In Today’s Newsletter: From battling one of the fastest fish in the ocean to breaking down the best gear for throwing an Alabama rig, this week’s lineup is packed with expert advice and on-the-water action.
How To Catch Sailfish
Take a sleigh ride with one of the fastest fish in the sea. Stop dreaming and learn how to catch a sailfish, now.
Kayak Adventure Series: Great Midwestivus II Recap
Find out what went down April 24-25 in Plymouth, Indiana, as anglers from 13 states duked it out on the water.
Ask An Expert:
Q: “Can you throw an Alabama rig on a regular bass setup, or do you need specialized gear?”
A: No matter how you end up setting up your A-rig, you’ll want the proper rod and reel to throw it on. This is probably the most important aspect of properly fishing an Alabama rig, as you need a setup that’s built to throw something heavy all day.
While you may be able to get away with using a heavy spinning setup, there’s no doubt that a baitcaster is the recommended option. A heavy baitcasting setup will allow you to properly deliver this bulky rig cast after cast, while also allowing you to put the required amount of cranking action and force behind the retrieve. These same reasons are why many musky anglers prefer similar setups, and in fact, a musky rod and reel are an excellent option for throwing larger Alabama rigs.
The ideal reel size for your setup may vary based on the size of your a-rig, but generally you’ll want a baitcaster in the 200 or 300 size range, spooled with at least 30lb braid.
For rods, you’ll want something that’s at least medium-heavy power, but heavy is best. I also like a longer rod, 7’3” or above, to help add distance when casting this cumbersome rig.
Personally, I do a lot of inshore and nearshore saltwater fishing, and I’ve found that my heavier inshore setups are actually ideal for throwing an Alabama rig in freshwater.
To learn more, check out the article by Kevin Hughes on how to rig and fish the Alabama rig.
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Tested And Reviewed: Wilderness Systems iATAK 110
Dual-drop-stitch chambers, a frame seat and hull reinforcement take performance and function to the next level.
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