Alabama Rig And Tournaments

[roughscott]

If we allow this is down riggers and trolling next ? Single lure per pole rule .

[bassmaster]

Ok. Here we go. As long as the bait, lure, or method is not illegal, it can be used by anyone (tournaments or just fishing). Now the way I see it is, if it's not been banned and it catches 'em that good and one still fishes the tourney, then there is NO way that one can complain because everyone has the same opportunities. Either learn how and then throw it or get beat by it. The Alabama rig is not the just throw it out and you can fill the boat bait that many have portrayed it to be. I've thrown it MANY more times without a hit than with getting bit. Grant it, I have, along with my fishing partner have caught 'em pretty good on it.

I remember a few years ago people were raising a stink about the FNF rod length rule in tourneys. While I never fished any tourneys in the winter when the FNF bite is on you can bet if I did fish one, I would try it because I KNOW what it can do. I've had days on Cumberland with the FNF with my 5 best weighing 24 plus poounds. I remember when 7'11" flippin sticks were fussed about as well, because some would not try it they persecuted those who did flip with heavy line, heavy cover, and big baits catching BIG fish.

It's just another fishing technique that produces, another one will come along, and then another. I love learning new ways of catching them and have over the years. Some I've mastered and others I've long since given up on them. I feel it makes you a more consistent fisherman.

Good fishing, God Bless, and to each his own
Tim
bassmaster

[stoner]

With out going thru all the other alabama rig posts. Im just wondering if the minnow head jig is pretty much the standard rig? Does anybody rig them with out the swim head?

[Fishin is life]

Ok. Here we go. As long as the bait, lure, or method is not illegal, it can be used by anyone (tournaments or just fishing). Now the way I see it is, if it's not been banned and it catches 'em that good and one still fishes the tourney, then there is NO way that one can complain because everyone has the same opportunities. Either learn how and then throw it or get beat by it. The Alabama rig is not the just throw it out and you can fill the boat bait that many have portrayed it to be. I've thrown it MANY more times without a hit than with getting bit. Grant it, I have, along with my fishing partner have caught 'em pretty good on it.

I remember a few years ago people were raising a stink about the FNF rod length rule in tourneys. While I never fished any tourneys in the winter when the FNF bite is on you can bet if I did fish one, I would try it because I KNOW what it can do. I've had days on Cumberland with the FNF with my 5 best weighing 24 plus poounds. I remember when 7'11" flippin sticks were fussed about as well, because some would not try it they persecuted those who did flip with heavy line, heavy cover, and big baits catching BIG fish.

It's just another fishing technique that produces, another one will come along, and then another. I love learning new ways of catching them and have over the years. Some I've mastered and others I've long since given up on them. I feel it makes you a more consistent fisherman.

Good fishing, God Bless, and to each his own
Tim
bassmaster

I agree 100%...It's like being mad about a guy throwing a jig because he fishes it better than you do....I don't care what kind of bait you're using, you have to have the technique and know the spots it produces or you will get beat by it...I've heard that the Renegade has already banned it, and I feel that it's the tournament directors choice....If tournaments allow it, and you get beat by it, it's because that guy or guys put their time in and learned it just like anything else

[bassmaster]

With out going thru all the other alabama rig posts. Im just wondering if the minnow head jig is pretty much the standard rig? Does anybody rig them with out the swim head?

Hey Stoner,

The minnow head jig is the one used most, however I wouldn't rule out just a swimbait hook on it especially if when the fish are shallower. The weight of the lures and the rig will get it down some, the heavier the jig head the better you can work it in deeper water. Hope this helps and it's just my theory.

Tim

[dt16]

I agree 100%...It's like being mad about a guy throwing a jig because he fishes it better than you do....I don't care what kind of bait you're using, you have to have the technique and know the spots it produces or you will get beat by it...I've heard that the Renegade has already banned it, and I feel that it's the tournament directors choice....If tournaments allow it, and you get beat by it, it's because that guy or guys put their time in and learned it just like anything else

if renegade really banned it it is because prowler doesnt make one yet. but wait till next year and it will be ok.

[stoner]

[QUOTE=bassmaster;476550]Hey Stoner,

The minnow head jig is the one used most, however I wouldn't rule out just a swimbait hook on it especially if when the fish are shallower. The weight of the lures and the rig will get it down some, the heavier the jig head the better you can work it in deeper water. Hope this helps and it's just my theory.

Tim[/QUOT

Thanks Tim

[TR21X]

Renegade is not the only one to band it and they do sell them if we let people use it then we should let them troll or use more then one rod at a time ronnie

[Les Young]

I don't own one, but may try one sonner or later. Love me some jigs & plastics myself, but that's just me & also a shortcoming at times when I should be doing other things. I just simply can not understand why anyone thinks they should be banned. It's simply another tool & in my opinion most anglers need all the tools they can get. Why would anyone think this rig in unethical & considers it cheating to use one. Frigging ridiculous. If you want to crank, throw a jig or jerkbait go for it & anyone wanting to use the Alabama Rig should do just that too.

[Fntsyfbgod]

I talked to Sherbert. He said the rules on the Renegade would likely be 3 wires maximum. I haven't confirmed it yet be he believes that's also going to be the BASS rules also.
.

[lilmule]

Think the point being made it is illegal to use in may locales there for being banned,Example tn we are a 3 rig state.Doubt if they are banning them in alabama which is a 5.
Many studies of laws with some possibly being changed due to its useage,I dont personally agree with teasers being counted as a lure in tn but its the law and I find it commendable that a T org knowing it isnt legal to use here wont let one.
Tn also has been studying passage of a 5 ,doubt it,most likly will expect ky to change its regs for ky lake or start sending dnr up to blood river area on the main to pass out citations,state line isnt over on the bank the sign is,smack down the middle of the old tn river bed,so wouldnt pay to have one on deck if they start enforcing and you cross over the center,its not just lbl bays.
Any area that is shared may be a troubled area-citations if anglers dont conform, the law has been around a lot longer than the rigs use itself,wasnt designed to prohibit use after ward was prior.
Suspect several more T orgs to follow suit where it may not be kosher and the angler shouldnt be using them.
Ps a 3 rig works great here

[RTF247365]

I have noticed that the people "crying" the most for the banning of this lure are guys that run these weekend "open" tournaments. Maybe you guys have some underlying motive, like somebody coming down to your lake and taking you and your "buddies" money? If you don't want to put the time in to learn a new technique, just ban it, that makes sense. Let's ban the "Donkey" rig too (the one with multiple soft jerkbaits joined by swivels). I have seen guys hurling those things out there with three or four jerkbaits on one rod...can't have that. Unfair advantage.

Come on guys. As has already been said, it is just another tool. Just like the swimbait explosion, the drop-shot rig, and all other "revolutions" in the fishing industry, the alabama rig has its place. It has solved one of life's great mysteries, how to catch suspended fish in the fall. Why ban it?