Shad Wagon

The Shad Wagon is an umbrella rig, also called an Alabama rig, that makes your swimbaits look like a small school of baitfish. It comes in 3-arm and 5-arm versions, with or without blades. It's built with 80 lb snap swivels and pre-bent 1.1mm flexible steel wire for easy rigging, and it ships in a clear tube for easy storage. Each pack includes one rig.

The 3-arm rig with no blades weighs 1/4 oz, and with 3 blades it's 7/16 oz. The 5-arm rig with no blades is 7/16 oz, and with 4 blades it's 11/16 oz. Blades add flash and vibration for stained water and active fish, while no-blade rigs give a more natural look in clear water.

Paddle tail swimbaits on jig heads are the classic choice. The Saucy Swimmer is a great match, and the Saucy Slimmer gives a slimmer baitfish profile. Use similar sizes on each arm to imitate a school, or go slightly bigger on the center arm. A heavy rod like Googan's Muscle XL helps you cast and fight fish on the rig.

Cast it out, let it sink to the depth bass are holding, then reel it back with a slow, steady retrieve so it looks like a school of baitfish. Bump it over structure and pause occasionally. Umbrella rigs shine in cold water, in the fall and winter, and in open water and around ledges where bass chase schools of shad.

Not always. Some states and tournaments limit the number of hooks or baits you can fish on one line, which affects umbrella rigs. Check your local fishing regulations before you fish one. In some areas, anglers rig some arms with hookless baits to stay within the limits.

Orders typically ship within 1–3 business days (excluding weekends and holidays), mainly via USPS, and you'll get a tracking email as soon as yours is on the way. U.S. orders over $99 ship free, and returns are free within 45 days.