

https://wootungsten.com/products/1-4-oz-woo-tungsten-ewg-ned-head-3-pack

https://wootungsten.com/products/3-8-oz-woo-tungsten-ewg-ned-head-2-pack

 

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

TW has a nice selection of NED rigs https://www.tacklewarehouse.com/catpage-WEEDLESSNED.html

 

Also found this thread from 2020 

 

On 12/7/2025 at 11:24 AM, bishoptf said:

Yeah understand and this isn't for smallmouth, lakes I fish are largemouth and just worried about breaking/bending hooks.

Try both , small and large hooks, and see what you like.  Most times, a good hook is better than a large hook.  The smallmouths I catch are bigger than most largemouth and pull harder.  They also live close to weeds and I have never had a hook brake or bend.  

I've got a Tungsten Button weedless head that I sell in 2/0 3/0 and 4/0.   I sell quite a few of them.

 

https://siebertoutdoors.com/products/ols/products/tungsten-button-head-weedless

I am a big fan if the siebert weedless Ned head shaken around cover and on flats in shallow areas reeling it pretty fast to keep it high with a jr fluke or smaller spunk shad on the back 👍

 

they are as weedless as a shaky head and basically come through anything a shaky head would come through.

I switched over to the Nedlockz EWG and never looked back.

Much heavier than the original and rarely hang.

I have always used a #2 hook and have never bent or broke one. The key is having your drag set correctly. I think using bigger hooks and heavier heads defeat the purpose of the ned rig. The head I use has a single wire weed guard, yep lose some but get lots of bites.

I don't know if he sells them but Jig man's Ned heads are fantastic.