Tips for fishing an A-rig

[stuck1]

I've found some tricks to fishing and storing the A-rig. First, I picked up a rod suitable for the A-rig. Its an Okuma Guide Select Big Bait Rod. I bought the telescoping version, and it handles the A-rig with ease. With this rod, I seem to not have near the casting issues I was having trying to use a flipping stick. The rod is rated to a 10oz bait. I picked it up through amazon for around $100. Second, I got tired of not really having a way to store the rig conveniently, so I thought about trying to make a tube that i could slightly compress the limbs of the rig into. But, while at my local tackle store, who also sells paintball supplies, I saw these containers that have a flip top. The rig fits into these really well into them even with the baits still on them. Now I have 3 of them, labeled for what type of bait is on them. The lid seals well so I can add scent if desired, and I can change out between the different rigs quickly, thanks in part to a saltwater swivel. I gave around $3 per container. I just thought I'd share, in case some were have the same issues I was.

[Tim_T]

I've found some tricks to fishing and storing the A-rig. First, I picked up a rod suitable for the A-rig. Its an Okuma Guide Select Big Bait Rod. I bought the telescoping version, and it handles the A-rig with ease. With this rod, I seem to not have near the casting issues I was having trying to use a flipping stick. The rod is rated to a 10oz bait. I picked it up through amazon for around $100. Second, I got tired of not really having a way to store the rig conveniently, so I thought about trying to make a tube that i could slightly compress the limbs of the rig into. But, while at my local tackle store, who also sells paintball supplies, I saw these containers that have a flip top. The rig fits into these really well into them even with the baits still on them. Now I have 3 of them, labeled for what type of bait is on them. The lid seals well so I can add scent if desired, and I can change out between the different rigs quickly, thanks in part to a saltwater swivel. I gave around $3 per container. I just thought I'd share, in case some were have the same issues I was.

As far as fishing them I really don't have a lot of experience, did use one off and on for two days while on Guntersville back in March. The guide I fished with used twist ties from a bread package to keep his stored and it seemed to work okay.

[joeyblueblood]

I've found some tricks to fishing and storing the A-rig. First, I picked up a rod suitable for the A-rig. Its an Okuma Guide Select Big Bait Rod. I bought the telescoping version, and it handles the A-rig with ease. With this rod, I seem to not have near the casting issues I was having trying to use a flipping stick. The rod is rated to a 10oz bait. I picked it up through amazon for around $100. Second, I got tired of not really having a way to store the rig conveniently, so I thought about trying to make a tube that i could slightly compress the limbs of the rig into. But, while at my local tackle store, who also sells paintball supplies, I saw these containers that have a flip top. The rig fits into these really well into them even with the baits still on them. Now I have 3 of them, labeled for what type of bait is on them. The lid seals well so I can add scent if desired, and I can change out between the different rigs quickly, thanks in part to a saltwater swivel. I gave around $3 per container. I just thought I'd share, in case some were have the same issues I was.

i'm interested in the storage tube. can you tell me where you got? was it at curtsingers? i live in stanford so you are very close. you can I me if you want. thx.

[Brandon__]

i'm interested in the storage tube. can you tell me where you got? was it at curtsingers? i live in stanford so you are very close. you can I me if you want. thx.

i would assume something like this http://www.paintball-online.com/sites/paintball/images/big/TBPAP_big.jpg

[stuck1]

Thats the tube Im talking about, and yes I bought them at Curtsingers.

[CP-Procaster]

The tubes are called pods in the paintball world.I use to play all over the states back in the day and there for holding extra paintballs while playing so you could reload quick and easy.thanks for sharing because i still have plenty of them laying around here that I will put to good use.Another great idea I wondered upon is the gatorade bottle technique.This is for when you have one tied on and dont want it tangled up in every other rod ya have.Simply take a bigger bottle or a regular size one may work.Cut the bottom out,and slide it down your rod over your eyes and over your rig until all the wires are in the bottle and not dangling out and about.Works great.

[stuck1]

I have heard of that, but not tried it. I may have to give it a shot though. There really is nothing convenient about this rig, but it does catch fish. I have in the past month or so had one on the deck at all times, but all the arms get in the way. Other than the tubes though, the big swim bait rod, has been the best thing since sliced bread. I really suggest that, if you're going to fish these rigs, give it a try. It went from being in pain from trying to cast a basketball, to being somewhat comfortable because the equipment matches the tackle.

[Fntsyfbgod]

There are so many negatives to this rig price, snags, tangles, special setup, wears you out. I think alot of recreational fisherman will pass on it especially on lakes where snags are a problem. Its one thing if you put in a persons hands on a spot where they are eating it good but when you gotta get on some fish with it many will pass.

[Tahoeman]

Two tips I would have are 1) use 80lbs braid, 2) have a pole ready to retreive if needed. I use a garden hoe handle with a hook screwed into it. Also BPS sales a A-Rig 3700 box, it holds 4 rigs and baits. It is made by plano, around $7. Also in Zona's fishing show it talked about using a different color bait and jug head on the middle bait to get more strikes, I have tried it that way but too early to tell if it makes a difference.

[stuck1]

There are so many negatives to this rig price, snags, tangles, special setup, wears you out. I think alot of recreational fisherman will pass on it especially on lakes where snags are a problem. Its one thing if you put in a persons hands on a spot where they are eating it good but when you gotta get on some fish with it many will pass.

Oh I know all too well what you are saying. When (yes I mean WHEN) you lose one, it will make you sick as you add up the $ sitting on the bottom. At the same time, that is fishing. Ive never hung one up that I couldn't retrieve..yet. But as far as wearing you out, and the issue of losing one because you backlashed and snapped 65# braid, thats what pointed me towards the specialized rod. I consider myself a weekend warrior, but I personally like fishing this setup. Ive also noticed a "chumming effect" where once the fish start biting this, they'll bite about anything for a short period of time. I thought it was just wishful thinking, but it happens time and time again. Many times I'm firing them up for the person on the back deck.