Alabama rig

[apegs]

Watching an flw event on tv today and thats all these guys are throwing for 3 days straight. Looks like a fun bait to use but not sure if I like it or not. Whats next making a a rig with 50 swimbaits on there ? What do you guys think of it?

[Friar_Tuck]

i don't like it, glad its not legal here. ya how fun the tourny's are now to watch when everyone throwing the same thing? lame!! practically negates all the knowledge & skill anglers have learned over time in their life that sets them apart. when a newbie can throw it and compete where they would normally get killed on the water.

glad BASS has banned it & hope others will follow...

it was designed a long time ago for saltwater commercial fisheries. just a smaller version for bassin...

imo, it takes the challenge & true skill/knowledge out of the sport. i look at as using an automatic machine gun to go deer hunting~sure it will up your odds at dropping that deer, but wheres the sport in that?

[apegs]

watched a guy catch a 3 and 4 pounder in one cast, thats ridicolous.

[mainbutter]

i look at as using an automatic machine gun to go deer hunting~sure it will up your odds at dropping that deer, but wheres the sport in that?

except that I bet I'd have to work harder to kill a deer with an auto machine gun compared to a modern hunting rifle with a scope.. lol

[Raider4ever]

Just say "Spray and pray, baby!"

[slopmaster]

Watching an flw event on tv today and thats all these guys are throwing for 3 days straight. Looks like a fun bait to use but not sure if I like it or not. Whats next making a a rig with 50 swimbaits on there ? What do you guys think of it?

Well not 50, but how about 17? It's called the ABCD rig and i'm sure it will only get more creative from here. Personally I don't care if people want to use them as long as its legal, than its fine with me. In a tournament setting I have mixed feelings. Part of me thinks it takes away SOME of the skill needed to catch fish, but than again with all the new electronics (the new hummingbird 360 looks pretty sweet) I guess most fishing equipment is making fishing easier in general.

[KickNBass]

Honestly??? If that's a real pic, that's hilarious...

[thatoneguy]

hatehatehatehate the Alabama rig.

[KickNBass]

It's like casting a trot line...

[RK]

I can convince myself either way on the ethics involved with using these.

Completely aside from that though...flinging around a big contraption like that honestly just doesn't look that fun to me.

No doubt there are situations where they'd work but even if they were legal here, don't think I'd be using one much.

[Nick Kuhn]

slopmasters pic is photoshopped, but you get the idea of where this could lead.

[CAMAN]

slopmasters pic is photoshopped, but you get the idea of where this could lead.

Yeah, I got that impression when I saw the pic a couple weeks ago, and attempting to do a little research. The only pic I could find of any large rig like that was the one posted. No other pictures or info of anything even remotely the same as that rig. You'd think there would be a couple other shots posted of something as wild as that.

[RumRiverRat]

I wish it was legal in MN.

Can you imagine trolling that thing on Pool 4.

You could catch a limit of walleyes pretty quick.

[Superduty]

Are we certain it is completely illegal in MN? There are some new multiple hooks on one line laws that go into effect for 2012. These new laws were meant to clarify stinger hooks, quick strike rigs, etc. "Anglers may use up to three single or multiple-pronged (treble) hooks on a line used as a single tackle configuration attached to the end of a fishing line." I guess the important question will be whether the alabama rig is a single lure or multiple lures. It could be legitimately argued either way.

[lookincalifornia]

these things are really dominating the local tourneys out here. i think once we get closer to spawn, the A-rigs will be put in storage till next fall.

[corncob]

Just get a commercial fishing license, then you could seine em!.....The Alabama rig is sinful, and, not sporting in any sense of the word....

[KickNBass]

How is it not sporting?

I don't see how it's different from any other bait out there. It's purpose is to trigger a fish into eating the bait, it's not like you are snagging the fish.

The only difference I see is that it's imitating multiple baitfish which you can do with a spinnerbait as well.

[Nick Kuhn]

It's not legal as each hook can catch a fish. Both Minnesota and Wisconsin would call each hook a line. Feel free to travel to Wisconsin as use that rig as long as it's only 3 hooks.

[Superduty]

It's not legal as each hook can catch a fish. Both Minnesota and Wisconsin would call each hook a line. Feel free to travel to Wisconsin as use that rig as long as it's only 3 hooks.

It may or may not be legal in MN, but whether or not each hook can catch a fish has nothing to do with it. Crankbaits can catch 2 fish at one time. It IS legal to run a treble hook stinger hook off the back of a jig in 2012. You can now legally use a 3 hook crawler harness in Mn in 2012 also. There is plenty of gray area for interpretation...

[Friar_Tuck]

i think is pretty clear really, all those are separate lures with hooks, not a stinger or a crawler harness, separate baits that is designed to/can & will catch multiple fish...

can't use the double fluke rig here either, 2 separate lures with 2 hooks...

[corncob]

I can see it now!....Launch your boat at daybreak, the lake is glass smooth as you quietly glide into your favorite bay....Not another angler in site as you tie on your favorite lure with nervous anticipation of a strike that surely will come......You make your first cast with a Xtra-heavy 8 foot saltwater rod and your lure gently hits the water, Kersplashhhhhhhh!.....You reel, reel ,reel, and it's on!....A mighty battle, and success!....Five- 5 lb bass on one cast!!!!!!.....Pack up and go home....Sportfishing at it's finest!,aint those Alabama rigs great?....

[RumRiverRat]

Just get a commercial fishing license, then you could seine em!.....The Alabama rig is sinful, and, not sporting in any sense of the word....

Surely you are joking.

[BTL]

What I can't figure out, is why they're stopping at 5 baits. If the rig's sole purpose is catching (at the expense of fun and sportsmanship), why not double it, or triple it when the law allows? I have surf fishing gear that can throw 10oz easily. If a 5-arm rig is acceptable, I see no reason why 10 or 15 shouldn't be.

Right now I'm also envisioning a drop shot trot line. Basically it's a 100 foot rig with a finesse worm on a hook every 18 inches. Drop it in the lake, shake it for 30 minutes or so, then run the line and collect your limits. I'm calling it the Virginia rig. Patent pending.

[goblueM]

I tell you what, don't knock it til you try em. They are a blast to fish with.

I find it amusing all the folks talking about "sporting" when we have bass boats that go 70 MPH, high-resolution side-scan sonar, soft-plastic baits formulated using advanced chemistry and research, treble hooks, etc.

Many states allow multiple rods, hooks, lures per line, etc. Just because Minnesota doesn't allow these things doesn't mean it isn't sporting.

Even fishing with an Alabama Rig you still have to go fishing at the correct time, know where the fish are, position the boat correctly, make a good cast, retrieve at the correct speed, etc. It isn't like you can go out and magically push a button that loads the boat with fish.

[hanson]

I'm loving the buzz this lure is generating, sure wish I'd have thought of it!

Watching the last few days of coverage for the FLW Tour @ Hartwell. Good majority of the pros are saying the A-rig is not their primary lure, doubt the tournament will be won on it, and more than likely won't throw it.

Didn't see it at the Classic because Bass outlawed it but I don't see how it would have been effective in that shallow, shallow structure filled water they were fishing.

Its not a miracle lure but sure seams to have an advantage in certain situations.