Fhe Alabama rig, a wire harness that allows anglers to fish with multiple lures from a single rod and reel combination, has been banned from competition by the Wal-Mart FLW Tour. Beginning in 2014, the FLW joins the Bass Anglers Sportsman Society (B.A.S.S.) in prohibiting its use in major bass tournaments, even in states where its use is considered legal.
Why the concern? First, multiple lure arrays, like the Alabama rig, often catch several fish at the same time and this raises conservation concerns among wildlife officials. Additionally, its multi-hook design increases the likelihood of foul hooking and harming fish. Big bass become so excited when they see what appears to be a school of baitfish swimming by, that they attempt to swallow the entire rig.
Secondly, the Alabama Rig is so effective that anglers who do not use it are at a competitive disadvantage on certain lakes. Therefore, in the interest of keeping a level playing field for both participants and sponsors alike, the FLW, as B.A.S.S. did earlier, outlawed its use in its top circuits. This change goes a long way towards fostering both tournaments’ image of being champions of conservation and sportsmanship.
Probably the biggest reason the A-Rig has lost favor with the tournament crowd is that bass fishing is fast becoming a “catch and release” sport, unlike striped bass fishing which is more of a “catch and eat” type of fishing. As a matter of fact, striper anglers have been using a similar, but larger rig (the umbrella rig) for years in saltwater with very little controversy.
For now, the Alabama rig is not restricted in North Carolina inland fishing waters, with two exceptions: (1) the inland waters on the Roanoke River upstream from the U.S. 258 Bridge, only a single barbless hook or lure may be used from April 1 to June 30. And, (2) in public mountain trout waters where there are bait and lure restrictions, depending on the type of waters being fished.
Upcoming Events: Free Seminar: “How to Catch More Fish on Lake Norman This Fall”. Jake Bussolini and I will conduct this informative question and answer session on September 18th at 6:30 p.m. at Gander Mountain, Exit 36, Mooresville, NC. For additional information, call 704 658 0822.
Tips from Capt. Gus! The A-Rig can be cast or trolled, depending on circumstances. It is used not only for bass, but for stripers, hybrids, perch and any other species that feed on shad and herring.
Fishing Report: Bass and perch fishing have improved since the Labor Day weekend. This improvement is partly due to the absence of so many pleasure boats and personal watercraft, now that school has started. But remember, it likely has more to do with the days getting shorter, the water levels stabilizing, and bass are beginning to bulk up for the winter ahead.
Bass have been quite active between the railroad bridge and Interstate 40 at the upper end of the lake. Downstream, bass action has been good in Hicks, Stumpy and Mountain Creeks. Lower than normal water temperatures have made crappie fishermen happy. They’re finding it easier than last September to catch their twenty fish limit. Best baits to use are crappie minnows, suspended over brush piles to twenty feet during daylight hours and under bridges after dark. Bigger than normal white perch are hitting Sabiki flies along drop offs.
Water Conditions:
The water level on Lake Norman is approximately 2.3' below full pond. Mountain Island Lake is 2.8' below full. Surface water temperatures are in the low to mid-eighties, depending on location or proximity to a power plant.