Alabama rig on it's way out already

[joedog]

Most have probably heard, Elite Series and the Classic now have a rule that states one Rod, One line, one lure. Maybe a few more in jeopardy like dropshotting with a jigs. At least from the wording you would think so.

[islandbass]

I don't have a problem with that. Although I have nothing against this rig, personally, I would never use it. It's just not my style of fishing.

It's probably a more noble idea to catch fish without one, but I certainly see the POV from the pros who want/need to catch bass and fast in a tournament.

As for drop shotting with a jig as the weight, I won't employ that either because I fish the drop shot in rip rap 95% of the time. That would hurt my pocket!!

[Koticheck]

sure you are right

[bamabassman]

it may be out of B.A.S.S tournies, but i am sure that BPS owuldn't already have it in their catalog if it were outlawed all together. makes no nevermind ot me. i got a couple already. gonna see what it does.

[islandbass]

Originally Posted by bamabassman

it may be out of B.A.S.S tournies, but i am sure that BPS owuldn't already have it in their catalog if it were outlawed all together. makes no nevermind ot me. i got a couple already. gonna see what it does.

Please give a review and report on it, Bama. I just don't have the heart to use one. Might make me change my mind.

[Bender]

Same here, as long as its legal by state fishing regs I'm going to try it. I can't imagine how 5 smallies at one time will feel on Saint Clair. I think of all the times there are "followers" and wonder if I am fishing this rig I might catch them too.

[bamabassman]

islandbass. i will most certainly give as full a report on this lure as i possibly can. and i'll even get someone to post up any pictures too. cause ya'll know i STILL can't post them dang thangs, hahaha!!!

and bender, that's what i am wondering too. how would 5 5 plus pounders feel on the same line? might tie it on braid jsut to make sure. got some 50# i am gonna tie on a couple of rods.

[Jrob78]

I'm glad they aren't going to let them use it in the Elite Series. I don't really have a problem with the A-rig but it doesn't seem very sporting for tournament fishing, especially at the highest level. I do plan on getting one and trying it out though, I need all the help I can get.

[BigBassin144]

Doesn't surprise me at all, but I guess that means no double fluke rig either.

BB

[skeeter1804]

It's not legal in Kansas or Missouri where I fish most so I will be anxious to hear how others do on it.

[ranger185]

It's actually legal in Missouri , but you can only use 3 hooks. I either cut the hooks off 2 of the swimbait heads or just use 2 spinner bait blades and 3 swimmin fluke jr's .
I don't think its going anywhere , from what I understand the FLW won't ban it and I'm sure it will get plenty of use in local tournaments.

[Dogmatic]

I picked up a couple rigs too, just to have. Had to get the "Cabama rigs" so they were legal here in PA. I'll wait to use them in spring, or more likely in the fall, when the shad school up more, and the Bass are out hunting in packs.

[screwballl]

The "Alabama" or Umbrella rig is only outlawed in certain specific events. It only limits anglers competing in the Bassmaster Classic and Bassmaster Elite Series to the use of a single lure during practice and competition. It does not apply to Bassmaster Open, B.A.S.S. Federation Nation, College B.A.S.S. and other events. FLW has announced it will study the effects and possibly make a rules change in the future, but is taking a wait and see approach for now.

Right now only the states of TN and VT have limits.

TN:

Umbrella rigs can be legally fished in Tennessee waters as long as they comply with the regulation as described in the proclamation. An umbrella rig is defined as an array of more than three artificial lures or baits (with or without hooks) used by a single rod and reel combination. Each blade of a spinner bait would be considered a lure. If the hook sizes are 8 or smaller, all lures or baits may have hooks (single, double, or treble). If any hooks on the umbrella rig are hook size 6 or larger, then only one lure or bait in the array may have a hook and that hook must be a single hook.

This means for perch/crappie, you can use it, but since bass hooks are generally larger in size then TN law allows for this rig, it is outlawed.


VT:

...a person may take fish only by using not more than two lines over which he or she has immediate control and to each of which lines is attached not more than two baited hooks, or more than three artificial flies, or more than two lures
with or without bait, except... at lakes with specific rules.

As for the rest of the nation, most states and tournaments have no rules regarding this so tie on 50 lures and catch what you can! (joking obviously, ALWAYS check the rules of any tournament you may be involved in no matter how small or local)