Ep. 72: Joseph Leduff on Ned Rigs, Dragon Tail & the Sand Bass Closure Petition

Guest: Joseph Leduff

Hosts: Daniel Dahlin ([FISH]rx), El Charly, Luke Dean (Bait Slingers / Artemis Charters)

Episode 72, recorded live on February 4, 2025, is a technique-focused breakdown of the Ned rig in SoCal inshore fishing, along with key updates on the sand bass spawn closure petition. The conversation covers weedless rigging, current-driven presentation adjustments, and how small setup changes improve results in structure-heavy water.

In This Episode

  • EWG-style Ned rig head — weedless presentation with better structure deflection than traditional flat Ned heads
  • Dragon Tail rigging in current — adjusting hook placement to keep the bait tracking correctly instead of spinning
  • Winter calico and sand bass behavior — shallow calico activity and suspended sand bass patterns
  • Sand bass spawn closure petition — Fish and Game Commission agenda item with potential seasonal fishing impacts
  • Sound-driven strikes — calico locating crankbaits by vibration through kelp before visual contact
  • Waterman’s Collective rods — custom [FISH]rx builds as part of the community ecosystem

Why the Ned Rig Works Inshore

The key takeaway is that the Ned rig needs to be adapted for saltwater conditions. Traditional freshwater Ned heads are designed for open-bottom presentations. In SoCal inshore fishing, structure changes everything.

The EWG-style head solves for that. It allows the bait to stay weedless while still standing up at rest, which keeps it in the strike zone longer. That becomes critical when fishing docks, rocks, and kelp where standard jig heads get hung up.

Rigging adjustments matter just as much. When fishing in current, small changes in hook placement — like running the hook higher on the body of the RX Dragon Tail — keep the bait tracking naturally. Without that adjustment, the bait can torque or spin, reducing effectiveness.

This approach ties directly into finesse fishing in SoCal harbors. Slower presentations, clean rigging, and maintaining position in structure are all core concepts reinforced in the drop shot guide and structure fishing guide.

Why the Sand Bass Closure Matters

The sand bass spawn closure petition is one of the most important developments for SoCal anglers. If implemented, it would restrict fishing during key spawn aggregation periods.

The proposal compares current population data to historical baselines from the 1980s. The outcome will directly affect when and where anglers can fish for sand bass during the spring season.

Whether you support or oppose the petition, awareness matters. Regulatory changes shape access, seasons, and long-term fishery health.

Why This Episode Matters

This episode matters because it connects technique and regulation in a way that directly impacts anglers. It shows how small rigging changes improve results, while also highlighting how external factors like fishery management shape the way we fish.

For SoCal inshore anglers, the takeaway is clear: refine your setup for structure and stay aware of changes happening outside the water. Both affect your success.

Watch the full episode on the Time On The Water YouTube channel. New episodes every Tuesday at 6 PM.

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