Andrew's Adventures

An Alabama Rig made in Illinois

Wed, February 15, 2012

Anglers are a predictable species, just like the fish we target.

If a tackle manufacturer releases a new product we haven’t seen before, or something new and innovative, we cannot help ourselves but bite the bait with our wallets.

In case you haven’t heard in the last four months, Alabama rigs, also known as umbrella rigs, are the latest craze in the fishing world. Since their much-acclaimed introduction into the bass fishing tournament circuits, they’ve proven to be equally irresistible to bass anglers.

Multi-lure rigs aren’t a new invention. They’ve actually been used for decades by deep-sea trollers and off-shore anglers. But then an independent tackle manufacturer named Andy Poss modified that design and made the rig compact enough to cast and be used for bass fishing. Since then, numerous tackle manufacturers across the country began to create their own versions of the “A-Rig.”

One tackle manufacturer that has taken the next step in expanding is business is Chicago-based Sims Spinners.

With their shop located in south suburban Evergreen Park, IL, Sims Spinners debuted its version of the Alabama rig at the 19th annual Tinley Park Fishing Show, held on February 11 and 12, 2012.

This rig has been created on the notion that multiple baits work better than one.

“Why not build one of these for the business?! Or one hundred for that matter! From a piece of metal, to the finished product, we have arrived!” claimed owners and manufacturing partners, Dan Sims and David Mannion.

And so it began.

Named the “Dream Catcher,” the rig features a central 1/2 oz. jig head attached to five 8 inch wire lines with attached premium ball bearing swivels that fan out from the central jig. Anglers are then free to clip their favorite lures onto the rig. The most common baits used in collaboration with the rig are shad profiled plastics and swimbaits.

As the rig is pulled through the water, the multiple lures look like a small school of fleeing suspended bait fish.

Until the Dream Catcher operation fully takes foot and establishes its market in Chicago and the surrounding Upper Midwest region, their main focus is on two main color schemes for the rig. According to Sims, “Sexy shad, and gloss black are going to be our main focus right now, with a few additional ‘sexy’ colors, and possibly custom shades coming soon.”

It is indicative that Sims Spinners has invested a lot of time in crafting its version of the rig. “In the last few weeks, we have put in a lot of time to get this rig perfect,” said Mannion. “From machining, to polishing, welding, pouring and painting, it’s been good times!” added Sims.

Sims Dream Catchers are available for $14.99, significantly cheaper and more affordable than just about any other version of the Alabama Rig. For instance, it is much more affordable than the original, including variations from major manufacturers, and significantly less than anything that is currently offered at retail giants such as Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s.

“$14.99, is our price. Every single bait is made from our shop, by us, for you guys!” exclaimed the two.

The Alabama rig may revolutionize the way we fish for suspended bass. There are some warnings to consider, though.

The typical Alabama rig contains five to eight wire arms. Since it’s illegal for Illinois anglers to have more than two poles in the water at a single time, it is recommended for anglers to tip three wires with hookless baits. There are ways around the regulation, however. If anglers clip the hooks off three lures or replaces those lures with spinning blades or ‘dummy baits’ to attract fish, the rig is perfectly legal on just about every waterway.

If using the Dream Catcher in 2012, it is recommended you should follow the same on bodies of water or other states that carry restrictions.

Before giving the Dream Catcher a try, check your state’s regulations. You might want to hurry, though, before the demand for them grows!

Sims Spinners debuted its Dream Catcher at Chicago’s Tinley Park Fishing Show on Saturday, February 11, 2012. Pictured are co-owners, Dan Sims and David Mannion, and rod manufacturing partner, Matt Coppolino of MC Custom Rods Inc.

Sims Spinners Dream Catcher :: Key Facts:

• Crafted and assembled in the USA.
• 8 inches long, weighs 1/2 oz. unrigged.
• ZERO leaders are used within its construction.
• Due to length, lures will never tangle.
• Easy to cast - based on poolside demos.
• Catch limits quickly/ Catch multiple fish at once!
• Represents suspended, schooling baitfish when retrieved.
• Recommended use for soft plastic shads, grubs, and swimbaits.

Click here to place your order.

Visit Online: http://www.sims-spinners.com/

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