UMBRELLA RIGS
GEAR GUIDE
THE UMBRELLA RIG HAS BECOME ONE OF THE BEST techniques to trigger bites from bass any time of year . Composed of wires , jig heads , swimbaits and a host of terminal tackle , the umbrella rig accurately mimics a school of baitfish or smaller forage and represents a substantial meal for opportunistic predators .
In this guide , we ’ ll go over the best setup for throwing an umbrella rig , provide modification and rigging methods , and share some tips and tricks to improve success on the water . Suggested Rigs : HogFarmer Baits Tactical Bassin Flex Rig 5 Blade ( pictured ) Yumbrella Flash Mob Jr G Funk Baits Bama Rig Bladed
REELS
A 200- or 300-size baitcasting or round reel will provide enough capacity to hold plenty of fishing line and ensure you aren ’ t dumping the whole spool on a long cast . Any gear ratio between 6:1 and 7:1 allows anglers to pick up line efficiently . From the spring through the fall , faster retrieve speeds are generally more effective , while in the colder winter months , it ' s best to slow down and dredge the bottom when the fish are lethargic . Suggested Reels : Daiwa Tatula 200 Casting Reel ( pictured ) Shimano Curado 300K Casting Reel Daiwa Lexa TWS 300 Casting Reel
LINE With so many swimbaits , blades and other components coming through the water , fish are less likely to focus on your line , so if you can get away with using heavier line , do it . Typically , most anglers prefer 20- to 25-pound-test fluorocarbon , with some even opting for straight braid , especially around shallow vegetation . However , if you ’ re struggling to get bites when you think you should or have a lighter rig tied up , don ’ t hesitate to drop down to 12- to 17-pound-test fluorocarbon .
RODS
If you don ’ t want to spend the money to buy a specialized rod for umbrella rigs , some anglers will simply use a lighter-powered swimbait rod with lure ratings that meet or exceed the size of the rig they want to throw . Umbrella rigs come in dramatically different shapes , weights and sizes , but for most situations , a 7 ’ 6 ” to 8 ’ heavypower rod with moderate to fast action will get the job done . Suggested Rods : 13 Fishing Defy Black Swimbait Casting Rod 8 ' Heavy ( pictured ) Abu Garcia Veritas PLX TE Casting 7 ' 6 " Heavy Dobyns Champion XP Full Cast Rod 7 ' 6 " Heavy 764
MODIFICATIONS AND RIGGING
When you consider all of the wires , hardware and swimbaits on an umbrella rig , weight can add up very quickly , so if you use heavier jig heads or big swimbaits , just be mindful that a heavy rig can wear you out over a long day of fishing . For most presentations , any 1 / 8- to 1 / 2-ounce jig head with a 30- or 60-degree line tie is a great place to start . Always be sure to check your local regulations regarding how many hooks you can have on your umbrella rig , as regulations vary from state to state , and you may need to use a couple of unrigged dummy heads or teasers in order to remain compliant .
TIPS AND TRICKS During the warmer months , don ’ t be afraid to go shallow and throw it around cover . In the cold months , be mindful of your retrieve speed , as you may need to slow things way down to motivate lethargic fish to chase it down . Try incorporating a few sharp pumps of the reel handle during the retrieve ; this flexes the wire and causes the rig to “ breathe ,” creating the illusion of an evading school of baitfish that can trigger bass into biting .
Umbrella rigs are bulky , loaded with hooks , and known for being difficult to store , so try using a wacky worm O-ring behind the head of an umbrella rig to collapse and store them more efficiently when they are not in use .
SWIMBAIT COLORS
Natural shad patterns and small forage imitations dominate the spectrum of popular color choices , as the umbrella rig is specifically designed to mimic a small school of unsuspecting baitfish . When fishing bright bluebird skies or gin-clear water , realistic and translucent shad colors excel when the water column floods with light , visibility improves and the fish become more discerning .
Alternatively , low-light conditions , overcast skies and stained or dirty water may call for the use of solid color patterns that create a more defined silhouette underwater . Utilizing an assortment of similar , but not exactly the same color baits or heads , can also help break up the uniformity of the rig and provide a more natural look . Also , keep a chartreuse scent marker handy so you can add a pop of color to the tails or body of your swimbaits and help fish locate your umbrella rig .
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58 MAJORLEAGUEFISHING . COM | OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2022