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The Effectiveness Of The Alabama Rig 2024


fishing user avatarroadwarrior reply : 

Special lures have sparked a surge in the ability to catch

both numbers and size. The first plastic worm by Creme Lure Company

comes to mind. Rat-L-Trap, Jitterbug, Devil's Horse, spinnerbait,

Floating Rapala, Senko and most recently the paddle tail swimbait.

Today we are living in another epic era with the introduction of the

Alabama Rig. Some will argue that the A-Rig is just a modification of an

old, very well know saltwater tool, the Umbrella Rig. I think that is,

for the most part, true. However, the application is new to most freshwater

anglers.

What is "special" is best illustrated by what is happening on the reservoirs

of the Tennessee River. The first big breakout was at a professional

tournament on Guntersville. But what is more remarkable is what has

been happing since then.

Over the past several months more double digit bass have been reported

on Pickwick than we have heard about since I moved to the region in

1997. For at least two prior decades Pickwick was know to locals as

"The Dead Sea". Water quality is a huge factor, but what I am noting in

this thread is how a new presentation has effected the bass population,

specifically the sleeping giants.

Giant fish don't just happen. For the most part, they survive to great size

simply because they cannot be caught. Dotti is a well documented example.

She was caught three times, but ONLY during the Spawn. Big fish like Dotti

are simply uncatchable most of the year and for most of their life!

The phenomenon that is occuring on the Tennessee River and throughout the South

will be duplicated in the North this spring and summer. The A-Rig eliminates

big fish inhibitions, they think they are attacking a school

of bait!

The Alabama Rig is a big deal, perhaps THE BIGGEST in our lifetimes.


fishing user avatarSmiths.R reply : 

I think you just convinced me to pick one up and give it a try...


fishing user avatarhookset on 3 reply : 

RW, exceptional post, I agree 100%. These big and wise old giants have never seen anything resembling it! Like you said, they have no previous conditioning to this baitfish pod swimming by and just crash through it with their mouths agape.


fishing user avatartomustang reply : 

I don't have doubts in the schooling baits, but still see it as dynamite or a casting net. I just think if you need more than one lure to catch fish then you're missing the point of fishing, just my opinion


fishing user avatarA-Jay reply : 

Thanks for the post RW -

I tried it a bit late last season with out taking a fish.

Your results post here are certainly a confidence booster.

I'll be throwing it.

A-Jay


fishing user avatarJIGFISHERMAN. reply : 

Personally I can't wait to use it. Regardless of how I feel about it, I think it would be nuts to NOT cash in on this setup while it's hot and BEFORE every fish in the lake has seen it.

And it's just a rig. Modifiy it. Make it your own. I see people all the time wanting to know exact snap/swivel sizes (which I contend you don't need ANY snap/swivels) exact line size, etc,etc.


fishing user avatarroadwarrior reply : 

Wrong...swivels are required. Strong components are needed to keep the rig from spinning and

to recover the rig when it gets hung up. I lost one yesterday due to a weak o-ring. Glenn

posted a tip from the Pros: The most important addition to the rig is a connecting swivel.


fishing user avatarJIGFISHERMAN. reply : 

Right. The individual baits aren't going to cause much in the way of line twist.

When I set them up I'll be using split ringed heads, with a quality swivel at the line tie to the rig itself. The RIG will twist your line. Not the individual baits.

BUT I could be missing something.

My thought process-those swimbaits don't really twist your line. They still shouldn't if you have several of them connected. Those baits are keel weighted, and I can't see them causing the entire rig to twist your line during the retrieve.

However I can see the entire rig twisting your line, especially on the cast.


fishing user avatarWayne P. reply : 

Here is an example of a huge bass getting lunch. That is what the A-Rig duplicates.

bassclass5.jpg


fishing user avatarroadwarrior reply : 
  On 2/21/2012 at 12:30 AM, JIGFISHERMAN. said:

Right. The individual baits aren't going to cause much in the way of line twist.

When I set them up I'll be using split ringed heads, with a quality swivel at the line tie to the rig itself. The RIG will twist your line. Not the individual baits.

BUT I could be missing something.

My thought process-those swimbaits don't really twist your line. They still shouldn't if you have several of them connected. Those baits are keel weighted, and I can't see them causing the entire rig to twist your line during the retrieve.

However I can see the entire rig twisting your line, especially on the cast.

Correct, but you don't need keel weights or a jig head on the swimbaits. Most guys are using a bigger soft plastic swimbait

in the middle, but Andy Poss, the inventor of the rig, told me to use some blade for flash in the middle. I have been experimenting

and will post future results after testing a few different presentations. I'm striving for the lightest possible combination and am

open to suggestions.


fishing user avatarDwight Hottle reply : 
  On 2/21/2012 at 12:55 AM, roadwarrior said:

Correct, but you don't need keel weights or a jig head on the swimbaits. Most guys are using a bigger soft plastic swimbait

in the middle, but Andy Poss, the inventor of the rig, told me to use some blade for flash in the middle. I have been experimenting

and will post future results after testing a few different presentations. I'm striving for the lightest possible combination and am

open to suggestions.

How about a flutter spoon?


fishing user avatarroadwarrior reply : 

Man, I just rigged up a light 6" silver flutter spoon with a BIG red treble hook.

It's beautiful!


fishing user avatarWayne P. reply : 

Put a small swimbait on a Swarming Hornet head for the umbrella rig center wire. That will give you the blade with a hook.


fishing user avatarJames Yalem reply : 

I'm not a tournament fisherman. OTOH, the reason that I love bass fishing is the challenge. Thus, I don't have some equipment because I consider it cheating. An example is the large, depthfinder that enables you to see the fish. I have the smallest depthfinder which I use to find the depth. The Alabama Rig is another tool that I won't use because it eliminates the challenge. Maybe this is why B.A.S.S. banned it in their tournaments.


fishing user avatarBobP reply : 

Before declaring the A-rig the greatest thing since sliced bread, maybe we should evaluate results in other seasons when bass behavior and distribution patterns are different than in the fall. Am I gonna try it? Yes. And I hope it will work great - but I'm tired of jumping on the Latest-Greatest New Lure Bandwagon every year.


fishing user avatarroadwarrior reply : 

Saturday, February 18, 2012 was two days ago, not last fall. More importantly,

lots of guys are enjoying the best fishing in their whole lives RIGHT NOW!

http://www.timesdaily.com/stories/Hauling-in-anglers,187168?content_source=&category_id=&search_filter=big+bass&event_mode=&event_ts_from=&list_type=&order_by=&order_sort=&content_class=&sub_type=stories&town_id=


fishing user avatarjig reply : 
  On 2/21/2012 at 1:57 AM, James Yalem said:

I'm not a tournament fisherman. OTOH, the reason that I love bass fishing is the challenge. Thus, I don't have some equipment because I consider it cheating. An example is the large, depthfinder that enables you to see the fish. I have the smallest depthfinder which I use to find the depth. The Alabama Rig is another tool that I won't use because it eliminates the challenge. Maybe this is why B.A.S.S. banned it in their tournaments.

It certainly takes the skill out of fishing.Can see why they banned it in tourneys,kind of a no brainer !
fishing user avatarDwight Hottle reply : 
  On 2/21/2012 at 1:36 AM, roadwarrior said:

Man, I just rigged up a light 6" silver flutter spoon with a BIG red treble hook.

It's beautiful!

Great minds think alike. :respect-059:


fishing user avatarMcAlpine reply : 

I have thought long and hard about how I felt about this rig. My first gut reaction was one of disgust. My next was one of fear. Fear that nobody will ever be able to win a tournament without throwing one of these all day. I initially felt it was cheating the fish and the sport and that they should be illegal in all states.

After I had time to calm down and think about it, really what is the difference between the A-Rig and say an A-Arm Spinnerbait? More baits right? My final personal belief is that this is 5 baits on one haness, period. Now, what is a bait and what is an additional "enticer"? Spinnerbait, one bait, with "enticer" blades right? Well, I've changed my opinion on the A-Rig too, if one were to keep the number of "baits" on the harness with hooks limited to the number of "baits" per line allowed in any given state, then more power to the user. Someone throwing this with 5 or more baits with hooks. Well, that bothers me. Why not just go troll 100 baits and call it an A-Rig? Why not use a gill net? If it's just about pulling meat out of the water for you there are plenty of methods.

Overall, the thing has already proven to be dangerous. Fish caught = fish mortality or educated fish in one form or another.

To paraphrase Dr. Hal Schram. Its bad for fish and it's bad for fishing.


fishing user avatarccummins reply : 

I bought an A-Rig on Friday at the Dania Beach BAss Pro and tried it Sunday morning. After using it for half an hour it is my opinion that anyone who can use it all day definitely has to be checked for PED's... Just simply amazing the difference in casting a single 3/8 ounce swimbait and 5 3/8 ounce swimbaits at the same time...


fishing user avatarbigbassctchr101 reply : 
  On 2/21/2012 at 1:57 AM, James Yalem said:

I'm not a tournament fisherman. OTOH, the reason that I love bass fishing is the challenge. Thus, I don't have some equipment because I consider it cheating. An example is the large, depthfinder that enables you to see the fish. I have the smallest depthfinder which I use to find the depth. The Alabama Rig is another tool that I won't use because it eliminates the challenge. Maybe this is why B.A.S.S. banned it in their tournaments.

So, where do you draw the line? A large depthfinder is cheating but a small one isn't? Why? Couldn't you just use a line system with depth markers on it if you needed to know depth? Where and how does one advancement in fishing become a disgrace instead of an improvement?

The rig is something that fish don't see and has nothing to do with the numbers of hooks on it. MOST fish are caught on the middle bait. I fish this rig a lot with only one hook on the middle lure. What is amazing is the number of big fish caught on it, not the number of fish being caught at one time. People won't be able to change the laws themselves, but if you have a problem with the idea of the rig itself, I really can't fathom why you wouldn't give it a try just to see results so you can truly speak for yourselves. Tie one on without and hooks and watch the size and the amount of fish that will it to the boat! Don't be narroanother sitended (for lack of a better term, because I mean absolutely no dis respect by any of my posts) about a lure or a method without having adequate facts and data from your own accord.


fishing user avatarroadwarrior reply : 
  On 2/21/2012 at 4:18 AM, McAlpine said:

I have thought long and hard about how I felt about this rig. My first gut reaction was one of disgust. My next was one of fear. Fear that nobody will ever be able to win a tournament without throwing one of these all day. I initially felt it was cheating the fish and the sport and that they should be illegal in all states.

After I had time to calm down and think about it, really what is the difference between the A-Rig and say an A-Arm Spinnerbait? More baits right? My final personal belief is that this is 5 baits on one haness, period. Now, what is a bait and what is an additional "enticer"? Spinnerbait, one bait, with "enticer" blades right? Well, I've changed my opinion on the A-Rig too, if one were to keep the number of "baits" on the harness with hooks limited to the number of "baits" per line allowed in any given state, then more power to the user. Someone throwing this with 5 or more baits with hooks. Well, that bothers me. Why not just go troll 100 baits and call it an A-Rig? Why not use a gill net? If it's just about pulling meat out of the water for you there are plenty of methods.

Overall, the thing has already proven to be dangerous. Fish caught = fish mortality or educated fish in one form or another.

To paraphrase Dr. Hal Schram. Its bad for fish and it's bad for fishing.

I have seen no evidence of increased mortality.

Meat hunters? Not. The rig is somewhat technical, requires a boat and is too expensive for most "catch & keep" guys.

The vast majority of C&K fishermen around here target catfish, crappie, white bass, sauger and bream. They will keep

a bass, but don't catch many by accident.

Comparing the A-rig to a gill net is simply ridiculous.


fishing user avatarMcAlpine reply : 
  On 2/21/2012 at 5:29 AM, roadwarrior said:

I have seen no evidence of increased mortality.

Meat hunters? Not. The rig is somewhat technical, requires a boat and is too expensive for most "catch & keep" guys.

The vast majority of C&K fishermen around here target catfish, crappie, white bass, sauger and bream. They will keep

a bass, but don't catch many by accident.

Comparing the A-rig to a gill net is simply ridiculous.

Fair enough sir, but I can't catch 5 bass at once on a spinner bait, but I can with a net.

To say there will not be increased mortality is incorrect. More fish are being caught, otherwise these would not be such a big thing. More fish caught = more dead fish even if returned to the water. Last thing I want to do is side with the peta nuts but that is reality. Big fish that would normally be tough to fool are suckered by a horde of baits being drug past them.

My opinion is out there, I'll stop trolling-up your thread. I just feel strongly about this as many do.


fishing user avatarJason Penn reply : 

i almost bought 1 the other day, but i just couldn't bring myself to do it. i would need to carry another rig with me to fish this thing, and right now i just don't want to.

what are some of the lighter versions? if i can fisnd a version that doesn't really require a flippin stick or swimbait rod i might try it out.


fishing user avatarroadwarrior reply : 

I fish my version on a jig rod.

Regarding multiple fish, we didn't have any on Saturday.


fishing user avatarBassWhole! reply : 

Fishing while doing a handstand and holding the rod between your butt cheeks would also make it more challenging, no?


fishing user avatarBryce C reply : 

There are no magic lures, there are only tools to add to the arsenal that already exists. This thing catches fish because it represents a major food source for bass that nothing else out there represents as well. It catches suspended fish that are hard to fire up with a single bait more efficiently, what's not to like about that.

I think the people who are opposed to this rig are people who haven't gone out and thrown it. It's not going to wipe out whole populations of fish, it doesn't increase fish mortality, it's not doubles and triples and quads or even singles on every cast.........that would be a magic lure. I have had days where a jig or a crank have out fished the a rig and I have had ONE day where it was the only thing I could get bit on. I haven't had any foul hooked fish even though they absolutely crash through this imitation school of baitfish. My post isn't aimed at anyone in particular, i'm just tired of hearing all the naysayers complain, all of whom have not personally used the rig.

I just don't see the catch and keep guys buying a rig to throw this one bait on let alone having the persistence to throw it for hours or going to buy another after they lose the first $25 bait. The umbrella rig is just another tool in the box.......the luster will wear off soon enough and those that have given it a try will still be fishing it.

I found this video very helpful when I first started thinking about throwing the rig.


fishing user avatartomustang reply : 
  On 2/21/2012 at 10:06 AM, Bryce C said:
I think the people who are opposed to this rig are people who haven't gone out and thrown it

Well of course, I also oppose heroin, but I don't need to try it to know I don't like it.


fishing user avatarBryce C reply : 
  On 2/21/2012 at 10:13 AM, Tom D. said:

Well of course, I also oppose heroin, but I don't need to try it to know I don't like it.

lets compare apples to apples not a rigs to heroin


fishing user avatartomustang reply : 

Who said we're comparing heroin to bait, I am further backing up opposition. No one needs to try it to knock it.


fishing user avatarBryce C reply : 

true, but I think you should try it before you compare it to dynamite or cast nets.........just isn't so


fishing user avatarmr.mallard reply : 

it took 28 lbs to win a tournament this weekend launching out of JP coleman on pickwick this weekend. winners had a big fish of 11 lbs... I asked my buddy what they caught em on, and all he said was "the rig"


fishing user avatarmsolorio reply : 

imo the a rig is hit or miss. your either gonna kill em or your not. i fished a tourny this past saturday and my boater threw the a rig almost allllll day and caught one fish weighing just over a pound. that seems to be happening a lot around here so imo its not the end all be all of baits, just another tool and like just another tool itll work some days and others it wont.


fishing user avatarTommyBass reply : 

Its causing a circus among the copy cat band wagon fisherman, thats for sure. Its funny to watch all of the wanna-bes chucking and winding huge metal umbrellas. That being said, I think the bait has definate potential... too much so. If you hear people at the Amateur level 'drastically' increasing their catch, then its not good for the sport or the game. If any hillbilly can run out to the local resevoir and chuck this thing at schooling bass, and catch lots of large ones, something is wrong.

Corked bats hit more home runs, that dosn't mean they should be used. Heck, why use wood bats, lets give them all light weight aluminum ones with a 3x bigger sweet spot. Whats next for bass fishing? Legalize long line trolling? Casting nets? Lets 6 pole spider rig drop shots on some deep western resevoir bass! Comon...

The rig will flat catch fish in some scenarios, especially some of these larger resevoirs whom have large open water schools of bait. No, it wont be a cure all in ALL lakes, but thats not the point. I think BASS got it right when saying they were 'above that' at that level. Why keep it to that level? I think that should be a large consideration to every man who calls him self a fisherman and stuard of nature. I personally hope to see the thing outlawed, at least in all tournament use. Most likely it can be used in recreational fishing for some time to come, depending on the state, but thats a different matter.

And please stop calling it the Alabama rig, that makes it even more bandwagonesk. Its an umbrella rig, and they've been around forever. Just not mass marketed to the huge bass fishing market.


fishing user avatarjig reply : 
  On 2/22/2012 at 4:58 AM, TommyBass said:

Its causing a circus among the copy cat band wagon fisherman, thats for sure. Its funny to watch all of the wanna-bes chucking and winding huge metal umbrellas. That being said, I think the bait has definate potential... too much so. If you hear people at the Amateur level 'drastically' increasing their catch, then its not good for the sport or the game. If any hillbilly can run out to the local resevoir and chuck this thing at schooling bass, and catch lots of large ones, something is wrong.

Corked bats hit more home runs, that dosn't mean they should be used. Heck, why use wood bats, lets give them all light weight aluminum ones with a 3x bigger sweet spot. Whats next for bass fishing? Legalize long line trolling? Casting nets? Lets 6 pole spider rig drop shots on some deep western resevoir bass! Comon...

The rig will flat catch fish in some scenarios, especially some of these larger resevoirs whom have large open water schools of bait. No, it wont be a cure all in ALL lakes, but thats not the point. I think BASS got it right when saying they were 'above that' at that level. Why keep it to that level? I think that should be a large consideration to every man who calls him self a fisherman and stuard of nature. I personally hope to see the thing outlawed, at least in all tournament use. Most likely it can be used in recreational fishing for some time to come, depending on the state, but thats a different matter.

And please stop calling it the Alabama rig, that makes it even more bandwagonesk. Its an umbrella rig, and they've been around forever. Just not mass marketed to the huge bass fishing market.

x2 been using them for 35 yrs in salt water commercial fishing.They are a dummy bait in my oppinion and shouldnt be allowed in tourneys period.Might as well allow live bait in tourneys also if you can use those rigs
fishing user avatarDave P reply : 

I'm intruigued by it, I'm not gonna lie.


fishing user avatarskeetercraig reply : 

im gonna give the alabama slammer a try ,i see it could be good but our lakes have way to many weeds to be throwin it in less than 15 ft so that will limit its use around here , this thing will probably end up bein a pike catcher in our lakes lol


fishing user avatarJIGFISHERMAN. reply : 
  On 2/22/2012 at 4:58 AM, TommyBass said:

Its causing a circus among the copy cat band wagon fisherman, thats for sure. Its funny to watch all of the wanna-bes chucking and winding huge metal umbrellas.

It is a way to catch fish that is new. Guys are jumping all over it because they know if they don't everyone else will. And by the time they DO start using it, the fish will be getting used to it.

Gotta cash in on the new technique before everybody and his brother puts it in front of every fish in the lake.

It is so popular, that eventually it's effectiveness will start to taper off, once conditioning happens. And conditioning WILL happen. It can't NOT happen with the kind of popularity it has.


fishing user avatarHookSetDon reply : 
  On 2/22/2012 at 4:58 AM, TommyBass said:

Its causing a circus among the copy cat band wagon fisherman, thats for sure. Its funny to watch all of the wanna-bes chucking and winding huge metal umbrellas. That being said, I think the bait has definate potential... too much so. If you hear people at the Amateur level 'drastically' increasing their catch, then its not good for the sport or the game. If any hillbilly can run out to the local resevoir and chuck this thing at schooling bass, and catch lots of large ones, something is wrong.

Corked bats hit more home runs, that dosn't mean they should be used. Heck, why use wood bats, lets give them all light weight aluminum ones with a 3x bigger sweet spot. Whats next for bass fishing? Legalize long line trolling? Casting nets? Lets 6 pole spider rig drop shots on some deep western resevoir bass! Comon...

The rig will flat catch fish in some scenarios, especially some of these larger resevoirs whom have large open water schools of bait. No, it wont be a cure all in ALL lakes, but thats not the point. I think BASS got it right when saying they were 'above that' at that level. Why keep it to that level? I think that should be a large consideration to every man who calls him self a fisherman and stuard of nature. I personally hope to see the thing outlawed, at least in all tournament use. Most likely it can be used in recreational fishing for some time to come, depending on the state, but thats a different matter.

And please stop calling it the Alabama rig, that makes it even more bandwagonesk. Its an umbrella rig, and they've been around forever. Just not mass marketed to the huge bass fishing market.

x3


fishing user avatarHookSetDon reply : 

I dont like the sounds of this rig and fear it may change bass fishing, whats next? I sent an email to the director of a tournament trail in my area explaining the many points those of you have posted on how this could negatively affect our sport. like B.A.S.S. i hope they do the same.


fishing user avatarRed reply : 

I haven't tried this rig, and don't plan to. Not because I am against it or anything, and I do have the gear to throw it if I wanted. For me, it just seems like a hassle! I just want to tie on my crank or jig and fish, not worry about wires and swivels and five baits and umbrellas and whatever else!!

Cliff


fishing user avatarslonezp reply : 

If everyone is using them, does that make the playing field level?


fishing user avatarroadwarrior reply : 

I find it kinda interesting that all of the negative comments come from guys who have never fished the rig.


fishing user avatarFlukeman reply : 

The thing is just a tool for certain situations. It is no different than the "idiot bait" the Senko style lures that made everyone a bass fisherman. The world will not end!!! A couple of very accomplished fishermen gave them a work out last fall during our schooling season with mixed results. Some days they were good, some days not. A lot will depend on your lake and what they prefer to forage on. Guys have been using these rigs in the northeast coastal areas for stripers and ocean fishing and it has not decimated their sport, bass fishing will survive as well.

I will be making several of these to use during the season. One, because I am not paying $25 for a $6 bait. Two, we have to be able to adjust it, we share waters that do not allow you to throw five baits (Champlain, Canada). So I will have to make some with 4 baits and some with two baits in order to legally use it. Unless for some reason tournaments around here follow suit with BASS and ban it, not sure why they would.

If they do, then I will throw my do nothing worms :grin:

In the end if an adjustment needs to be made the Department of Environmental Conservation (in our area) and tournament directors will make the needed changes to sustain our sport. In the mean time, chuck and wind those babies, and if you are a co-angler in the back of the boat....DUCK :grin:


fishing user avatarRiver Rat316 reply : 

Not against it or for it, it is illegal where I live and I am happy it is, that way I don't have to put up with any drama surrounding it, either in making it, marketing it, or fishing it!


fishing user avatarjeb2 reply : 
  On 2/22/2012 at 8:02 PM, roadwarrior said:

I find it kinda interesting that all of the negative comments come from guys who have never fished the rig.

Shhhhhh! Let 'em think what they want. The less folks throwing it, the more fish I'll catch on it. :grin:


fishing user avatarTommyBass reply : 

@JigFisherman

You are completely correct. Lakes that this works extra well on will require you to throw it to stay competitive. Thats just one more reason to ban it. Seriously, who wants to be forced to throw a lure that is so overly productive just to stay competitive. Your only deceision in those tournaments would be what color and weight to throw... awesome.

Im not entirely conviced this technique will 'learn' the fish. What are bass going to do? Stop hitting schools of shad? Its instinctive and I think it will remain very effective for a long period of time... they arn't going to get HD eyes and tell whether its five real threadfin in a ball or 5 fake ones... too much movement and confusion. Maybe, but what are we going to get to? Where bass can't eat crayfish or shad because our presentations are so lifelike?

@RoadWarrior

I could say the exact same thing. I've personally tried the rig, it works, but I still don't like it. It seems the guys that really pull for this rig are the ones who have greatly increased their catch rate compared to without it. Really good fisherman won't need it, and 8 out of 10 serious anglers I've talked to completely agree that it has no place in formal competition. Its letting guys that usually only bring in 1 or 2 keepers a tourney fill their limits up in only a couple hours. And just as @JigFisherman said, its forcing these better anglers to throw the same thing just to keep up with the less skilled guys.

Like I said in my earlier post, recreational would be fine, people don't keep bass for eating really anyway. We arn't going to over fish our lakes because of it. Its the competitive aspect where its evening the field, even for guys with ALOT less skill.

As of now, here in Indiana most C.O.s consider it legal even though there is only a 2 hook per line law. They consider it 1 "lure", just as you would a Spook with 9 hooks (3 trebles). I've heard they are going to throw down an official ruling on it (since its not actually covered in law) sometime soon, which would help alot in tournaments being regulated by state laws. Won't help a thing in these lakes south of me though where you can basically fish with unlimited lines / hooks.


fishing user avatarjig reply : 
  On 2/22/2012 at 8:02 PM, roadwarrior said:

I find it kinda interesting that all of the negative comments come from guys who have never fished the rig.

ive fished it for thirty or more years in salt water. I ll stick by saying its a dummy bait with multiple hooks that shouldnt be allowed in fresh water !
fishing user avatarroadwarrior reply : 

I know a lot of tournament fishermen feel the same way about the Senko when "lesser skilled" anglers win tournaments. I guess it's a little like playing poker with a joker in the deck or dueces wild. On the other hand, adding a little spice to the competition gives a chance to some guys that don't have one! When they're losing, nobody seems to mind taking their money.

As far as the "dummy bait" argument goes, I want to know how skilled a guy

needs to be to fish a lipless crankbait, jitterbug or spinnerbait? I realize

some guys have a knack or can do something special, but for most of us it

is just cast and crank.


fishing user avatarjig reply : 

thats why the cast and crank guys for the most part dont win or even place much !


fishing user avatarJ Francho reply : 

LOL, like KVD. He sucks at tournaments.


fishing user avatarTommyBass reply : 
  On 2/22/2012 at 11:00 PM, roadwarrior said:

I know a lot of tournament fishermen feel the same way about the Senko when "lesser skilled" anglers win tournaments. I guess it's a little like playing poker with a joker in the deck or dueces wild. On the other hand, adding a little spice to the competition gives a chance to some guys that don't have one! When they're losing, nobody seems to mind taking their money.

I agree, I don't like the senko either. But it didn't revolutionize the way this has. The senko is still a rubber worm. And it covers FAR less water. The umbrella rig is a whole different system for fishing with multiple hooks and you cover tons of water. If we changed it to only allowing one hook per rig, then it would be a little better, but I think even using dummy baits is a stretch for the sport. Athletes shouldn't be allowed to use PEDs to help make themselves as good at the elite. Fishing isn't any different. I don't think "because it lets bad fisherman compete" is a good approach.

Im all about adding competition to tournaments... no one wants to be ran over week after week. But I want someone to win because they did more homework, fished the right patterns, or presented something more effectively. Not because they were lazy, went to BPS the night before, bought a rig and chucked it the next morning. Have you watched any of the YouTube videos? People are literally throwing the bait anytime and everywhere and catching fish on their first outings. If there is a bass nearby it catches one more times than not. KY lake comes to mind, where I have seen countless videos of guys just pulling up and throwing the rig EVERYWHERE and slaying them. Shallow, deep, suspended, it dosn't matter. All depths all times of the year it appears to be killing them in all regions and lakes.

Is this rig good enough to completely make everything else irrelevant? Of course not, but I think it has entered the percantages to where it is raising a giant red flag. I guess well just have to let it play out and see where it lands us this time next year, after its been out awhile. But it dosn't look good for competition or the sport.


fishing user avatarjig reply : 
  On 2/22/2012 at 11:17 PM, J Francho said:

LOL, like KVD. He sucks at tournaments.

you ever see him just cast it out and reel it in without doing something eratic to make them bite ?watch closer !lol
fishing user avatarTommyBass reply : 
  On 2/22/2012 at 11:17 PM, J Francho said:

LOL, like KVD. He sucks at tournaments.

Haha... ironically to this conversation... it was KVD that was hit hard by the 'rig' in Major League Fishing. Granted he backed off and tried new stuff after he virtually guarenteed himself a passage, but Quinns 'rig' blew the competition out. Also ironically, Quinn basically sucked pond water until he tied that on.


fishing user avatarJ Francho reply : 
  On 2/22/2012 at 8:02 PM, roadwarrior said:

I find it kinda interesting that all of the negative comments come from guys who have never fished the rig.

What's more fascinating, is that they find a way to quote just about EVERY post, and have some irrelevant counterpoint to make. It's as if they know better than all the rest of us trying new things. Whatever.


fishing user avatarbwell reply : 

I like trying to figure out what they are biting on personally. I think its crap that someone can tie on an alabama rig and have a chance at winnning a tournament that has no skill whatsoever.


fishing user avatarJ Francho reply : 
  Quote
I think its crap that someone can tie on an alabama rig and have a chance at winnning a tournament that has no skill whatsoever.

If you think that's true, you are mistaken. The rig doesn't make fish magically appear, LOL.


fishing user avatarbwell reply : 

Very true and thats not really what I was getting at. If before you find bait fish boiling, and couldnt get them to bite on a fluke, traps, topwater ect. it was tough luck. Now you throw the a-rig and have a MUCH better chance of getting the bass attenion because its still a "school" of fish and not a single bait like before... It takes all the guess work out of it...


fishing user avatarJames Yalem reply : 
  On 2/22/2012 at 11:17 PM, TommyBass said:

I agree, I don't like the senko either. But it didn't revolutionize the way this has. The senko is still a rubber worm. And it covers FAR less water. The umbrella rig is a whole different system for fishing with multiple hooks and you cover tons of water. If we changed it to only allowing one hook per rig, then it would be a little better, but I think even using dummy baits is a stretch for the sport. Athletes shouldn't be allowed to use PEDs to help make themselves as good at the elite. Fishing isn't any different. I don't think "because it lets bad fisherman compete" is a good approach.

Im all about adding competition to tournaments... no one wants to be ran over week after week. But I want someone to win because they did more homework, fished the right patterns, or presented something more effectively. Not because they were lazy, went to BPS the night before, bought a rig and chucked it the next morning. Have you watched any of the YouTube videos? People are literally throwing the bait anytime and everywhere and catching fish on their first outings. If there is a bass nearby it catches one more times than not. KY lake comes to mind, where I have seen countless videos of guys just pulling up and throwing the rig EVERYWHERE and slaying them. Shallow, deep, suspended, it dosn't matter. All depths all times of the year it appears to be killing them in all regions and lakes.

Is this rig good enough to completely make everything else irrelevant? Of course not, but I think it has entered the percantages to where it is raising a giant red flag. I guess well just have to let it play out and see where it lands us this time next year, after its been out awhile. But it dosn't look good for competition or the sport.

I completely agree with you. I'm not a tournament fisherman, but I don't intend to use the umbrella rig because it takes the challenge out of bass fishing. I wish that I knew why this rig is so effective. I don't use live bait for the same reason.


fishing user avatarQuillback reply : 

It's so funny, we bass fishermen spend big money on rods, reels, boats, gas, lures, insurance, line, depth finders, GPS, and all the other stuff that goes into bass fishing. We ask for advice on boards on how to fish different techniques to catch more fish. Everyone wants to catch bass, as many as they can and the bigger the better. Along comes a technique (A-rig) that, for now at least, allows anglers to more easily catch bass. But because it's "too easy" some people don't like it. Very ironic.


fishing user avatarJ Francho reply : 

So, I've located the bait, and active fish, and I still have "guesswork" to do?

Doesn't make sense. In my experience, it isn't that hard to catch fish in those conditions, if you know what your doing. The big difference is that a castable umbrella rig catches BIGGER fish than other baits.

Here's what I think is AWESOME about the discussions. While all you guys jump on any of us posting our failures and successes with this new bait, we are out there discovering what works, and what doesn't. If you think you can tie up a bunch of Basstrix or Shadalicious and win a tournament, then that makes me happy. The less people that try this, or know how to fish it, the longer it will work when I need it to.


fishing user avatarroadwarrior reply : 
  On 2/22/2012 at 11:46 PM, James Yalem said:

I wish that I knew why this rig is so effective.

Because fish lose all their inhibitions and their natural instinct

is triggered when a wad of bait passes in their strike zone. Because

of this, "uncatchable" fish are being caught.

As a specific example, Pickwick has produced more double digit bass

in the last several months than the total for the last several years

and perhaps decades! Remember too, it's NOT primetime for green bass

around here. I suspect as the northern waters open up and anglers around

the country start ramping up this spring, reported catches of record

fish will explode.


fishing user avatarTommyBass reply : 

Are you not arguing against yourself right there @JFrancho? Your basically saying I hope you guys continue to dislike it and not use it, so people like you can capitalize on its over effectiveness...?

I HAVE used it and it IS THAT EASY. Its a game changer to anyone seriously fishing. I'd almost guarentee somone can go out and throw this for the first time and catch more and bigger fish than anything else they would use that day. Not 100% of course, but again, enough to make it troubling.

Someone earlier mentioned the GPS and fish finders etc. I feel the exact same way... giving someone a preloaded NAVIONICS chip with finite depth detail also gives a disavantage. Thats why everyone uses them now... its stupid what this sport has become. Everyone wants that extra edge or thinks they need this and that. The trouble is, enough of this stuff loads the odds enough in their favor it requires even the resistant ones to buy and use the same stuff, in order to keep the field level.

People just want 'easy' and have lost the way in doing work themselves.


fishing user avatarTommyBass reply : 

RoadWarrior I'm confused... are you for or against this in tournament use? Or undeceided?

The stats you are putting out there only prove my point more. That many more double digit bass, yet this thing still takes skill? haha

Northern lakes will have the same results... its proving just as deady on smallies as well.


fishing user avatarJ Francho reply : 
  Quote
Are you not arguing against yourself right there @JFrancho? Your basically saying I hope you guys continue to dislike it and not use it, so people like you can capitalize on its over effectiveness...?

What I am capitalizing is time. Do you not agree that the more time spent on the water with a jig makes a better jig fisherman?

OBTW, they work on largemouth, too. If you are only catching smallies, then you need to examine your location. Or cast a little to left, since it's that easy, LOL.


fishing user avatarJames Yalem reply : 
  On 2/23/2012 at 12:04 AM, roadwarrior said:

Because fish lose all their inhibitions and their natural instinct

is triggered when a wad of bait passes in their strike zone. Because

of this, "uncatchable" fish are being caught.

As a specific example, Pickwick has produced more double digit bass

in the last several months than the total for the last several years

and perhaps decades! Remember too, it's NOT primetime for green bass

around here. I suspect as the northern waters open up and anglers around

the country start ramping up this spring, reported catches of record

fish will explode.

It is catching lots of bass at Table Rock Lake in my home state of Missouri. Usually when you read about bass fishing at Table Rock in the winter, it is extremely deep for Kentuckies and Smallmouth. This winter I have read about catching largemouths on chunk rock shorelines with the rig. And Table Rock is a very clear lake in which most reports are about fishing very light line with grubs or drop shot rigs. The effectiveness of the rig at Table Rock sure makes me doubt that bass are really line shy.


fishing user avatarTommyBass reply : 

JFrancho you need to read slower... I didn't say I used it on smallies. I don't even have smallmouth here in this part of the state. Im just saying reports are showing its killing them as well. My personal experience is only largemouth.

I agree your capitalizing on time. Your throwing something that is effective or more so than something someone else is throwing thats been practicing it for years. Thats my point... why should you be rewarded monetarily in a tournament because you picked this technique up a week before the tourney and beat people who were better fisherman? If they have years of experience crankbait fishing thta is completely negated by the presence of this lure, then theres and issue. Its not because you would have been a more skilled angler. Not saying you in particular are not, but thats just an example. It flat out lets less skilled anglers do 3-4-500% better in many situations.

Lets just put everyone on an even playing field and give out hugs and participation trophys.


fishing user avatarBassWhole! reply : 

I think its a no brainer that this thing will be as good if not better on Smallies, they inhabit more open water and school up, no? Repeat after me "fish are stupid, fisherman are...."


fishing user avatarJ Francho reply : 
  Quote
JFrancho you need to read slower...

I read it just fine. You made a comment about my neck of the woods, and offered some real world info. That's all.

I disagree that it's more effective all the time, which is what most antis are claiming. These bass are going to scatter come summer. Good luck with it then.


fishing user avatarJ Francho reply : 

For those that "think this" or "believe that," I say drop a few bucks on a YUMbrella rig and try it out.

At least Tommy has actually thrown the thing.


fishing user avatarroadwarrior reply : 

Well, I don't really care how you decide to run your tournament. If you want to outlaw certain

lures, rigs or techniques it's fine by me. I fish for fun and find "catching" is a lot more fun than

just "fishing". For those that are interested in catching more and bigger bass, you need to give

this rig a try.


fishing user avatarjig reply : 
  On 2/22/2012 at 11:49 PM, J Francho said:

So, I've located the bait, and active fish, and I still have "guesswork" to do?

Doesn't make sense. In my experience, it isn't that hard to catch fish in those conditions, if you know what your doing. The big difference is that a castable umbrella rig catches BIGGER fish than other baits.

Here's what I think is AWESOME about the discussions. While all you guys jump on any of us posting our failures and successes with this new bait, we are out there discovering what works, and what doesn't. If you think you can tie up a bunch of Basstrix or Shadalicious and win a tournament, then that makes me happy. The less people that try this, or know how to fish it, the longer it will work when I need it to.

know how to fish it ? really ? r u kidding me ? you could take someone whos never fished before and as long as thet can cast it out,they are going to catch as many as you, or the next guy ,using one.Like ive said,they have been around for a long,long time in salt water and there is no secret to fishing them.they r considered a dummy bait there to !ALL im saying is they shouldnt be allowed in any tourneys the very least.I would like to see them completely outlawed for the simple reason i think theres going to be more fish dieing due to the fact that alot going people r just going to.fling them into boat due to the fact they wont want the other hooks getting caught on themselves.its a rig designed for a commercial fishery where multiple fish can be caught at once !The very least, u should just have one hook on the rig on the bait trailing down the middle if you just have to use one.
fishing user avatarpiscicidal reply : 

These arguments against the A-rig seem very similiar to when Calloway Golf came out with the ERCII (non-conforming) driver back in the mid 2000s. People were frantic...it was going to obsolete courses, less skilled golfers were going to be beating more skilled golfers, etc...

Now 10 years later we realize that most of it was nonsense.. The hackers who bought the ERCII ten years ago are still hackers today. Today, there are literally dozen of "non-conforming" drivers available to the public. Yet, somehow, the collective handicap of the golfing public hasn't changed much. Golf courses haven't been rendered obsolete. The pro tours adapted a policy restricting COR values of drivers, rendering those clubs not eligible for use on tour. Overall, not much has changed despite the frantic railings at the time.

I kind of look at the A-rig the same way as that ERCII driver. If it enhances your enjoyment and you don't get paid to use it, then go for it. My personal inclination is not to use the A-rig, but I must admit I am waffling a little bit. If I am fishing a tournament on Okeechobee and competitors are using it then I may have to get with the program.


fishing user avatarjig reply : 
  On 2/23/2012 at 12:58 AM, piscicidal said:

These arguments against the A-rig seem very similiar to when Calloway Golf came out with the ERCII (non-conforming) driver back in the mid 2000s. People were frantic...it was going to obsolete courses, less skilled golfers were going to be beating more skilled golfers, etc...

Now 10 years later we realize that most of it was nonsense.. The hackers who bought the ERCII ten years ago are still hackers today. Today, there are literally dozen of "non-conforming" drivers available to the public. Yet, somehow, the collective handicap of the golfing public hasn't changed much. Golf courses haven't been rendered obsolete. The pro tours adapted a policy restricting COR values of drivers, rendering those clubs not eligible for use on tour. Overall, not much has changed despite the frantic railings at the time.

I kind of look at the A-rig the same way as that ERCII driver. If it enhances your enjoyment and you don't get paid to use it, then go for it. My personal inclination is not to use the A-rig, but I must admit I am waffling a little bit. If I am fishing a tournament on Okeechobee and competitors are using it then I may have to get with the program.

if its allowed,you would have to use one to compete
fishing user avatarAl Wolbach reply : 

The bottom line as I see it.

Large, large numbers of these rigs have been sold at $10 to $30 ea, millions of swimbaits and other lures sold just to use with the rig. How many swimbait or other heavy rods, how many spools of 65 lb braid by fishermen that don't fish braid? How many new reels just for this rig? The A Rig is not going away........Period.

Outlawed in local tournaments. Some will use it anyway, without regard to a lie detector test. I have fished hundreds of tournament that gave lie detector test and can not recall anyone failing, just saying, who knows?

I will be 65 on my upcoming birthday and I can't recall this much excitement ever about a new technique and I think it's great for the sport. In the end, the fish will survive and a lot of fishermen are having fun and I think that is what its all about.............................Al


fishing user avatarJ Francho reply : 

"The effectiveness of the * rig"....to bring out the whining, LOL. It cracks me up how up in arms people get over it.


fishing user avatarJ Francho reply : 
  Quote
In the end, the fish will survive and a lot of fishermen are having fun and I think that is what its all about.............................Al

There's a great post!


fishing user avatarTommyBass reply : 

I agree both fish and fisherman will survive. Like I said, I don't think we have to worry too much about people commercially fishing largemouth on the recreational scene. Its already to the point where it will be impossible to police on a recreational level. DNR would have to sit back and observe every boat on every lake. From a distance its kind of hard to tell what they are throwing sometimes, looks like a large swimbait on the splash etc. From a 'fun fishing' standpoint... I don't think a whole lot needs to be done other than following state laws.

My argument is more for the tournament and competitive angle. Well see how it plays out.

I'll use it in a tournament if I have to, I'm not going to bow down to a whipping if someone else is using it to beat me. I can't wait to see how many guys have them on their decks come later winter early spring tournaments. Then sit there all proud and talk like they discovered it or something LOL.

Theres one thing we can all agree on, that this is making one heck of a splash.


fishing user avatarJ Francho reply : 
  Quote
Theres one thing we can all agree on, that this is making one heck of a splash.

No kidding!

I think there are some misconceptions as well. Here is a typical umbrella rig, meant to be trolled while fishing for striper:

shad10.jpg

umbrella.jpg

And here is the CASTABLE umbrella rig for bass fishing:

RossEnglandUmbrellaRig.jpg

And those are big baits by my standards. Heck, I used a suggestion made by a friend to use 5" grubs, with great success.

To say that trolling that thing above is the same as casting the thing below is a stretch. Anyway, I see loooong armed spinnerbaits with several blades evenly spced out in the very near future. The cat's out of the bag, so to speak. Now that there are rules to define the boundaries to work inside, let the innovation begin. Mankind


fishing user avatarbigbassctchr101 reply : 

I agree about the multiple arm/bladed spinnerbaits. IMO it has nothing to do with the number of hooks on the bait, but what the bait represents. I think this can be with blades as well. It may not look as realistic, but it will get the schooling fish affect.


fishing user avatarJames Yalem reply : 

IMO, each fisherman has to decide for him or herself what is, and what is not, sporting to use in bass fishing. Someday, modern technology will likely invent some lure or tool that catches bass and other fish every time its used where fish live. Some just want to catch fish and will use the best lure, bait or tool to do so. Others will want it to be a challenge. I thought that tournaments were supposed to be a challenge. Since the umbrella rig seems to take much of the challenge out of bass fishing, I agree with tournament directors banning it from their tournaments.

I, also, agree that since most bass fishermen practice catch and release, the use of an umbrella rig will not adversely affect bass populations. I am not against people using it, but I won't due to personal preference. Although in Missouri, it might be illegal to use with more than three hooks (treble hooks are one hook) at one time on one rod; not that anyone's odds of being caught are very high. OTOH, a court might consider one hook, like a rogue because it is only attached by one knot to the line; unlike a spider rig for crappie fishing.


fishing user avatarjig reply : 
  On 2/23/2012 at 2:48 AM, J Francho said:

No kidding!

I think there are some misconceptions as well. Here is a typical umbrella rig, meant to be trolled while fishing for striper:

shad10.jpg

umbrella.jpg

And here is the CASTABLE umbrella rig for bass fishing:

RossEnglandUmbrellaRig.jpg

And those are big baits by my standards. Heck, I used a suggestion made by a friend to use 5" grubs, with great success.

To say that trolling that thing above is the same as casting the thing below is a stretch. Anyway, I see loooong armed spinnerbaits with several blades evenly spced out in the very near future. The cat's out of the bag, so to speak. Now that there are rules to define the boundaries to work inside, let the innovation begin. Mankind

no misconception- its the same exact thing downsized with 5 hooks
fishing user avatarJ Francho reply : 
  On 2/23/2012 at 4:59 AM, jig said:

no misconception- its the same exact thing downsized with 5 hooks

LMAO, making it castable. Sheesh. :cry3:


fishing user avatarjig reply : 
  On 2/23/2012 at 5:01 AM, J Francho said:

LMAO, making it castable. Sheesh. :cry3:

  On 2/23/2012 at 5:01 AM, J Francho said:

LMAO, making it castable. Sheesh. :cry3:

im not crying about it ,just saying for something thats supposed to be a sport fishery,throwing five hooks at once doesnt feel very sporting or take any fishing knowledge ! but hey,you gotta do what you gotta do to make your rod bend i guess ! :laugh5:
fishing user avatarJ Francho reply : 

I can a bend out of my rod without flexing my keyboard muscles, or insulting others. To each his own.


fishing user avatarjig reply : 
  On 2/23/2012 at 5:30 AM, J Francho said:

I can a bend out of my rod without flexing my keyboard muscles, or insulting others. To each his own.

i apologize if you were insulted ,you have helped alot of people on this site and i dont want to become a bad guy.I just cant agree on this issue.Bottom line is your right,to each his own.
fishing user avatarJ Francho reply : 

Did you read the original post in this thread, or did you just see the words * - rig in the title, and decide to post? Ask yourself that. Every thread that has been started by those using this rig has been inundated with haters. Give us a break. We get it - you don't like the rig. I don't like Senkos. I think they are FAR more dangerous than this rig is. Talk about a zero skill bait, LMAO. I guess even a blind squirrel finds a nut if he keeps searching. I see n00bs deep hooking them all the time, cut the line, and toss them back. They are doing actual damage to the fishery. Yet the Tx angler that carefully provides for the fish he takes, and releases those that go on a livewell ride gets harpooned for trying something different to gain an edge. It's legal here, and I intend to use it until it isn't legal or a tournament director says I can't. So far I haven't heard about ANY series besides the Elites that has banned, let alone some pocket change open or club circuit.

BTW, apology accepted.


fishing user avatarbrushhoggin reply : 

i'm going to dress in all black, wear night vision, and sneak into Richmond Mill with an A rig


fishing user avatarJ Francho reply : 

You realize they have shooting there as well, and are well armed, LOL.


fishing user avatarjignfule reply : 
  On 2/23/2012 at 4:38 AM, James Yalem said:

IMO, each fisherman has to decide for him or herself what is, and what is not, sporting to use in bass fishing. Someday, modern technology will likely invent some lure or tool that catches bass and other fish every time its used where fish live. Some just want to catch fish and will use the best lure, bait or tool to do so. Others will want it to be a challenge. I thought that tournaments were supposed to be a challenge. Since the umbrella rig seems to take much of the challenge out of bass fishing, I agree with tournament directors banning it from their tournaments.

I, also, agree that since most bass fishermen practice catch and release, the use of an umbrella rig will not adversely affect bass populations. I am not against people using it, but I won't due to personal preference. Although in Missouri, it might be illegal to use with more than three hooks (treble hooks are one hook) at one time on one rod; not that anyone's odds of being caught are very high. OTOH, a court might consider one hook, like a rogue because it is only attached by one knot to the line; unlike a spider rig for crappie fishing.

My friend, have you not ever heard of the Banjo Minnow.


fishing user avatarbrushhoggin reply : 

J, i've watched enough steven segal movies to pull it off :rolleyes:


fishing user avatarJ Francho reply : 

As long as we all get to watch the security tapes. Lol


fishing user avatarloodkop reply : 

Luremakers and anglers have been searching for the magic bullet forever. I personally don't buy lures or tackle to make it more difficult to catch fish because the fish themselves make it difficult enough. I don't believe TAR is a magic bullet either but it I do think that under certain circumstances it will make me a more effective angler. I fish a lot of weed choked waters where I would not even consider TAR. On the other hand I also fish a deep clear lake with lots of open water where I'm now catching bass I could not before. As long as it is within the rules I will use any technique that makes me more effective. I doubt that this will become my favorite technique but it is a tool to use. As to the amount of skill involved I noticed that not one of the BASS opens in 2012 has been won on a rig. Fish won't jump. Into the boat just because you have a rig tied on.


fishing user avatarJ Francho reply : 
  Quote
I fish a lot of weed choked waters where I would not even consider TAR.

I imagine you occasionally flip these weed choked areas. Just think, that was banned by BASS years ago.


fishing user avatarww2farmer reply : 

I am pretty sure Paul Ellias was an unskilled newbie untill he picked up the A-rig. Talk about a flash in the pan who got lucky with the rig. :rolleyes:


fishing user avatarbigbassctchr101 reply : 
  On 2/23/2012 at 9:23 PM, ww2farmer said:

I am pretty sure Paul Ellias was an unskilled newbie untill he picked up the A-rig. Talk about a flash in the pan who got lucky with the rig. :rolleyes:

I first thought this was post of a newbie that knew nothing about fishing....Then I saw your post count and realized that this was entirely sarcastic!!!

Right??? lol

I actually had friends that went down to the FLW event and fished the same one as Paul. They tried the A-Rig and put it down because they caught only 2 striper in a couple hours. These guys were good fishermen! Actually, the guy that caught the stripers was practicing with Clausen. Not everyone can do it by just chunking and winding (there is some skill involved in catching the bigger better fish) and not everyone would be doing it now if they didn't see the success rates of it. It makes it a lot easier to throw 5 hours a day when you know your next fish could strike up a school and you could catch some monsters on it.


fishing user avatarww2farmer reply : 
  On 2/23/2012 at 9:57 PM, bigbassctchr101 said:

I first thought this was post of a newbie that knew nothing about fishing....Then I saw your post count and realized that this was entirely sarcastic!!!

Right??? lol

I actually had friends that went down to the FLW event and fished the same one as Paul. They tried the A-Rig and put it down because they caught only 2 striper in a couple hours. These guys were good fishermen! Actually, the guy that caught the stripers was practicing with Clausen. Not everyone can do it by just chunking and winding (there is some skill involved in catching the bigger better fish) and not everyone would be doing it now if they didn't see the success rates of it. It makes it a lot easier to throw 5 hours a day when you know your next fish could strike up a school and you could catch some monsters on it.

Right................cause a high post count makes me an instant expert. If you looked close all but three of my posts are saying

" x2" to things I agree with.


fishing user avatarbigbassctchr101 reply : 
  On 2/24/2012 at 12:24 AM, ww2farmer said:

Right................cause a high post count makes me an instant expert. If you looked close all but three of my posts are saying

" x2" to things I agree with.

means nothing bout making you an expert. and I admit i didn't pay any attention at all to any of your other posts. was just saying that a higher post count could possibly make you more knowledgable than other guys that would say something like that and mean it exactly the way they said it IF they weren't in the "know" about fishing (again, not saying you know or don't know anything about fishing). Seeing you have been on here awhile, that doesn't make you an expert, knowledgable, or even smart...but does give light that you have at least read a little more about fishing than a lot of other people. It doesn't matter a bit to me what peoples opinions are on the rig or about anything about fishing or life. I just thoughy it was ironic to see, "

I am pretty sure Paul Ellias was an unskilled newbie untill he picked up the A-rig. Talk about a flash in the pan who got lucky with the rig. :rolleyes:"

Turns out, you meant for it to be ironic. And i commented because I thought it was funny and an intelligent quirk.


fishing user avatarhatrix reply : 

It's kind of funny to me that this is so huge now. I spent quite a bit of time last year throwing set ups I made with multiple baits. If it was possible for mento throw more then 1 of some thing I was trying it. Soft plastics, spinner baits, crank baits, jigs, top water, you name it. I have to say for the most part the more baits you can throw and do it effectively the better your chances. My only problem was not every thing I tried was not the best rig it could be. People might get creative and figure out how to throw 4 or 5 of everything.


fishing user avatarjames 14 reply : 

Elias's win had nothing to do with him using the a-rig and everything to do with his hydrowave ;)


fishing user avatardave reply : 
  On 2/22/2012 at 8:53 PM, River Rat316 said:

Not against it or for it, it is illegal where I live and I am happy it is, that way I don't have to put up with any drama surrounding it, either in making it, marketing it, or fishing it!

Me too. The state of Maryland helped me decide whether I liked it or not. (where the umbrella rig for stripers reigns supreme)


fishing user avatarBigbarge50 reply : 

I can not believe the storm this thing has started......

So as a guy who has not thrown it and has not formed an opinion yet, how effective are we talking? RW pointed to the massive results in his area. Some are saying it is a no brainer, others saying itis like a swimbait.... a homerun hitter for big fish. How about some A-RIg Pictures on here?


fishing user avatartbirds00 reply : 

Why is it called the Alabama Rig?


fishing user avatarroadwarrior reply : 

Andy Poss, an Alabama resident, created The Rig:


fishing user avatartbirds00 reply : 

I figured it was something like that but didn't know for sure. Thanks for the help


fishing user avatarbandsr4me20 reply : 

This rig doesn't make bass fishing a "no brainer". I went out today and threw it for probably three hours and never had one even hit it. I tried shallow all the way to seeing them on my graph on ledges suspended and still did not catch them. Before i used it, I thought it made it way easier but it still is not a sure fire way of catching them. It is very neat looking in the water and just another lure to use to try and catch some bass.


fishing user avatarMissouriBassin reply : 

In Missouri, you're limited to 3 hooked lures per rig.

http://mdc.mo.gov/newsroom/only-three-hooked-lures-allowed-alabama-rigs-missouri


fishing user avatarNick reply : 

Yep, just cut the hooks off two of your paddletails.


fishing user avatarww2farmer reply : 

Just got mine yesterday, probably better go down to the bank soon and make sure they are going to be able to handle all the cash I deposit after I just show up at every local tournament I can and toss this around for a bit, haul in 30lb bags, and clean up, cause from what I hear, it's just that easy...............ROTFLMAO.


fishing user avatarMissouriBassin reply : 

I won't be using the rig, but thought somebody from Missouri may need the info. I didn't know it was limited to 3 here.


fishing user avatarroadwarrior reply : 

You know Table Rock can be really tough in the winter.

I hear they're killin' 'em right now with The Rig! I'm

headed up to the White River below Bull Shoals for the

weekend. I'll post something more after talking to the

local guides and some of the guys at Red's.


fishing user avatarQuillback reply : 

Rig bite has slowed way down on TR according to my sources, it was great up to about 2 weeks ago, but the latest reports are it's just not working like it was. It's slowed down on the local lakes in the area also. Everybody and their brother was/is throwing it. Jerkbait bite is improving however.


fishing user avatarretiredbosn reply : 

The only thing that would worry me about the rig is if the number of large bass are being caught that typically means that they are being kept. Even though we are in the era of catch and release, many anglers keep their biggest for the taxidermist. Too many fishermen are just not aware of the high quality fiberglass replicas now that make keeping the fish obsolete. Deplete the gene pool of the biggest fish and the result is a larger population of fish but of smaller size, which will take years to recover from, but then again you would need real world hard epirical data to find out.


fishing user avatarTommyBass reply : 

Its officially legal in Indiana now. The DNR passed some new legislation on it this week specifically for this issue. It was kind of in the air previously, as it was not actually covered in the law. We have a two hook per line law, but it was murky on if the rig is considered one or multiple baits.

We still have a 2 hook per line law, but they expanded our laws to allow for 'harnesses' or 'rigs' to have up to but no more than 5 hooks. They made this a temporary revision and are going to revisit the issue in January of 2013 to see how its effecting our states waters. Its funny how you can use that, but no more than two soft jerkbaits tied to a single line or two jigs on your drop shot, LOL. Looks like 2012 is going to be the year of the umbrella rig.


fishing user avatarJ Francho reply : 
  Quote
They made this a temporary revision and are going to revisit the issue in January of 2013 to see how its effecting our states waters. Its funny how you can use that, but no more than two soft jerkbaits tied to a single line or two jigs on your drop shot, LOL.

WOW!!! A government agency actually made a decision, and then intelligently said, "hey, if it isn't working right, we can change it." OK, no more politics, LOL.

That's actually pretty cool though. And yeah, the two jerkbait rule is a little weird, but given the distance, and the way one can slide way up the main line, I'd say that's fair.




5957

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