Texas, wacky and Ned rigs explained

Three soft plastic rigs that catch fish everywhere: how to set up each one, and when to choose which.

By the FreeFish team · 3 min read · Updated October 14, 2026

Soft plastic baits are the most versatile lures in fishing, and how you rig them changes everything about how they behave. Learn these three rigs and you will have an answer for heavy cover, finicky fish and tough days. They are classic bass rigs, but they will catch plenty of other species too.

The Texas rig: weedless and versatile

The Texas rig hides the hook point inside the plastic, so you can drag it through weeds, wood and rocks without snagging.

Setup

1. Slide a bullet weight onto your line, point first. Add a bead behind it if you want a clicking sound.
2. Tie on an offset worm hook (2/0 to 5/0 for most worms and creature baits).
3. Push the hook point into the center of the bait's nose about a quarter inch, then bring it out the side.
4. Pull the hook through until the eye is buried in the nose, then rotate the hook so the point faces the bait.
5. Lay the bait straight and push the point into its body. Then "skin hook" it, so the point just sits under the surface of the plastic. The bait must hang perfectly straight or it will spin.

When and how

Use a 1/8 to 1/4 oz weight in open water, and go heavier (1/2 to 1 oz) to punch through thick vegetation. Peg the weight with a bobber stop in heavy cover so it stays against the bait. Cast, let it sink to the bottom, and lift and drop the rod tip or slowly drag it. Most bites come as the bait falls. Set the hook hard, because the point has to come through the plastic.

The wacky rig: simple and irresistible

The wacky rig is the easiest rig there is: hook a soft stick bait (a "senko-style" worm) right through the middle. As it sinks, both ends flutter, which fish find very hard to ignore.

Setup

• Use a 5 inch stick bait and a size 1 to 2/0 wacky or octopus hook.
• Slide an O-ring onto the middle of the worm and hook under the ring rather than through the plastic. Your worms will last much longer.
• For deeper water, use a weighted wacky jig head, or insert a small nail weight into one end.
• Choose a weedless wacky hook with a wire guard around docks and cover.

When and how

Cast to docks, laydowns, weed edges and shallow spawning areas, and let it fall on slack line. Watch your line: if it twitches or swims sideways, reel down and set the hook. If nothing happens, give a couple of light twitches, let it fall again, and reel in for another cast. It is especially good in spring and for fish that ignore faster baits.

The Ned rig: the finesse fish-catcher

The Ned rig is a short, buoyant soft plastic (2.5 to 3 inches) on a light mushroom-shaped jig head. When it rests on the bottom, the tail floats up, which is what makes it work. It looks like almost nothing, and fish of every size eat it.

Setup

• Use a 1/16 to 1/5 oz mushroom-style jig head. Use the lightest one you can feel on the bottom.
• Thread on a buoyant Ned-style bait, keeping it straight on the hook.
• Fish on a light spinning outfit, typically with braided main line and a 6 to 8 lb fluorocarbon leader.

When and how

Cast it out, let it reach the bottom and then slowly swim or drag it with occasional small hops. The less you do, the better. It shines in clear water, on rocky points and flats, after cold fronts, and anytime the bite is tough. Because the hook is exposed, keep it out of heavy weeds and wood.

Which one should I tie on?

All of these depend on a good knot. If you are not sure of yours, read the fishing knots you actually need.