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Alabama Rig 2024


fishing user avatarMMan16 reply : 

It's everywhere!!!! today I saw it on two T.V. shows. Anyone using it or intend to get it? i've used it saltwater fishing (trolling) but not sure how i feel about it for bass. Sounds like everyone who fishes tournies better have one (where its legal).


fishing user avatarjeb2 reply : 

Fished it for the 2nd time today. 1st time I didn't throw it much and it was after a big cold front. Nothing on the first day. But it kicked butt today, and out of the back of the boat, too. I think it's found a place in my tackle box!

It was not as big a PITA to fish as I was afraid it'd be. I don't like braid, and that's about the worst part of fishing it for me. The upside of the 65lb braid is I was able to pull the rig back from the snags I got with it. It does snag up pretty easy. I'm casting it on a 7' heavy action Kistler LTA rod. 5 1/8-3/16 oz jigs with hooks and swimbaits.


fishing user avatarnwibass reply : 
  On 1/6/2012 at 10:30 AM, jeb2 said:

Fished it for the 2nd time today. 1st time I didn't throw it much and it was after a big cold front. Nothing on the first day. But it kicked butt today, and out of the back of the boat, too. I think it's found a place in my tackle box!

It was not as big a PITA to fish as I was afraid it'd be. I don't like braid, and that's about the worst part of fishing it for me. The upside of the 65lb braid is I was able to pull the rig back from the snags I got with it. It does snag up pretty easy. I'm casting it on a 7' heavy action Kistler LTA rod. 5 1/8-3/16 oz jigs with hooks and swimbaits.

jeb what specific jig heads were you using and how deep approx did the a rig swim with specified jig head weights on it? thanks


fishing user avatarjeb2 reply : 

Just cheapy 1/8oz round, unpainted jig heads and Keitech (sp?) 3.8" swimbaits. A-rig head was 1/2oz, I'd guess. Painted a shad color. Depth varied. I'd let it sink anywhere from a 1 second count to a 10 second count, depending on where I was fishing it. Fish came anywhere from 3' off of the bank to 50' offshore over 40' of water. I need to do a lot more experimenting with it, but it's working well so far with the paddle tails.


fishing user avatarroadwarrior reply : 

I bought two this weekend. Rigged on up with 3/8 oz jigheads, 5 1/2" Shadalicious

and a 3/4 oz Ledgebuster (white) single blade (silver) spinnerbait in the middle.

The rig is just too pretty to fish!


fishing user avatarzell_pop1 reply : 

While I guess its ok for recreational use, I dont think it should be legal for competition, especially for the big circuit FLW/BASS guys-after all if they are so good shouldnt they be able to catch fish with just one lure tied on? I also think stuff like the Hydowave should not be allowed-what happened to sportsmanship?


fishing user avatarJerseyBassAddiction reply : 
  On 1/8/2012 at 9:09 AM, roadwarrior said:

I bought two this weekend. Rigged on up with 3/8 oz jigheads, 5 1/2" Shadalicious

and a 3/4 oz Ledgebuster (white) single blade (silver) spinnerbait in the middle.

The rig is just too pretty to fish!

So hang it up over your bed like a mobile. Guarantied to help you dream about the next big catch..lol!

  On 1/8/2012 at 10:20 AM, zell_pop1 said:

While I guess its ok for recreational use, I dont think it should be legal for competition, especially for the big circuit FLW/BASS guys-after all if they are so good shouldnt they be able to catch fish with just one lure tied on? I also think stuff like the Hydowave should not be allowed-what happened to sportsmanship?

AGREED on all accounts Zell_pop!


fishing user avatarslonezp reply : 
  On 1/8/2012 at 10:20 AM, zell_pop1 said:

While I guess its ok for recreational use, I dont think it should be legal for competition, especially for the big circuit FLW/BASS guys-after all if they are so good shouldnt they be able to catch fish with just one lure tied on? I also think stuff like the Hydowave should not be allowed-what happened to sportsmanship?

Like performance enhancing drugs? Maybe congress should get involved. :tsk-tsk: Maybe we should ban lures with multiple hooks as we have all seen pics of guys reeling in 2 fish on a single crankbait. Maybe we should catch the fish with our bare hands or our teeth as that would be the only REAL way to show off a fishermans skill.

It's a tool to make fish bite. You still need to locate fish. If your on a school of fish, more than likely you're going to catch more than one by making repeated casts with a single lure. Also it's not a contest on who can catch the most fish. 5 quality fish still need to make it to the weighin. I'm waiting on delivery of 2 Illinois legal baits and will be purchasing a couple for my TOC at Guntersville as long as the fish police don't stop me.


fishing user avatarNoBassPro reply : 
  On 1/8/2012 at 8:36 PM, slonezp said:

Li

It's a tool to make fish bite. You still need to locate fish.

You can make the same argument for trolling and using live bait, but I don't think I'll see those allowed in BASS tournaments any time soon.


fishing user avatarzip pow reply : 

Some of you guys who are against the rig should buy one and fish it you'll figure out how wrong you are I've used one for weeks know and haven't had a double or triple yet it is mostly a one fish bait it just allows you to count down a bait similar to a Crappie jig


fishing user avatarBasskingKeith reply : 
  On 1/8/2012 at 9:09 AM, roadwarrior said:

I bought two this weekend. Rigged on up with 3/8 oz jigheads, 5 1/2" Shadalicious

and a 3/4 oz Ledgebuster (white) single blade (silver) spinnerbait in the middle.

The rig is just too pretty to fish!

Where can I acquire one of these Alabama rigs at?
fishing user avatarroadwarrior reply : 

They are available all over the internet. I bought the YUM version for $17.


fishing user avatarweezy109 reply : 
  On 1/9/2012 at 7:39 AM, zip pow said:

Some of you guys who are against the rig should buy one and fish it you'll figure out how wrong you are I've used one for weeks know and haven't had a double or triple yet it is mostly a one fish bait it just allows you to count down a bait similar to a Crappie jig

Its like fishing with 5 rods at once, which ain't legal. That is what people have a problem with. Baits with 2 hooks are still just one bait. I also think the double rigged flukes should be banned as well or allow everything like walleye guys.


fishing user avatarslonezp reply : 

Maybe the people against the A-rig just can't afford to drop $20 or $30 on a lure, or $20,000-$50,000 on a bass boat and another $40,000 on a truck to pull the boat that catches fish on the A-rig.

Jealous??? :love-158:

I'm a mechanic by trade.Tools cost money. There are tools that work and there are tools that work better. I can use a butter knife to turn a screw, I can use a screwdriver, or I can use an electric screwdriver. The tool that makes my job the easiest, normally cost the most, in turn makes me the most money. What's the difference?


fishing user avatarweezy109 reply : 
  On 1/9/2012 at 11:30 AM, slonezp said:

Maybe the people against the A-rig just can't afford to drop $20 or $30 on a lure, or $20,000-$50,000 on a bass boat and another $40,000 on a truck to pull the boat that catches fish on the A-rig.

Jealous??? :love-158:

I'm a mechanic by trade.Tools cost money. There are tools that work and there are tools that work better. I can use a butter knife to turn a screw, I can use a screwdriver, or I can use an electric screwdriver. The tool that makes my job the easiest, normally cost the most, in turn makes me the most money. What's the difference?

Yeah and hangin fifteen rods out of your boat with big shiners on it is the best tool a man can use, but that ain't legal. Shouldn't be able to throw multiple lures at one time, basically slippin your way out of a rule through a loophole.


fishing user avatargobig reply : 

Contrary to popular belief the Alabama rig does not operate on magic. You still have to locate fish and they have to want to eat it. I don't see why it should be banned. It is an artificial and everyone has the same ability to use one.


fishing user avatarNCbassmaster4Life reply : 

If the rig isn't banned from a league or any bass association I don't see why anyone would be so defensive on the rig?


fishing user avatarBankbeater reply : 

This seems like it would work very well after a cold front, or when the water is going down. I think the problem with this rig would be when the bite is on. During a tourny you could very well have to cull a large number of fish to get down to the best keepers.


fishing user avatarNoBassPro reply : 
  On 1/9/2012 at 11:30 AM, slonezp said:

Maybe the people against the A-rig just can't afford to drop $20 or $30 on a lure, or $20,000-$50,000 on a bass boat and another $40,000 on a truck to pull the boat that catches fish on the A-rig.

Jealous??? :love-158:

I'm a mechanic by trade.Tools cost money. There are tools that work and there are tools that work better. I can use a butter knife to turn a screw, I can use a screwdriver, or I can use an electric screwdriver. The tool that makes my job the easiest, normally cost the most, in turn makes me the most money. What's the difference?

I'm far from jealous, I find it to be unsporting. Like I said, how is it any different from trolling or using live bait or multiple rods in a tournament. Do whatever you want for fun. If the goal wasn't multiple fish it would have one lure on it and 4 attractors. Its a meat rig but as long as it has support from the target market - which it does - it isn't going anywhere. Justify it however you want. Anymore I like catching fish how I want to catch them, its just unfortunate that bass tournament fishing has degraded to the point where sporting and challenge are no longer part of what people consider when allowing certain rigs. Trolling,live bait and multiple rods were all banned before they had catch and release.


fishing user avatarABLE2DISABLE1 reply : 

If it is used in an ileagal manner to harvest fish,then Ban it,but all us Fisherman are doin ,is nothing but catch n release.So how can you say,Bann it,for,unless you are jealous on what it can produce.Their is alway's gonna be a better this or that,for the market is growing with Idea's. This rigg is H-Maid,n hold's 9 swimbait's.

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fishing user avatargrimlin reply : 
  On 1/9/2012 at 11:07 PM, NoBassPro said:

I'm far from jealous, I find it to be unsporting. Like I said, how is it any different from trolling or using live bait or multiple rods in a tournament. Do whatever you want for fun. If the goal wasn't multiple fish it would have one lure on it and 4 attractors. Its a meat rig but as long as it has support from the target market - which it does - it isn't going anywhere. Justify it however you want. Anymore I like catching fish how I want to catch them, its just unfortunate that bass tournament fishing has degraded to the point where sporting and challenge are no longer part of what people consider when allowing certain rigs. Trolling,live bait and multiple rods were all banned before they had catch and release.

I kinda agree here,the number of hooks bother me for some reason,specially for tournaments.

  On 1/10/2012 at 12:42 AM, ABLE2DISABLE1 said:

If it is used in an ileagal manner to harvest fish,then Ban it,but all us Fisherman are doin ,is nothing but catch n release.So how can you say,Bann it,for,unless you are jealous on what it can produce.Their is alway's gonna be a better this or that,for the market is growing with Idea's. This rigg is H-Maid,n hold's 9 swimbait's.

That's the thing,it would be much easier to harvest and go over the amount of fish. Again,the number of hooks bother me.


fishing user avatarweezy109 reply : 
  On 1/10/2012 at 12:42 AM, ABLE2DISABLE1 said:

If it is used in an ileagal manner to harvest fish,then Ban it,but all us Fisherman are doin ,is nothing but catch n release.So how can you say,Bann it,for,unless you are jealous on what it can produce.Their is alway's gonna be a better this or that,for the market is growing with Idea's. This rigg is H-Maid,n hold's 9 swimbait's.

Yup it has 9 baits and is very illegal, check your states regulations. Here in Ky they only allow 3 hooks
fishing user avatarweezy109 reply : 
  On 1/9/2012 at 1:34 PM, gobig said:

Contrary to popular belief the Alabama rig does not operate on magic. You still have to locate fish and they have to want to eat it. I don't see why it should be banned. It is an artificial and everyone has the same ability to use one.

People are upset because its a way to use multiple rods legally, where do you draw the line? Why not allow live bait since the reasoning of some is that catch and release negates the negative? Why not allow trolling? Heck i'm all for using everything but if you are going to limit something this bait is clearly designed to simulate (multiple rods) then you gotta ban the simulation no?


fishing user avatarBassWhole! reply : 

I think all tournament anglers should be required to fish out of dug out canoes that they fashioned themselves (unassisted of course) using only hand tools.....speaking of tools.....


fishing user avatarJ Francho reply : 

I would think the fish are biting because they see multiple fish, not multiple rods, LOL.


fishing user avatarlmoore reply : 

StructureScan and Sidescan/downscan would provide more of a significant advantage for the average joe than an Alabama Rig when it comes to a tournament.


fishing user avatarJ Francho reply : 

Actually, SI is a big part of success with the rig. Locate balls of bait with larger predators, and deploy the A-rig.


fishing user avatareyedabassman reply : 

I don't see what the big deal is with this rig! Look, some top water baits have 3 treble hooks, there is a donkey rig which is two flukes on one line! I fish a double drop shot rig. And there is the crappie rig that has 3 or 4 hooks on one line! In Wisconsin we can have 3 hooks in any combo( 3 rods or 3 hooks one one line. So if you think the A-rig is unfair or unsports like, than all these other set up have been unfair and unsportsman like for a very long time.

I am not trying to anyone mad just my 2 cents worth!


fishing user avatarzip pow reply : 
  On 1/10/2012 at 3:50 AM, nhclone said:

StructureScan and Sidescan/downscan would provide more of a significant advantage for the average joe than an Alabama Rig when it comes to a tournament.

That's why I have the big bird si di unit on my boat it took an average fisherman to a whole new level 90% of the deep water fish over five pounds I caught was because of it
fishing user avatarweezy109 reply : 

of course they are hitting it because they see a "school". That's my point and is the very reason they banned trolling multiple rods. I'd use it too if it is legal but I think it is hypocritical to allow it and ban anything else. Why not allow live bait if the point is just to catch big fish any way you can? Why ban trolling or anything else?


fishing user avatarroadwarrior reply : 

"I don't see what the big deal is with this rig!"

Well, I have seen it in action. It is a HUGE deal.


fishing user avatarlmoore reply : 
  On 1/10/2012 at 3:52 AM, J Francho said:

Actually, SI is a big part of success with the rig. Locate balls of bait with larger predators, and deploy the A-rig.

Exactly my point. Throwing 3, 4, or 5 hooks in the water doesn't matter if you can't locate fish. Guys who have success with the Alabama rig are guys who would be successful anyway because they know how to find fish. The Alabama rig just offers them the potential to catch more of those fish faster. It's kind of a "rich get richer" type thing.

I bought one this winter with 3 rigs. I can't use them in Iowa unless they only hae 2 hooks, but I might use it at a tournament this summer in WI if I find a school of fish.


fishing user avatareyedabassman reply : 
  On 1/10/2012 at 9:48 AM, lmoore said:

Exactly my point. Throwing 3, 4, or 5 hooks in the water doesn't matter if you can't locate fish. Guys who have success with the Alabama rig are guys who would be successful anyway because they know how to find fish. The Alabama rig just offers them the potential to catch more of those fish faster. It's kind of a "rich get richer" type thing.

I bought one this winter with 3 rigs. I can't use them in Iowa unless they only hae 2 hooks, but I might use it at a tournament this summer in WI if I find a school of fish.

Where did you buy one that had the 3 hooks??


fishing user avatarweezy109 reply : 
  On 1/10/2012 at 9:48 AM, lmoore said:

Exactly my point. Throwing 3, 4, or 5 hooks in the water doesn't matter if you can't locate fish. Guys who have success with the Alabama rig are guys who would be successful anyway because they know how to find fish. The Alabama rig just offers them the potential to catch more of those fish faster. It's kind of a "rich get richer" type thing.

I bought one this winter with 3 rigs. I can't use them in Iowa unless they only hae 2 hooks, but I might use it at a tournament this summer in WI if I find a school of fish.

You are completely neglecting the problem people have. Fishing 15 live bait rods aren't gonna do you any good either if you can't find the fish but would be a huge advantage if you can. But its illegal to do it. The point being if you can't fish multiple rods (the rule being there to stop you from having more than one bait in the water) then why would you allow this as it is clearly an attempt to bypass that rule. Sort of "yeah i got five lures but only one rod so you can't dq me haha" type thing. Very shady imo. In golf there was a big tado about a club that had won a lawsuit so that they could never ban its use, later the PGA banned square grooves on all golf clubs but this one had sort of a bye. So the guys put these old clubs into play and bypassed the rule. They eventually settled with Ping the manufacturer and banned the club. Same scenario here. I don't like the double fluke rig either.


fishing user avatarlmoore reply : 
  On 1/10/2012 at 11:55 AM, eyedabassman said:

Where did you buy one that had the 3 hooks??

I got mine on Ebay from a guy making his own (and probably making a killing). Search for 3 arm alabama rig and it should bring something up. I think mine was $13.

  On 1/10/2012 at 12:09 PM, weezy109 said:

You are completely neglecting the problem people have. Fishing 15 live bait rods aren't gonna do you any good either if you can't find the fish but would be a huge advantage if you can. But its illegal to do it. The point being if you can't fish multiple rods (the rule being there to stop you from having more than one bait in the water) then why would you allow this as it is clearly an attempt to bypass that rule. Sort of "yeah i got five lures but only one rod so you can't dq me haha" type thing. Very shady imo. In golf there was a big tado about a club that had won a lawsuit so that they could never ban its use, later the PGA banned square grooves on all golf clubs but this one had sort of a bye. So the guys put these old clubs into play and bypassed the rule. They eventually settled with Ping the manufacturer and banned the club. Same scenario here. I don't like the double fluke rig either.

For one, I don't really care how many rods people use. You can't use live bait in a tournament, so 15 live bait rods would only happen in a non-competetive scenario. I don't care how people fish in that scenario, assuming they can be responsible (following size and possession limits). I personally wouldn't get any excitement out of it, but I have no rational reason for wanting people to fish a certain way when they fish for fun.

In a tournament setting? Of course I would have a problm with that, but moreso with the live bait than the 15 rods. Go ahead and throw 15 cranks out there and see if you catch more than I do working 1 effectively. The key to the Alabama rig is that nly 1 rod is being used. Size and feasibility will be limiting factors to use. You see people here already having trouble with using it effectively with 5 arm, you think adding 10 more will allow them to catch any more.

Even if they can get it to work effectively, I'm not sure they would increase the number of bass caught. The key is that it's 1 bait searching in 1 area. The number of bass feeding simutaneously is generally limited. I have yet to hear of someone catching a bass on every single hook, so I don't feel like adding 3 more would increase the number of bass per cast. I'm sure that at some point, if someone had a bait with 10-15 hooks and they somehow got it into a school without killing themselves and could work it back effectively, that a fluke thing would happen where they hook 6 or 8 bass or someting crazy, but it wouldn't be a normal occurrence.

Anyway, that whole argument is moot in the majority of states because there is a limit to the number of hooks that can be used. Whether it be 2, 3, 5, or 9, most states have a regulation which wouldn't allow 15.


fishing user avatarbigbassctchr101 reply : 
  On 1/10/2012 at 1:45 PM, lmoore said:

I have yet to hear of someone catching a bass on every single hook, so I don't feel like adding 3 more would increase the number of bass per cast.

I'm all for the Alabama rig... But, there was a write up in Bassmaster magazine about a guy catching 19lbs of smallies on one cast. Think you can search youtube and he shows how he done it. Pretty cool. But still yet, no avg Joe could drop that thing off a dock and do that without knowing where the fish are.


fishing user avatarlmoore reply : 
  On 1/10/2012 at 10:37 PM, bigbassctchr101 said:

I'm all for the Alabama rig... But, there was a right up in Bassmaster magazine about a guy catching 19lbs of smallies on one cast. Think you can search youtube and he shows how he done it. Pretty cool. But still yet, no avg Joe could drop that thing off a dock and do that without knowing where the fish are.

Now that gives me some pause. However, the thought of being the guy who is bringing up 19 pounds of smallies on one cast in a tournament setting....I almost passed out from excitement :P I'll be looking for that viedo shortly!

I think they key here is whether there is an unfair advantage for someone. Live bait is outlawed because it provides unfair advantages, especially over the fish. The Alabama Rig is an artificial lure and must be worked in such a way to trick the fish into biting, so I don't htink of it as an unfair advantage over the fish. As for other anglers, everyone follows the same set of rules, so the only advantage here goes to the guy who is willing to spend $10-$20 on the rig as opposed to the guy who buys 4 Bombers instead. I don't have a problem there.


fishing user avatargobig reply : 

I have caught over 100 fish in a day on plastic worms, should they be banned? As long as bag rates and C&R are respected I have no issue.

There is also a difference between multiple rods and one. With more than one rod you can fish different speeds at different depths at the same time. Besides other than tournaments it is legal to use more than one rod on most lakes out here and I don't find that to be unsporting.

As far as in tournaments I don't feel it should be banned. If anything the number of hooks should be limited to two. This would put the rig on the same playing field as something like a double fluke rig which is already legal in tournaments and used for years.


fishing user avatarbigbassctchr101 reply : 
  On 1/11/2012 at 1:25 AM, gobig said:

As far as in tournaments I don't feel it should be banned. If anything the number of hooks should be limited to two. This would put the rig on the same playing field as something like a double fluke rig which is already legal in tournaments and used for years.

The front runner has also been out for years and years. And I'm sure that someone has caught a fish on the front runner, front hook of crankbait and back hook of crankbait all at one time. I don't personally think there is anything wrong with 5 hooks on the bait. Don't think there is anything wrong with 3, or 2. and I personally use it with 1. I think peoples biggest issue is they may be afriad of it, or afraid they won't be able to learn it as good as someone else and that the person beating them will be able to catch fish like they see on youtube or FLW.

Simple fact is, it just don't pan out to happen that good everyday. If people have seen the days that we've caught fish every cast on a Spro Deep Diver, or DD22 or have watched my buddies have 5 minute limits on Gunfish, then I think they'd probably want them baits just as bad as the A-rig. People just need to learn that its a tool and it can be used in certain conditions that make it unbelievable.


fishing user avatarweezy109 reply : 
  On 1/10/2012 at 1:45 PM, lmoore said:

I got mine on Ebay from a guy making his own (and probably making a killing). Search for 3 arm alabama rig and it should bring something up. I think mine was $13.

For one, I don't really care how many rods people use. You can't use live bait in a tournament, so 15 live bait rods would only happen in a non-competetive scenario. I don't care how people fish in that scenario, assuming they can be responsible (following size and possession limits). I personally wouldn't get any excitement out of it, but I have no rational reason for wanting people to fish a certain way when they fish for fun.

In a tournament setting? Of course I would have a problm with that, but moreso with the live bait than the 15 rods. Go ahead and throw 15 cranks out there and see if you catch more than I do working 1 effectively. The key to the Alabama rig is that nly 1 rod is being used. Size and feasibility will be limiting factors to use. You see people here already having trouble with using it effectively with 5 arm, you think adding 10 more will allow them to catch any more.

Even if they can get it to work effectively, I'm not sure they would increase the number of bass caught. The key is that it's 1 bait searching in 1 area. The number of bass feeding simutaneously is generally limited. I have yet to hear of someone catching a bass on every single hook, so I don't feel like adding 3 more would increase the number of bass per cast. I'm sure that at some point, if someone had a bait with 10-15 hooks and they somehow got it into a school without killing themselves and could work it back effectively, that a fluke thing would happen where they hook 6 or 8 bass or someting crazy, but it wouldn't be a normal occurrence.

Anyway, that whole argument is moot in the majority of states because there is a limit to the number of hooks that can be used. Whether it be 2, 3, 5, or 9, most states have a regulation which wouldn't allow 15.

Well yeah I agree i don't have a problem with using the rig at all but what i am saying is, there are rules and this is clearly designed to bypass that rule. In tournaments it is illegal to use more than one rod unless it is not a sanctioned tournament. Period. Having a problem with it or not is irrelevant it is against the rules to do it so using a rig that simulates that is at least shady to me. You could see the pros sort of half grinnin when they pulled that thing out at the FLW tournaments. Also you have to look at the possibility that if it is that good you may have tournaments where every single competitor throws this rig and this rig only and that would definitely take the technical skill portion completely out of the equation.


fishing user avatarweezy109 reply : 
  On 1/11/2012 at 3:49 AM, bigbassctchr101 said:

The front runner has also been out for years and years. And I'm sure that someone has caught a fish on the front runner, front hook of crankbait and back hook of crankbait all at one time. I don't personally think there is anything wrong with 5 hooks on the bait. Don't think there is anything wrong with 3, or 2. and I personally use it with 1. I think peoples biggest issue is they may be afriad of it, or afraid they won't be able to learn it as good as someone else and that the person beating them will be able to catch fish like they see on youtube or FLW.

Simple fact is, it just don't pan out to happen that good everyday. If people have seen the days that we've caught fish every cast on a Spro Deep Diver, or DD22 or have watched my buddies have 5 minute limits on Gunfish, then I think they'd probably want them baits just as bad as the A-rig. People just need to learn that its a tool and it can be used in certain conditions that make it unbelievable.

Its got nothing to do with the number of hooks imo it has to do with the number of baits you got out there. One bait with 30 hooks isnt gonna do anything to make the fish bite it but having all those baits simulating a school seems shady to me
fishing user avatarzell_pop1 reply : 

How sporting is it to have 50 guys in a Bass/FLW tournament all throwing the same thing. Boring thats what. Not much skill in it either. I dont like double fluke rigs and the sort either, except for practice.


fishing user avatarWayne P. reply : 

How sporting is it for every FLW angler to be using the same jig/trailer. That would be just as boring. No skill with that either in comparison. If they aren't throwing them were fish are the results are the same.


fishing user avatarweezy109 reply : 
  On 1/11/2012 at 8:08 AM, Wayne P. said:

How sporting is it for every FLW angler to be using the same jig/trailer. That would be just as boring. No skill with that either in comparison. If they aren't throwing them were fish are the results are the same.

50 years of competitive bass fishing and that has never ever happened. Never even been a possibility. It is with this rig tho


fishing user avatarroadwarrior reply : 

Listen up boys...

Whether the Alabama Rig is banned from tournaments or not, if you are a recreational fisherman, you HAVE TO TRY THIS RIG.

The Floating Rapala was unique when it was introduced, the Senko still is...The Alabama Rig dwarfs anything that has ever been

invented.


fishing user avatarweezy109 reply : 

Some states have regulated it so be careful, not everyone can us 5 hooks on this thing, even for recreational use if i'm not mistaken.


fishing user avatarbaluga reply : 

3 arm rig, I'm in! :teeth:


fishing user avatarstanlje2 reply : 

fished with it on 2 different occasions now and caught absolutely ZIP!!! I have to say its one of those things where I just lack confidence with at the moment though because it is still so new to me. Not to mention it wears me out to throw it all day!


fishing user avatarRedlinerobert reply : 

I see many of you have drank the Alabama kool-aid. :-)

I bought one. Looks ridiculous. Feel ridiculous casting it. Unless you're using a heavy swimbait rod, don't bother...

I'm sure it catches fish. Its just no fun to cast. Weighes a ton and is about as aerodynamic as a brick.


fishing user avatarSirSnookalot reply : 

Being strictly a recreational fisherman I have no desire to even try this. I've used umbrella rigs trolling for ocean stripers and didn't much care for that. This is just me, but to throw that A-rig a heavier rod would be required and as far as I'm concerned heavy rods are for heavy fish, light rods for light fish. I don't care use anything heavier than a medium spinning rod for bass fishing.

If I were a tournament fisherman I would use every option available to me.


fishing user avatarBassWhole! reply : 

Umbrellas = lots of fish + 0 fun. They are a royal PITA, but they catch when nothing else will.


fishing user avatarCJ reply : 

I don't see the big deal. It is a great lure but it's not going to win every tournament. Its not an automatic monster bag because you are fishing it. Matter of fact, my last outing a jerkbait was the ticket. Should it be banned?


fishing user avatarweezy109 reply : 
  On 1/13/2012 at 3:38 AM, CJ said:

I don't see the big deal. It is a great lure but it's not going to win every tournament. Its not an automatic monster bag because you are fishing it. Matter of fact, my last outing a jerkbait was the ticket. Should it be banned?

It aint a lure its 5 lures, that's the big deal. I have said that multiple times but guys keep glossing over it asking what the big deal is. That's it in a nutshell. Multiple lures on one rod. This thing will work wonders on schooling fish i'd wager.


fishing user avatarNitrofreak reply : 
  On 1/11/2012 at 8:08 AM, Wayne P. said:

How sporting is it for every FLW angler to be using the same jig/trailer. That would be just as boring. No skill with that either in comparison. If they aren't throwing them were fish are the results are the same.

Ha I like it !!!

I still want to see someone skip it under a dock though...would that be boring?...lol


fishing user avatarslonezp reply : 

How about this weezy109?

http://youtu.be/TyftJByLORE


fishing user avatarNitrofreak reply : 
  On 1/13/2012 at 5:44 AM, slonezp said:

How about this weezy109?

Ha! Who knew? TA DA!!! Is universal. Loved it though.


fishing user avatarweezy109 reply : 
  On 1/13/2012 at 5:44 AM, slonezp said:

How about this weezy109?

Now there's a guy who over thought the school mimic deal!


fishing user avatarCJ reply : 
  On 1/13/2012 at 4:52 AM, weezy109 said:

It aint a lure its 5 lures, that's the big deal. I have said that multiple times but guys keep glossing over it asking what the big deal is. That's it in a nutshell. Multiple lures on one rod. This thing will work wonders on schooling fish i'd wager.

You're right it does work wonders and they don't have to be schooling. But the one I've been throwing has 6 lures on it! And this is bad? How? Wait a minute.......it fools the fish into biting something that is not real!!!! Now I get it!


fishing user avatarweezy109 reply : 
  On 1/13/2012 at 8:02 AM, CJ said:

You're right it does work wonders and they don't have to be schooling. But the one I've been throwing has 6 lures on it! And this is bad? How? Wait a minute.......it fools the fish into biting something that is not real!!!! Now I get it!

Considering Ky only allows 3 hooks on this rig, if you get caught throwing it you will see why its bad haha. But i was referring to tournament fishing which has banned methods like trolling and fishing with multiple rods, etc.
fishing user avatarCJ reply : 
  On 1/13/2012 at 8:29 AM, weezy109 said:

Considering Ky only allows 3 hooks on this rig, if you get caught throwing it you will see why its bad haha. But i was referring to tournament fishing which has banned methods like trolling and fishing with multiple rods, etc.

You might want to check your source of info. Tennessee only allows 3. Ky. doesn't have a hook limit.


fishing user avatarweezy109 reply : 
  On 1/13/2012 at 9:01 AM, CJ said:

You might want to check your source of info. Tennessee only allows 3. Ky. doesn't have a hook limit.

You are correct, i fish Tennessee alot tho so it still applicable to me.


fishing user avatarCaver reply : 

LOL. This lure is for dopes. If your going to take all the skill out of fishing why not just use nets and call it a day. Catch more fish and no hooks!


fishing user avatarslonezp reply : 
  On 1/13/2012 at 11:10 AM, Caver said:

LOL. This lure is for dopes. If your going to take all the skill out of fishing why not just use nets and call it a day. Catch more fish and no hooks!

Great first post :MSN-Emoticon-129:


fishing user avatarCaver reply : 

Thanks!


fishing user avatarweezy109 reply : 
  On 1/13/2012 at 11:38 AM, slonezp said:

Great first post :MSN-Emoticon-129:

Man that smiley really needs to find a dentist
fishing user avatarStevO reply : 

All this negativity has me thinking none of you like to fish

just try it and put it away like we do with all the stuff we end up buying

or try it and learn to master it, if you don't lose it first.

I don't have downscan,sidescan or even brainscan, thats why I'm not going to throw the $25 one I got.

I'm still waiting for the bulk pack of 10 that I got for 40 bucks so that I can experiment with.

It's obvious this is a consumer driven product,otherwise it would only cost 5 bucks

If you take a good look at it anyone could determine that it's about 50 cents worth of wire and tin

(like pizza an average $2 of bread,sauce,and ingredients...but you can sell it from $10-$20)

When I get my pack of 10 I'll rig them all and that will be all I take to the lake that day,if the fish are on then it should kickask

if they are off then this thing is supposed to turn them on when nothing else will

will report back


fishing user avatarweezy109 reply : 

Just troll it. Cover more water and don't even have to bother casting! Win Win!


fishing user avatarCaver reply : 

Better yet troll it with 2 poles! 10 baits!


fishing user avatarStevO reply : 

Our lake record was caught trolling dec of 2005 i think

was with a dd22

all the shops around here started to sell them for 8 to 10 bucks


fishing user avatarNitrofreak reply : 

Here in Va. I see these used all the time on the lake I fish.

They are primarily used for stripers with people on larger boats that just troll around all day.

After seeing the rig in person I do not think I would want something like that thing on the end of my rod, it is already hard enough working one crank bait all day I just cant imagine what my arms would feel like if I had to fish that thing all day.

To me it is what it is and people are going to use it no matter what anyone says about it.


fishing user avatarBassWhole! reply : 
  On 1/13/2012 at 1:32 PM, StevO said:

All this negativity has me thinking none of you like to fish

just try it and put it away like we do with all the stuff we end up buying

or try it and learn to master it, if you don't lose it first.

I don't have downscan,sidescan or even brainscan, thats why I'm not going to throw the $25 one I got.

I'm still waiting for the bulk pack of 10 that I got for 40 bucks so that I can experiment with.

It's obvious this is a consumer driven product,otherwise it would only cost 5 bucks

If you take a good look at it anyone could determine that it's about 50 cents worth of wire and tin

(like pizza an average $2 of bread,sauce,and ingredients...but you can sell it from $10-$20)

When I get my pack of 10 I'll rig them all and that will be all I take to the lake that day,if the fish are on then it should kickask

if they are off then this thing is supposed to turn them on when nothing else will

will report back

They are just clinging to their guns and religion, this thing challenges the dogma, so it must be evil. Its cheating, it makes it too easy, it takes the sport out of it, it must be banned, etc etc.....


fishing user avatarCaver reply : 

What do guns and religion have to do with fishing a lure???? I like to shoot bass with my shotgun when they surface whilst saying a Hail Mary as much as the next guy but I think this is a little off topic.


fishing user avatarSam reply : 

Gentlemen, great discussion.

The Alabama rig is under study in a number of states and later this year we will be hearing from states that now allow the rig to either continue to use it or limit the number of hooks on any one presentation.

I would venture that B.A.S.S. and the FLW are also waiting for the results of the Alabama rig and then make a decision if it will be legal in any of their future tournaments.

My friend caught three bass at one time on the Alabama rig on Lake Anna without any bait fish in the area. He lucked out and hit a school of bass.

He has not caught anything since then on the rig. He will be throwing it in our club and B.A.S.S. Region 3 tournaments this year and I am very interested to learn of his success.

I rigged up an Alabama rig and it is heavy. You don't seem to cast it but "lob" it. My finger hurt from the line and after 15 minutes I was getting tired.

Weezy, your comment above sparks interest in the use of the rig. If what you say is correct than we may see the rig banned by more states and the two bass angler organizations. Excellent points that many have not considered.

Time will tell. In the meantime, throw that sucker and let us know how you do.


fishing user avatarFishing Rhino reply : 

Hey folks, the Alabama rig ain't nothin' new. It's just a version of an umbrella rig that can be cast.

Forty years ago I trolled umbrella rigs for striped bass. There were a variety of types. Some had four arms, some had six arms. Some arms had two loops on them others three. They had a heavy lead cylinder at the center, but to fish it right you needed to use a large diameter, narrow spool reel and a stiff rod with roller guides. To get it down, monel wire line was the "line" of choice.

I used a four arm umbrella that had three loops on each arm and one in the center for a total of thirteen baits. Willow leaf spinners and hooks (I forget the name) with a double bend and surgical tubing on each of the hooks. The bend in the hooks made the tube worms spin. I just remembered the name of the hooks, limerick.

3612_208_large.jpg

I was meat fishing for stripers, and they worked great. While it was "fun" putting a lot of bass in the boat, there is no way on earth it could be called sportfishing. I've caught up to seven stripers at one time. They fought each other more than they fought the fisherman. It was like winching in a humongous chatterbait.

Regs and rules? I'll leave that to the powers that be. The great attraction of fishing is that we can all do it our way, provided it's legal.

I will add a couple of more thoughts. Dynamite works great too, provided you can find the fish. I've seen a lot of "discussion", pro and con. But, in my humble opinion, using the Alabama (umbrella) rig is not sportfishing, as I understand its meaning. And that's all I've got to say about that.


fishing user avatarHooligan reply : 

My only thoughts on the rig are these: You generally have to be in the right situation to be catching fish on it, there will be the odd person that lucks out, but overall, it's not a lure you're going to throw all the time every time. It's a fun way to fish when you're on fish that are actively chasing bait; in the grand scheme, it's no different than a double fluke, it's only slightly expanded. If you think it's not a legit way to fish, then don't fish it; particularly if it happens to be a tournament that I am fishing against you, by all means don't fish it.


fishing user avatarQuillback reply : 

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


fishing user avatarSirSnookalot reply : 

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

99oq6e.jpg


fishing user avatarjames 14 reply : 

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.


fishing user avatarBig Fish Rice reply : 

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.


fishing user avatarRAMBLER reply : 

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.


fishing user avatarCaver reply : 
  On 1/16/2012 at 2:52 AM, DanielR said:

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.


fishing user avatarChiCityBasser reply : 

"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


fishing user avatarweezy109 reply : 
  On 1/16/2012 at 4:05 AM, RAMBLER said:

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
fishing user avatarslonezp reply : 

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


fishing user avatarJ Francho reply : 

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.


fishing user avatarroadwarrior reply : 
  On 1/18/2012 at 6:30 AM, slonezp said:

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 user avatarFishing Rhino reply : 
  On 1/16/2012 at 2:52 AM, DanielR said:

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.


fishing user avatarBig Fish Rice reply : 
  On 1/18/2012 at 9:43 AM, Fishing Rhino said:

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".


fishing user avatarBigbarge50 reply : 
  Quote

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.


fishing user avatarABLE2DISABLE1 reply : 

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.

post-17106-0-26079300-1326861014_thumb.j


fishing user avatarctf58 reply : 

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.


fishing user avatarBass XL reply : 
  On 1/18/2012 at 6:29 AM, weezy109 said:

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

2pics.jpg

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.


fishing user avatarweezy109 reply : 
  On 1/18/2012 at 1:30 PM, Bass XL said:

2pics.jpg

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.


fishing user avatarweezy109 reply : 
  On 1/18/2012 at 12:58 PM, Clint Ford said:

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.


fishing user avatarJ Francho reply : 

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.


fishing user avatarBass XL reply : 
  On 1/18/2012 at 1:41 PM, weezy109 said:

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.


fishing user avatarweezy109 reply : 
  On 1/18/2012 at 1:55 PM, J Francho said:

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.


fishing user avatarBass XL reply : 
  On 1/18/2012 at 2:13 PM, weezy109 said:

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.


fishing user avatarJ Francho reply : 

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.


fishing user avatarweezy109 reply : 

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.


fishing user avatarSirSnookalot reply : 

Good points made both pro and con. Being strictly a recreational fisherman I'm out there to have fun, many techniques I don't employ because it isn't fun for me, the A-rig would be one of them. Have I used one, no, but I've used umbrella rigs for ocean stripers and without doubt would prefer using 1 lure for them. I speak only for myself, when it comes to catching bass I'm not about to use heavy rods for fish that on average are not going to be more than 5#. If I happen to hook a bigger one, don't worry I'll get it in and if I don't, so what !,I'm releasing it anyway, I had the fight and that's what I'm there for. What others choose to use is entirely up to them.


fishing user avatarJ Francho reply : 
  Quote
The haves and have nots deal is just insulting.

What is insulting about it? Guys still whine about senkos in tournaments. Don't like to beaten by blind squirrels? Set up your game! There is an old timer somewhere complaining that bass fishing was great until the invention of the plastic worm. Side imaging and GPS are WAYYYYY bigger tools in the scheme of tournament fishing than any terminal rig. Remember the guys taking chain saws and come alongs to get their boats into really remote water? Was that fair?

When ever there is a, "why didn't I think of that?" moment, there are ten others that whine about it not being fair. That's what I mean by haves and have nots.


fishing user avatarBlue Streak reply : 

I have said before that I am surprised that a rig with that many hooks is permitted by any state game and fish dept. In Ohio there is a regulation about fishing lines that states that

Anglers may not use more than two lines, whether fastened to a pole, a rod and reel, or hand held. Anglers may use up to three hooks on each line, except as provided in the Ohio Administrative Code.

Now I know that may be an exact comparison, but my point is many states do have restrictions.

That rig is very limited in it's application anyhow. It could only be fished in very open water and most likely for suspended fish. Can't imagine trying to get that through a weed bed or brush pile.

The fact is I am neither for or against it's use and I would need to know more to form a definite opinion, but I wonder if it is already illegal in some states because of existing laws. One thing for certain, I won't be wearing my arm out with it.


fishing user avatarBass XL reply : 
  On 1/18/2012 at 10:22 PM, J Francho said:

When ever there is a, "why didn't I think of that?" moment, there are ten others that whine about it not being fair. That's what I mean by haves and have nots.

:computer-20:


fishing user avatarbigbassctchr101 reply : 

So, apparently some people like it and some don't lol.

I agree that it is a specific tool, with a lot of other potential that many people haven't yet found. And, I have no problem with them banning it in the Elites and Classic (1. because it doesn't effect me like J. Francho said 2. who should really care enough to argue it all day long if they aren't actually fishing the classic or elites?)

It would have been awesome to see what them guys could have caught on the rigs because it has the ability to catch fish that do not relate to much cover or many other things people key on when fishing. On the other hand I think it may eventually hurt impact the fisheries in some way. Not because of fish kills, or fish being hooked, etc... but really because more people will see it, buy it, and use it. The striper fishermen have been using, and catching BASS on it for years and years and I haven't seen an uproar of that yet? Guys were fishing this thing for an entire summer before the publicity hit it. Noone complained about seeing massive amounts of dead fish, or fish with hook scars all over them at weigh in.

The media made this thing the bad guy. And everyone thinking they had to have one and use it.

I do not think there was one thing wrong with it if it followed states laws. I do NOT think it would be right for a state to amend laws because of this lure, but thats not my call.

For the people thats bashing it--- Why? Have even half of you tried it? If you have, I would bet that over 85% did not slay fish on it and did not catch ANY doubles. So what is your bases for not liking it if it follows laws, and why weren't you complaining about it the last 10 or more years that striper fisherman have used it? And, are you afraid that someone is going to go pitch this in your favorite flipping bush, or finese it along your designated piece of rip rap bank?

Of the people that have tried it, how many have caught doubles, triples. etc?? I've used it probably 18 or so outings, and had 1 good day. 12 keepers. No doubles. Only one time were there multiple hooks involved on one fish...and that was a 14" smallmouth that killed two baits in one bite and had 2 hooks in the mouth...not his sides! The other times, I caught a couple fish on it...big fish ;but not a lot of fish. And I would consider myself to be an average or above average fisherman.

I would be let down to think that the Elite guys are being so dramatic over this (because I really don't think they mind it nearly as much as most of you people do). The Elite guys didn't use it before, and half of them wouldn't have used it anyway. So, nothing has really changed for them.

But why are so many people against change and new innovations? There are many more things out there that could be worse than the A-rig. (I can drive by a point or a brushpile and watch my bait go down to the fish and watch the fish eat it LIKE A VIDEO GAME, and people have more of a problem with a stupid fishing lure than a $2500 sonar) Whats wrong with this picture lol

I have heard some good cons and reasons why this bait should not be used for tournament and recreational fishermen. But most of them just sound like they're afraid to spend time and learn how to fish it. I'd have much more respect for someone that just flat out don't like and don't wanna use it just cause.... There's no need to make up silly excuses and reasons that could hold true about other baits that you're already using ==> Double/triple flukes? (are you afraid the shiny 200lb wire will get more bites?), Double/triple fish catches? (while this happens more often on the a-rig, it doesn't happen that much, we are just hearing about it all the time now, and its happened with other lures, Tim Horton actually had this happen multiple times in a tournament on a bomber), over fishing? (if you don't like it, don't use it, that solves 30% of fishermen, people that bought it but can't/won't figure out how to fish it effectively is another 50%, the other 20% have been smokin your tails before the rig came out anyway)

Here's an experiment--Someone use only this rig the whole year and compare it with someone using other methods and see who catches more fish at the end of that year!


fishing user avatarBasskingKeith reply : 

Just looks like a cheating contraption to me :P


fishing user avatarSirSnookalot reply : 

A governing body makes rules that are going to benefit their sport or competitive activity, imo especially from a sponsors standpoint as the future of any company lies with the recreational user.

A state on the other hand makes regulations in hopes of benefiting the entire picture, the fishery,wildlife dependent on lakes and rivers and to the environment as a whole.

Question is, should any governing body be allowed to supercede state regulations.

As far as the A-rig goes, if it's legal use if you like, if not don't.

I don't think it's cheating.


fishing user avatarCaver reply : 

What about taking the sporting issue out of it? Do you really want these umbrellas with hooks attached to them piling up at the bottoms of our lakes or the shoreline when they get broken off? People talk about the damage plastics can do. This has to be much worse. You have 5x the opportunity to catch fish, but also 5x the opportunity to get hung up on structure. Also, this whole have, have not's conspiracy is retarded. I would get it if we were taking about $50,000 bass boats, but we're talking about spending an extra 15-20 on a lure. Give me a break.


fishing user avatarctf58 reply : 

Lets go back to the way it should be.


fishing user avatarJ Francho reply : 
  On 1/20/2012 at 3:21 AM, Clint Ford said:
Lets go back to the way it should be.

LOL, live baiting with a Zebco. No thanks, I was over that before I turned 10.


fishing user avatarBasskingKeith reply : 

Wonder why my post keep getting deleted.... That's low.


fishing user avatarBlue Streak reply : 

I picked this up on an Ohio fishing site. I wonder if other states have laws like this and if perhaps that was part of the consideration for the decision to ban it by B.A.S.S. . I can't remember the state where it was used to win the tournament. But was it legal there?

Reply to an e mail inquiry: An Alabama Rig or Umbrella Rig, using 5 leaders, is not legal 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


fishing user avatarJ Francho reply : 
  On 1/20/2012 at 4:40 AM, Bank said:

Wonder why my post keep getting deleted.... That's low.

Nothing's been deleted. ;)




5960

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