No Alabama Rig in B.A.S.S.

[AJM]

At this point all that has happened is an adjustment of an existing rule for the BASS elite series and classic. I see no issue with this rule clarification as it is just like any other professional sport adjusting their previous rules to new products and technology. This is, in their mind, upkeeping the integrity of the sport, while keeping a fair playing field.

I have yet to fish the rig, but am intrigued with the concept and the fishing- community's diverse reactions. I hope local opens and clubs allow this technique for the season just for the ability to compare previous patterns, weights, and winners. I don't think those things will be too different than in the past, it's just another technique that can be successful at times.

I believe people that think this is "cheating" and "too easy" are mistaken. Nothing in fishing is for sure, we all know that there are many factors that contribute to our fishing success and sometimes live bait doesn't even work. Throwing this rig requires it's own level of skill, similar to jigging, worming, or cranking. Not to mention you still have to find active fish.

[bassmaster]

At this point all that has happened is an adjustment of an existing rule for the BASS elite series and classic. I see no issue with this rule clarification as it is just like any other professional sport adjusting their previous rules to new products and technology. This is, in their mind, upkeeping the integrity of the sport, while keeping a fair playing field.

From your quote above, ask yourself this, why is the rule change ONLY for BASS Elite series and NOT Bassmaster Opens (In which some Elite anglers fish?), Bass Federation, or College Bass (all of these are affiliated with BASS). Integrity for the pros, fair playing field (Please see electronics 101..IE..The Hydrowave, Side Imaging...not banned but a sponsor of BASS)??

[crappiepappy]

Can't fish it in B.A.S.S. affiliated tourneys ... simple, SWITCH to FLW !!! LOL !!

http://www.flwoutdoors.com/fishing-a...-alabama-rigs/

... pappy

[ClarkIR]

The spinnerbait trailer hook is an extension of the spinnerbait which allows you to have the possibility to catch more fish....I figured this would come from someone who "I don't know if the Rig is or isn't from personal experience." Coming from MY personal and those who are friends that have thrown it, "It doesn't catch them as the pros have depicted it" Any lure can outfish another lure in given situations. As much as I've thrown the rig, I've yet to catch more than one at a time BUT I have caught more than one before on lures with treble hooks. "The message across the board by pro anglers is that it is less challenging"..well last time I checked those guys can catch them better than almost everyone on anything they throw....you think it's because they are a better fisherman than you...most likely. Most pros are totally catch and release , are we to follow suite and not allow anyone to fish live bait? Or not to keep any to eat? Or to quit trolling just because the pros say its illegal? They will not be banned in Kentucky but some other states have changed to limit the lures to 2 or 3 (Most DFW have stated reasons such as spinnerbaits with blades (some states have blades listed as lure), trailers, and added hooks). I would say that anyone who looks at it from a stand point of "I've never used it but the pros say", they should TRY it and then pass judgement instead of thinking with what you sit on rather than what you hang your hat on.

It is 5 Moonshaun and will more than likely stay that way. UNLESS it outfishes live bait and w wipe out the whole fishery.

My opinion here just as everyone has theirs.

Tim

Again, the spinnerbait analogy just doesnt work, its still ONE Lure with TWO hooks.

And yes, I did say the message from the pro's is that this rig makes it less challenging, and Im guessing BASS agrees by banning it from to elite tour.

Im pretty sure trolling, live bait and the other things you mentioned are not legal tactics in the BASS elite series. and I have no idea why you even brought those tactics up for leisure fishing, since I never said the alabama rig should be banned from public use in the first place. I also would not want those tactics banned.

You didnt even really bother to read my post, you went into auto defense mode and just started talking about things I never made reference too.

[Embrey]

comparing a spinnerbait to an A rig is not even on the same page at all

[AJM]

In my opinion, the elite series is the sports highest level. Their rules should be a little different, they are Pros. Opens are not the elite series, despite sharing similar fisherman.

Your feelings about electronics have nothing to do with the rule that is in question with multiple lure techniques. However Electronics are not just plug and play. There is a lot to learn, to fully utilize that equipment. That's why people go to classes and hire guides to teach them about electronics. having the best electronics doesn't equal catching the best/ most fish.

I didn't say that I personally felt like this was the best decision for integrity of the sport or fair play. That is the responsibility of the governing body and why they make and adjust rules. I have no preference either way, I just respect their opinion for the sport they are in charge of.

I guess my point is there are very few if any elite series anglers on this board. So as of now this rule has no effect on us. Go out and throw this bait or don't! This announcement has no impact on us as recreational or local tourny fisherman.

[numbuts]

guess i cant replace the blades on spinnerbaits with trailers anymore people will say i caught them on the a-rig now

[FishinPhil]

I agree

In my opinion, the elite series is the sports highest level. Their rules should be a little different, they are Pros. Opens are not the elite series, despite sharing similar fisherman.

Your feelings about electronics have nothing to do with the rule that is in question with multiple lure techniques. However Electronics are not just plug and play. There is a lot to learn, to fully utilize that equipment. That's why people go to classes and hire guides to teach them about electronics. having the best electronics doesn't equal catching the best/ most fish.

I didn't say that I personally felt like this was the best decision for integrity of the sport or fair play. That is the responsibility of the governing body and why they make and adjust rules. I have no preference either way, I just respect their opinion for the sport they are in charge of.

I guess my point is there are very few if any elite series anglers on this board. So as of now this rule has no effect on us. Go out and throw this bait or don't! This announcement has no impact on us as recreational or local tourny fisherman.

[Mark Menendez]

I agree

I just want pipe in as there are Elite Pros watching and reading the boards.

Just remember that only 100 anglers are affected by this ruling. It also will rule during the Bassmaster Classic. This is the most important event in competitive angling!

The A-rig is a fish catching devise. Its record is impressive! I feel the playing field in the Elite Events will be higher with the "One Rod ...One Lure Standard" in place. It is still in use for BASS Opens, Weekend Series, and Ferderation Nation events.

Thanks to all of those that feel the Elite Series must be held to a higher standred. It will be good for all of us to be viewed in this regard.

Good Fishing to all!

Mark

[ClarkIR]

guess i cant replace the blades on spinnerbaits with trailers anymore people will say i caught them on the a-rig now

ive never tried that but that sounds like a great idea. What are you using a 1/8th jig head with a grub or something?

[offdtop]

Mark I still remember watching the episode on Pro Journal when you used the "Donkey Rig", After watching that episode I ran out and tried it and still at certain times throw it.

Due to the new rule it bans the double fluke rig which I personally don't agree with, but they had to draw the line somewhere I understand. I like the single lure/rod for professional tournaments I kind of compare it to the rules for college football vs the pro's and you will still have us guys playing "touch" football, or half court basketball which has rules all together different for the non-professional.

We as arm-chair anglers like competition and some guys would like to see it harder than they have it when fishing so it makes us feel better when we do good. Some want the pro's to perform spectacular feats by having only limited equipment at their disposal so I have to ask, what is the majority vote of the professional fisherman for or against the A-Rig? Is this rule posed because of public outcry or the anglers themselves? I haven't heard anything about the PAA which from my understanding is an organization ran by the anglers themselves.

I have no dog in this fight but I am curious ......

[MagikSmallie]

If you replace the blades on a spinnerbait then it's not a spinnerbait anymore!