The Alabama Rig (aka Umbrella Rig)

Angler holding up a bass caught with the alabama rig.
The Alabama rig is most effective in fall or when there are bass chasing schools of baitfish.

After Paul Elias won the FLW Lake Guntersville Bass Tournament in 2011 using the Alabama Rig, it garnered nationwide attention, and I, like many other anglers, found myself immediately intrigued. As a competitive tournament bass angler, I’m always searching for innovative techniques to help me catch more and larger bass. The Alabama Rig seemed like a game changer, promising to revolutionize the way we approach bass fishing.

At the time, I learned that the going price for an Alabama Rig on eBay was around $45, which felt a bit steep for my budget. Rather than splurge, I decided to get creative and made my own rig using a head scratcher my wife had purchased from Bed, Bath & Beyond. The moment she discovered where my DIY materials came from was priceless, but let’s just say the contraption worked surprisingly well. Despite my initial success, I eventually bought a couple of commercially produced rigs to further enhance my fishing arsenal and ensure consistent performance.

Winning Major Tournaments

In mid-October 2011, I participated in a local team bass tournament on Oneida Lake alongside my fishing partner, Mike Cusano, from Clay, NY. Over the course of the eight-hour event, I utilized the Alabama Rig to land several fish, two of which were key catches that significantly boosted our tournament limit. Our collective efforts ultimately secured our victory and earned us big bass honors.

The following weekend, Cusano entered another team event on Oneida Lake, and his performance was nothing short of spectacular. He achieved the incredible feat of landing 12 smallmouth bass on 12 consecutive casts, finishing in second place and once again taking home the big bass title. I couldn’t have been more excited, but I also recognized that this was just the tip of the iceberg. As a newcomer to the Alabama Rig, I was eager to delve deeper and learn more about the nuances of using this innovative fishing tool.

Alabama Rigs Bring in Hungry Fish

angler in front of a lake holding up a walleye caught with the alabama rig.
The Alabama rig also works on walleye when they are actively feeding.

In my experience, I’ve spent hours casting the Alabama Rig, often for six to seven hours at a stretch, and I’ve landed as many as 35 to 40 fish in a single day. Based on my assessment, it’s a highly effective tool whenever bass are actively chasing or herding baitfish.

To maximize success, bass anglers should take a cue from our trout fishing counterparts and focus on matching the hatch. If the forage in the water is two to three inches long, it’s essential to avoid using larger minnow imitators that measure five or six inches. Instead, aim to use lures that closely resemble the size and appearance of the actual baitfish in the area.

When to Use the Alabama Rig

Fall Success

I started using the Alabama Rig during the second week of October on Oneida Lake and continued to employ it through late fall, right up until the bass season closed in December. The water temperature at the time was around 64 degrees, and I found that umbrella rigs remained effective until the water temperature dipped to the 36-degree range.

For my setup, I used Strike King Shadalicious minnow baits in 4.5 inches, along with small 3.5-inch Keitech swimbaits. I rigged each minnow body type on a 1/4-ounce ball head jig, utilizing 2/0 and 3/0 hooks, and both performed exceptionally well. During the transition from warm fall waters to the colder temperatures of winter, the rig consistently produced results—not only for smallmouth bass but also for walleye and pickerel. This versatility makes the Alabama Rig a valuable addition to any angler’s tackle box as the seasons change.

Lukewarm Spring

This spring, I continued my research, eager to see how well the Alabama Rig would perform as the water warmed. However, I have not yet enjoyed the same level of success that I experienced during the fall-to-winter transition period. While I’ve had numerous bass, pickerel, and pike chase the rig all the way to the boat, they often hesitate and fail to commit. This has been a learning experience, prompting me to explore various retrieval speeds, presentations, and lure combinations to entice these fish into striking.

Not a Sure Thing

During the annual walleye opener on Oneida Lake, I found myself casting the Alabama Rig, only to watch as pickerel or walleye followed it back to the boat, hesitating and turning away at the last second. Meanwhile, my fishing partner, Mike Cusano, was casting a rattle bait and consistently landing fish on nearly every other cast. After he hooked his 15th fish, I recognized that the rig wasn’t producing results, so I switched to the rattle bait and enjoyed a great day on the water as well.

From my experience, here’s what I’ve taken away so far: the Alabama Rig is not a magic bullet for catching fish of any species. If I hadn’t logged over 200 hours fishing with this device, I might hesitate to share my insights with fellow anglers. However, I’m confident in saying this: if you’re fishing waters that have pods or schools of roaming baitfish as the primary forage, it’s worth investing in a couple of these rigs. Under those circumstances, they can produce fish when nothing else will, proving to be an effective tool in the right conditions.

The Best Setup for The Alabama Rig

You don’t need heavy flipping sticks or muskie-grade tackle to effectively cast the Alabama Rig. Initially, I started with an extra heavy action 7′ 6” rod rigged with braided line. However, I gradually experimented with lighter gear on each trip. Now, I prefer using a TFO GTS 735-1, which is a medium heavy 7′ 3″ rod paired with a US Reel 810, spooled with either 15 lb monofilament or 14 lb fluorocarbon line. This setup allows for better sensitivity and control while still providing the strength needed to handle big fish.

Alabama Rig Technique

I simply cast the Alabama Rig out, count it down to the desired depth—usually a foot or two above where I mark most of the fish—and then bring it back with a steady retrieve. This medium heavy tackle performs exceptionally well for this technique. I can cast it all day long without feeling nearly as fatigued compared to when I use heavier equipment. The lighter setup allows for a more enjoyable experience on the water, enabling me to focus on my technique and increase my chances of success.

Scaling Down

You don’t need heavy flipping sticks or muskie-grade tackle to effectively cast the Alabama rig. Initially, I started with an extra-heavy action 7′ 6” rod paired with braided line, thinking that the added strength would enhance my casting ability. However, as I gained more experience and honed my techniques, I began experimenting with lighter gear. Now, I rely on a TFO GTS 735-1, which is a medium-heavy 7′ 3″ rod. This is paired with a US Reel 810 that’s spooled with either 15 lb mono or 14 lb fluorocarbon.

The key to success with the Alabama rig lies not only in the rig itself but also in the tackle used. I cast the rig out, count it down to the desired depth—typically a foot or two above where I’ve marked the majority of the fish—and then retrieve it steadily. This medium-heavy setup has proven to be highly effective; I can cast it all day without feeling the fatigue that often accompanies using heavier equipment.

I believe the mindset of heavy tackle originates from Southern fishing practices, where anglers target striped bass and often contend with six- to eight-pound largemouth bass. In contrast, we don’t encounter those types of fish in our waters. This is why it makes more sense for me to scale down to a balanced setup. It allows for longer fishing sessions with less fatigue, which ultimately translates to more time on the water and greater opportunities for success.

A Great Addition To Your Tackle Box

close up of a smallmouth bass caught with the alabama rig
Burnie Haney gives the umbrella rig an extensive test on Oneida Lake smallmouth bass.

As with any new angling tool, there’s still a wealth of knowledge to be gained about the Alabama rig. However, when targeting game fish that are actively feeding on pods of roaming baitfish, this rig is undoubtedly a valuable addition to your fishing arsenal. While I haven’t yet managed to land more than one fish at a time using the Alabama rig, I remain optimistic. The potential for multiple hookups is there, and I believe that with enough practice and persistence, the day will come when I experience that exhilarating moment.

Each outing with the rig teaches me something new, from the nuances of retrieval speeds to the ideal depth at which to present the bait. The anticipation of a successful catch keeps me motivated, and I look forward to pushing the limits of what this versatile rig can achieve. As I continue to refine my technique and understanding, I have no doubt that the Alabama rig will prove its worth time and again on the water.

Be sure to check the angling regulations for the waters you fish.

Original Article By Burnie Haney

About The Author

Burnie Haney is the Garrison Chief of Operations at Fort Drum NY, Chairman of the Jefferson County Sport Fish Advisory Board, B.A.S.S. Life Member, Public Relations Officer and Sponsor Product Coordinator for the NY BASS Chapter Federation. He is a member FLW and Pro Staff member for Bass Pro Shops Nitro Boats, US Reel, Temple Fork Outfitter Rods, Lucky Craft Lures and VRX Fishing Products. Haney holds three National Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame Line Class World Records (carp, steelhead, Chinook salmon) and one IGFA NY State Line Class Record (walleye). Get in touch with Burnie at burniehaney.com.

This article has been revised by Daniel O’Neill, an experienced angler and writer, to ensure its continued relevance and accuracy. As a result, it may no longer reflect the original author’s views or intentions.

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