B.a.s.s. Bans The Alabama Rig

[McAlpine]

Good, glad bass banned it. This rig just doesn't feel very sportsmanlike to me. If you want to use it in your personal fishing fine, but it does not have a place in tournament fishing in my opinion.

[South FLA]

What are your primary objections about using an Alabama/Umbrella rig?

Is it that it foul hooks fish?

In recent outings (not really a reliable set for objective measurement) I fould hooked more bass with a lipless bait than an Alabama rig. In fact, I do not recall having even one foul hooked on my Alabama rig. Albiet, I used single hooked swimbaits. Secondly, I don't think it the intent of the fisherman using the lure or the design of the lure itself is to act as a meat hook as it comes through the water column.

Is it that it is possilble to catch multiple fish at the same time?

I have only caught 2 bass on it at the same time, but I am sure the possiblity exist to catch 4 or 5, but most times its one or if your lucky two. If they, B.A.S.S., implemented the only one fish rule its a moot point.

Is it that gives the angler an unfair advantage?

A voting member of the commitee said this:

“It doesn’t matter how you work it,” said one of the anglers. “The fish can’t help themselves.” (Taken from Bassmaster website article http://www.bassmaste...nd-elite-series)

Really, then explain this:

I was fishing it two or three weeks ago with great success targeting schools using an Alabama rig, but there came a time when the bite switched to lip-less cranks and then to spinner-baits. Did the guy in the back of the boat have an unfair advantage over me throwing an Alabama rig when I was slaying them on a spinner-bait? Did I have an unfair advantage casting a spinner-bait when the lip-less crank pattern was working for my partner? Did Paul Elise have an unfair advantage when going into the G'ville tournament? If you watched the rest of the field they adapted quickly and leveled the field, but the advantage he created the first day was HUGE, so was it unfair, or was his wisdom and knowledge part of it? Therefore, in my opinion banning it is actually limiting a fisherman's tool box. It is up to the fisherman to create an unfair advantage against the rest of the field in a tournament by either targeting fish in a matter that gets them to bite or to hit a lure, if that means adding flash, using multiple lures to create a schooling effect, using dye on the tail, or even targeting a specific location etc. How about the fisherman that only has one hook on one lure and just uses spinners or hook-less lures as part of the rig?

Is it that mortality rate is higher on fish that are caught on it?

I have actually fouled hooked or damaged more fish using treble hooked lures than using the Alabama rig during multiple outings, so if the main concern of B.A.S.S. was to protect the fish then why not ban treble hook lures, or any other technological innovation that has lead to a higher bass mortality rate? Why not implement a rubberized landing net only rule, a no swinging fish rule, a circle hook only rule, the hypocrisy is apparent, is it not?

I am not a tournament fisherman, nor do I really care that it is banned by BASS for its Elite and Classic field, but what I don't understand is the logic of only having the ban apply to the "Elite" or "Classic" tournaments due to, as is quoted in the article, "a higher standard." I just don't get the level of professionalism argument, since in most opens or higher level tournaments the fisherman either fish for a living or have dedicated more time to it than most of us do for our "real" jobs, they are already fishing at a higher standard. Nevertheless, BASS stands behind this statement according to the article published on the website "Our Classic and Elite tournaments simply have a higher standard for the sake of competition." Until you can come up with some objective argument is for a higher standard you are just operating on "feelings," but that is just my opinion.

[piscicidal]

Personally, I don't think the A-rig provides that much of a competitive advantage that it merits banning. I also don't think that trolling or landing nets provide a big advantage either, but BASS chose to ban those as well.

Bottom line, I don't think the decision is about competitive advantage. I think it is about trying to maintain an image of professionalism. The committee was probably concerned about the rapid proliferation of the rig and where it ultimately might end up. Trying to avoid the image of their best professional anglers launching clothesline-pole-looking monstrosities with 12 baits hanging off of it. Same way they don't want the image of their anglers scooping up bass with 8foot wide landing nets. Is the use of landing nets in any way non-sporting? I dont think so.....

I wonder what BASS would say to throwing a six-bladed spinnerbait?

[slonezp]

Probably scared of the controversey, and took the easy way out.

On a side note, think of the advertising potential:

"More effective than the Banjo Minnow, the Walking Worm, and the Laser Lure combined, the Alabama Rig, So effective, even B.A.S.S. has banned it"

[ChiCityBasser]

B.A.S.S analyzed this and decided it was best for their organization's Elite tournaments to eliminate the use of multiple lure rigs. You may disagree but it's their decision. I kind of lean toward not using the Alabama rig in tournaments but it really doesn't matter much to me either way. They run the organization and they have the right to do what they think is best for it, whether I agree or not. I don't think this decision is going to hurt the organization or bass anglers so it is a moot point for me.

I also noticed in paragraph four of the article that the rules committee is comprised of anglers who have qualified for the 2012 Elite Series so it is a subset of the Elite anglers themselves, who is choosing to do this.

I agree with the ban and despite all our debate and reasons for or against the ban it is now or will soon be in place but this has been a healthy conversation of opinions. Sure other leagues like FLW will be looking into the use of the rig even though they have not banned its use at this time.

[The Bassinator]

I think it will make fishing for suspended fish harder like it used to be but there is something to be said about using one's skill and knowledge with a less effective technique and still coming out on top. In my mind it is more impressive to win a tournament with 15 lbs a day when the lake is capable of 20 lb stringers. It may not be as easy or exciting but hey we need to give the fish the benefit of the doubt. If we didn't you would see tournament pros scooping them up in dragging nets like commercial fisherman do on the ocean.

[SirSnookalot]

I'm only interested in the recreational aspect, I don't tournament fish. I prefer fishing as light as I can no matter what the species is. I just don't care to use equipment to catch bass that I'm using for larger fish. What others use is up to them, I don't condemn it, just isn't for me.

[cyclops2]

60 years ago. I was fishing a public row boat pond. Always noisy till closing. It was not fished much for that reason & only small bass & GIANT Sunfish.

I bought a new plastic bodied lure that was green with reflective flecks in it. It also had 2 molded prop blades in the head area that rotated the body quite fast. It was a 1 cast lure for sundown bass.

Nice to remember how good a unfair advantage feels.

I never shared the lure or the abilities with anyone else.

I still agree that " The best of the best, " Can do the job at hand with a tree branch, string, a safety pin & a worm. if need be.

They ARE the best of the best.

Their minds are LOADED computers on skill. Take away every modern gimmick. They would still beat average people easily.

[Diggy]

This is as monumental as the NBA banning LeBums crab dribble.

Interesting

[Ima Bass Ninja]

I would think tv rating played a role in it also..Would you really want to see the top pros all throwing the same lure week after week. Not saying that it would happen, but it could. I do not recall a tournament that was dominated by one lure such as the Alabama rig on Guntersville. If any of you watched that particular episode, after about 10 minutes it became boring with absolutly no exictement. Which would make for more excitement and better tv , KVd's crankbait pattern vs Aaron Martens dropshot pattern vs Bobby lanes frog pattern, or Kvd vs Aaron Marten vs Bobby Lane all using the Alabama rig?

[ChiCityBasser]

I would think tv rating played a role in it also..Would you really want to see the top pros all throwing the same lure week after week. Not saying that it would happen, but it could. I do not recall a tournament that was dominated by one lure such as the Alabama rig on Guntersville. If any of you watched that particular episode, after about 10 minutes it became boring with absolutly no exictement. Which would make for more excitement and better tv , KVd's crankbait pattern vs Aaron Martens dropshot pattern vs Bobby lanes frog pattern, or Kvd vs Aaron Marten vs Bobby Lane all using the Alabama rig?

Yeah the episode did become boring as all 10 pros fishing the final day were using the A-rig. I would rather see the different techniques of each angler and how they break down the water and come up with a pattern as that teaches me more than 10 pros lobing the A rig.

[Professional Overrun]

I respect everyones opinion on this topic, but im sorry, tying that thing on the end if my line just seems a little too awkward for me. Theirs no way i could fish that thing with a straight face. I agree with bass and i also thihk tatt they should create a tournament, one event a year, banning electronics.

[J Francho]

Yeah the episode did become boring as all 10 pros fishing the final day were using the A-rig. I would rather see the different techniques of each angler and how they break down the water and come up with a pattern as that teaches me more than 10 pros lobing the A rig.

You mean like in the Classic, where everyone was throwing a trap? Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

[IntroC]

I agree with the decision. Good for B.A.S.S.

[NCbassmaster4Life]

You can debate on the topic all you want, if you have to much controversy the professional way to go about this situation is just to keep the rig from being used, and the B.A.S.S. federation did that. Hoohyah!

[james 14]

FLW decided to allow the rig for this coming season. I like the explanation they gave and agree with them. The main jist was they don't believe this lure is the great equalizer that will end all innovation and allow anglers of all skill levels to compete as equals. I concur...the lure is not THAT special.

[Sam]

I spoke with Chris Dunnavant, the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries (DGIF) education director and two of the DGIF conservation officers about the Alabam Rig and they told me the following:

"In Virginia the Alabama Rig is legal and remain legal unless a group of interested people approach their delegate to introduce legislation in the Virginia House of Delegates to ban the rig and other multi-hook presentations."

To do this means that one group, be it B.A.S.S., FLW, PETA, etc. would have to talk a delegate into introducing the legislation and then have a second delegate (usually one Democrate and one Republican) go along with the bill to have both sides of the asile consider the measure.

The public will be able to present their views and input at the committee hearings and if the committee votes to move the bill along to the House of Delegates it will be introduced, debated and then voted upon.

As you can note from the above process, to have the Alabama Rig outlawed in Virginia will take time, money and effort by one group which I do not foresee happening.

If the DGIF decides to ban the multi-hook rigs then they will have to approach a delegatge and follow the steps to have the multi-hook presentations outlawed. In my opinion, only the DGIF has the power to successfully do this.

Just wanted everyone to know about using the Alabama Rig in Virginia.

[Blue Streak]

This rig is already illegal in Ohio

Reply to an e mail inquiry From the Ohio Dept of Natural Resources:

An Alabama Rig or Umbrella Rig, using 5 leaders, is illegal in Ohio, unless

you follow the rule of three hooks per fishing line. Anglers may only use up to

three hooks on each line. The Alabama Rig allows for 5 items to be attached.

If a fisherman were to use only 3 of the leaders on the rig, using only 3 hooks

total, then, they could use the rig, but, wouldn't be using the entire rig, only

part of it. Also, if someone were to attach a lure with 3 hooks to one of the

leaders, then, that is all that you can have, the 1 lure. Once again, anglers

are allowed up to 3 hooks on each fishing line.

To further clarify, the rule of three applies here. You can only use three hooks

per line. Either three lures with one set (treble hook included) of hooks each

or one lure with three trebles, such as a Reef Runner or muskie lure.

Regardless, no more than three hooks no matter the combination of lures. Again

to clarify, a treble counts as one hook

[bowhunter63]

We cant use it in Missouri,But i cant remember a stir like this in the bass fishing world in a long time.Theres good points on both sides.

[flipin4bass]

Is it rigged? (no pun intended)

[Fishing Rhino]

Rigged or not, I do not know. But, it does illustrate, quite clearly, what I have stated about my experience with umbrella rigs for years ago.

He looked more like he was retrieving a bait than actually fighting fish. They exert far more frantic energy fighting each other than fighting the fisherman.

Banned or not, by states or an organization, I have no opinion, and do not care. My reason for not using one is that multiple hookups really do take the fun out it. If I hadn't used umbrella rigs years ago, I'd most likely be out there buying a couple of these rigs, and using them where they were legal. But, I'm convinced that after a few multiple catches of just dragging the fish back to the boat, it would get put away, or thrown away.

[Wayne P.]

There have been several high level tournaments this month, and I haven't seen a Alabama rig mentioned as being involved any any of the top finishes. That is the BASS Southern Open at Harris Chain, Basschamps at Falcon, and Everstart at Big O.

How can that possibly be since the A-rig was not banned in those events?

[robdob]

I am personally against the banning of the Alabama rig, it is a lure that has an application just as any otherl In specific situations, if you are in a tournament and recognize the ability of the lure to possibly catch more or better quality fish then why not use your situational expertise to catch more fish or better quality fish using the Alabama rig over another lure, if you watched the FLW tournament on T.V. you saw plenty of anglers that stated that the Alabama rig caught the better quality fish out of the school when compared to another lure such as a lipless crankbait or jerk bait, some angler adjusted and some did not. The same arguement applies to a double fluke rig. If the committe wanted to ban multiple catches per lure, than how about applying a rule where the angler gets to pick only one fish to keep if a multiple hook-up occurs, that would a more logical approach? To me it is not simply a matter of holding professional to a "higher standard," but limiting the approach a professional can take.

it is not at all a lure that has an application like any other...... it is 5 lures not one how is that ethical for a tournament fisherman to use. go to a lake that has suspending bass feeding on shad or alewives and tell me you can't catch ten times more fish with this than anything else. if you say its just like any lure your either crazy, lying, or have never used it in the right sitiuation. your not an elite series angler so go ahead and keep using it

[robdob]

There have been several high level tournaments this month, and I haven't seen a Alabama rig mentioned as being involved any any of the top finishes. That is the BASS Southern Open at Harris Chain, Basschamps at Falcon, and Everstart at Big O.

How can that possibly be since the A-rig was not banned in those events?

because in all of these tournaments bass are not suspended feeding exclusively on baitfish. thats the only reason they weren't used.

[South FLA]

it is not at all a lure that has an application like any other...... it is 5 lures not one how is that ethical for a tournament fisherman to use. go to a lake that has suspending bass feeding on shad or alewives and tell me you can't catch ten times more fish with this than anything else. if you say its just like any lure your either crazy, lying, or have never used it in the right sitiuation. your not an elite series angler so go ahead and keep using it

Your argument is flawed. First, I have used it on schooling bass on Lake Okeechobee numerous times and if you read my other post on the subject it did not catch ten times more fish than anything else, was it more productive at times? Yes

Your argument hinges on the statement "I has five lures at a time how is that ethical." What is your logic behind this statement? Is it because 5 lures with hooks greatly increases your chances of hooking a fish? If that is the case why not argue that only one of the 5 lures can be have a hook and the rest are hookless acting as a schooling bait ball?

No, I am not an Elite Angler, but what does that have to do with it? FLW and even B.A.S.S. Open tournaments with "professional anglers" have not restricted the use of the Umbrella rig or Alabama Rig.

FLW states the following:

"We believe professional anglers deserve more credit than that. We believe their skill and intuition will not be undercut by a baitfish-imitating technique that helps less experienced anglers catch fish when otherwise they might not. Will it force some pros to elevate their game and adapt? Of course it will. Just like GPS, side-imaging sonar, sight-fishing, shallow-water anchors and countless lure, line and rod innovations have done over the years. Buzzbaits and ChatterBaits were once considered radical, as were flipping and sight-fishing. But they are all simply tools of the trade now. The same will hold true for Alabama Rigs. It’s not the end of fishing as we know it."

I would also like an apology for insinuating that I am either a liar or crazy, maybe not the crazy part. You can disapprove of people's opinion, but using the public forum to slander is classless in my opinion.