Perfect Alabama Rig setup

[blongfishing]

My fishing partner loves throwing an Alabama rig, especially in the winter months. We took a trip to Norman in January to practice for his college event and he slammed them on an Alabama rig (unfortunately don't think it set up for that or if he was even allowed to throw to in the tournament). Anyhow, I want to start throwing the rig a bit myself just to master a new bait. I don't have a rod that I would say can handle the Alabama rig the best. What is everyone's opinion on a good rod, reel, and even line to throw it on? Looking more for length, action, gear ratio, and line size rather than a brand but feel free to drop those suggestions as well. Appreciate the help as always!

[Jrob78]

I don't throw it a ton either but I use a light swimbait rod when I do. 7'11" mod fast 1-4oz with a Curado 300e 6.2:1 with 20lb mono. I've thrown it on a heavy flipping stick but I like the swimbait rod better.

 

Several companies make A-rig specific rods and several companies make swimbait rods in that weight class that aren't crazy expensive. Heavy flipping sticks and 10XD cranking rods probably work but rods meant for that heavy weight are going to handle it better. Any reel that will hold 100yds of heavy mono should work.

[JK Jake]

Because I have to fish on a budget I have done just fine fishing it on my 7'3" heavy flipping stick on straight braid most of the time, or on my 7'6" medium heavy Carolina rig rod with fluorocarbon. But with that said I fish more stained water so I can get away with using the braid. 

 

If I were to create a set up for fishing an Alabama rig I would get a longer rod (at least 7'6") with a heavy power, yet make sure it has a tip with a decent bend. The softer tip helps a lot with casting and setting the hook. 20-25lb fluorocarbon will probably work well. I would get a 6.0:1-6.5:1 gear ratio reel. Most of the time you fish it slowly or on a medium retrieve so you don't want to overwork the rig with a fast reel.

 

Any rod designed to throw big swimbaits in general will probably work well for fishing an Alabama rig. Just don't get some cheap rod that will break just from casting since the rig is so heavy.

[CroakHunter]

Id go with a 7'6 medium heavy musky rod. Can get a fairly inexpensive one from bps. Reels I'd go with a round reel like a cardiff or calcutta, or an inshore, or 300 sized baitcaster with 65lb braid. 

[OnthePotomac]

Before using the Alabama rig on a body of water check with authorities on if they are allowed.  They are a no no on the tidal Potomac.