Thoughts on the Alabama rig IN TOURNAMENTS!

[Ckelley2]

Just want to know how people feel about the use of the A-rig in tournament use. I know this topic has been hot for a while now, but I have recently heard of several local tournaments being won by people simply casting out the back and pulling it along with the trolling motor. Right or wrong? I don't have the answers personally. What do you think?
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[gdn443]

I can't see what difference it makes if your useing it for bass. I don't like the trolling part. I would like to see that banned.
Mine just came in the mail, but I won't be trolling with it.
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[Ckelley2]

I would personally like to see it banned as well. It is an awesome tool. Heck i've been making my own, and will continue unless it is banned. I just really don't want the tournaments to turn into a competition of who can find the best spot on the lake to throw the A-rig. Much rather see several different techniques and several different patterns producing the top stringers. Just my opinion.
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[bytebull]

Umbrella and Alabama rigs are legal in Arkansas. I don't really have an opinion on their use in tournaments though. I mean it's still a lure right, just 4 or 5 jigs or spinners on the same line.
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[fsh4fun05]

I got this e-mail from the president of the Utah Bass Federation: UBF Members,

There has been a recent ruling by BASS regarding the use of the Alabama Rig in the Classic and the Elite Series events. I was asked today if such a rig is legal in Utah. As I read the 2012 Utah Guidebook, if you use ALL of the wire/snaps on an Alabama Rig here, you are breaking the law. The guidebook states that you cannot use more than two artificial lures at a time with the exception of Flaming Gorge and Lake Powell which allow three artificial lures at a time. Irregardless of the number of hooks (which is also restricted) the law addresses the number of lures. I would suggest you bring this up with your members before they go and purchase a bunch of $20 lure assemblies (Alabama Rigs). Our rules state anyone violating, and being ticketed for, breaking a rule or law, will be disqualified at that event.

The use of such a rig is under discussion for use at Lake Powell for Stripers.

Thanks,

George
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[gdn443]

Good point, I do believe it's illegal to use more than two lures as well here in Ct. But it is one lure and one line. Grey area. [ I'll test the waters]
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[Ckelley2]

I personally think that it will come down to states themselves banning it through different regs than sanctioning bodies such as FLW and BASS (although BASS did take the first step). Guess we will see in the next year. Until then I'll be slingin my homemade 12 arm bama rig everywhere lol
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[fsh4fun05]

Hey, if it's legal than go for it. I see it as a great bait to use while drifting in high winds when you don't want to burn up the batteries.
I haven't actually seen one with my own eyes, just on fishing shows, magazines or advertisements. How about posting some close ups on the A-rig gdn443?
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[Ckelley2]

I mentioned people "trolling" them...I think the drifting thing is ok..people have done it for years for crappie, catfish, etc. However, where do you think the line should be drawn between "drifting" and "trolling." Most tournaments don't consider the use of electric motor to be trolling. Just trying to see what kind of opinions are out there on the different issues in tournaments. Just a side note on the trolling thing...had a good friend tell me he placed 3rd in a fairly large tournament by simple dragging it behind the boat as the pro ran the trolling motor. Said he literally sat in the seat all day drinking coke and eating...competitive?
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[fsh4fun05]

Opinions vary, rules are rules. If trolling with a bow mount is allowed than I don't see what the problem would be. There is a member in my club that is known for draggin' a worm behind the boat, I used to give him crap for it but he catches big bass and it's legal so what do I do? It helps me locate fish when he's on my boat and I adapt if he starts pulling them in. No shame in trolling if it produces fish. I didn't spend half my life learning how to fish just to hang a dropshot over the side of the boat and wait for a bite. I like locating fish by covering water.
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[gdn443]

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Heres the picture. I'd hate to lose one, but they work well for stripers, why not freshwater bass. Not as heavy as I thought it would be, but I'll still use braid with a med heavy rod. These things are a weed grabber, so clear water only. Had my first groundhog call two days ago. Spring will be here shortly.Ice out is now.
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[fsh4fun05]

Wow, that's crazy.
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