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): https://bit.ly/38xd1es

-Hog Farmer Tactical Flex Rig (Non-Bladed): https://bit.ly/3vhpSez

OTHER A-RIGS... 

-Yum Flash Mob Jr (Bladed): http://bit.ly/2bgDGNu

-Hog Farmer BFL Flex Rig (Bladed): https://bit.ly/2WtLCVK

-G Funk Baits Cali Rig (Non-Bladed): http://bit.ly/2nD76fw

SWIMBAIT HEADS…

Heavy Duty Heads- Dirty Jigs Matt Allen: http://bit.ly/29RrTYN

Recommended Size: 1/8 oz

Light Duty Heads- Dirty Jigs Tactical Finesse: http://bit.ly/2Pqrq3n

Recommended Size: 3/16 oz

RIGGING COMPONENTS... 
Split Rings- Owner Hyperwire (Size 4): http://bit.ly/2v8ArBX

Dummy Springs- Owner CPS (Medium): http://bit.ly/2b2YgDf

Split Ring Pliers- Texas Tackle Executive: http://bit.ly/2b2Zoa8

DUMMY BAITS... 

-Netbait Little Spanky: http://bit.ly/2d0dpU8

Colors: Albino, Smokin Magic Shad

-Reaction Innovations Little Dipper: http://bit.ly/2brnU5I

Colors: Bad Shad Green, Impact Bluegill

-Keitech 2.8" Fat Swing Impact: http://bit.ly/2ab7s8v

Colors: Pro Blue Red Pearl, Electric Shad

MAIN SWIMBAITS... 

Cold Water- 13 Fishing Churro 4.25: https://bit.ly/2LLeRA6

Colors: Moonlight Clan, Mojito, Purple Rain, Blue Collar

Cool Water- Keitech 4.8" Fat Swing Impact: http://bit.ly/2ab7s8v

Colors: Pro Blue Red Pearl, Electric Shad

FAVORITE BLADED A-RIG COMBO... 

Rod- Shimano Zodias 7'5" Heavy: https://bit.ly/2cgmMAe

Reel- Shimano Metanium MGL (HG): https://bit.ly/2ezIBfB

Line- Power Pro Maxcuatro 65 lb: http://bit.ly/2clBRiQ

Leader- Maxima Ultragreen 20 lb: http://bit.ly/2ae97J9

FAVORITE NON-BLADED A-RIG COMBO... 

Rod- Shimano Zodias 7'5" Medium Heavy: https://bit.ly/2cgmMAe

Reel- Shimano Metanium MGL (HG): https://bit.ly/2ezIBfB

Line- Power Pro Maxcuatro 65 lb: http://bit.ly/2clBRiQ

Leader- Maxima Ultragreen 18 lb: http://bit.ly/2ae97J9

BUDGET A-RIG COMBO... 

Rod- Shimano SLX 7'5" Heavy: http://bit.ly/2mGp1Vc

Reel- Shimano SLX 150 XT (HG): http://bit.ly/2BRTYL8

Line- Sunline Super FC 20 lb: http://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: http://bit.ly/38YpPIz

TOP 5 BAITS FOR JANUARY BASS FISHING!

Winter bass fishing is in full swing! If you want to catch these fish in January, you need to adapt. These are the top 5 baits we rely on to consistently catch bass during the coldest part of the year. To the surprise of many, its not all about finesse! Come along as we share our confidence baits to help you catch more fish. 

In most of the country January is the coldest month of the year. Fish are lethargic and often laying right on bottom. Finesse is the natural approach for these fish but the right reaction baits can trigger a feed response as well, even in a lethargic bass. Specifically, the Alabama Rig and speed cranking can both fire these fish up in ways that nothing else can. Whether you choose finesse or reaction, this video is full of our favorite options. 

Below you'll find links to the exact baits and gear we use in January. We've linked the exact colors, sizes, and rigging components, to help you find the exact items you're looking for. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item. 

BLADED ALABAMA RIG... 

Rig- Hog Farmer Tactical Flex Bladed: https://bit.ly/38xd1es

Heads- Matt Allen Swimbait Head (1/8 oz): http://bit.ly/29RrTYN

Dummy Baits- Lil Spanky: http://bit.ly/2d0dpU8

Colors: Albino

Swimbaits- Keitech 4.8" Fat: http://bit.ly/2ab7s8v

Colors: Pro Blue Red Pearl

NON-BLADED ALABAMA RIG... 

Rig- Hog Farmer Tactical Flex (Non-Bladed): https://bit.ly/3vhpSez

Heads- Matt Allen Swimbait Head (1/8 oz): http://bit.ly/29RrTYN

Dummy Baits- Keitech 2.8" Fat Swing: http://bit.ly/2ab7s8v  

Color: Pro Blue Red Pearl

Swimbaits- Keitech 3.8 - 4.3 Fat Swing: http://bit.ly/2ab7s8v

Color: Pro Blue Red Pearl, Electric Shad

CRANKBAIT... 

-River2Sea Tactical DD 75: http://bit.ly/37dclbX

Colors: DD Minnow, Ghost Minnow

BLADE BAITS... 

-Damiki Vault (1/2 oz): http://bit.ly/2rnO7e2

Colors: Black Holo, Cyber Purple, Real Shad

-Megabass Dyna Response (1/2 oz): http://bit.ly/2R7FlvL

Colors: Ito Hiuo, Jekucho Shad, Setsuki Ayu

BLADE BAIT HOOK UPGRADES... 

Hooks- Owner STX 45 (Size 6): http://bit.ly/2FNnZwR

Split Rings- Owner Hyperwire: http://bit.ly/2v8ArBX

Ring Size: 2 on line tie, 3 on tail and belly

MICRO SWIMBAIT... 

Bait- Keitech 2.8" Fat Swing Impact: http://bit.ly/2ab7s8v

Colors: Pro Blue Red Pearl, Electric Shad

MICRO SWIMBAIT HEADS... 

Swimbait Head- Dirty Jigs Guppy (1/8 oz): http://bit.ly/2nyUJRS

Underspin- Cool Baits Down Under (1/8 oz): http://bit.ly/2boS7QA

Spinner- Megabass Okashira Head (1/8 oz): http://bit.ly/2EpluSA

DROPSHOT... 

Bait- Netbait STH 3" Finesse Crush: https://bit.ly/3s5BcIn

Colors: Bang, Green Pumpkin, LON Goby Pearl

Hook- Owner Mosquito Light (Size 2): http://bit.ly/2zQVKx3

Weight- Swagger Tungsten 1/4 oz: http://bit.ly/2UY7cgx

NED RIG... 

Bait- Roboworm 3" Ned Worm: http://bit.ly/2j9F0Xy

Colors: TW Black Blue Pumpkin, Aaron's Green Pumpkin

Hook- Swagger Tungsten Flanders (1/10th): http://bit.ly/2KcIB6M

"BANG FOR THE BUCK" FINESSE COMBO... 

Rod- Shimano Zodias 6'9" Medium Light: https://bit.ly/2jOUXAO

Reel- Shimano Vanford 2500: https://bit.ly/2gu84t7

Line- Power Pro Braid 10 lb: http://bit.ly/2aFg46b 

Leader- Sunline Super FC 6 lb: http://bit.ly/2p7fxju

BUDGET A-RIG COMBO... 

Rod- Shimano SLX 7'5" Heavy: http://bit.ly/2mGp1Vc

Reel- Shimano SLX 150 XT (HG): http://bit.ly/2BRTYL8

Line- Sunline Super FC 20 lb: http://bit.ly/2p7fxju

BUDGET FINESSE COMBO... 

Rod- Shimano SLX 7' Medium Light: http://bit.ly/2AdvIC1

Reel- Shimano NASCI 2500: http://bit.ly/2g278cC

Line- Sunline Super FC 7 lb: http://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: http://bit.ly/38YpPIz

We're Back!! Clearlake Bass Fishing With A-Rigs And Lipless Crankbaits!

Tim is back on Clearlake and the bass are biting! Come along for a fun day on the water as he explores his old stomping grounds and catches some nice fish. Clearlake is known for an amazing reaction bite in Spring and today they were chewing a lipless crankbait and an Alabama Rig all day. 

Its good to back on the old home lake. The water levels are down dramatically this year but the fish haven't gone far. In a matter of minutes Tim is back to catching fish like he never left. The trick to fishing the lower water levels is locating minor changes in bottom contour and debris on the otherwise featureless bottom. Tim used 360 imaging to spot emergent grass offshore then picked it apart with his baits. He caught the majority of his fish on our new (available for pre-order) Tactical Flex Rig but his two biggest bites of the day came on a TN-70 lipless. 

Below you'll find links to the exact baits he was using, including hook upgrades, colors, etc. All of the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and description of each item. We've also included Tim's exact rod and reel combos as well as some great budget options that will help you keep those fish pinned when the big bite comes. 

Hog Farmer Tactical Flex Rig... 

Rig- Tactical Flex Bladed: https://bit.ly/38xd1es

Heads- Matt Allen Swimbait Head 1/8 oz: http://bit.ly/29RrTYN

Baits- Keitech 4.8" Fat Swing Impact: http://bit.ly/2ab7s8v

Non-Hook Baits- 3.8" Fat Swing Impact: http://bit.ly/2ab7s8v

Swimbait Color: Pro Blue Red Pearl

Lipless Crank... 

Bait- Jackall TN-70: http://bit.ly/2lqAwjh

Color: SG Threadfin

Hooks- Owner ST-56 (Size 4): http://bit.ly/2cVg7xW

Tim's Lipless Combo... 

Rod- G Loomis IMX Pro 845 CBR: http://bit.ly/2og0BmK

Reel- Shimano Bantam 150 XG: http://bit.ly/2H44yjG

Line- Power Pro Maxcuatro 30 lb Braid: http://bit.ly/2clBRiQ

Leader- Sunline FC-100 Shock Leader 16 lb: http://bit.ly/2O4UElB

Tim's A-Rig Combo... 

Rod- Shimano Expride 7'6" Medium Heavy: http://bit.ly/2nTq9FL

Reel- Shimano Metanium DC (HG): http://bit.ly/2qrSZvs

Line- Power Pro Maxcuatro 65 lb Braid: http://bit.ly/2clBRiQ

Leader- Sunline FC100 20 lb Shock Leader: http://bit.ly/2O4UElB

Budget Lipless Combo... 

Rod- Dobyns Fury 705 CB (7' Med Heavy Cranking): http://bit.ly/2bGvlVV

Reel- Shimano SLX HG: http://bit.ly/2NfdOnk

Line- Sunline Assassin Fluorocarbon 15 lb: http://bit.ly/2h4LNjm

Budget A-Rig Combo... 

Rod- Shimano SLX 7'5" Heavy: http://bit.ly/2L3wppO​

Reel- Shimano SLX XT (HG): http://bit.ly/2BRTYL8​

Line- Power Pro 65 lb Braid: http://bit.ly/2aFg46b​

Leader: Maxima Ultragreen 20 lb Mono: http://bit.ly/2ae97J9​

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: http://bit.ly/38YpPIz

Top 5 Baits For Early Spring Bass Fishing!

Its time to fish for giant bass! Your best shot of the year at a new "Personal Best" has arrived, don't get left behind! The early spring transition to prespawn signals the move toward shallow water. Big fish are moving up, they're feeding, and you can catch them. This isn't the time to slow down and finesse, its time to use a few key baits to hunt the biggest bass of the year!

Early Spring and Prespawn is the time to cover water. You want to focus on baits that will move quickly and that can trigger a feed response from big fish. Even if you're a finesse fisherman the rest of the year, change gears and pick up a crankbait, chatterbait, swimbait, or A-Rig and start targeting those bigger fish. The fish are moving up shallow to feed, they haven't seen as many baits during the Winter, its prime time to catch them. 

Below you'll find links to the related videos Tim mentioned, as well as all the baits discussed in the video. With each bait we've included our favorite colors and any additional components you may need. All of the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item. 

Related Videos... 

Where Do Bass Go In Early Spring: https://youtu.be/PxQ2yH1fFco

Top Baits For Late Winter Bass Fishing: https://youtu.be/CnOxRnbMV3U

Glide Baits... 

-River2Sea S-Waver 168: http://bit.ly/2aiu8Sh

Color: Lite trout

-Baitsanity Antidote: http://bit.ly/2ztUk9z

Colors: Summer Shad, Trout

Alabama Rigs... 

Rig #1- HogFarmer BFL Flex: https://bit.ly/2WtLCVK

Rig #2- G Funk Bladed Cali: http://bit.ly/2rZhST7

Heads- Matt Allen Swimbait 1/8 oz: http://bit.ly/29RrTYN

Baits- Keitech 4.8" Fat Swing Impact: http://bit.ly/2ab7s8v

Lipless Cranks... 

-Lucky Craft LV-500: http://bit.ly/2aAUUbd

Colors: Ghost Minnow, Spring Craw

-Strike King Red Eye Shad: http://bit.ly/2fqX1RT

Color: Delta Red 

-Strike King Red Eye Shad 2 Tap: http://bit.ly/2gmACC5

Color: Delta Red

Deep Cranks... 

-R2S Tactical DD75: http://bit.ly/37dclbX

Colors: Ghost Minnow, Blood Craw

-Spro Rk Crawler 55: http://bit.ly/2BLmsVN

Colors: Red Crawfish, Phantom Watermelon

Squarebills... 

-River2Sea Biggie Poppa: http://bit.ly/2ahCzvo

Colors: Cold Blooded, TS Minnow

-Spro Little John 50 Type R: http://bit.ly/3j0GS3a

Colors: Rayburn Red, Nasty Shad

Chatterbaits...

Bait- Z Man Jackhammer 1/2 oz: http://bit.ly/2popvj6

Colors: Green pumpkin Shad, Fire Craw

Trailer- HogFarmer Spunk Shad: http://bit.ly/2UFkCD7

Colors: Tennessee Magic, Green Pumpkin

Jerkbaits... 

-Rapala Shadow Rap Deep: http://bit.ly/3aerPi6

Colors: Moss Back Shiner

-Megabass Vision 110: http://bit.ly/2j31TKb

Colors: GP Pro Blue 2, Illusion Tennessee Shad

Favorite A-Rig Combo... 

Rod- Shimano Zodias 7'5" Heavy: https://bit.ly/3aeQbYW

**The Zodias Rod Can Be Backordered and should arrive soon**

Reel- Shimano Curado 200K (HG): http://bit.ly/2tHewEh

Line- Power Pro Maxcuatro 65 lb Braid: http://bit.ly/2clBRiQ

Leader- Sunline FC-100 Shock Leader 20 lb: http://bit.ly/2O4UElB

Budget Crankbait Combo... 

Rod- Dobyns Fury 7' Medium Heavy Cranking: http://bit.ly/2bGvlVV

Reel- Shimano SLX 150 XT: http://bit.ly/2BRTYL8

Line- Sunline Assassin 12 lb Fluorocarbon: http://bit.ly/2h4LNjm

Budget Glidebait Combo... 

Rod- Dobyns Fury 7'9" Medium Heavy Swimbait: http://bit.ly/2bGvlVV

Reel- Shimano Curado 300K: https://bit.ly/2HbZ3E4

Line- Power Pro Maxcuatro 65 lb Braid: http://bit.ly/2clBRiQ

Leader- Sunline FC100 Shock Leader 30 lb: http://bit.ly/2O4UElB

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: http://bit.ly/38YpPIz