Alabama Rig

[Quillback]

Read an interview where one of the FLW honchos said that they had no intention of banning the A-rig in FLW tourneys.

[SirSnookalot]

I agree with Fishing Rhino 100%, I've used umbrella rigs for stripers and it's certainly not sportfishing. I use12/0 limerick hooks to make up my barracuda tubes, which are offshoots of striper rigs. Catching 2 or 3 15# bluefish on an umbrella rig would be quite a feat.

A double fluke rig does not have to be used with a heavier rod, less weight and less water resistance. I substitute a fly for the top fluke, we call it a drop fly rig and use it for snook and tarpon.

Cuda tube

[james 14]

Have one. Used it twice. Only had one about rip the rod out of my hands but missed the hook. Caught ZIP.

I probably won't use it much until after spawn when the water temps hit 70 and we start getting the early morning shad spawns. After that I may pull it over deep structure when the bass are in a summer pattern...this is where I think it'll be most effective for me - a situation where the bass are holding in schools in one place. Time will tell. At this point I don't see it as such a big deal. We'll see once the FLW and Bassmaster series get started if it wins every tourney. I bet it wins no more than two for either trail.

[Big Fish Rice]

I have done some extensive research on ALL 50 state laws. I have a list on my blog that will help anyone with looking at their specific state regulations.

To give my own opinion, I listened to an interview on another site and Rick Clunn brought up a great point - why are we so concerned with the Alabama Rig when the sport of bass fishing has accepted bed fishing?

I understand both sides of the fence, but this is becoming too political. Few states allow the fully rigged A-Rig, while the majority allow (2) or (3) hooked baits. A few have mandated that it is illegal.

When anglers are trashing our waters with garbage, losing soft plastics that are consumed by fish (who ultimately die due to blocked digestion) and people illegally introduce fish to protected waters, the Alabama Rig doesn't seem like an urgent matter that it has become.

I guess I'm trying to say that everyone has their opinion on the matter, but we have more serious worries to ponder over.

[RAMBLER]

The other day, I hooked two bass, one on each of the two trebles on a Strike King KVD 1.5. now, should we ban more than one treble per crankbait? I think too much is made of this "A" rig by too many people with too much time on their hands and not enough of something productive to do.

[Caver]

I have done some extensive research on ALL 50 state laws. I have a list on my blog that will help anyone with looking at their specific state regulations.

To give my own opinion, I listened to an interview on another site and Rick Clunn brought up a great point - why are we so concerned with the Alabama Rig when the sport of bass fishing has accepted bed fishing?

I understand both sides of the fence, but this is becoming too political. Few states allow the fully rigged A-Rig, while the majority allow (2) or (3) hooked baits. A few have mandated that it is illegal.

When anglers are trashing our waters with garbage, losing soft plastics that are consumed by fish (who ultimately die due to blocked digestion) and people illegally introduce fish to protected waters, the Alabama Rig doesn't seem like an urgent matter that it has become.

I guess I'm trying to say that everyone has their opinion on the matter, but we have more serious worries to ponder over.

I still think the A rig is unsporting but you really do bring up a great point about having bigger problems to worry about, specifically keeping our waterways clean and viable. I'll never understand why SOME anglers could care less about protecting waterways when it directly impacts their favorite pastime. Great post.

[ChiCityBasser]

"Rules Committee members believe the rig eliminates some of the skill that should be required in tournament competition at the highest level. “It doesn’t matter how you work it,” said one of the anglers. “The fish can’t help themselves.”

"A Rules Committee member added, “I don’t have a problem with the use of umbrella rigs or multi-lure rigs to catch bass. If you are out fun fishing, there may be nothing more fun to use. However, our events represent the highest level of professionalism in our sport and I think as participants of these events, we should be held to a higher standard, as well. I like the idea of one rod, one reel, one lure.”

Quoted from the article regarding B.A.S.S. banning the A rig

[weezy109]

The other day, I hooked two bass, one on each of the two trebles on a Strike King KVD 1.5. now, should we ban more than one treble per crankbait? I think too much is made of this "A" rig by too many people with too much time on their hands and not enough of something productive to do.

In all my years of fishing i have never seen that happen with the exception of on TV. So it's not a good argument just cus it happend a few times. People consistently do it on the A rig

[slonezp]

I wouldn't worry about the pros. I believe the "Bucketheads" would do more damage to a fishery with this rig than any sportfisherman.

[J Francho]

The new rule takes any debate out of the rules interpretation, and simplifies the rules committee's job. Plus it quiets the "have nots" crowd that seems to ounumber the guys that have success with the bait.

[roadwarrior]

I wouldn't worry about the pros. I believe the "Bucketheads" would do more damage to a fishery with this rig than any sportfisherman.

If you mean "catch & keep" I agree completely. For all of us C&R, it doesn't mean a thing.

[Fishing Rhino]

I have done some extensive research on ALL 50 state laws. I have a list on my blog that will help anyone with looking at their specific state regulations.

To give my own opinion, I listened to an interview on another site and Rick Clunn brought up a great point - why are we so concerned with the Alabama Rig when the sport of bass fishing has accepted bed fishing?

I understand both sides of the fence, but this is becoming too political. Few states allow the fully rigged A-Rig, while the majority allow (2) or (3) hooked baits. A few have mandated that it is illegal.

When anglers are trashing our waters with garbage, losing soft plastics that are consumed by fish (who ultimately die due to blocked digestion) and people illegally introduce fish to protected waters, the Alabama Rig doesn't seem like an urgent matter that it has become.

I guess I'm trying to say that everyone has their opinion on the matter, but we have more serious worries to ponder over.

I'm wondering why you used what I highlighted in red as part of your argument, since something has been done about it. The fact that it is illegal means that practice has been "pondered over" and addressed. It is now a matter of enforcement.

[Big Fish Rice]

I'm wondering why you used what I highlighted in red as part of your argument, since something has been done about it. The fact that it is illegal means that practice has been "pondered over" and addressed. It is now a matter of enforcement.

Simply because it's not just a matter of enforcement. Do you think that each state can effectively monitor our lakes, streams and roadways to make sure "bucket biologists" are not illegally planting fish and transporting them?

The issues extend beyond "just enforcement". I'm fine with making the A-Rig illegal in tournaments, but my point is to minimally waste our time on the subject, so we can get to "real problems".

[Bigbarge50]

When anglers are trashing our waters with garbage, losing soft plastics that are consumed by fish (who ultimately die due to blocked digestion) and people illegally introduce fish to protected waters, the Alabama Rig doesn't seem like an urgent matter that it has become.

I have no decision on this technique yet other than it looks like a total pain to throw all day. I keep trying to make my lures enter the water like an diver... soft with no splash.... years of working on that is going to prevent me from throwing a cinder block sized rig out there but maybe someday.

We had a interesting talk about discarded plastics and someone brought up lost plastics still being a issue, not just the ones thrown in the water by "place insult here" who ruin on resources. I would guess these rigs are easy to foul up..... correct or not bad? I get stuck on someone else's line about every other trip, I imagine a rig like this lost in the water is going to foul up a lot of people.

So are these easy to foul? I would think they are for open water, but sure plenty of people will throw them around cover and that seems like trouble.

[ABLE2DISABLE1]

For those who doen't want the A-Rigg around,are nutt's for you still have to apply your knowledge to catch fish,meaning right place and time for you to apply the rigg.But for those who have IDEA's that are storming the market's,please take note,that their are some people whom do not appreciate what you have on the table for those to draul over.But myself ,n All the rest who are truely Grateful for the exsperiance to enjoy a spectaculor day upon the water,Thank You,for apply'n your knowledge,n sharring your Love to catch fish. Now their is 10,Ten Swimbait's.

[ctf58]

Any golfers here?? I think of the A-rig as being like one of the HUGE drivers in golf. I play, I have a 460cc Nike driver. Does it make it easier to play, heck yeah. Do I enjoy myself, heck yeah.

Lets go back to cane poles. I'm sure the first reel put that fisherman at a huge advantage.

Someone said something to the effect of, if it is used illegally to harvest fish then it should be banned. But us fishermen practice catch and release. I consider myself a fisherman and I do practice catch and release, but I also keep some to eat. I have not used the rig yet but you can bet I'll give it a whurl sooner of later.

[Bass XL]

In all my years of fishing i have never seen that happen with the exception of on TV. So it's not a good argument just cus it happend a few times. People consistently do it on the A rig

Happens more than you may think...I myself have done it more then a few times (one of which pictured above). So it is a good argument.

[weezy109]

Happens more than you may think...I myself have done it more then a few times (one of which pictured above). So it is a good argument.

Apparently it happens so rarely that you felt the need to take a picture of it. Whats more than a few times? I think it will be interesting to see how this rig affects fisheries. You may be calling for a ban of it entirely in a few years.

[weezy109]

Any golfers here?? I think of the A-rig as being like one of the HUGE drivers in golf. I play, I have a 460cc Nike driver. Does it make it easier to play, heck yeah. Do I enjoy myself, heck yeah.

Lets go back to cane poles. I'm sure the first reel put that fisherman at a huge advantage.

Someone said something to the effect of, if it is used illegally to harvest fish then it should be banned. But us fishermen practice catch and release. I consider myself a fisherman and I do practice catch and release, but I also keep some to eat. I have not used the rig yet but you can bet I'll give it a whurl sooner of later.

One reel, one rod, one lure. Simple. Golf has so many complicated rules they need consultants on the course to tell the pros whats right.

[J Francho]

How it affects fisheries....hmmmm. You mean that every fish caught with an A-rig gets hooked, played, and released? We're already on that road, buddy. You worried the bucket brigaders will get their hands on one of these A-rigs? So they seine their shore spots of dink bass - they do that already. We still catch limits despite their legal creels. Worried about catching pressured fish, or not being able to catch them? That's every tournament angler's problem. What's the problem? One lure, one reel, one rod, one at a time. But I roll with 20+ combos. It's still a story of the have nots/can nots and the winning bags.

[Bass XL]

I think it will be interesting to see how this rig affects fisheries.

Haha, let me know the impact of the A-Rig, when the study's conclude.

[weezy109]

How it affects fisheries....hmmmm. You mean that every fish caught with an A-rig gets hooked, played, and released? We're already on that road, buddy. You worried the bucket brigaders will get their hands on one of these A-rigs? So they seine their shore spots of dink bass - they do that already. We still catch limits despite their legal creels. Worried about catching pressured fish, or not being able to catch them? That's every tournament angler's problem. What's the problem? One lure, one reel, one rod, one at a time. But I roll with 20+ combos. It's still a story of the have nots/can nots and the winning bags.

Yeah man those BASS elite fisherman are shakin in their boots that the haves like you will come out and smoke em with the A rig. That is what it is all about. People can't pony up 20 bucks for this thing lol.

[Bass XL]

Yeah man those BASS elite fisherman are shakin in their boots that the haves like you will come out and smoke em with the A rig. That is what it is all about. People can't pony up 20 bucks for this thing lol. What a condescending head in ur butthole statement.

Mature. Do you really believe that the A-rig is some sort of miracle lure? I don't understand your logic, you still have to locate and CATCH these fish.

[J Francho]

Here's a copy and paste from another post I made elsewhere. Sums things up fine for me.

This will sound crass, and I know, consider the source....

I'm not condemning anyone for not liking the thing. Hell, it makes my shoulder ache looking at the tainted *** box full of them in my living room.

But here's the straight talk. Guys that claim the Alabama rig, or other multiple bait or teaser rig are cheating are the same guys that don't always catch a limit of keepers every outing. They see 3 lb. doubles or triples, like has been posted on the interwebz ad nauseum, and cry outrage. I mean, it MUST BE cheating. It's not, if it's legal according to local fishing laws. I catch 20-40 fish per tournament day. I catch less during my personal fishing time because I'm not focused on a bag better than yours - my mindset is elsewhere. Sorry, it's a case of the have nots pointing the finger at the haves, and using some weird self righteous argument to condemn the bait. It's not the bait, it's the angler.

You cannot assign motive without spending the day fishing with me. I might be learning a new bait or technique. I might be learning a new lake. I might be figuring out how to not break off using light line, without killing the fish. That might be another whole book. Tie up your usual baits and fish your usual spots with real 3 lb. break strength line. You're strike count will astound you. Anyway, off topic...

I guess I am wondering why it's "cheating" of it's legal. I hear, it's not sporting. Same guys say don't play your fish because they'll die. OK, that's not sporting either. I hear the that it's like running a net through the water, and fish can't resist biting it. If that's so, why are MULTITUDES complaining about it not working, and asking how to catch with it. The Senko or Slug-O should be banned before that thing should, LOL.

It's a VERY specific tool. Suspended fish, open water, feeding on bait balls, match the hatch, depth and moment. Geez, sounds a lot like fishing to me.

As far as the Elites and Classic goes, CUT AND DRY RULES ARE EASIER TO OFFICIATE THAN ANY STATE LAWS. To me, they took the easy way out. And they satisfied the incessant complaints from the have nots, both following the sport, and on the tour.

One thing is fo-sho, the ban ain't my problem. I don't fish the Elite or Classic.

[weezy109]

Fishing multiple rods at one time against the rules. This is an attempt to get by that. If you don't get that I can't help ya. Whether it can destroy a fishery or not is debatable but the fact is this and the other multiple lure deals are against the reason the multiple rod rule was implemented. What those reasons are i dunno but if you don't like it take up walleye or crappie tournament fishing. If you allow this then allow it all I say. If its all about catching the most that you can then show up with a livewell full of shiners and troll away with those 20 rods. The haves and have nots deal is just insulting.