Key to the A-rig
by Capt. Mike Gerry
Since Paul Elias won the FLW on Guntersville no bait has caught more big fish or won more tournaments than the A-rig. The combination of a cluster bait on an umbrella look rig coupled with swim baits and flash has just become deadly. It was said that the bass just can’t help themselves, that the bait is irresistible; they could be correct as tournament after tournament is seeing bigger sacks and more fish at every event from one part of the county to the other.
The key though as in any bait is fishing where the fish are: meaning that you still have to locate the bass in order to catch them, that hasn’t changed. However the bait does give many more options than ever, the presence of bait fish generally gets you a fish. Locations that may have never produced are becoming someone’s honey hole and it has made finding fish easier for most.
The bait is at its best when you are slow rolling it on the bottom, that tantalizing slow movement is just deadly; generally speaking if you are seeing bait you can catch fish on an A-Rig! There are very few secrets to this bait; rigged properly with heavy line and a strong extra heavy rod allows you to bring those big fish to the boat.
The few down sides I see is it is an expensive bait, by the time you buy the rig add jig heads and swim baits you have close to $50 in the bait and losing one hurts your pocket book. I have also noticed that the bass are moving off certain areas after being caught by the A-rig; they get beat up and physically hurt pretty good and when a fisherman wears out a specific spot the bass seem to feel the fishing pressure and move off that area.
The A-rig is a fish catching machine, just slow roll it and it will do the rest!
About the author: Captain Mike Gerry
Living in the North Alabama Area since the 70's and fishing Lake Guntersville for over 35 years. I have many published fishing articles world wide in magazines, newspapers and on-line magazines. I offer the most comprehensive information for Lake Guntersville, fishing tips, reports, and featured articles. I challenge you to utilize my Professional Guide Service and compare the knowledge, friendliness and good time on the water to anyone. Captain Mike Gerry can be reached at his website for Fish Lake Guntersville Guide Service at www.fishlakeguntersvilleguideservice.com or by phone at (256) 759-2270. Email bassguide@comcast.net
