Alabama Rig: Tips, Tactics and Techniques

[@noctisosiris7032]

Wow this is awesome seeing the old videos. I bought one of their A-rigs from Hog Farmer and now I’m watching a video from when it was a new type of lure. Keep at it guys, great work.

[@WeeWoo93]

You are by far the most helpful bass fisherman on youtube. Please keep doing what your doing and keep making vids!

[@mr.fatbasstard648]

Hey Matt I rigged up 4 A-rigs before the Fall Bass shad attack this year. Two 5 wire and two 7 wire rigs. I use the 7 wire rig in the shallow wind blown coves and channels and the 5 wire rigs when they move back out deep. My son asked me where I learned to rig them this way. I told him I learned how 3-4 years ago but couldn't remember from who!! Did a quick search on your channel and there it is :-) brought back a four-year-old memory. I remember watching this video and thinking you were nuts! I took my stock A-rig out and took a better look at it, lmao, my two dummy baits were spinning like a prop!! Just wanted to say thanks Matt we have been killing them every Fall for the last four years on A-rigs right up to the end of December rigging them up this way. Sorry for thinking you were just trying to sell me s***!!

[@tacticalbassin]

Ha! That's awesome!! You're welcome brother, thanks for sticking with us!

[@tacticalbassin]

That's a great question... the key is in how you place the weighted heads in the rig. If you look at my rig once I've put all the baits on it, the weightless baits are up high but all 3 weighted baits are lower than the line tie. The heaviest hook (if I use a heavy one to get deep) is on the middle wire but I bend it down lower than all the rest. That is how you keel the bait. Once you've done that those two empty wires naturally turn down.

[@Ganitox]

Probably one of the best fishing instructional videos in here. Good job man.

[@tacticalbassin]

You're welcome, thanks for checking it out.

[@tbone198786]

Just stumbled across your channel. I'm glad I did. Love that snag proof rig. Im in RI and our ponds and lakes are all filled with some sort of snag, especially in summer. Thanks for the insight and looking forward to more videos. Thanks.

[@catman7153]

Very interesting! Using multiple lures opens up a whole new world of possibilities. I can see a rig with, for example, a crankbait or topwater on top, and a jig or swimbait underneath, covering two techniques at once. I like your "outside the box" thinking when it comes to bass fishing techniques!

[@tacticalbassin]

Thanks! I appreciate the positive feedback.

[@cthulhu4607]

Ur the man matt

[@redshaftedflicker]

So laid back and down to earth, love your reviews, keepin' it real!!! I love the leader to braid for many applications, especially pressured water.

[@tacticalbassin]

Thanks! I appreciate the feedback

[@jonoedwards4195]

Great post Cowboy. Thanks for the wake up on the spinning swivels. Excellent stuff.

[@funkymojo111]

Excellent information! Thanks! Getting ready to use an A-rig for the first time.

[@Jcsals13]

Great stuff Matt. Watched the newest A Rig vid you guys put out and found this one as well. Looks like you had these things figured out 6 years ago.

[@TackleJunky81]

Great vid Matt! Very informative and helpful! Keep up the great work man, we all really appreciate it!

[@ArtVallejo]

Matt, nice tips on your video, especially on the 7 wire rig modification!!!

[@tacticalbassin]

Art Vallejo Thanks!

[@entrepreneurhomeboy]

Cool video & good tips. I've been out of the loop for a good 5 yrs for takin care of an elderly parent. So this is the 1st time I've actually seen this rig. But believe me or not, I envisioned the EXACT same rig in 2001!!!! I just never got around to trying it. I'll be damned, Ha ha. Thanks for the video.

[@doughinchman3071]

Great video and so simple and informative.

[@tacticalbassin]

Thanks Doug!

[@bigredglass]

Matt has curb feelers on his A - rig. Love it.

[@tacticalbassin]

+bigredglass lol! kinda true...

[@bigredglass]

Matt, you're a great teacher but i still can't catch fish on this rig. I've been at this a good many years now and I've never seen a technique I couldn't pick up on and get bites. I don't know what I'm doing wrong but I can't make it work. There's a couple lakes here that you better be throwing the rig in Jan and Feb or you WILL get beat by a team that is using it. I've seen them catch fish on it. They're fishing the same stuff I am. I really don't get it. I've tried changing baits, jig heads, rigs with/without blades. I vary retrieves. My confidence in the A rig is now in the gutter so far, I don't know if catching a bass on it is possible for me.

[@tacticalbassin]

The fact that you're changing weights, retrieves, etc... says that you're far over thinking the A-Rig. Its really as easy as chuck and wind that gigantic spinnerbait. Fish it somewhere between medium and really really fast. Literally chuck and wind and once in a while add in a kick "pop pop" of the rod tip.... maybe every 25-30 feet. If they're eating the rig, they'll eat yours.

[@bigredglass]

Do you think line has anything to do with it? I've only used braid but I'm in really clear water most or the time. One of the most successful A Riggers I know said he didn't start catching fish until he changed to 25 lb fluorocarbon from braid. I don't believe for a second the sight of braid would bother fish and the light Guage steel wire wouldn't. I am curious as to what effect the sound difference in braid and mono/fluoro would have on the fish? Just thinking out loud here. Thanks Matt. As always, you're more helpful than you know.

[@b_rad556]

TacticalBassin I love your videos your tips are great keep these videos coming

[@tacticalbassin]

Thank you!!

[@SwimbaitNewEngland]

Good stuff Matt! Thanks for your thoughts.

[@tiga10adv]

hey from Portugal!! awsome videos Matt, keep at it.

[@FreeBassLure]

Great Tips Matt!! I finally bought an A-Rig to give it a try!

[@tacticalbassin]

I generally use 20-25 mono. Flouro works just fine as well.

[@lucasraypage]

GREAT idea of bending two wires down on the 7 prong rig.

[@richardfedewa1339]

Very good video!! Awesome explanation and detail!! Thank you

[@geneparmesan3595]

dude that seven wire bottom bumper rig idea was $$

[@FishHardGetLucky]

Really good instructional... It was worth watching for sure!!!

[@Adventures101.]

I'm thinking about getting into an umbrella rig setup I live in the Northeast and I'm fishing in somewhat dark tea stain water what color of a swim bait should I use for the umbrella rig

[@jaront.5300]

amazing video know one else goes this in depth

[@tacticalbassin]

Thanks Brother!

[@bassmatters9849]

Great video! I have two questions, is the A rig productive for you in early summer and have you had any luck on them at night?

[@lozlife4846]

Matt I have a pressing question. What is the easiest and most effective way to get the a rig to run true by that I mean we can only have three hooks in Missouri and my a rig always seems to twist in the water and comes in hooks on top or creates a lot of line twist how can I keep the hooks down and the bait running straight with the dummy baits up top

[@tacticalbassin]

We've got a couple of updated rig videos and they'll dial you in but in short its weightless baits on top and heavy baits on bottom.

[@lozlife4846]

Thanks Matt I'm gonna go Friday and hit the tackle shop and scoop up some screw locks some better jig heads and some new Rigs just waiting on my new rods from TW and my new reels! Thanks again

[@HBDynamo]

I picked up 2 of the Frenzie 7 wires. I couldn't get the 6" weedless Huds, Tackle Warehouse was out, so I bought 6" Black Dog Weed Slingers instead. Using 6" swimbaits on an alabama rig can't be all that bad of an idea, the Spro pro is using 5 BBZ-1's for his bama setup. Hmmm...Do you think 5 Dalhberg Clackin Craws or Shell Cracker G2's would work? :D :P Thanks for your tips and guides. If you get more time in, I would like to see more 10-15 minute hook-up vids from your days at fishing

[@kinged8]

Great video, and a quick question: is it better to have the silver blades on each line or without?

[@tacticalbassin]

kinged8 Both ways work at different times. If the water is off color I'll use blades.

[@gregthomas4605]

Another great vid TB. Thank you.

[@fordexpoman]

Great video.. I enjoy these a lot and find them very useful..

[@geneparmesan3595]

matt, how about the LINE to UmbrellaRIG connection??? do u want a swivel to eliminate line twist that could happen during casting??

[@tacticalbassin]

Definitely do not need a swivel. Tie direct, the line twist is very minimal.

[@nolanminor6761]

Picasso rigs have a swivel in the head of the rig

[@southerngurlfishing2561]

TacticalBassin first of all great video but I was wondering what are the name of the covers you were using in the video for the a rig and where do you get them?

[@SoCo_Surfcasting]

Thanks Matty! Good stuff!

[@ChuugyGolf]

Awesome! Love the videos this channel is awesome Matt!! Umbrella rigs are illegal in Illinois! :(

[@svanginault]

Watching this in 2022. Still great tips

[@gregorydelacruz7315]

Thank you so much for your tips and advice. keep up the good work

[@chevelleman88]

Matt, what keeps the empty wires on the 7-wire rig facing downward towards the bottom?... since it's empty, with no weight to keel it down? Wouldn't the heavier parts of the rig tend to make their way to the bottom?... especially after the rotational force of sliding against the side of a rock or bumping into something? I've experimented a bunch of different ways with empty wires and they often end up facing in random directions as I'm pulling it in. Any tips?

[@devilkicln]

Awesome vid man. Thanks for the advice!

[@tacticalbassin]

devilkicln No problem glad you liked it!

[@patrickudvarhelyi8924]

Is there any other way to make teasers on the A-rig without using a screw lock? Is it possible to just add a snap and nose hook the keitech?

[@randallscheller8219]

what do you consider deep water and shallow water when determining a leader?

[@tacticalbassin]

Oh, I would say 15-20 feet is the seperation line.

[@colbyc.6698]

Line angle makes sense never even thought about it until now

[@jdlancaster1357]

How would you feel about instead of using the swimbait hooks with the exposed barb, using a weighted swimbait hook instead to try and go weedless (as weedless as this huge bait can get at least). Have you experimented with that and does it impede the action at all?

[@tacticalbassin]

It should work just fine honestly

[@nolanminor6761]

Yup I've even done it with weightless swimbait hooks in shallow water.

[@tgtmkasner]

All your videos are great Matt. I just have one question, what size Owner CPS Spring would you suggest?

[@tacticalbassin]

Tate Kasner Tate, I use the medium size CPS springs.

[@tgtmkasner]

tacticalbassin Alright. Thanks

[@christaylor4086]

If you decide to dump the stock swivels on the bottom baits are you going split>swivel>split>jighead?

[@tacticalbassin]

That's correct

[@johnduggan2958]

TacticalBassin Great videos! Quick question what size swivels ?

[@letun3481]

Great tips! Thanks!

[@tacticalbassin]

You're welcome!

[@MadDuck]

Could you use it with a bottom bouncer I wonder? Seems like a lot of hardware.

[@eriksaxerud]

hey matt do you ever use willow leaf blades on your rigs i only fish clear lake california and have yet to catch anything on the alabama rig i am using a five arm rig with 3 baits on the bottom the swim baits are about 4 to 5 inches in a silver shad color then i am using on the upper arms 2 willow leaf blades in silver color as well any tips on where is a good spot to fish it on clear lake and also if i should exchange the blades for teasers

[@philliptooley135]

Hey bud I tried to use rig I can not keep it off bottom. I was using the red eye minnow I think. I think they are weighted a lil inside...... are you using flukes? Can I use a Eagle Claw size 4 hook and Texas rig small fluke to it and start fishing? I must mention also mostly ponds they are estimated bout 4 to 5 foot deep in parts.

[@tallcan5112]

Great video I'm going to have to give it a try. 2 quick questions what size of a owner split rings would you suggest and are you using owner cps spring to hold the baits? Thanks

[@tacticalbassin]

Tall Can Yes, I'm using cps springs and I use size 4 Hyperwire split rings.

[@davidweston1031]

Thank you Matt from Ohio.

[@tacticalbassin]

Thanks for watching

[@bigginstonfox75]

that part at the end is genius

[@tacticalbassin]

Thanks!

[@yomangi]

Thanks for making the video. Great info!

[@SWIMBAITING]

Hey Matt, Have you ever tried using Hudds on the rigs? Great video!!

[@The_Bass_Stunters]

Man I run the Big Hammer swim baits and they absolutely Merc!!

[@FarrenHansen]

I like the idea of getting rid of the snaps, I use a five wire swarming hornet brand with swimming flukes on it and I catch a lot of fish, I've had a couple of big fish break the snaps. can't believe I never thought of this. thanks for the advice. your the man!

[@topdog5050]

Nice Tip Bro....Tight Lines!

[@Craiggy83]

Matt, what size split rings, keepers, hook size, and weight are you using. I'm thinking weight would depend on depth, but the hardware I would think would be the same. Just looking for more specifics. Also, do you like the skirt or do you get more hits without it? I'm living in Connecticut.

[@tacticalbassin]

A few things have changed since we filmed this video but most of it is the same. I've since gone back to unskirted rigs. Links below go directly to the products if you want to see them... My go to is a size 3 Owner Hyperwire Split Ring ( bit.ly/2aTH3f1 ) , a 1/8 oz Matt Allen Swimbait Head ( bit.ly/29RrTYN ) , and Owner Medium CPS Springs ( bit.ly/2b2YgDf ). I hope that helps!

[@Craiggy83]

+TacticalBassin Thanks Matt for the quick response. That's exactly what I was looking for.

[@allaboutbassfishing]

do you use all 1/8 oz heads(3) or do you add a 1/4 in the middle? wondering what you prefer for different water deps thanks bro! appreciate all your info

[@tacticalbassin]

Most of the time I stick with the 3 (1/8) ounce. If I'm fishing deeper I'll start adding weight to the center hook.

[@tacticalbassin]

How did it work out with the weedslingers? I'd love to hear some feedback. As time allows we will put up some more fish-catching videos for sure. :-)

[@nickharwell9909]

became a fan jus from this vid. i subed

[@kenmccarthyfishing]

Thank you Matt

[@vengence666]

great informative vid! Gonna give it a shot.

[@chevelleman88]

@tacticalbassin Lower than the line tie... that's the key. Thanks for clarifying.

[@mjmfishingg545]

Does your theory apply to jig fishing deep waters too?

[@ReelinTension]

thanks for the tips..good ideas to try

[@scooter041031]

This rig came from salt water fishing, except we would spread a lot more baits and rods out. It works thats kinda like saying the new golf clubs these days are cheating cause they have more whip and can hit the ball further. It use to be fishing was done with all live bait or spears and such so your crank baits and such could be viewed the same way.

[@zgr4u]

Great, thank you from Turkiye

[@stinkum831]

Another great video... Genius!!!!!

[@tacticalbassin]

I have. I can't speak for every lake but where I'm fishing, I can't seem to get it to work.

[@JSBassMasters]

what if all your baits way the same and the A rig turns when u reel it in? thanks

[@georgegeorgopoulos1609]

What size on those owner hyper wire split rings are you using?

[@jacob98ify]

Can I use the Alabama rig in California? Is it allowed in my state?

[@ArtOfAngling]

In the state of california we can't use no more than three lures on one line neither can you have more than three hooks for each lure @tacticalbassin is from the same waters as I so if you fish the delta mines being the san joa part I've been told by water patrol this . He said since Alabama rigs are coming out to the light more and not many know the cali regs but there's been a popularity in a similar rig known as a cali rig our own spinoff of the Alabama rig

[@ronshepherd5097]

CaliforniaNativeAngler We have the same law in Indiana, the DNR or Water Patrol are the ones that get the facts wrong on this. The law is 3 hooks per lure ( single or trebble are each counted as one hook ), The Alabama Rig ( is the lure ) it can only have 3 hooks on it but all the blades and teasers you want, 3 hooks per line ( 3 trebble or single ), 3 lures per line ( each lure must have one hook ( single or trebble ). Here I contest them politely and they say they will double check on that and they never bring it up again when I see them next.

[@curtrund9697]

You can use all five or seven lures in California. Only three can have hooks. As he said, the others are teasers to imitate schooling.

[@jman3336]

what pound test do you use for your mono leader?¿?¿ also could i use fluorocarbon

[@imadumas2]

Great job!

[@tacticalbassin]

I've played with it a little bit and haven't seen success. I hear guys talking about getting it to work but I haven't personally experienced it.

[@johnbarron4843]

Amazing

[@tommathews6940]

what part of california are you from? and what are the main lakes u fish?

[@RIPPINLIPPS]

Hey mon love the vids and I am also from California (southern) and just wanted to know share your from?

[@justinnoe2431]

I can fish all 5 baits, so what weight jigheads do you recommend?

[@tacticalbassin]

+Justin Noe It depends how deep you're fishing but I like 1/8 ounce. Typically that weight will have a 3/0 or 4/0 hook which is the perfect size.

[@Pushnlbs7]

It's got metal wire holding each swimbait and we are talking about braid visibility..... Doesn't that seem silly?

[@romanletka2684]

what do you mean when u say shallow like 5 to 7 or less

[@tacticalbassin]

Say, less than 10 feet

[@PsychoticFearz]

hey is there anyway i can buy those specific rigs with those exact setups

[@froschein]

my uncle doesn't believe in using leaders, but i think that the action that it gives to the bait is that much more beneficial. I cannot play a rapala as successfully as i do without a leader.

[@felixthecat2589]

This kind of rig exists in Brazil for over 30 years!

[@howcroft22]

this rig has been every where for years. it's not new. it's been a staple for salt water fishing decades. companies have been making them for freshwater in just the last decade. Sadly in most tournaments now they are not allowed. even with 3 hooks. I still lie em for fun fishing

[@johncastello4544]

Great Video! thanks!

[@jeffreyrodgers5835]

Been slaying the bigger 5to7pound class fish on a A rig for 3 weeks now. Omgoodness they just keep falling for it. Slower is better it's heavy and bulky to throw but boy howdy do I get to use my camera alot lol

[@randynunez2569]

Friggin nice!

[@ligerlures8248]

Sounds like Forrest Gump in the beginning! xD nice vid

[@nickthoj]

awesome vid

[@oklahomacitybassfishing405]

do you use braid in crankbaits

[@tacticalbassin]

+BigOklahoma Bass420 In most cases matt and I both use braid to a leader for cranking.

[@oklahomacitybassfishing405]

What about for shallow cranking brother

[@tacticalbassin]

+BigOklahoma Bass420 shallow cranks we use braid to leader as well.

[@ronwatson8229]

Has anybody experimented with modifying the wire by painting it red with a clearcoat to limit visability in deep clear lakes? Maybe heat the wire and apply powder paint? Just a thought.

[@betavinasmokewolf9890]

Great vid and modifications. 7 wire looks like a k. Poss. K rig? Lol

[@tacticalbassin]

It sounds like your rig is not balanced properly. You need more weight on the bottom than the top to "keel" the rig and help it to run straight.

[@Lagriffin712]

This is awesome very very smart.

[@maxhill4583]

i wonder how spoons would work

[@lucashitchcock5161]

do you eat the fish you catch