As I write this blog, Paul Elias is on the verge of blowing away the field on something called the Alabama Rig and after day 2, the angler in 2nd place, Robert Behrle, is also throwing the same rig. I had never seen anything like it in bass fishing before watching a live on the water video today from FLW. I expect much more on the Reel Time Reports from FLW soon. It was hard to see at a distance the type of swimbaits Elias had on his A-Rig.
So I did a little research to find out more about this rig. Turns out, there is a website for it, http://thealabamarig.com
From what I gather, its almost like the donkey rig (double fluke rig) on steroids. Similar to an umbrella rig used in saltwater, its painted minnow head with 5 wires protruding out the back with snaps to attach lures, allowing you to fish 5 baits at a time. It seems the most popular scenario is to fish 5 grubs or swimbaits at a time to mimic a small school of baitfish moving through the water.
The big kicker is that it seems to get quality fish and the potential to catch 2-3 fish at time more frequently then one would with any other lure setup.
There already have been a few mumblings and grumbling about whether this rig should be legal in tournaments. In some states, like Minnesota, this would not be allowed due to state regulations. Not sure on all states, but it appears to be legal in Alabama. Seems as though, if its legal for that state, and everyone has access, then fair is fair!
Not sure if this will be hotter then the chatterbait and the Basstrix hollowbelly put together, but I am sure it will make quite the splash and these will be a little hard to find in a short time! Either way, there will always be a supply of Alabama Rigs on ebay. What if Kevin VanDam starts throwing 5 Red Eye Shads at a time? How long before BassPro & Cabela’s have these on the shelf? Sworming Hornet Lures makes a version called the Sworm.
Here is a good video breaking down some rigging techniques for the Alabama Rig.