To Alabama rig or not?

[Bigchunk]

I have a champion 795 swimbait rod, figured that would do, wondering what your thoughts on these rigs are. Iv never thrown one, let me know thanks. Also your recommendations are, thanks!

[bigturtle]

a-rigs are fun, but can be expensive if you fish snaggy waters. You could always use weighted swimbait hooks instead of open jigheads like I do, but it does decrease the hookup by a noticeable amount when the fish swipe at it. Try buying a cheap rig to try out first. 

[flyingmonkie]

I'm not a big fan of them, but I do fish one from time to time.  

 

I think it often gets billed as this "magic fish catching machine".  Yes, a lot of folks have great success with them, but the CUR has it's nuances just like any other bait.  I personally feel a bit like a cheater when I use it (even though I haven't had notable success with it), and don't particularly enjoy fishing it.

 

You should decide for yourself. To each his own.

[everythingthatswims]

Definitely worth a shot. They are far from a magic bait (I fished one for a whole year before catching a bass on one), but just as with any other bait, there is a time, place, and condition that they can excel in, making them a valuable tool for bass fishing.

[roadwarrior]

Well, The Rig IS MAGIC around here.  

 

I like a lighter package with lots of sparkle. The YUMbrella Flash Mob Junior has been very effective for me.

http://www.yumbaits.com/baits/yumbrella-rigs

 

The outside arms are rigged with LFT Live Magic Shad on 3/0 Gamakatsu Offset Worm Hooks, weightless.

Johnson Silver Minnow in the middle.

http://www.johnsonfishing.com/johnson-hard-bait/johnson-silver-minnow/1285602.html

 

 

[Bigbarge50]

4 hours ago, roadwarrior said:

Well, The Rig IS MAGIC around here.  

 

I like a lighter package with lots of sparkle. The YUMbrella Flash Mob Junior has been very effective for me.

http://www.yumbaits.com/baits/yumbrella-rigs

 

The outside arms are rigged with LFT Live Magic Shad on 3/0 Gamakatsu Offset Worm Hooks, weightless.

Johnson Silver Minnow in the middle.

http://www.johnsonfishing.com/johnson-hard-bait/johnson-silver-minnow/1285602.html

 

 

Awesome share and sounds rather snag proof (for an A rig)  thanks. 

[Bigchunk]

Thanks boys

[MichiganBass80]

I'm going to give it a try this year.  I found a 5 wire Ultralight Yumbrella (without blades) at a fishing show a few weeks ago and then picked up a Flash mob Jr last week.  Should be interesting.  I'm hoping to head up north here in Michigan and fishing a few good smallmouth lakes up there. 

[SwampLife]

On January 18, 2017 at 5:31 AM, roadwarrior said:

Well, The Rig IS MAGIC around here.  

 

I like a lighter package with lots of sparkle. The YUMbrella Flash Mob Junior has been very effective for me.

http://www.yumbaits.com/baits/yumbrella-rigs

 

The outside arms are rigged with LFT Live Magic Shad on 3/0 Gamakatsu Offset Worm Hooks, weightless.

Johnson Silver Minnow in the middle.

http://www.johnsonfishing.com/johnson-hard-bait/johnson-silver-minnow/1285602.html

 

 

I only use them when I go to Toledo bend.. Never thought about going weightless... What's the shallowest water you would throw that specific rig in?? 

 

i already have the rig I may just try this!! 

[jamey1e]

I like it, even went out and bought a dedicated a-rig setup.   Its definitely not a magic bait but when you get on a good a-rig bite you'll understand why there's so much hype to it.  I also believe and have proven that it'll trigger the larger fish in a school to bite.

[roadwarrior]

9 hours ago, SwampLife said:

I only use them when I go to Toledo bend.. Never thought about going weightless... What's the shallowest water you would throw that specific rig in?? 

 

i already have the rig I may just try this!! 

4'-5'

[RB 77]

Yes! It has become one of my absolute go-to rigs for both fresh water and salt. I never leave home with out at least one set up for it and now have dedicated setups just for the "rig". Its not an "automatic" fish catcher, but when they're on it, look out now!

[Catt]

On 1/18/2017 at 5:31 AM, roadwarrior said:

Well, The Rig IS MAGIC around here.  

 

I like a lighter package with lots of sparkle. The YUMbrella Flash Mob Junior has been very effective for me.

http://www.yumbaits.com/baits/yumbrella-rigs

 

The outside arms are rigged with LFT Live Magic Shad on 3/0 Gamakatsu Offset Worm Hooks, weightless.

Johnson Silver Minnow in the middle.

http://www.johnsonfishing.com/johnson-hard-bait/johnson-silver-minnow/1285602.html

 

 

Couple questions!

 

What weight spoon?

 

How do you fan the arms out?

[scaleface]

I tried an alabama rig one time . I was already catching a lot fish { almost every cast ]  on a point in about 10 to 15 foot . Thinking this would be a good time to use it I tied it on , let it sink to the bottom and made a dozen or so cast with it . Didnt get a strike and havent used it since . No doubt  from all the reports they are good baits . I'll try it again some day . 

[SwampLife]

4 hours ago, roadwarrior said:

4'-5'

Thanks!! Definitely trying this on my Tuesday scouting trip...don't own any spoons.. Hopefully a Swim bait will work..

4 hours ago, roadwarrior said:

4'-5'

Thanks!! Definitely trying this on my Tuesday scouting trip...don't own any spoons.. Hopefully a Swim bait will work..

[WIGuide]

There's definitely a time and place to use them. I've had some for a while and tried them here and there, but used it more often this past fall. I still didn't do great on them, but I did have some success. I'd recommend giving them a shot. 

[RB 77]

1 hour ago, scaleface said:

I tried an alabama rig one time . I was already catching a lot fish { almost every cast ]  on a point in about 10 to 15 foot . Thinking this would be a good time to use it I tied it on , let it sink to the bottom and made a dozen or so cast with it . Didnt get a strike and havent used it since . No doubt  from all the reports they are good baits . I'll try it again some day . 

 

Yeah, don't give up on it. I went through the same thing first trying out Buzzbaits. Top water blow ups almost every cast on poppers and walking baits, couldn't get bit on the Buzzer. Have since got bit on the buzzer (thank you Cavitron) and always carry them with me.

 

Interestingly enough, the first time fishing the A-rig was the exact opposite for me from your experience. First trip out 13 casts, 13 fish. All DINKS though compared to the quality of the grade I was catching every 6-12 casts prior. I went back to the much bigger single swim bait I was previously using. Keep in mind it sounded like a day like yours where they were on the chew.

 

I have also since found the overall grade of fish will be slightly smaller than if I'm using other baits with biting fish in that area. I'm thinking the smaller, faster guys just beat the bigger boys to the "bait ball" quicker, that's all. Is it the end-all fish tool, not so much. When they bite that thing though, look out! Its definitely a lure that "encourages" multiple hooks up on the same retrieve more so than any other lure I have tried...

[roadwarrior]

2 hours ago, Catt said:

Couple questions!

 

What weight spoon?

 

How do you fan the arms out?

1/2 oz

I keep them tight to the middle

[Diggs]

On 1/18/2017 at 5:31 AM, roadwarrior said:

Well, The Rig IS MAGIC around here.  

 

I like a lighter package with lots of sparkle. The YUMbrella Flash Mob Junior has been very effective for me.

http://www.yumbaits.com/baits/yumbrella-rigs

 

The outside arms are rigged with LFT Live Magic Shad on 3/0 Gamakatsu Offset Worm Hooks, weightless.

Johnson Silver Minnow in the middle.

http://www.johnsonfishing.com/johnson-hard-bait/johnson-silver-minnow/1285602.html

 

 

 

What size Magic Shad are you using? Any favorite colors work better than others?

 

[roadwarrior]

3 1/2"

"Magic Shad" is the color