Here's a tip I learned on someone's video. On the dummy baits, dont use the springs. Instead use a lighter jig than your lower baits, like a light ned rig, and cut the hook off a the bend. So you will have a jig head with only a jig head with a straight shank and a bait holder, but no exposed hook. The jig head weight will keep your dummy baits running as tru as your lower baits. Also, if you want a viable switch up bait, get out a tail spinner, like the old little George. There are several good new versions out, but I have the tail spinner mold from Do-It and I make my own.
I was lucky to have a buddy that got me fishing A rigs before the rest of the crowd. For the first 2 or 3 years, we had many days catching 50+ bass and dominated our clubs' spring tournaments at Table Rock and LOZ. But with each year the larger older bass got wiser to it and so adjustments were needed like trying non bladed rigs, having rigs with very small baits, spraying scent on the baits regularly, putting red or chartreuse dye on the middle rear bait. So lots of nuances matter. That was all before FFS allowed you to see how the fish were following and reacting which changed the game entirely.
@@BodeknockerBrumbill that’s exactly what I’m figuring out currently. Way late to the party, but I just don’t like fishing them unless I absolutely have to.
Thank you!!! I’ve struggled with the A-rig and have had the same frustrations you have so it’s good to hear I’m not alone! Casting them is the worst and can’t figure out if I’m using the wrong pole or they are just terrible to cast
You’re definitely not alone! The bladeless A-Rigs are much easier to cast and I use a 7’2” MH BPS rod for those. The blades rigs are still a pain and I’m going back and forth with a 7’6” and 7’10” H or MH BPS rod and both wear me out after 6-7 hours of fishing. One tip I can share is you have to wait just a little longer on the back cast for the rod to load up before making the forward cast…. Kinda like fly fishing. Good luck!
Okay Randy, first off, another great video. I like your approach and your way of thinkin'. Keep it up. That being said, after 47 years of bass fishing I think I AM done. After a 20 year layoff I just can't get back into the rhythm of things and I don't think I want to. I threw the A-rig today for the first time ever in a tournament, and I freakin' HATE it. I've fished it a few times and there will be no love lost if I chunk the ones I have. And since I also detest FFS I reckon I'm screwed all the way around. I'm not a negative person by nature, but after 20 months back at this sport I'm coming to realize that it's probably not for an old un-teachable dinosaur like me. Now, those Smalljaws on a river... Keep it up sir, and best of luck to you. Peace.
Yes sir old boy, time for you to lay down now. Canoes n cane poles aren't around much anymore. Doesn't sound like you were a real big bass fisherman to begin with😮 just saying😊
@@oldschoolbassin I know how you feel DW. It’s frustrating as hell to see how fishing pressure and technology has changed their behavior. Don’t let it steal your love for the game though!
Those A-Rigs are their own mess for sure lol. Your Gasconade plan sounds like a winner. I live about 3 miles away from Jerome and use to own nice Jet Boat back in the late 80's and early 90's. There are some real nice smallies on that river. Best of luck to you.
One tip I have tried and have had good results with is upsizing the middle bait so it stands out from the rest. Most times, the fish will hit the bigger bait. Tight lines!
Try changing one of the swimbaits to a larger size and different color I seen some guys do that. A like your examples of how to work problems good teacher. I also have jet boat can’t wait to see your trip to Gasconade River
Here's a tip I learned on someone's video. On the dummy baits, dont use the springs. Instead use a lighter jig than your lower baits, like a light ned rig, and cut the hook off a the bend. So you will have a jig head with only a jig head with a straight shank and a bait holder, but no exposed hook. The jig head weight will keep your dummy baits running as tru as your lower baits. Also, if you want a viable switch up bait, get out a tail spinner, like the old little George. There are several good new versions out, but I have the tail spinner mold from Do-It and I make my own.
Appreciate the tips!
I was lucky to have a buddy that got me fishing A rigs before the rest of the crowd. For the first 2 or 3 years, we had many days catching 50+ bass and dominated our clubs' spring tournaments at Table Rock and LOZ. But with each year the larger older bass got wiser to it and so adjustments were needed like trying non bladed rigs, having rigs with very small baits, spraying scent on the baits regularly, putting red or chartreuse dye on the middle rear bait. So lots of nuances matter. That was all before FFS allowed you to see how the fish were following and reacting which changed the game entirely.
@@BodeknockerBrumbill that’s exactly what I’m figuring out currently. Way late to the party, but I just don’t like fishing them unless I absolutely have to.
Thank you!!! I’ve struggled with the A-rig and have had the same frustrations you have so it’s good to hear I’m not alone!
Casting them is the worst and can’t figure out if I’m using the wrong pole or they are just terrible to cast
You’re definitely not alone! The bladeless A-Rigs are much easier to cast and I use a 7’2” MH BPS rod for those. The blades rigs are still a pain and I’m going back and forth with a 7’6” and 7’10” H or MH BPS rod and both wear me out after 6-7 hours of fishing. One tip I can share is you have to wait just a little longer on the back cast for the rod to load up before making the forward cast…. Kinda like fly fishing. Good luck!
Hey great information. This is exactly the kind of video that I really like. You gave the information I am always asking about and wondering about.
Glad to hear it! The goal is to share information backed by actual footage. Not just the talking head stuff.
Okay Randy, first off, another great video. I like your approach and your way of thinkin'. Keep it up. That being said, after 47 years of bass fishing I think I AM done. After a 20 year layoff I just can't get back into the rhythm of things and I don't think I want to. I threw the A-rig today for the first time ever in a tournament, and I freakin' HATE it. I've fished it a few times and there will be no love lost if I chunk the ones I have. And since I also detest FFS I reckon I'm screwed all the way around. I'm not a negative person by nature, but after 20 months back at this sport I'm coming to realize that it's probably not for an old un-teachable dinosaur like me. Now, those Smalljaws on a river... Keep it up sir, and best of luck to you. Peace.
Yes sir old boy, time for you to lay down now. Canoes n cane poles aren't around much anymore. Doesn't sound like you were a real big bass fisherman to begin with😮 just saying😊
@@oldschoolbassin I know how you feel DW. It’s frustrating as hell to see how fishing pressure and technology has changed their behavior. Don’t let it steal your love for the game though!
@@scottjacopian3191 I was a real bass fisherman when they WERE real, thirty years ago.
@@randydomanoutdoors225 No sir, probably just not the tournament game. Peace.
Those A-Rigs are their own mess for sure lol. Your Gasconade plan sounds like a winner. I live about 3 miles away from Jerome and use to own nice Jet Boat back in the late 80's and early 90's. There are some real nice smallies on that river. Best of luck to you.
Appreciate it Mike!
Nice hat! Great video!
@@MidwestOutdoorExperience ha! Thought you guys would like that. Happy New Year!
One tip I have tried and have had good results with is upsizing the middle bait so it stands out from the rest. Most times, the fish will hit the bigger bait. Tight lines!
Thanks! Will give that a try.
Bring on the river videos! The meramac has been good fishing lately to 👍
Excellent!
I use a swimbait jig head with a wire hook guard. It works well. Give those a try
Will do. Thanks!
Try changing one of the swimbaits to a larger size and different color I seen some guys do that. A like your examples of how to work problems good teacher. I also have jet boat can’t wait to see your trip to Gasconade River
Appreciate the tip!
Great video. Happy New Year.
Happy New Year Rick!
lol Arigs are tough. I’m in the same boat as you Randy ( forcing myself to fish them this year )
@@thebasswicker6294 yep. Better late than never I guess. Just wonder what it would have been like 3-4 years ago when it was “easy”. 🤣
Great video!!
Thanks Jack!
What size line did you use with the A rig?
@@woody65536 25 lb Trilene Big Game on the bladed. 20 lb Seaguar fluorocarbon on the non-bladed.
If l have to use an A-rig to catch fish I would rather not fish! Not fun to cast, not fun to reel in, just not worth the trouble.
My favorite lure is what the fish are biting
@@2SlyLures agree on the first two points, and hoping to disprove the third! 🤣. Happy New Year!
Struggle to watch this my friend. Hate a-rigs and Forward Facing Gaydar. I’ll keep watching though
Oh I get it. Not a fan of either myself, but also not a fan of getting whooped regularly either!