Hey guys,
I am wanting to know what everybody's preference on the A-rig is. Also if you want any tips on building your own or how to make a retriever PM me. I have been tinkering with them for a couple years now and I have my ideal rig made. Here is my ideal rig and how to build it. I use .035 stainless wire. I use leader crimps to keep my swivels in place. I use a #3 on the top and a #3.5 on the bottom. I use a swim jig mold to make my hooks. I ground the brush guard nail at an angle so when I pour the lead it doesn't make the brush guard cavity. I like a 4/0 heavy hook that won't bend on big fish. I also like m A-rig as light as possible. I usually rig them with a 1/8 oz head. I also have a wire bender that makes bending the wire easier. I would like to know what rigs everybody else likes and how you rig them. Here are a couple pics of my rig. I also have found out that the Gorilla Brand bottle of super glue last a lot longer than any other super glue I have tried. I put a little bit on the jig head when I rig my bait and it keeps much longer on the bait.



I made my own Arig-retriever. I purchased the lure retriever from Academy that is shaped like a fish. I purchased a retractable dog walker that I attached to. I then purchased the biggest treble hook I could find and put it on the retriever. I ground the ends and crimped the barb. It does a great job of hooking the A-rig wire and pulling it up. I haven't lost one since I started using it. I have torn them up pulling them out of structure though.


Here is my storage bag that I use. I purchased this at academy also


I hope this helps!
Mark

Retriever idea is what I use. BUT I put a big 4-5oz weight on it and some dog chain from my dog's chock collar. I clip on the line with the collar clip. The big weight can dislodge bait and the chain grabs the hooks. Works great on cranks too.

Only time I loose one is when the crank runs up under a limb and does not allow the weight to slide down the line to the bait.

Hey, thanks pardner! Sounds as if you have fished the A-rig a lot.
Question: What or can this rig be set up and fished WITHOUT weighted hooks? Or is it supposed to be weighted to sink fast?
Never used an A-Rig and am new, forgive my stupid question but, LOL, I'm not bashful. If I don't know, I'll ask.
Like your name tag, 'StratosRookie'.....
looks and sounds as if that should be 'StratosPro'.....

Actually that's a good question. You can rig it with regular worm hooks. U can even use one of those hooks with the weedless brush guard to help make it more weedless for very shallow applications it seems to work best for suspended fish that's why most are weighted. They are very effective. Especially for finding fish. I think I will always be a rookie. Way too much to learn about those fish.

Lightness...

Everyone's are too heavy. Even the light ones.

I've requested mine from a private maker without jigheads to reduce weight, and with really expensive titanium wires. No clip swivels either, smaller swivels and O rings. And at least 3 willow blades are a must.

Your's looks really good man. A lot like my finished product.

Dude, I wanna see pictures of your boat, garage and all your other stuff!! You amaze me with your neatness!

I really like your lure retriever. I never thought of hooking it up to a dog leash. Smart idea.

I really like your lure retriever. I never thought of hooking it up to a dog leash. Smart idea.




+1. I agree. Let me know how your customs turn out.

I rarely throw it but from what I've experienced is that it needs to be lighter.

Nice set up! Love the retriever also. Thanks for sharing.

Thanks guys, I like the titanium wire idea. I ordered some. It really wasn't too expensive. I will have to see how it bends though and how stiff it is. That might allow the wires to be a little smaller. I will let y'all know. Keep the ideas coming.

Sorry I had to get off the phone yesterday, try and call you this evening, bro

The titanium snaps back in shape really well. Way better than the lead/steel wire ones. And it takes about 10x more bending back and forth to break an arm. I think you'll be impressed. It's like a giant Terminator spinnerbait.

ha, I read your title and was thinking I would have to tell you that spins on the arm were the way to go, I opened up the thread and you have 2 spins on EACH arm!!!

I don't make any of my own stuff, but I've done a bunch with the a-rig the last year and I think you have a great setup.

Here is my ideal one and have sold about 500 of them the past few months.