BassMaster Classic and Elites--No More Alabama Rigs

[Caudawg]

Breaking News
http://www.westernbass.com/dotcom/news/ ... ml?id=5431

What do you think about this? Will FLW and others follow suit?

[Bass Pro Shopper]

I'm wondering since CA DFG views the A-rig as a single lure, does that mean it's ok for it to be used at the few BASS events here? Or would their rule supercede the CA rule?

[GKramer]

Tourney rules are the rules of the game. As for the Elites, they can cancel my invitation to the Classic...

http://kramergonefishing.com/2012/01/17 ... -so-smart/

[Caudawg]

I have a hunch that this decision will be endorsed by the top level anglers i.e. KVD, Skeet, Ike, Scroggins, Swindle etc.

The A-rig is a game changer for guys who probably prefer the status quo in my opinion.

I'm sure we'll hear from them on this matter in the coming days.

I think its a questionable move by BASS but time will tell.

[GKramer]

But read the whole release. It's not just the spreader, it's every multi bait rig: Front runners, drop-shot over a jighead, double drop-shot, tandem Hornets or flukes, plus any other little wrinkles guys have been using or experimenting with for the last five years. It's backward thinking.

[bryanmc]

I'm wondering since CA DFG views the A-rig as a single lure, does that mean it's ok for it to be used at the few BASS events here? Or would their rule supercede the CA rule?

BASS only banned it for the elite series and the classic. It's still legal in the federation, weekend series and the opens.

[Levy]

I like it. Only 1 bait on the line and let the best fisherman win!!!

[scott h]

I like it. Only 1 bait on the line and let the best fisherman win!!!

X2

[Gary Dobyns]

I figured this was coming from BASS. I've heard a lot about it for about 2 months. I don't think FLW will follow this rule. They got a ton of presss from it as two of their major events were dominated by the A-Rig. I like the A-Rig and have caught a bunch of fish on it. I don't care if they ban it or not. If it's legal, I'll fish it, if not, oh well. The thing I find odd is if it's bad for whatever reason....why ban it in Elites only. All other BASS events it's still legal to fish. I would think a circuit would be consistant on a rule like this. They can make the rules anyway they want to, just seems odd to me to ban it for part of your fishermen.

[Hollywood]

I figured this was coming from BASS. I've heard a lot about it for about 2 months. I don't think FLW will follow this rule. They got a ton of presss from it as two of their major events were dominated by the A-Rig. I like the A-Rig and have caught a bunch of fish on it. I don't care if they ban it or not. If it's legal, I'll fish it, if not, oh well. The thing I find odd is if it's bad for whatever reason....why ban it in Elites only. All other BASS events it's still legal to fish. I would think a circuit would be consistant on a rule like this. They can make the rules anyway they want to, just seems odd to me to ban it for part of your fishermen.

They do the same thing with there no net policy in the elites but they are legal in the OPENS.

[Brian D.]

i have a feeling that BASS will recinde the ruling once they start seeing the FLW guys dominating event after event on the rig.

[mike at robo]

Just when something comes along that makes it worthwhile watching fishing programs on television they ban it from use . This is the dumbest thing I have seen ever in major tournaments . My question is for those of us who watch these tournaments on tv what's more exciting , watching an angler fish with a bait that ANYBODY can fish with the anticipation that at any time we could see someone catch multiple fish on one cast? Or watch someone drive around with there sidescan / downscan / backscan / x-ray vision / biosonic / fishbuster low skill level fish chasing technics ! Personally I thought it brought a new level of excitement to derbys that hasn't been seen in a long time . Wanna see who's best ? Ban everything but rods reels and lures . If you build a better lure then hats off to you ! You win ! And the next tournament everybody else can throw the same thing. Coffee was a wee big strong this morning me thinks ......

.

[jloo283]

Wow, they took it a step further and even banned it from practice. I like it.
James

[drew]

It appears they banned multiple lures on one line. Now someone has to define what a single lure is. The standard has been based on if individual lure pieces are removable or not. If its one integral piece and purchased in that condition then it is one lure. I think there will be rigs with the heads and hooks cast to the wire that will be legal. In fact the hooks can actually be attached with split rings.

[Kevin]

Hey Mike, if they ever ban toilet paper/wipes in the boat, Bri and I are going to retire from fishing.

[Cooch]

I'm with BASS on this one, as it sets a precident that the new ownership is still intent of providing the ideals and standards set forth by Ray Scott for high level bass fishing competitions. These two statement, for me, say it all:

said Bruce Akin, B.A.S.S. CEO. "We will continue to cover new ways to utilize these tools in Bassmaster Magazine and on Bassmaster.com. Our Classic and Elite tournaments simply have a higher standard for the sake of competition. "
" the Elite Series Rules Committee members unanimously asked to be held to a higher standard," he added. "We have decided to honor their recommendation."

I'm truely on the fence either way, but if a participating core of their Elite anglers requested it, and it's for the reasons Akin mentions above, it tells me BASS is listening and they are on the right track with this decision.

[Steve Reed]

That I agree with. If the group of anglers participating didn't want the lure used - for whatever reason, then that's their prerogative. Lots of grey still though - interesting to see what they say about a 5 bait, 1 hook rig.