A-Rig Tricks: Everything You Need To Know For Spring And Winter Bass Fishing

We all know A-Rigs catch big bass in Spring and Winter. But how do you build an Alabama Rig? Which heads work the best, which wire shapes last the longest, and which A-Rigs won't break when you need them most? Where should you fish with the rig and does that change in Spring and Winter? We've done all the hard work, let us show you exactly how we take an A-rig from the package to the mouth of a big bass!
There is no question, the A-rig changed big bass fishing forever! Its not the end all, be all of big bass, but its a great tool and its here to stay. If the Alabama Rig continues to stump you, you're going to love this video! Matt takes two different styles of rig from package to complete build out, complete with the exact modifications the guys use. He also covers why each component is used, and even includes really detailed information on different wire bends to get the most out of your rigs.
Once the building portion of the video is done he goes in-depth into where fish are position right now in Winter, and where they will be positioning as we enter the pre-spawn. All of the different components, baits, rigs, etc... are linked below. All of the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item. Not all rigs are created equal, some are too stiff, some break too often, and some are near perfect. Here are our favorites...
The Rigs...
-Favorite Bladed Rig: HogFarmer BFL Flex: bit.ly/2WtLCVK
-Favorite Non-Bladed Rig: HogFarmer Cali Crush: bit.ly/39Iuy1M
-Budget Rig: Yum Flash Mob Jr: bit.ly/2bgDGNu
Other Reliable Rigs...
Bladed- G Funk Bladed Cali: bit.ly/2rZhST7
Non-Bladed- G Funk Cali: bit.ly/2nD76fw
Swimbait Heads...
Heavy Wire- Matt Allen Swimbait Head: bit.ly/29RrTYN
Light Wire- Tactical Finesse Swimbait Head: bit.ly/2Pqrq3n
Best Size: 1/8 ounce
Components...
Keepers- Owner CPS Springs (Medium): bit.ly/2b2YgDf
Rings- Owner Hyperwire (Size 4): bit.ly/2v8ArBX
Swimbaits...
-13 Fishing Churro (3.5): bit.ly/2LLeRA6
Colors- Mojito, Blue Collar, Moonlight Clan
-Keitech Fat Swing Impact: bit.ly/2ab7s8v
Colors- Electric Shad, Pro Blue Red Pearl
Sizes: 3.8, 4.3, 4.8
Best Tools...
Split Ring Pliers- Texas Tackle Executive: bit.ly/2fT4Qw0
Matt's A-Rig Combo...
Rod- Shimano Zodias 7'5" Heavy: bit.ly/3aeQbYW
*The Zodias Rod Can Be Backordered and should arrive soon*
Reel- Shimano Curado 200K (HG): bit.ly/2tHewEh
Line- Power Pro Maxcuatro 65 lb Braid: bit.ly/2clBRiQ
Leader- Sunline FC-100 Shock Leader 20 lb: bit.ly/2O4UElB
Budget A-Rig Combo...
Rod- Shimano SLX 7'5" Heavy: bit.ly/2L3wppO
Reel- Shimano SLX XT (HG): bit.ly/2BRTYL8
Line- Power Pro 65 lb Braid: bit.ly/2aFg46b
Leader: Maxima Ultragreen 20 lb Mono: bit.ly/2ae97J9
_________________________________________________________________
Want TacticalBassin Apparel?
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/2glE3eN
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/2JyvFJI
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 #AlabamaRig #prespawn

[@sterlynholley7751]

Yo!! I met Tim Little the other day at Academy!!! It made my life getting to shake hands with a world record bass holder!! I was so exited I could barely talk!! He was a really cool dude!!

[@VinceNiergarth]

Awesome!

[@ohiobassin16]

world Record Bass holder???

[@sterlynholley7751]

@@ohiobassin16 yuh!! Im pretty sure at one point in time he did!!

[@ohiobassin16]

@@sterlynholley7751 do you know for what fish??

[@tacticalbassin]

Collectively, the 4 of us (Tim, Tonya, Matt, and CC) have held 18 world records and yes, Tim held the Spotted Bass world record 👍

[@nate0448]

This channel has inspired me to try so many different techniques, because they start you off with confidence

[@ohiobassin16]

So true!

[@montellwilliams811]

Oops ( none )

[@montellwilliams811]

@Bass Assassin oh , it just broke:-)

[@montellwilliams811]

@Bass Assassin 👍

[@alfredliggins8510]

That is true but when I want to go fishing I hesitate because I know it's so much to learn and I'm not ready

[@johnshideler5244]

I live in a five hook state, but I use three hook A-Rigs. They track straighter, there are fewer hooks to foul up, and fish that get hooked are less likely to take a hook to the gills or eyes. They also store a bit easier. As always, great video!

[@jaredlachance348]

The new space looks awesome buddy! Great info as always man,thank you guys for the dedication and everything you and the family do,good luck to everyone this year!!

[@davidrussell9290]

These guys have a knack for teaching. Lots of passion for the lust of fishing.

[@woodbutcher5794]

Awesome talk, I especially appreciate you going over the different ones, I’m just getting started rig fishn so I got a lot out of it! Thanks Matt

[@legionssb]

Love the updated video! I watched the old one a while ago and then made up a yumbrella rig with the Matt Allen heads, owner split rings and screw locks and it’s awesome! These guys deserve so much more credit than they get! All of my bass fishing knowledge has come from these guys and personal experience!

[@joshuahawks894]

Just got in my first alabama rig yesterday great timing I cant wait to try it out!

[@TheBrooklynTrader]

best bass fishing channel anywhere! i have learned so much during this pandemic by watching EVERY SINGLE TB video ...thanks guys.

[@rogerbaker9885]

Thank you guys for what you do for us. Love you guys

[@Plee92]

Caught so many a rig fish using your techniques. Thanks a lot TB

[@terencetesoroni7465]

Liked it the second i saw the title. Been trying to throw this rig all winter without luck but I'll keep trying and refining the tactic til it clicks. Thanks for the tips, fellas.

[@thedadbodangler7784]

A much needed video! Thanks for the great content!

[@jeffgapen4522]

Great job explaining how to rig it up and use it successfully.

[@randallbeauchamp8245]

I just caught my PB 10.3 back in December. I was using the Flash Mob Jr. with the modification's from your other videos. Thanks for all your videos.

[@djcosta8279]

Thanks Matt, just put together my first flex rig and hooked up on the 2nd cast. Little 2-3 lber but definitely gave me confidence to throw it now

[@danham3344]

Perfect video for me! I am all rigged up on the HogFarmer and Cali Camo Rigs for my first day trying an A-Rig tomorrow and I need to double check my wires. I don’t think I gave enough attention to making sure they are bent identically. I realistically know there will be a learning curve but hopefully soon I will be posting some great fish with these rigs. Thanks again for all the amazing content!

[@CanadianBasserman]

Love the A-Rig!!! As always great info!!

[@heads_or_tales7364]

great timing i was just about to get one of these yyyyyyyyaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaayyyyyyyyy!!!

[@stevecole6485]

Your audio reverb is killin me 🤯 Nice vid, appreciate your content, 2👍🏻

[@simplecircuit]

I've been watching your A-Rig vids since the first one. You should do one every single year. There are some many little details that are super helpful. Good luck fishing the late-winter - pre-spawn transition in TN this year. You're 100% right, it's like a light switch is thrown. One day it's late winter, next thing you know, it's post-spawn.

[@hammerdown3876]

thank you! no one else is showing this. as someone wanting to go play with some A rigs, this video is gold. A rigs intrigue me, i want to try them... they are also a bit confusing... lol

[@anthonyrose2708]

Great video guys!

[@krustysurfer]

Now I know what a A rig is 😎 thank you!

[@maxxcavanaugh6660]

Matt I love these videos from your new office. I would love to see a video of you just telling some stories about all that special stuff behind you. The baits, the old tackle box, the reel. Just an idea. Keep up the great content.

[@TheAdequateFisher]

I'm officially ready to try an a rig. Thank you

[@ralo4265]

Good stuff Matt! 👊🏼💯🇺🇸

[@rodneychandler82]

Thanks Matt . Great Vid . Just received some of your A Rigs through TW . Great to see how to build them properly . Going to be throwing them here in South Africa and Zimbabwe . Can't wait to get going 😊👍

[@4shorefishing779]

Amazing info as always thank you!

[@MattMillardOutdoors]

I need to learn the a rig a little more. I usually catch them really well on the jerkbait during that time but it’d be easier to cover water with the rig. I use a lot of your techniques in my own videos. Thank you guys

[@robertalexander7810]

Great Video Boss

[@jimmcculloch5825]

I will never build an A-rig, but I could not stop watching.

[@travisbruno5964]

Great video...it definitely help

[@Dss-bm3rz]

I like to start out with the A rig bc it helps find fish quickly, but I also use slightly different colors on each bait to see which color the fish prefer. If they're hitting the shad pattern over and over, but ignoring the bluegill or white pattern, you've just learned an important fact.

[@xersrta890]

I just bought a new rod and bought 20lb line and my first a rig this video is perfectly timed

[@ME-zk9yw]

great video thanks

[@davidweston1031]

Thank you Matt from Ohio.

[@lstaples007]

Perfect timing I've got my first 2 A rigs on the way from TW... Colorado is a 3 hook state so I will set up my bfl hog farmer rig dam near the exact way Matt just did it... 👍 this is the way! ✌

[@Milehighsnake98]

Tip for CO A rigging in most waters here...downsize. The Flash Mob Jr. is great. Where he uses the 3.8/4.3 setup, go 3.3/3.8. Really small bait fish here, so those small baits will catch more.

[@lstaples007]

@@Milehighsnake98 thanks for the info on downsizing in colorado man, hey whats your opinion on throwing gill color swimbait heads and swimbaits? Instead of the typical shad colors

[@richardblake4777]

Really enjoyed the video even though I don't own and have never used an A-rig.

[@nickels317]

Crazy, didn't even know you guys posted this vid, I bought a whopper plopper 60 online, and took it back to the store myself today, because i wanted the whopper plopper 75, and while i was at dick's sporting goods picked up the same A-rig, can't wait to fish it. Keep the vid's coming, i'm always learning something new from you guy's.

[@waynethompson4946]

Super informational video as always Matt. You guys rock. I have to admit though the only thing that sucks is that when you guys do one of these TW sells out in like 30 seconds. Haha. I wasn't able to get the Hog Farmer, but picked up some of the Cali Rigs and am going to try and get some confidence.

[@Tracker7266]

Great video Matt. Just a suggestion on a video of this nature, maybe a few close ups of what your doing. Sounds elementary but a picture is worth a thousand words.

[@Hatedepot]

Thanks Matt, another amazing video-you guys dont need a discount code but a tactical bassin referral code. Also the echo in the room is all good, better than any one elses video (ps how the f does googan squad have a thing)

[@fishingwithspencie]

#millenials that's how lol. I was a big fan a few years ago but don't like their new content since they started selling baits. JonB makes some good full length movies when he is on his own though.

[@_bassadd1ct_]

I’ve got my rig dialed to work how i want with all the right hardware, but i still havent caught a fish on it. Im trying to learn those key areas to target in my kayak and this will definitely help

[@timothythompson6549]

Matt, a pair of round nose pliers might be handy for spreading those wires out without kicking them. Plus you can use them to make steel leaders and inline spinners.

[@chadlitteral5080]

Yes!

[@TheJTTaylor000]

HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY MATT!!!

[@ericmayeda8305]

In the background on your shelf I see what looks like a monstrous catfish. Can you tell us the story of that? I know this is all about the bass at tactical but I know you fish for anything that swims. Thanks for all that you and Tim do for the fishing community! Keep up the great work!

[@Mjones8383]

On the flash mob jr I cut the top wires shorter and use round wire pliers to bend a new loop. Then I will add a small ball bearing swivel with either a blade or a dummy bait. If the water is dirty I change blade to a gold Indiana or Colorado blade. You can really slow down and not worry about it sinking too much, plus it adds tremendous vibration. I've also added cups to my head to get that wobble from my main bait.

[@davidderrick9372]

Hey Matt and Tim hope you are doing well. I got a little nervous when Matt went through that surgery thing for his cancer, glad to hear he is doing very well. I watch you guys every day that you post a new video and you have taught me so much. I also live here in Tennessee, I fish Cherokee lake a lot and also Norris. You guys are my absolute favorite two people to watch on KZbin, I get excited when I see that there is new videos posted from you guys and I cannot wait to get home so that I can watch them. I was going to ask and see if there was anyway possible that you guys could possibly send me some tactical Bassin shirts, hoodies, or even just a hat. I would love to represent Your website because I come across a lot of anglers and exchange fishing stories with them. I don’t know if you can send me any shirts or hoodies but it would be my absolute dream come true if you guys could possibly send me even just a hat. If you’re looking to contact me you can reply here in these comments or send me an email at davidderrick640@gmailcom. Thank you guys so much for keeping us always up-to-date with the newest ways to fish and the new strategies to catch bass. I look forward to hearing from you guys soon. You guys have a great night. Get back to me whenever you can, I know you guys are always busy with fishing making new videos and spending time with your family and loved ones. Sincerely, David

[@ethanroseoutdoors4169]

You guys should try the Strike King A-Rig Squadron kit. It has 5 swimbaits and five heads. They come in many different colors and 1/8th and 1/4 but you could put your own heads on them.

[@VinceNiergarth]

Never used an A rig, strongly considering this now!

[@benbockey291]

I have one and have never caught a fish on it

[@johncoopes1056]

Its a killer way to catch them. You can catch multiple fish on the same cast

[@DCmite1]

that Bailey guy makes one beefy a rig 🤘

[@bigo573]

You guys are always on point with fishing techniques. Any plans on stopping by Clarks Hill Lake on GA?

[@markpousard4393]

Can you do an underwater A-rig video?

[@pelagicprincesses6123]

Missing all the clear lake footage this fall and winter.

[@lilbeckham9]

Timing couldn't have been better, have my first Hog Farmer 3 wire coming in Thursday haha

[@joshkeith6084]

I have watched several of the TB A rig videos from the last 2 years and I have to admit this was the MOST informative video so far. Great job Matt and thank you!

[@jimlrffishing4071]

POWER!

[@deanlyons703]

Ever use Shane’s Baits A-Rig? Great quality at a great price. They have slots that the wires slip into so you barely need to bend them at all

[@BobbyLunsford83]

Maryland has a two hook limit and it’s hard to find a rig that works well with just 2 hooks. I typically use just 1 hook with a 4.3 left long in the center and use 2.8 on the rest for dummies

[@bretton696969]

I'm in Arizona, the limit is two hooks as well. Recently got an umbrella rig made by G Funk Baits - Desert 2 Hook Rig. Tried it for the first time last weekend for a while, works great in the water though I haven't caught anything on it yet.

[@Shawn_Lai]

If you want to not kink the wire, jewelers rounded nose pliers work really well to make loops and to not put hard bends into wire.

[@midwestfischerman]

I'm surprised you didn't discuss removing the cruddy barrel swivels from the YUMbrella Flash Mob Jr. and putting on Sampo ball bearing swivels and doing blade upgrades.

[@BrownBaitCo]

I loved watching Tim boat flip a 8lber lol

[@brentmusgrove9594]

So now if I am hearing correctly only reason you need split rings is if your changing out the snaps correct, which I live in Maryland and unfortunately I won’t have to worry about a double digit bass 😂 or let’s say highly unlikely anyway ? Great stuff love your channel thank you

[@hawaiianboy2003]

I leave my swivels on all the dummy baits.No matter the brand.Just don’t like timing the dummies on the CPS. Because if it’s not timed just right,it’ll throw the rig off too!No worries with swivels, they straiten out themselves!BTW,love the boat flip on that biggun!

[@DirkDigler209]

The flash mob jr has been my go to but it only lasts me 3-4 days when it’s really good fishing especially when catching stripers

[@brians.4488]

The new 300 size shimano come in a 4:7 1 with 25 ipt!! That's the definition of a tourqey real!! Wanting to try one of those on an a rig set up along with big big deep deep divers. Still waiting to hear from yall which cranking rod does the BEST at absorbing the tourqe or pressure from making to the real seat(rod handle). I read a review where a guy was comparing the dobyns 805rm vs. One of the higher end st. Croix cranking rods and he said it beat the dobyns hands down in the absorbing torque department. When it's done right someone that picked up that rod, cast it and start retrieving a deep diver would think the crankbait is foul hooked or running out of tune just under the surface. lol. It happened to me once and nearly lost the farm in a bet that her crankbait was screwed up!! Matt price point is second to this characteristic I'm looking for.

[@JB-vl6vk]

Hey Matt thanks for the great video once again every time I watch you guys I learn some Vital Information I was wondering if you guys had any tips or we're going to be doing any videos on kayak fishing specifically pitching and flipping from a kayak or using a walking bait drama kayak it's a lot easier to do those things when you're standing on the deck of a boat or on a dock or what not but do you guys have any tips for videos you can lead me to 4 doing those types of retrieves from a kayak a sit in one

[@wrightjaw]

I live in Indiana and it three rigs only, we sometime get the five wire and put dumbies on two of them.

[@andylam83]

I see couple videos of you guys explaining but i was wondering if you can make a video of it being use in the waters and landing some fish

[@jimjohnson1944]

Great information as usual, thanks. Are you going to the 2023 fishing expo in Knoxville the weekend of the January 27?

[@FarrenHansen]

Got my rig tuned up matt style! headed out this morning fixing to find out!

[@davidruark7699]

What is your line set up when you are fishing that A-rig in mostly 3-6 fow? Great video! Thanks for the content!

[@200mph636]

Great video, thank you! What knot do you use for line connection to the rig itself ??

[@bassmedic]

i have a diawa tatula 300hs reel on a 7"11" heavy cashion crt rod for the A rigs.

[@bigpompano1659]

1:26 dayum thas a bigboi

[@TheStackboy5]

I just had a prespawn fail moment and I’m in need of a big bass story Matt and Tim can you guys help me out

[@troydunn04]

now how do you store these crazy things

[@Bluezkat1]

Ever give the Picasso A-rigs a try? They have some decent offerings...

[@PKClark-qw5oq]

Great video. Do you tie directly to the tie in point on the main head? Or do you add a swivel and tie into that? Thanks!

[@zackfowler9961]

Hey Matt, love the knowledge from this video. I have a question about throwing the A-Rig in trees. I want to use the Owner swimbait hooks with the center pin lock, any suggestions on size hook, weight, swimbait size? I’m fishing Lake Fork mostly and I’m not trying to lose a $20 setup every 5 casts if you know what I mean! Lol

[@kennethnielsen6473]

I recently just bought your flex a rig from tackle warehouse and I am curious is to how you would do a rig with only 2 hooks? In my state we are only allowed 2 hooks. Thank you for all your great videos.

[@williamwinter5257]

Great info my brother! So what would be your Gloomis choice of rod?

[@d-rekt2754]

Great videos. Love the in depth information. I would find it very helpful if you could take a close up pic of what you are trying to show the camera. Maybe show the pic instead of just showing the camera. Thanks

[@piratestudiosproductions]

Matt, what are some good alternative swimbait head options for these rigs that I can go to the store and buy instead of waiting 2 weeks from Tackle Warehouse? You said our Lake it's still awesome to hear you say that. We will fish together.

[@raymondpadilla65]

awesome videos matt i wanted to know if you are still guiding?🎣

[@alexw.outdoors4269]

Hi, what knot do you use for the line connection to the rig

[@tphvictims5101]

We’ve been using UMBRELLA RIGS for Stripers on the East Coast for decades. They work VERY well. I’m willing to bet you can use buck tails on those rigs, single hook Buck tails. They reduce the weight and twist and have that nice hair pulsating thingy. Still use the TARGET bait Swim jig. Buck tails will OUTLAST soft plastic baits every time. I’m just sayin. Thank ME very much 😉👍🏻🎣🇺🇸.

[@brandoncarter9047]

5 hook is legal in WV and VA.

[@wvswimbaitin1765]

I am just getting into big swim baits and I was wondering if I should go with a power handle or a traditional handle?

[@vuexiong6087]

Thank you!

[@michaellambert841]

Could you add a link to those cutters you are using? They look to be a great option for keeping in the boat and tackle room.

[@drakebilliot2353]

love how non-pros think theyre good enough to give tips

[@joshwhite8055]

Hey Matt , great video . Thank you for the great info . I live here on Ft.Loudoun Lake in Knoxville TN . I have thrown A-Rigs for a decade now and I'm pretty familiar with the ones I have and how to set them up . I recently purchased the Strike King Tour Grade Titanium Flex 5 wire . I was wondering how you would rig this one in particular ? It's not like most . It's cross oriented vertically instead of an traditional X oriented rig . I know to put a hook on the long center wire , just wondering what size heads for the other two . What other two wires to snap them to ? And would you run different size swimbaits on the rig like the arsenal rigs ? I'm a stickler for my umbrellas to run true as I know you are . Like I said , getting the X pattern rigs to run straight is something I've got pretty good at . Ive just been wondering what was the best way to setup the Strike King Rig ?... 🤔 Thanks again Matt

[@joshuatenenbaum6657]

do you guys ever throw a weedless A-rig ? i assume i'd just use keel-weighted swimbait hooks in place of the jig hooks - if that's the case, would you recommend the same power/action rod for a weedless presentation ?

[@brucehudson2493]

Thoughts on the Shimano Teramar rods for A-rigs in salt???

[@tristancase8546]

This is probably not the place to ask the question but yesterday on watts bar i could not get a bite on an a rig but did get a 4lber on a crankbait what dictates a time i should use a rig vs crank bait in winter

[@dannysouth9768]

Do you guys ever put weighted weed less screw lock hooks on your rigs for around grass?

[@larryvilla6869]

In a five hook state would you use tactical bassin.guppy heads for the top baits?