Alabama Rig - Reel

[bama_bassin]

Guys,

I need some help here. I am trying to set up a rig dedicated to the A-Rig and I need some advice on reel speed. I have a revo 7.1.1 and a revo 6.4.1 and need to choose between the two. I will be fishing mainly shallow water 6' or less. I have read other sites and its between the two speeds, but I am not sure which one to go with. Any advice would be appreciated.

Thanks

[J Francho]

Probably doesn't matter. I use two rigs for this, one is a 7.1:1 Zillion, the other a 5:1 Calcutta.

[LgMouthGambler]

The lower the gear ratio, the better ita gonna be for you cranking in that tank of rig. Ideal is a 5 something, but since you have those 2, go with the 6.

[roadwarrior]

The lower the gear ratio, the better ita gonna be for you cranking in that tank of rig. Ideal is a 5 something, but since you have those 2, go with the 6.

X2

Even my "light" rigs are a haul!

[J Francho]

My preferred commercially made rig is the Picasso School-E Rig. It has a resin head, and isn't that heavy at all. I have no issues throwing it on a heavy/fast rated rod rigged with 1/8 oz. ballheads, and 4" Keitech Swing Impacts. The whole thing is less than 2 oz.

[bama_bassin]

thinking about going with the 6.4.1. thanks for all the replies.

[bama_bassin]

so if i had a 5:4:1 it would be better? i plan to fish this fairly shallow, so I was thinking the 6:4:1 would be better and keep it out of the grass better. Curious to what you guys think? thinking about putting one of my cranking reels(5:4:1) on the A rig.

[jeb2]

For shallow fishing, the 6.4 might work better. I fish A-rigs on a 7.1 (Johnny Morris Gold) and 5.1 (calcutta TE250 GT). I prefer the 5.1 as it's much easier to reel the bait along with it, but I do need to keep that handle moving pretty good when fishing shallower structure.

[KevO]

I'm using a shimano cardiff 200a, its a 5.8:1. It's cheap, cast a mile, and has good line capacity.

[bama_bassin]

Thanks guys. Still unsure, as my revo 6:4:1 doesn't have a ton of line capacity.

Roadwarrior, what do you think?

[bama_bassin]

Has anybody used a revo sx or stx for the a rig?

[roadwarrior]

I think the reel is fine, line capacity is not an issue. I have an STX that would certainly do the job.

[jb_adams]

I'm using a shimano cardiff 200a, its a 5.8:1. It's cheap, cast a mile, and has good line capacity.

I'm looking at the Cardiff or the Bass Pro Shops Nitro. Can you disengage the clicker on larger heavy duty reels like the Cardiff? The bait clickers drive me crazy but when you disengage, the reel is free to reel backwards and I'd prefer to have a brake and not free-spooling.

How would the Nitro bold up for an A-rig? I looked at saltwater reels but they seem too bulky and a bit overkill. I looked at catfish reels and I keep coming back to baitcast reels and a more compact size.

This reel would strictly be for the A-rig style baits.

[KevO]

It does not have a bait clicker

[outdoorsman110]

I use the Shimano Curado 300EJ for Umbrella Rigs. The EJ is my favorite, I use it mostly for umbrella rigs but sometimes I'll throw live bait rigs on it ( live sunfish ). The reel has a LOT of torque.

[Greenstealth]

I actually use my musky outfit for throwing the a-rig. Calcutta 400 te is a pretty big reel but it handles A-rigs with ease

[J Francho]

For reels, I'm using a Chronarch 200e7 and a Calcutta 200B, depending on what rod I use. Gear ratio issues are all in your head. It doesn't matter.

[Wildbillb]

Shimano has a prototype that they have been working on specifically for the A-Rig contraption. I am not sure when they will be available though. It is a round reel. Like a heavy freshwater/light saltwater .

[bbrittksu22]

whats a good rod for a umbrella setup

[North Ga Hillbilly]

Shimano has a prototype that they have been working on specifically for the A-Rig contraption. I am not sure when they will be available though. It is a round reel. Like a heavy freshwater/light saltwater .

Sounds like an awesome swimbait reel

NGaHB

[Wildbillb]

Sounds like an awesome swimbait reel

NGaHB

It seemed to be. Felt reel smooth. I cant remember how many bearings it had.

[Bluebasser86]

I've thrown them with the old greenie 200B Curado and also on a 400B Calcutta. Both reels did just fine. I was tossing mine on a 7' H Mojo rod and it worked very well. A longer rod might get more distance but there is so much wind resistance with that rig a longer rod may not make much of a difference.