A-Rig Tricks For Winter Bass: Full Rigging + Modifications (Beginner To Advanced)

The Alabama Rig is here to stay! Its ability to catch bass in Winter across all conditions is virtually unrivaled. If you're still not fishing one, you're making a mistake. If you are fishing one, you could probably be catching more fish with some simple adjustments. Here are the tricks we use to catch more fish on the A Rig throughout the cold water months.
The A-Rig is unique amongst lures because it has to be assembled by the angler. This simple difference leaves room for error and even more room for fine tuning. Understanding how many baits you should use, which wire sizes work best, when to use blades, and when to try different baits, are all factors that can take you from catching the occasional fish to having incredible days on the water! Matt isn't holding back in today's video so pay close attention as he builds out a rig and gives up the details on how he catches fish.
Below you'll find links to the exact rigs, components, baits, and gear that Matt discussed in the video. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item. We've also included some budget-minded alternatives to give a leg up to the anglers just getting started and for those that are on a budget.
TACTICAL A-RIGS...
-Hog Farmer Tactical Flex Rig (Bladed): bit.ly/38xd1es
-Hog Farmer Tactical Flex Rig (Non-Bladed): bit.ly/3vhpSez
OTHER A-RIGS...
-Yum Flash Mob Jr (Bladed): bit.ly/2bgDGNu
-Hog Farmer BFL Flex Rig (Bladed): bit.ly/2WtLCVK
-G Funk Baits Cali Rig (Non-Bladed): bit.ly/2nD76fw
SWIMBAIT HEADS...
Heavy Duty Heads- Dirty Jigs Matt Allen: bit.ly/29RrTYN
Recommended Size: 1/8 oz
Light Duty Heads- Dirty Jigs Tactical Finesse: bit.ly/2Pqrq3n
Recommended Size: 3/16 oz
RIGGING COMPONENTS...
Split Rings- Owner Hyperwire (Size 4): bit.ly/2v8ArBX
Dummy Springs- Owner CPS (Medium): bit.ly/2b2YgDf
Split Ring Pliers- Texas Tackle Executive: bit.ly/2b2Zoa8
DUMMY BAITS...
-Netbait Little Spanky: bit.ly/2d0dpU8
Colors: Albino, Smokin Magic Shad
-Reaction Innovations Little Dipper: bit.ly/2brnU5I
Colors: Bad Shad Green, Impact Bluegill
-Keitech 2.8" Fat Swing Impact: bit.ly/2ab7s8v
Colors: Pro Blue Red Pearl, Electric Shad
MAIN SWIMBAITS...
Cold Water- 13 Fishing Churro 4.25: bit.ly/2LLeRA6
Colors: Moonlight Clan, Mojito, Purple Rain, Blue Collar
Cool Water- Keitech 4.8" Fat Swing Impact: bit.ly/2ab7s8v
Colors: Pro Blue Red Pearl, Electric Shad
FAVORITE BLADED A-RIG COMBO...
Rod- Shimano Zodias 7'5" Heavy: bit.ly/2cgmMAe
Reel- Shimano Metanium MGL (HG): bit.ly/2ezIBfB
Line- Power Pro Maxcuatro 65 lb: bit.ly/2clBRiQ
Leader- Maxima Ultragreen 20 lb: bit.ly/2ae97J9
FAVORITE NON-BLADED A-RIG COMBO...
Rod- Shimano Zodias 7'5" Medium Heavy: bit.ly/2cgmMAe
Reel- Shimano Metanium MGL (HG): bit.ly/2ezIBfB
Line- Power Pro Maxcuatro 65 lb: bit.ly/2clBRiQ
Leader- Maxima Ultragreen 18 lb: bit.ly/2ae97J9
BUDGET A-RIG COMBO...
Rod- Shimano SLX 7'5" Heavy: bit.ly/2mGp1Vc
Reel- Shimano SLX 150 XT (HG): bit.ly/2BRTYL8
Line- Sunline Super FC 20 lb: bit.ly/2p7fxju
WANT TACTICALBASSIN GEAR??
We have a variety of apparel items and custom lure designs available! Everything from hats, to hoodies, to crankbaits! Its all available direct through Tackle Warehouse with fast shipping. See it here...
TacticalBassin Apparel and Lure Designs: bit.ly/38YpPIz
_________________________________________________________________
Major Equipment We Use Daily...
Trolling Motor- Minn Kota Ultrex 112: bit.ly/2vFQypW
Electronics- Humminbird Solix 15: bit.ly/35HuPRY
Anchors- Minn Kota Talons: bit.ly/2F0QBSP
Net- Frabill Conservation PLD 2612: bit.ly/3kdZ3kA
Camera- GoPro Hero 9: bit.ly/2KQ0VEI
Favorite Tools and Gear…
Favorite Storage Box: bit.ly/3kngvEG
Favorite sunglasses: bit.ly/3cLH0kl
Favorite Pliers: bit.ly/2MpUBEr
Favorite life jacket: bit.ly/2odXXIP
Favorite Scale: bit.ly/2f7QgQ9
Favorite Lure Retriever: bit.ly/2TLTJc6
Favorite Braid Cutters: bit.ly/2NQ2jbH
Favorite Split Ring Pliers: bit.ly/2fT4Qw0
________________________________________________________________
If you plan to do any shopping, using our links before doing your shopping at Tackle Warehouse is the single greatest way to support us! You won't be able to even see a difference but they'll know you're one of us!
#Bassfishing #Winter #AlabamaRig

[@jaaypriest1018]

Hey, good to see you back Matt and congratulations on the new addition!!!

[@justonemorecast]

I just got the flex, mini, and the micro from TW today. My grandson and I watched the new buyer's guide, and I thought we should come back and re-watch this rigging video again. Thanks for all of the info that you and Tim provide!!

[@tacticalbassin]

Awesome! Thank you for the support and we're glad you find the content useful!

[@bengreeninsuranceagency]

Thank you Matt! I always pick up a tip or twenty every video!

[@bobbyinman9881]

First off, congratulations on the new member of the Tactical family! Always enjoy you and Tim sharing your knowledge with all of us. I’ve learned so much from you guys!! Thank you! And keep it coming!

[@WildBillHabiki]

last year after Matt did an A rig vid I bought the BFL Flex and built it just like he said. The first time I used it I caught a 6lber and the fish hit it right after I pumped the reel handle so Matt really knows what he is talking about. It's worth the time, money and effort IMO.

[@ReillyMarshall-hv9lr]

i had never caught a fish on a rig until i started twitching my rod every few turns and now it’s up there with frog fishing as my favorite

[@shadygraves]

Kudos for telling a trade secret that old anglers have known for years: unpainted heads are best! 👏👏👏

[@ILLUMINATHAN79]

One A-Rig I don’t hear people talking about alot is that Hog Farmer 3 wire. I threw that all year long and it’s money. Works great with your Tactical Finese Heads. Thanks dude!

[@Mjones8383]

Congratulations on the family addition 👏, hope everything is great and you'll soon get some time on the water. I know the first few weeks you don't want to go with a new baby at home, but after a while you and her need to get out for some time alone.

[@Mjones8383]

I'm so glad you said that about the rod, I've been throwing the flash mob jr on a MH and H rod forever. I've been in arguments with pro guys that say I'm dumb for it. Now I do have a swimbait rod for a really big chandelier style rig but it's very specific. I've even thrown the FMjr on 17lb mono.

[@ReillyMarshall-hv9lr]

i had my best day ever with a fmj on 17 lb mono

[@MarshallFishing]

Welcome back Matt! Good to see you on the Channel again friend!

[@CasualBassGuy]

Congrats on the little one Matt! Whenever/If the baby is here!

[@danham3344]

Understatement of the year, “That is good fun.” 🤣. Catching more than one at a time has got to be as fun as it gets! Someday I hope to find out. Thanks Matt, great info.

[@markbrown798]

Josh Henderson this is a great A Rig video...no need for fancy mods dawg!

[@ShaneJMcNair]

Matt. I love the simplicity of your videos. Thank you for sharing 🍺 🎣

[@buddymccormack8668]

welcome back and Congratulations to you and your family ! Life has changed a lot since you started TacticalBassin

[@chrisrobinson9332]

Hey I just got back from the show in Tenn. Tim said you had new baby in the family congrats friend happy for you and your family

[@markedwards2194]

Congratulations on the new baby. Got to talk to Tim at the east Tennessee fishing show 🤘hogfarmers 🎣💪

[@tacticalbassin]

Awesome!! And thank you Mark!

[@heinrichkellogg7563]

Nice work. Welcome back.👍

[@adamwilson8819]

I ordered some tactical blades and non bladed rigs this morning. I fish Norris lake it’s a couple hours north of you guys we have really clear water so I’m excited to throw the non bladed!!!

[@CBALLZ666]

MATTS BACK!!!! Whoop whoop!!! 👍🏻🤘🏻💯👌🏻🎣🇺🇸🐟

[@rodneychandler82]

Awsome Video . Thanks Buddy . Busy finalising a list of tackle , baits to throw here in South Africa and Zimbabwe. A rigs definatly on the list , can't wait to try them out 😁

[@BasslivesmatterLLC]

Yall got me throwing an A-rig great way to fish and catch giants as well as numbers. My fav A-rig is gfunk baits a-rig they have incredible flex 💪🏿 🎣 and of course the hog farmer is a good option. Glad your back and congrats on the new 👶

[@chriscomer261]

Hey Matt, great to see you again and congrats! Thanks for the video.

[@Sandshrew98]

Nice, I got here early this time. Thanks for keeping up the great content guys!

[@teebxyooj1987]

Thanks a million Matt!!

[@donaldferris1638]

Thanks Matt for answering my question. What to do with the third wire in a two hook state. I bought two 2 tb hog farmers from tackle warehouse and have one set up and the bladed one still in the package. Love the details and the reasons why. Congratulations on the new addition. Some advice from someone married to a L and D nurse get a good Doc pre natal care and find a quiet hospital to deliver in. Hospitals are a mess right now with staff shortages

[@The_Bass_Stunters]

Headed to Chickamauga this morning with the Tactical Hog Farmer rig! Got ‘em built and ready to blast them! See ya with a 10! Lol

[@brianlee9074]

Good stuff Matt. I just put together my Flash Mob Jr based on a previous video. Looking to try it out for the first time real soon. Congrats on the second addition to the family. 🎣✌🏻

[@LBendandi]

I don't fish bass but I get a tonne of ideas for my other species!

[@ptcscagu2878]

Hey Matt, wonderful insight on rig fishing. Thanks for what you guy's do.

[@scottcameron3559]

Well done the little reminders help

[@jenlvjim]

You guys are by far the most informative fishing channel. Will the a rig work in muddy water?

[@chrischrist7982]

Awesome video

[@jasoncarr5867]

Im glad you guys posted this when ya did cuz I'm about to start throwing A-rigs even had an idea I wanna design and create for one I've never seen done before lol but I had no clue you could get away with lighter rods I was about to use a Abu garcia maxtoro combo i just picked up that's 7ft medium heavy rated 1-4oz I honestly think it's a musky rod tbh I can't find much useful information on it but I just got it for top hook and weedless swimbaits thought I'd try an A-rig on it too but you may have changed my mind. lol

[@woefman9467]

Wow I learned a Ton, Thanks.

[@kenmccarthyfishing]

As JJ Walker once said that was 🔥🔥(Dynamite)🔥🔥

[@jakecarpenter6358]

Killer content Matt, appreciate it! I didn't know you ran a leader to braid on an A Rig, as I have been just running straight braid. Have to make that adjustment. I just picked up your non-bladed A Rig and have been running the bladed Flash Mob. Caught a couple Smallies thus far. Congrats on your baby, hope you all are doing well!

[@williamturner6527]

Good info man!

[@irvinsilloooo]

awesome video

[@salim13996]

can’t believe tim made boat flippin that giant look easy 😂, I don’t even have the confidence to do that with a 4 lber

[@Twangtown7]

Congrats on the new addition, Matt! BTW, I'm assuming you and Tim already got your hands on the new Expride's. 😂

[@robfunke909]

Congrats Matt on your baby! Love the channel I was wondering , the videos lately have become somewhat redundant, maybe consider doing technique specific videos for different parts of the country? (Exe. “Winter fishing in florida vs Texas or winter fishing in the northeast vs Midwest highlighting the key differences you’ve noticed on fisheries throughout the nation Would be really interested

[@eastonweston1015]

Bots commenting on here is wild !! Or yall need to turn the weird man love down a notch. These Dudes are wizards.

[@tacticalbassin]

Its terrible! Non-stop bots that we have to battle every day.

[@eastonweston1015]

@tacticalbassin In a bass's world 🌎 Livescopers are the bots.

[@JAMESJONES-gn8wq]

For Garrett down below try the Booyah Boo teaser rig for 1 hook. You’ll like it!

[@taddbednar9957]

Have you guys every caught any underwater footage of bites on an A-Rig? That would be awesome to see.

[@Nehringer1]

Congrats on the new baby! Under what conditions do you throw weighted dummy heads?

[@paulandlindahollingsworth818]

You guys do a great job thoroughly explaining everything, appreciate the help. Question I fish Cachuma lake (highland reservoir above Santa Barbara, CA). Last week 55deg water lake at 30% capacity, last night's 18" of rain made the lake rise 40' overnight to 70% capacity. Once the roads reopen where would you look for the Bass? Tight Lines Paul

[@donaldferris1638]

Thanks Matt I got two TB rigs from tackle wharehou

[@waynelagarde7956]

@ Tactical Bassin how far apart should I have the dummy baits and the hooked baits? Congratulations on the new edition to the Tactical family!!

[@charliechen956]

Always pick up nice tips from your videos, many thanks. I live on a lake in So. California. Could you consider to do a video on muddy bottom lakes? Seems most content on KZbin are on rocky or grass bottom lakes but our lake is a mid sized man made lake with muddy bottom and houses with docks. What is most effective way of fishing for this type of environment?

[@tonylama5837]

Thank you, Matt. A question, please. What knot would you recommend for the A-rig?

[@donovanjackson7241]

Great info, been wanting to try an a rig! Question: what is everyone's opinion on Hi-Vis line? I mostly use Hi-Vis lines (blaze orange, yellow and solar) because it is so much easier for me to see. I haven't really noticed any difference in the amount of bites I get. I mostly use lighter gear with 6# and 8# Sensation. Fishing for spots, white bass/stripers on Ned rigs, Chatterbait, dropshot, spinners and small crankbaits...

[@stevenbeard1882]

Hey Matt, don't know if you have any knowledge on the Daiwa DX swimbait rods but I need a good opinion about it before I buy one, I'm on a pretty tight budget and it comes in at around 100 bucks and seems to be have some fair components and congrats on the new family member.

[@LipRippinJunkie]

I’ve never used one lol I need to buy one I guess!!

[@CalebSmith87]

I keep trying a rig fishing and I can't seem to keep from snagging them and when they get snagged good, I can never get them free. There's a lot to get snagged on in Oklahoma lol. To this point, I still have never caught an a rig fish because of this. So, the other day I ordered a new one along with some 4/0 beast hooks. I think I'm gonna try the beast hooks instead of the exposed swimbait hooks. I'm hoping this will not only keep me from getting snagged but also fish an a rig around heavy timber where maybe the fish haven't seen them as much. Do you think this will do me any good?

[@andrewrogers3117]

Off topic but what do you all think of the barricade bib and jacket. Noticed you all have been wearing them alot lately

[@michaelbeckman1794]

Have you ever tried attaching a chatter blade to the rig?

[@seizedcarcass8440]

Have you guys tried the Shane’s baits mini finesse A rig? I’ve been wanting to throw a smaller one from the bank and it’s the one ive heard good things about.

[@jasonriede6056]

I know you can change your hardware fast how fast can you change diapers what size hyper wire do you use for that definitely don't want to use snaps in that situation🤣

[@Wacky_fisherman]

What advice would you have for a person that can only have one hook (mn)? Maybe two if I fish mn/wi border water?

[@nate0448]

Did you end up catching anything on the rig that you built

[@garretttracy5308]

Congrats Matt on the new tactical member! I did have one question though. What would you recommend for people who live in a state where only 1 hook is allowed?

[@LilTommy.]

Is it good prespawn?

[@jawbreakertackle]

Have you guys seen the new Daiwa 22EXIST spinning reel?

[@AdventurerAnthony]

I think I managed to cross two of the dummy wires cuz I'm a jackwagon..... I gotta bend them back now and I'm worried I'm gonna mess it up

[@jorgereliac6986]

Dont know if it’s to late to ask in this video but would the dobyns champion 764 work well with A rigs?

[@bruce3579]

They don't make the churo swimbait anymore. What would you guys recommend now?

[@tacticalbassin]

We're experimenting with new baits constantly, looking for a solid replacement.

[@live2fishofficial]

Congrats on the new baby! My wife wanted to know if the birth weight of the baby was close to the weight of your PB? 🤔 It’s still my goal to land a PB heavier than all of my three kids’ birthweights (no, not combined). #fishinggoals 😂

[@brockgoodwin5291]

So I just watched the whole video and it was great!!! BUT I had to also watch 9 damn commercials!!! That’s a bit much

[@dominicsilvio6374]

Hey Matt! Do you ever run duelly Rigs connected together for a bigger bait ball? I know it's heavy but I have the custom rods for it. I do this for Stripers. Wondering if you can give any tips to keep it tangle free or just less BS. Also, do you worry about baits running wonky on CPS screws when they hang up? Sorry for the loaded Q brotha! Thx in advance!

[@davidvaughan782]

Why would the light duty heads weigh a 1/16 of a oz more than the heavy duty ones?

[@neilavellino905]

Matt great information. This fall I broke off a few A rigs on a shelf with some zebra muscles. The 15Lb flouro shattered just as a felt. What do you suggest besides stay off the rocks?

[@JesusSavedMyLifee]

Can you put weedless heads on the rig?

[@polychris5961]

I have a 7’2 heavy Slx, will that suffice to throw the a-rig? And what downsides, if any, will I have throwing it on the slightly shorter rod?

[@JAMESJONES-gn8wq]

Hey Matt do you ever use the Strike King titanium A rig? If not what are the cons to it? I know it flexes good when paused. Thanks James

[@rickvann3489]

Matt what is your thought on G.Loomis IMX 844C for the A-rig

[@ReactionGiants]

How do you think 4" scottsboro would preform on the A rig?

[@jeremiahnewton8372]

Ever running straight braid on a A rig?

[@thomaswillingmyrefishing]

What size split rings come with the tactical flex a rig?

[@mikemoultrup9537]

What knot are you tieing to the rig?

[@dirtyfisherman9188]

How do I get a longer cast

[@ryangamer7307]

How do you put a dummy swimbait on

[@CasualBassGuy]

How’s a Spark Shad swim on the back of a rig?

[@tims_always_fishing7117]

I love em on a swimjig and a chatterbait

[@CasualBassGuy]

@@tims_always_fishing7117 definitely use em on a swim jig, never the others though

[@Chaos10691]

Tim good sir it was awesome meeting you at the Expo. If you had to pick one of these rigs for someone who has never thrown an A-rig ever, which would you guys choose and which swimbait heads?

[@CalebGunter1]

How do you store an a-rig?

[@noahbeu1515]

Where I'm located I'm only allowed 2 hooks in the water what would you recommend for that?

[@tacticalbassin]

Cut the center wire

[@noahbeu1515]

@@tacticalbassin ok that's what I was thinking but wasn't sure

[@jenlvjim]

I like to use a head on my dummies. If you use hitch hikers the dummies seem to spin instead of running true

[@jbagelfishing2907]

Shouldnt you be sleeping at this time of day? Assuming you've been up all night :)

[@8.21productions9]

if only I had open water… I need to move out of ohio. edit: if i’m not throwing my a-rig on my 7’9” MH swimbait rod, i’m using a 7’6” flipping stick that’s a medium heavy. i’ve never had any issues sticking fish.

[@brianmclaughlin6160]

MATT most of your videos could be half as long. You will get twice as many views.

[@howweroll7]

"Never want to bend at the head" ..........well s**T