Seeing a lot on here about the Finesse plastics for ned rigs and wanting to try it out for a trip in August. Did a search but hoping to use this post to consolidate color/size recommendations. Most interested in using them for walleye. If I were to assemble a "starter" Zman walleye kit, your thoughts on:

1. Size/style of stick bait? E.g. basic finesse TRD is 2.75" vs the big TRD is 4"
2. Color preferences?
3. Jig head size preferences?

Also curious if these can be fished in the middle of the water column or best off bottom?

I have never personally used ned rigs for Walleye but I have heard they work. I have only used them for Smallmouth bass but love the rig for bass and will throw it for walleye in the future I am sure. I personally like the black w/ blue flake the most followed by canada craw/ green pumpkin (pretty much same color). I also like the big TRD (4" size the most) I bought a bunch of smaller ones initially but will only by the 4" version moving forward. I feel like the bigger ones would be better for walleye as well.

The jig size really depends on how deep you are fishing and how you are working the bait. I usually use 1/8 oz to 1/5 oz but I am usually fishing less then 10 fow. I usually drag or jig them along the bottom but I am sure you could swim them too but I think other baits would work better for that presentation.

I have never targeted walleyes with a ned rig but if I did I would be using a paddletail type style on it. The funny thing is almost all my accidental walleyes I have caught on the ned seem to be using craw-style baits such as the TRD hogz while smallie fishing.

I’ve used the finesse Shadz in a Ned rig like lure
Finesse shadz

At times they outfished live bait, spot tail shiners and leeches but other times live bait was better. Good Quetico rig.

I am going to try scented jerk shadz on a jig instead of live bait at some point or the scented paddlerZ as a swim bait too. Not a lot fo experience though with walleyes.

T