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

Cold Water Tricks That Catch Bass Right Now!

Do you struggle to catch fish in Winter? Not with these tricks! Subtle nuances are what separate the consistent anglers from the guys who struggle all Winter. And don't fall into the finesse trap either, you can catch a ton of fish with reaction baits in cold water if you know the tricks that work!

The colder the water, the more details begin to matter. Anyone can throw a crankbait out, reel it back, and catch a bass in the post-spawn. But knowing how to trigger a feed response in a lethargic fish is completely different. Perhaps you already know to pause your jerkbait longer, but do you know how to balance your bait so it suspends long enough to get the bite? This is only a sampling of what it takes to be a consistent Winter bass fisherman. 

Below you'll find links to the baits and gear Tim discussed in the video. We included upgrades, components, and favorite colors as well. 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

Santone Replacement Willow Leaf Blades: https://bit.ly/3ENHfHv

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


MEGABASS VISION SERIES JERKBAITS... 

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

-Megabass Vision 110+1: http://bit.ly/2iGYOCX

-Megabass Vision 110 Jr: http://bit.ly/2OeAFBf

-Megabass Vision 110 Jr +1: https://bit.ly/2LnK389


Favorite Colors: Pro Blue, Matte Shad, Tennessee Shad

Bold Colors: Elegy Bone, Wakin React, Kohoku Reaction


Storm Suspend Dots: https://bit.ly/3d80ez6


CRANKBAIT... 

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

Colors: DD Minnow, Ghost Minnow

-SPRO Rock Crawler MD 55: https://bit.ly/3juD6hS

Colors: Phantom Green, Phantom Brown


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 38 (Size 8): http://bit.ly/2oNIeCD

VMC- Bladed Hybrid Treble (Size 8) : http://bit.ly/2oqWODi

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

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


GLIDE BAIT…

Bait- River2Sea S Waver 200: http://bit.ly/2aiu8Sh 

Colors: Lite Trout, Warden

Hook- Owner ST-56 1/0: http://bit.ly/2cVg7xW


LIVE SONAR... 

-Humminbird Mega Live: https://bit.ly/2VXoaC7


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 JERKBAIT COMBO... 

Rod- Shimano SLX 6'10" Medium: http://bit.ly/2mGp1Vc

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

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


BUDGET FINESSE COMBO... 

Rod- Shimano Intenza 7' Medium Light: http://bit.ly/2s7kaQn

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

HOW TO CATCH THE BIGGEST FISH OF YOUR LIFE RIGHT NOW!

Are you ready to catch a giant? Do you want a new PB? Its time!! If you want to catch a big bass, there are 3 techniques that consistently catch the monsters during the cold water months and today we're going to teach you how to use each of them effectively. Don't waste your Winter opportunity, get out there and catch the biggest bass of your life!

When Winter cold sets in, most of the fish in the lake become lethargic. This creates a unique opportunity for the giant fish to hunt, unimpeded by smaller fish. We use 3 unique techniques to specifically target these larger fish. The first is a big swimbait, the second is an A-Rig, and the last is Speed Cranking. Today, Matt is going in depth with each of these methods to help you build the confidence needed to go out and catch a giant bass!

Below you'll find links to the exact baits discussed in the video. We've included the exact colors, sizes, and rigging for each. We've also included links to our favorite rod and reel combos for each technique. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item. 


WEDGE TAIL SWIMBAITS... 

-Savage Gear Pulse Tail RTF 8" Trout: https://bit.ly/33GROg1

Colors: Trout, Ghost Trout, Dirty Silver, Kokanee


-Huddleston Deluxe 8" Trout ROF 12: http://bit.ly/2azFTon

Colors: Trout, Holdover, Hitch


-Hudleston Deluxe 8" Trout ROF 5: http://bit.ly/2UVHiuQ

Color: Trout, Holdover, Hitch


BOOT TAIL SWIMBAITS... 

Bait- Little Creeper 8" Trash Fish: http://bit.ly/2hmXtg1

Colors: LC Hitch, Chartreuse Shad, KC's Ghost

Hook- Owner 1/0 Beast Weighted: http://bit.ly/2ancP66


ALABAMA RIGS... 

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


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


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


COLD WATER RIG COMPONENTS... 

Main Baits- 13 Fishing Churro 4.25: https://bit.ly/2LLeRA6

Colors: Moonlight Clan, Mojito, Purple Rain

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

Colors: Pro Blue Red Pearl, Electric Shad

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


COOL WATER RIG COMPONENTS... 

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

Colors: Pro Blue Red Pearl, Electric Shad

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

Colors: Albino, Smokin Magic Shad

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


CRANKBAITS... 

-R2S Tactical DD 75: http://bit.ly/37dclbX

Colors: DD Minnow, Mirrored Minnow, Ghost Minnow


-Megabass Deep X 300: http://bit.ly/2sSQHpt

Colors: Kisyu Ayu, Sexy Ayu, MB Gizzard


-Megabass Deep Six: http://bit.ly/2A3clKP

Colors: Ito Wakasagi, Sexy Shad, MB Gizzard, Kisyu Ayu


FAVORITE SWIMBAIT COMBO... 

Rod- G Loomis IMX Pro 966: https://bit.ly/3ktZFnF

Reel- Shimano Tranx 300: http://bit.ly/2kYsvRw

Line- Power Pro Maxcuatro 80 lb: http://bit.ly/2clBRiQ

Leader- Sunline FC100 35 lb: http://bit.ly/2O4UElB


BUDGET SWIMBAIT COMBO... 

Rod- Savage Gear Squad 8' Heavy: https://bit.ly/3tT8bS2

Reel- Shimano Cardiff 300A: http://bit.ly/2cvhtMO

Line- Power Pro Maxcuatro 80 lb: http://bit.ly/2clBRiQ

Leader- Maxima Ultragreen 30 lb: http://bit.ly/2ae97J9


FAVORITE 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 SPEED CRANKING COMBO...

Rod- G Loomis IMX Pro 906 CBR: http://bit.ly/2og0BmK

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

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


BUDGET SPEED CRANKING COMBO... 

Rod- St. Croix Mojo Bass Glass 7'4" MH: https://bit.ly/2YIxLy5

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

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


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

How To Catch 2 Bass At Once!! (Tricks For Schooling Bass)

When Tim is teaching and bass come up schooling, he grabs a rod! Watch him catch 2 bass at the same time right after teaching how to do it! Fall bass fishing can be incredible and with these tips and tricks, you can make it even better! From inches of water to 50+ feet deep, Tim teaches everything you need to know about schooling bass in the Fall. 

Any time bass are corralling baitfish you've got an opportunity to catch a pile of fish. You can catch a bunch but you can also catch a giant! Pay close attention as Tim talks about the dynamics of schooling bass and where the biggest fish position. He's sprinkled key information throughout the bait discussion portion of this video. Then when you think he's winding down Tim jumps up, grabs a rod, and proceeds to stick a bunch of nice bass behind the boat!

Below you'll find links to the exact baits discussed in the video. We've also included our favorite colors for each bait and any rigging components you'll need to make them work properly. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item. 


RELATED VIDEOS... 

-Topwater Tricks Video: https://youtu.be/V5NCOgVkjMw

-Donkey Rig Fluke Video: https://youtu.be/Pja8h3Q3wsA


SHALLOW SCHOOLING FISH


SQUAREBILL... 

-Spro Fat John 50: http://bit.ly/2V03giW

Colors: Matte Shad, Honey Shad, Nasty Shad


-Spro Little John 50: http://bit.ly/2dDfuqt

Colors: Copper Shad, Matte Shad, Spooky Nasty


-River2Sea Biggie (Smalls): http://bit.ly/2ahCzvo

Colors: Abalone Shad, Gizzard Shad, TS Minnow


JERKBAIT... 

-Megabass 110 Jr: http://bit.ly/2OeAFBf

Colors: Elegy Bone, Tennessee Shad, Matte Shad


SOFT JERKBAIT... 

-Zoom Super Fluke: http://bit.ly/2aqys0H

Colors: Albino, Smokin Shad, Pro Blue Red Pearl


-Zoom Fluke: http://bit.ly/2OFjvjx

Colors: Albino, Smokin Shad


DONKEY JERKBAIT RIGGING... 

Bobber Stop- VMC Sinker Stop Medium: https://bit.ly/38XLQd4

Swivel- Spro Power Swivel Size 4: http://bit.ly/2ay0p7d

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

Front/Back Hook- http://bit.ly/2fqYFCR

Front/Back Bait- http://bit.ly/2aqys0H


FLUTTER SPOON... 

Nichols 5" Flutter 1 1/8 oz: http://bit.ly/2ICAGKL

Colors: Blue Shad, Blueback HD, Silver Chrome


SHALLOW TOPWATER... 

-Megabass Pop Max Popper: http://bit.ly/2qqfmm1

Colors: Matte Shad, Megabass Sexy Shad


-Jackall Gavacho Frog: http://bit.ly/2L7KsWS

Colors: Chart Strike Gill, Gold Gill


OPEN WATER SCHOOLING FISH


OPEN WATER TOPWATER... 

-River2Sea Rover 128: http://bit.ly/2acSVea

Colors: Chrome Black, Funky Tiger


-Evergreen Shower Blows 105: http://bit.ly/2zIkqUH

Colors: Black Bone, Full Metal, Skeleton Chartreuse


FRONT RUNNER... 

PH Customs Phront Runner: https://bit.ly/3wJIdkH

Colors: Foil Black, Pearl Bone


ALABAMA RIG... 

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

Head- Matt Allen Swimbait Head 1/4 oz: http://bit.ly/29RrTYN

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

Colors: Electric Shad, Pro Blue Red Pearl


UNDERSPIN... 

Bait- Keitech 3.8" Fat Swing Impact: http://bit.ly/2ab7s8v

Shallow- Owner Flashy Swimmer 3/0: http://bit.ly/2e8O4Y7

Deep- Cool Baits 1/4 oz 3/0 Underspin: http://bit.ly/2boS7QA


LIPLESS CRANKBAIT/BLADE BAITS... 

-Jackall TN70 Lipless: http://bit.ly/2lqAwjh

Colors: RT Scale Minnow, SG Threadfin


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

Colors: Holo Cyber Purple, Spot Black, Black Holo


TINY SHAD SWIMBAIT... 

-Spro Baby Shad: https://bit.ly/325h8ez

Colors: Blue Back Herring, Natural Shad


DEEP SCHOOLING FISH


CRANKBAITS... 

-River2Sea Tactical DD75: http://bit.ly/37dclbX

Colors: Mirrored Minnow, Ghost Minnow, DD Minnow


-Rapala DT20: http://bit.ly/2BL0UYl

Colors: Green Gizzard Shad, Pearl Grey Shiner


JIGGING SPOON... 

-Blade Runner Duh 1 3/4 oz: http://bit.ly/2aKVLlG

Colors: UV Fried Chicken, Morning Dawn, UV Sierra


TAIL SPIN... 

-Damiki Axe Blade: http://bit.ly/2w2uB9t

Colors: Black Holo, Real Shad


TOPWATER COMBO... 

Rod- Shimano Zodias 6'10" Medium: https://bit.ly/2cgmMAe

Reel- Shimano Curado 70 MGL (XG): https://bit.ly/2apmDJt

Line- Power Pro Maxcuatro 40 lb Braid: http://bit.ly/2clBRiQ


ALL-AROUND CRANKBAIT 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- Maxima Ultragreen 12 lb: 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