COLUMN : BALOG ON BASS FISHING
instead catching many fish right below the boat . Originally , his rod choice was the cheapest available , and feel wasn ’ t a concern .
“ I didn ’ t know what sensitivity was ,” he says .
Today , Kehde relies on custom sticks from Mud Hole – still short , but also ultra-sensitive . More transcending , though , was Kehde ’ s switch to braided fishing line in 2000 .
“ I had four years before I had to respool ,” he remembers .
Even more importantly , the line “ didn ’ t throw loops ” and continues to allow Kehde the opportunity to use diameters equivalent to 4-pound-test mono , perfectly suited for his delicate lures .
On October 12 , 2006 , Kehde experienced the greatest advancement of his fishing system to date , first using the “ super plastic ” worms that would change his now namesake technique forever . Fishing in post-cold front conditions , Kehde ’ s records prove he and the late Dick Bessey of Lawrence , Kansas , caught and released 109 bass in four hours of fishing , all on the same two lures .
“ In my mind , that rests at the core of our change ,” Kehde reflects on the bait ’ s evolution .
As Ned rig users across the world know , Kehde now works with Z-Man to develop and refine the small ElaZtech lures best fitting his methods . Popularity of the technique has exploded , without surprise to Ned himself .
“ The popularity may be due to the increased interest in downsizing ,” he says . “ It also works well in the colder areas where Florida bass have been stocked . And guys are surprised how effective the technique is for smallmouth .”
All fit nicely into today ’ s bass fishing culture .
And just how does Ned feel about the “ Ned rig ”? A conservative gentleman , whose name is tossed around more than perhaps any other in the sport today .
“ I ’ m humbled by it ,” he says . “ I ’ m embarrassed by it . I ’ m intrigued and surprised by it .”
More than anything , Kehde is interested in remaining a record keeper . Still fishing over 100 days a year , often rushing ice-out to make it to open water , Kehde remains the historian . His catch logs reveal fishing patterns , but also important environmental changes , like the disappearance of vegetation in some waters . Currently , Kehde ’ s journals are being catalogued by the Kansas State Historical Society as part of a collection on Midwest finesse .
Ned Kehde ’ s impact on the sport has been monumental . Equally so , Ned himself credits others who changed our way of fishing .
“ Lots of guys refined ( finesse ),” he says . “ My biggest contribution is that I popularized it .”
Still , Kehde ’ s dedication remains unparalleled , for a logical reason :
“ My goal is simply to educate people on how to enjoy and love fishing .”
And what better way than helping them catch even one more bass ?
24 MAJORLEAGUEFISHING . COM | AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2022