The Alabama Rig

 

Every heard of the Alabama Rig?   Truthfully, I hadn’t until this week.  The contraption came to my attention when B.A.S.S. put out a press release announcing the lure type would be banned from competition in this year’s Bassmaster Classic and al B.A.S.S. Elite Series events.

“The Alabama Rig has become enormously popular in recent months, and it has definitely had an impact on the tournaments in which it has been used,” said Trip Weldon, B.A.S.S. tournament director. “However, the Elite Series Rules Committee members unanimously asked to be held to a higher standard. We have decided to honor their recommendation.”

The Alabama Rig features a "gang" of lures which mimic schools of bait fish in the water.

As you can see from the accompanying photos, the "Alabama Rig" is less a lure and more a "gang" of lures created to mimic a school of bait fish.  The concept is apparently a dynamite way to fish in some situations.  It’s not uncommon, according to those who use the rig, to catch two, three, and sometimes four bass at a time.  

B.A.S.S. added in its press release it would still allow the lure for all other competitive events.   Judging from those who swear by its effectiveness it could be a game changer.   Competitive angler Paul Elias vaulted the popularity of the Alabama Rig into the stratosphere back in October when he used it to win an Elite Series event on Lake Guntersville.  Lure companies immediately responded with their own versions of the rig and have sold tens of thousands.  

The rig, sometimes called an "umbrella set", can accommodate any number of lures.  Some will have five spinner baits, while others are rigged with five jerk baits.  The possibilities seem endless and the potential will have any seasoned angler salivating.

I include myself among them.  Since I’m not going to be fishing the Bassmaster Classic or the B.A.S.S. Elite Series anytime soon, I can’t wait to toss one this spring and see how it goes. 

 

Imagine hauling in multiple big bass on one cast.  Desciples of the Alabama Rig swear it happens often.







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