Umbrella In Ozark Rivers. Anybody Ever Try Them?

[Blazerman]

I keep seeing where these Umbrella Rigs, or multi-bait rigs are tearing up the bass at the lakes. That got me to wondering if they might work in some of the larger Ozark streams like the Meramec or Gasconade.

Seems like in some of the bigger deeper pools they might work for smallmouth, spots or largemouth.

I have never used one so I have no knowledge of them. Do they catch other fish as well like walleye, whites or hybrids? Also, I think I read where in Missouri you can only use three hooks. Seems like I usually see them with five baits. So do you put five on but only three have hooks? Also, what type of bait is most commonly used?

Any info would be appreciated.

[Wayne SW/MO]

I intend to use one this spring in some bigger water for hybrids, but only because it would be practical in my opinion. I don't see them in the rivers. I know many are using them for the white run around here, but because the white run is heavily dependent on location I didn't see anyone last year doing as well as the jig and plastic guys that were in the right spot.

You can only use 3 hooks and I've heard that some simply add a couple of hookless baits to them or cut them. I saw that this year Yum is making a triple.

[MOsmallies]

I'm sure they would work on the rivers, but they are probably not an optimal choice. For the most part, the one's used on the lakes are rather large and once fully rigged weigh upwards of 3 to 5 oz. If fished in the right place at the right time, they can be very effective on Bass as well as Whites/Hybrids.

If you are serious about throwing one on our ozark streams, I would suggest trying the smaller, "finesse" versions. I would also try to find one with a silicone head, so it doesn't sink as fast in our mostly shallow streams. That should allow you to keep it higher in the water column where the aggressive fish usually are and also reduce the amount of snags...

http://www.tacklewarehouse.com/BOSS_Silicone_Head_Compact_Swimbait_Harness/descpage-BOSSCSH.html

http://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Power_Tackle_Finesse_Get_Em_Going_Rig/descpage-PTGEGRF.html

http://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Picasso_School_E_Rig_Finesse/descpage-PSERF.html

You are correct in only 3 out of the five baits can have hooks (do the middle and bottom 2). The top baits need to be dummies (hookless) or you could use spinnerbait blades to add more flash.

It's a very intriguing technique for our streams as smallmouth often run in packs and fight over baits. We've all caught smallies that during the fight have several other smallies trying to rip the bait out of the hooked one's mouth. Let us know how it works out if you decide to give it a try!

Paul

MOsmallies

[Gavin]

I cant imagine that it would not work...A big triple spin works well for me at times..