GEARING UP
BIG GEAR FOR BIG FISH
Umbrella Rigging for Hefty Prespawners
By Tyler Brinks
PHOTO BY JUSTIN ONSLOW
The umbrella rig is undoubtedly one of the best ways to catch big prespawn bass , even though it remains one of the most controversial lures in bass fishing . It ’ s been 10 years since Paul Elias pushed the lure into the national spotlight with his win at Lake Guntersville , and it ’ s still catching big fish all over the country at all times of year .
It also happens to shine brightest during the pre-spawn period , when bass are feeding heavily and moving up to shallower water .
Most bass anglers either love it or hate it , but nobody denies the umbrella rig ( also known as the Alabama rig or “ A-rig ”) works . The fact that it ’ s been banned from top-level professional tournaments has added to the lure ’ s divisive nature .
APRIL-MAY 2021 | MAJORLEAGUEFISHING . COM 83