Pass this on: Barlow;s.com; 10 unfinished rigs for 39.95 Swivels for 6.95 x2 and some eyes for a few more bucks. Ordered mine dec.25th

2 week wait. But I know I won;t be crying if I get hung up. Won't be a 40 to 50 dollar loss w/baits and all.

I had been researching to make my own when I stumbled on to this bulk package

For now I did get one from powertackle for 25 plus tax no shipping cause they make them here in town.

My town: Del Rio Texas. My lake: Amistad.

1. Anyone has tried this rig and what are the results?

I fished the A rig on Wheeler, on Gunts, and on Lay this past year. The results were very mixed to very good. In the situation that fish are actively on schooling shad, it's a killer bait. It's far more successful than a single crank.

2. Is a 7 foot or longer heavy cating rod necessary?

Is it necessary? I suppose that, no, you could throw the rig on a 6-6 glas rod, but why? I've been throwing it on a Crucial Swimbait rod. 7-11 MH. The casting distance is sometimes key, the 7-11 also makes it very manageable when you set the hook with the big rig, you get more tip speed to drive the hooks home.

3. What ratio reel are you using?

I currently have a Calcutta TE 200GT that is 5:1, I'd actually prefer a 6.4:1 for a bit more speed sometimes.

4. What line test are you using?

20lb Tatsu, I've also used 60lb Kanzen Braid and it worked adequately. I just prefer fluorocarbon for the application.

5. If you have used the rig does it make you tired after using it and if so, how long did it take to get you tired?

No, it's actually a relatively easy rig to throw once you get the lob cast down. It's no different than chuck and wind swimbait fishing for a day. It's far less tiring than fishing... Say a Mann's 30+ all day. I'd probably equate it to fishing a 3/4 ounce spinnerbait all day, same sort of drag, same sort of feel.

6. Have you used the original Alabama Rig or another version, and if another version, where did you get it?

I've used the original and I've used a Picasso and Sworming Hornet. All were purchased in AL at a shop I frequent.

7. I know you can use the rig on lakes. Has anyone used it on rivers?

It works excellent in current. That's all I'm going to say about that.

The rig does have it's ups and downs. It's a fun way to fish, one that makes a lot of sense. I've fished it in areas that the five baits aren't legal, which meant I had to either clip wires or go with dummies. I had many instances that I had fish eath the dummies once I had another fish on. It's amazing how Spots will wolf-pack it. When they're on it, they're on it!

I thought about going with a lighter rig also so i rigged the one i made with 1/8oz jig heads. Haven't had a chance to use it yet but i did read/see somewhere that a higher speed reel was better to keep the heavier baits moving faster and up more in the water column.

you can rig the outside baits on plain hooks and weigh the middle one only, of course you could also put the trolling motor on high and get a rodholder....