Fishing advances now make it easier than ever to mimic baitfish schools and draw out aggressive strikes. The umbrella rig is another popular method of multibait delivery, also known as a spreader rig, of which the Alabama rig is the most well-known model. For as close as they may appear, there are certainly differences between the two, and understanding those variations and knowing when to use which technique, such as casting vs trolling, can be crucial to your success on the water.

What Is the Alabama Rig?

The Alabama rig, commonly known as an “A-rig”, is a multiple-wire device. It permits anglers to attach several swimbaits or lures, mimicking a small school of baitfish. Usual 3-5 pieces of wire arms, with a snap swivel at the end of each arm for connecting fishing lures or teasers.

What Is the Umbrella Rig?

The umbrella rig, or U-rig as it's commonly known in saltwater or trolling, is a more encompassing term. It is similar in concept to what has become known as the Alabama rig, but typically larger and designed to be pulled behind a moving boat. Traditional umbrella rigs are generally designed for trolling at greater depths and rates of speed, and with heavier weights and stiffer arms to endure that constant drag.

Casting vs Trolling - Which Rig Is King In Various Places?

Casting with Alabama Rigs

When you know you are targeting suspended fish, bass feeding on shad or predators relating to structure. Modern tackle and lighter setups allow you to work the A-rig down grass lines, beneath docks or over sunken timber, and it is deadly in freshwater and a lock in some inshore salt too.

You can feel all the bumps and thumps, so with the casting, you have more control and you can do different types of retrieves, with fast, pauses and erratic action. For this, you can also use Ji Head.

Trolling with Umbrella Rigs

Trolling excels when fish are spread out or when you want to cover ground. The proper umbrella rig lets you target fish at a certain depth by adjusting weight and speed. Saltwater: The most common method among anglers here on Long Island to troll umbrella rigs is to use a downrigger or lead core line to get to those depths where fish such as stripers or kingfish are found.

You can also troll with Alabama rigs and catch fish, particularly in freshwater. They’re generally smaller, and they don’t hold up as long when high-speed trolling.

Key Differences in Setup and Use

When to Use an Alabama Rig?

• Fish tend to group where there is cover or bait (logs, rocks, underwater foliage, suspended over deep water).

• In freshwater lakes and rivers

• In the weeks leading into the spawn during the fall feeding 

• Some of these cranks give you a little more control over your retrieve.

When to Use an Umbrella Rig?

Open /deep water scattered fish:

• When you want to achieve slow or fast speeds

• For striped bass or tuna when covering water 

• When trying to emulate bait balls or small groups of bait fish. 

FAQs

Can I fish the Alabama Rig in saltwater?

Yes, but rinse your gear well. The rig is designed for freshwater, though it also will catch inshore species if conditions are right.

Is Alabama and Umbrella Rigs Legal in All States?

No. In some states, you are only allowed 2-3 hooks per rig. Don’t forget to check local fishing laws before you fish away with any of the listed products.

What Rod and Reel to Use for Alabama Rigs?

Depends on the depth and speed both Medium and Heavy action rods with fast action are a great place to start. Both baitcasting and spinning reels can be used but most prefer a bait caster with 20-65 lb braided line. You will want robust gear that can bear the weight of the rig, as well as any large catches you reel in.

Can I cast an umbrella rig?

Not really, most people troll Umbrella rigs. They are typically much heavier than Alabama rigs and meant for larger saltwater species. Think tuna, king mackerel and mahi! 

What is the best learning rig?

The Alabama Rig is much easier to use and doesn’t require a boat. It’s a sweet setup for beginners who want to dabble with multi-lure fishing when casting from the bank or a small boat.

Conclusion

The Alabama Rig and the Umbrella Rig. Both the Alabama Rig and the Umbrella Rig are great at doubling your chances of catching two fish at the same time. The trick is to find the right one for where and how you’re fishing. If you’re on foot or you’d like control, use the Alabama Rig. If you’re on open waters with a boat with the ability to troll, the Umbrella Rig will cover more ground.

Understand your tools, obey local laws and hone your techniques. Over time, you will find the best rig for how you fish.