Alabama Rig Combo Help...

[jmed999]

Guys, I'm looking for an alabama rig rod and reel together for less than $100. I'm looking for a 1 piece 7' 6" extra heavy and both the reel and rod as light as possible. I don't care as much about sensitivity because my plan is just to throw it way out and slowly reel it in without killing my arm so low weight would be great.

Thanks for your help!

[Bass_Fanatic]

I would save another $100 and buy a $100 rod and $100 reel for the A-Rig minimum. The wear and tear that it will put on gear will tear through cheap reels real quick. The cheapest A-Rig combo I can think of would be a Plueger Trion or BPS Pro Qualifier reel and a 7'6" H Vendetta rod.

[Christian M]

I agree with ***atic. There are several rods that will do the job in the $100 range, but you really want to get a reel that will stand up to that kind of hard use, remember, the recommended line weight for an Alabama rig is 60-90lb braided. You can pick up a Veritas, Carrot Stix, St. Criox Mojo, or even Field & Stream Rod for under $100. As far as the reel goes, you're really going to want something with quality bearings, drag, and brakes. If you're planning on throwing a rig that can potentially hook several big bass at once you're really gonna want to have a reel that has the power to wench in that kind of weight and wont wear out on you after one season. Also you'll want a spool that can hold enough line. IMHO save some more money up and get yourself something you wont have to replace. I used to be of the same mindset when it came to rods & reels, but you really do get what you pay for. Good luck & tight lines!

[jmed999]

I ussually spend about 400 on my combos but I only fish an 8 acre lake and I've had zero luck with the bama rig so far on a combo that wasn't best for that rig. Also I don't have much cover at all so I ussually don't fish with a Heavy or Extra Heavy rod and my building wont hold a 7'-6" rod. So with that in mind I'm wanting a cheap combo to see if that rig works in my lake. If not I don't want to spend 400 on something I can't use or store easily.

[jmed999]

Any ideas? Thanks!

[Wayne P.]

If you are going to be using the rig with swimbaits and or weighted heads, you need a rod that can handle the weight when casting. A swimbait rod rated for 2-6 ounces will be your best choice. A more flexible rod will wear you out in a short time.

Rule of thumb, "use a rod that is rated for the presentation".

[Packard]

I'd look for a used swimbait rod and reel if you want to stay under $100.

[scrutch]

You kinda want your cake and eat it too, but I can't fault a guy for trying to save a little money. You might try what Packard says and look for a used combo. You could maybe pick up a used Okuma round reel or a Shimano Cardiff. For a rod, I'd just look for an old ugly stick or walmart special that is rated for the weights you'll be throwing. Good luck!

[roadwarrior]

You don't necessarily need a special rod. I am experimenting with light baits which are easily cast on a jig rod.

My outside baits are LFT Live Magic Shad, weightless. The middle arm is rigged with a Johnson Silver Minnow.

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

An Ambassadeur C3 on a used swimbait rod might be worth looking into. You might be a little over $100 but still reasonable.

[ChiCityBasser]

Try ebay for a Heavy rod as I picked up a Quantum Superlite PT rod for $64 from simmonssports. The rod is 7'11" H telescoping rod. They also had some all star rods on sale that might work as well.

[ww2farmer]

I am going to throw mine on a 7' MH Berkley Lightning Rod Shock that I picked up for a pond rod. I am have the Picasso rig, that has a plastic head,and will be using 1/8th up to, but no more than 1/4 oz baits. Even at 5 1/4 oz baits that's just a hair more than 1.25 oz, which is what that rod is rated for. I got a Quantum Accurist AC501 PT spooled with 50lb braid on it. I thought about using my 7' MH/F Avid or Leg. Tour. But those rods are too usefull doing other things for me, but i am sure they would be fine.

[deep]

Gently used Cardiff 300/400s can be found for $75.. and an used Okuma big bait rod runs about the same. You can have a darn good combo for $150 that will last a long time...

[BassMaster#1]

I would go with this rod Okuma Big Bait Rod 7'6" Med Hvy. Tackle warehouse has it for $129.00 but you can get it off amazon for $98 with free shipping.

http://www.amazon.co...55&sr=8-3-fkmr0

My wife bought me this for christmas for throwing Huddlestones and the alabama rig, but she got luckly and got it off amazon for $60.00 during their christmas sale. I've been throwing it all spring and have no complaints. Hope this helps you out.