A-Rig Alternative

[focused fishing]

Hey Guys, Bill asked me to post some info on an alternative to the A-Rig that I have been throwing for over 20 years. I had written an online article about it about 15 years ago but could not find the original article so here are the highlights:

 

Double Fluke Rig:

A double fluke rig allows you to fish two separate baits on one rod, it is most effective in the spring but has produced winter through early summer. The rig can be fished weightless when fish are suspended in shallow water or high in the water column or by adding nail weights, split shot or belly weighted hooks I’ve had success as deep as 25’ deep.

The beauty of the rig is it’s slow fall and weedless properties. It is very effective when fish are holding in and around the tops of cedar trees and other cover where A-Rigs and jerkbaits can hang up. It’s also cheap, all of the components cost less than a buck or two as compared to $25 jerkbaits and $15+ all in on A-rigs.

The draw back to the rig is it doesn’t cover water very quickly, much like fishing a jerkbait you have to be patient for the rig to be effective. It falls slow, even when weighted and the retrieve requires patience, allowing the bait to fall between jerks or twitches.

Rigging

You’ll need a couple of 4/0 EWG hooks, a couple of small crane swivels about 36” of 10# fluorocarbon and a bag of flukes (I like white, but whatever you have confidence in).

Take 12” of fluorocarbon tie a hook on one end and a swivel on the other

Take the remaining fluorocarbon and tie the other hook and swivel on the ends

Run your main line from your rod (more on the rod / reel / line in a minute) through the eye of the swivel on the shorter leader. Don’t tie it to the line allow it to slide up and down the main line.

Tie the main line to the swivel on the longer leader.

Rig your flukes on the hooks and you’re ready to go

 

 

A weightless rig will sink about a foot every two seconds, with nail weights about a foot a second, small split shot a little faster. (all on 10# fluorocarbon main line)

I like to use a 7’ medium heavy rod with either a fast or very fast tip, high speed bait cast reel and 10# fluorocarbon line.

Working the Rig

Cast the rig toward the bank or cover, allow it sink to the desired depth on a semi slack line ( you’ll get a lot of bites on the initial fall) then retrieve with a series of twitches and pauses back to the boat.

In warmer water work the bait faster in colder water slower.

When you hook up take your time playing the fish, if there are other fish in the area there is a high probability of doubling up once fish is hooked.

The bait is most effective in the spring but I have had success in the winter around trees and other cover and again in the heat of the summer around large boat docks.

A double fluke rig is a good alternative to an A-Rig, I personally have used it in tournaments that don’t allow A-Rigs but make sure to check with tournament officials before using it.

[Bill Babler]

Dude, way beyond the call.  There you go boys, everyone is wanting something else and here it is.  Probably one of the best written articles I have seen posted on this site.

I can remember when Eric posted this and there was no such thing as a A-Rig.  Pretty much way before its time. 

About that time Mike McCelland was fishing a similar 2 bait rig  with Storm Wild Eye Shad.  Beck and I used it to win a Big Derby.  I think it was 5 or 6 yrs. ago, maybe more.

The beauty of Eric's rig is you can fish this on much lighter tackle, even a spinning rig.   As he pointed out it is also pretty durn  weedless. On the Wild Eye Shad deal you still need a pretty heavy rod.  

Thanks Eric

[Quillback]

Thanks for taking the time to write that up, that looks like a deadly set-up!

[snagged in outlet 3]

I used it way back with a 3 way swivel.  In clear water you could see two or 3 fish at time following and striking it.

I don't remember where I saw it back then and it might have been this article.

[Champ188]

Well written and illustrated, Eric. How-to articles are the meat and potatoes of outdoor writing.

Good to see you here again. Don't be a stranger.

[Dhunter1]

Great info. Thank you!

[dan hufferd]

That pretty much answers my question, thank you ! I will be making some.

[Nitro 750]

Great info, thanks!!!!!

[moguy1973]

Also called the donkey rig.  Has some great action in the water.

[cheesemaster]

Is the importance of the fluorocarbon for the sinking or the no stretch? Maybe both?