School Me On The A-Rig

[Brian6428]

Ok, guys. Let's talk about the Alabama rig.

When do you guys use a rig with blades on it? What color swim baits do you guys prefer?

Do you use all the same color swim baits or have one that is a different color in the middle?

If "dummy baits" (swim baits without hooks) must be thrown due to state regulations, where is the best place to put them that is least likely to get bit?

When is the ideal time to fish it?

How do you fish it?

I looked for threads about the a-rig but couldn't find any other than those talking about its use in tournaments. For this reason I ask that we refrain from talking about its legality in tournaments, or the ethics surrounding it. Strictly talking fun fishing here.

Thanks!

[Felix77]

I just prefer the one with blades. I treat them like a spinnerbait on steroids. As for what bait ... I tend to use white swimbaits most.

 

 

[HoosierHawgs]

^{Here is what I know about the A-Rig. First, you don't always have to use the same color. White bass in particular like different colors of baits. As for bass, I would fish w/all of the same bait (shad colors) to mimick a small school of bait. As for dummy baits, put those on the top, and hooked baits on the bottom because bass will attack the rig from beneath it, similar to a shark}

[Jig Man]

Here in MO we can't use but 3 baits with hooks so I always have blades on.  I experiment with different sizes and colors of baits.  Sometimes I have  3 different colors on at the same time.  I also experiment with different weights on them depending on how far down the water column I have to fish.

[rangerjockey]

I'm in MO also. I like the blades. I use 1/4 oz. ball heads mostly with as thin a hook as I can get away with, when the rig gets hung up usually you can  straighten the hook and get it back. I like the keitchs in the 3.8 or swimmin fluke jr's on the outside and a bigger bait like the keitech 4.8 fat on the center.

[HoosierHawgs]

Indiana also has a 3 hook reg. I would recommend using blades most of the time. I don't cat has much w/out them IMO

[roadwarrior]

I have several set-ups, but this is my standard: 

 

Outside arms: LFT Live Magic Shad rigged on Gamakatsu 3/0 EWG Offset Worm Hooks, no weight

 

Inside arm:  Johnson Silver Minnow

 

Preferred presentation: Trolling on and around structure

 

Key variable: The presence of baitfish

[Brian6428]

Thanks for the replies guys, that's some good info. What's the best time of year to throw it? I think it's winter but I'm not sure

[soopd]

I like to throw it when water temp gets below 60. I throw it until water gets back above 60.

[Bluebasser86]

Cold water is when the A rig shines. I like to use a 5 arm with my rigged baits on the two bottom and middle arm. I use Hitchhiker trailer keepers for my 2 dummy baits and I almost always fish one with blades on it. 

[Brian6428]

Thanks for the replies guys. I am going to try throwing an a-rig some this winter when the wind makes jerk baits difficult to throw.

[gulfcaptain]

Fished them a lot from the end of last summer through early summer this year.

 

 #1, if you can only fish 3 baits, use a 5 arm bait and dummy 2 of them.

#2  Use varied colors, try and use smaller baits on the dummy heads then on the other 3 with varied sizes.

#3, I try and use the lightest jig head I can get away with simply because the swing impacts get better action on smaller sized heads and hooks.

#4, you can fish these a lot of ways, only way to learn them is to fish them.  Fish them like a spinnerbait, slow roll them deep, hop them off the bottom....etc

#5 Blades work great, but be flexible on which styles.  Some have thinner wires and give more action but can also be bent and break easier.  Sometimes they want a more suttle         approach and no blades work better. 

#6 They break, get snagged.  Buy more then one so you have a back up.

[Felix77]

I began using it this year with decent success. My go to setup is aa follows

Rig: Flash Mob Jr. with willow leaf blades.

rod: 7'6" MH

reel: 5x:1 Abu Ambassador

Line: 50lb. Braid

Bait: keitech swimbaits. 1/4 Oz weights

Cast it out, count it down and reel slowly.

The bite is furious! Pike and Bass love it!

[AK-Jax86]

I began using it this year with decent success. My go to setup is aa follows

Rig: Flash Mob Jr. with willow leaf blades.

rod: 7'6" MH

reel: 5x:1 Abu Ambassador

Line: 50lb. Braid

Bait: keitech swimbaits. 1/4 Oz weights

Cast it out, count it down and reel slowly.

The bite is furious! Pike and Bass love it!

So I want to go with a bigger rod and a 5+:1 gear ratio reel for throwing a rigs. What else can I throw on that ratio reel? All mine are 7s

[roadwarrior]

This is my gear:  http://www.bassresource.com/fishing_lures/DHC7-761-CAHFS-primmus-review.html

 

 

 

 

[Yumf2]

There's a video on YouTube about the A rig it's called The Alabama Rig supernova or something like that. It's pretty long but it's super interesting and it tells you everything you need to know

[Felix77]

So I want to go with a bigger rod and a 5+:1 gear ratio reel for throwing a rigs. What else can I throw on that ratio reel? All mine are 7s

With that reel you can throw cranks, slowroll spinnerbaits, swimbaits etc. I use it when I want a really slow retrieve in general.

[BasshunterJGH]

Cold water is when the A rig shines. I like to use a 5 arm with my rigged baits on the two bottom and middle arm. I use Hitchhiker trailer keepers for my 2 dummy baits and I almost always fish one with blades on it.

Interesting. I didn't know the 5 wire a-rig was illegal in Kansas. Thought it was just california and colorado. I haven't gotten into alabama rigs yet but when I do this spring ill use something like this^^.

[BasshunterJGH]

I know what rod and reel I'm gonna throw the a-rig on, but not 100% sure about line. I've heard braid, mono, and flouro. What do you use? #test?

[gulfcaptain]

I fish 30lb braid with 20lb mono topshot.  Most probably fish heavier though.

[Felix77]

I know what rod and reel I'm gonna throw the a-rig on, but not 100% sure about line. I've heard braid, mono, and flouro. What do you use? #test?

I have used 20lb FC and 50lb braid. I prefer the braid.

[Bluebasser86]

Interesting. I didn't know the 5 wire a-rig was illegal in Kansas. Thought it was just california and colorado. I haven't gotten into alabama rigs yet but when I do this spring ill use something like this^^.

Actually, all we can use in KS is 2 hooks, so A rigs are basically useless unless I drive to MO where I can use 3 or go to OK or AR where I can use 5. The most effective rig I've found to combat the 2 hook rule is a 5 arm rig with 4 outer arms and one longer, center arm. 4 small baits go on the hitchhiker keepers on the outside arms, then one bigger bait in the center to give the appearance of a fish chasing baitfish.