Lake Amador Near Jackson Calif Alabama Rig

[wendellbyron]

Has anyone fished Lake Amador (about 50 mi SE of Sacramento) this winter? I did yesterday and caught 2 fish for 5 lbs which is not horrible for a half day in the middle of winter. But I ran into a couple guys who bagged 15lbs on an Alabama rig! His partner got skunked but the guy using the Alabama said he got 20 fish (mostly small) with 7 & 5lb kickers. I have not used this lure(s) and would like to know a) does it really work and how do you fish it? He said he casted it, I thought you would troll it. 5 hooks are illegal in California so he had cut two hooks but still...Water temp was 53.6, slightly stained, overcast day at 60 degrees. How would you fish this thing?!

[Professional Overrun]

First off, no trolling in a bass tournament-although thats what striper fisherman do with this rig in the ocean. It needs to be fished where the fish are-plain and simple. Heavy braid, broomstick rod, and cast it. Its great for an overcast day, or when the bass pull back in and shut off or suspend deeper, its a heavy rig that sinks quickly and can turn on inactive fish if presented properly. Fish it around dropoffs, ledges, steep points or structure where pre-spawn bass will be looking for food. If you dont mind really working, fish it up high in the water column on warmer days when the fish will hit a top water bait. By pumping your rod tip the wires flare out and retract making the rig seem incredibly life-like in the water. Im not a fan of it and wont fish it, but amador is a great place for it, especially right now when those california bass are looking to start eating anything that moves. Good luck, and pm me if you need more info.

[youngbassman]

yes it does work. Through hollow bodies on the back. I have had buddies grab huge bags out there. Fish it with a heavy rod and 80 pound or 65 pound braid.