A-Rig Banned for Elite and Classic

I knew this was coming...

Just like any other tool used in fishing and hunting, the right place at the right time.....

Just read this. So I guess this will do away with the double fluke rig as well.

Yes, they did.

Not just the A Rig, but many other two bait combinations.

The rule change, which does not apply to Bassmaster Open, B.A.S.S. Federation Nation, College B.A.S.S. and other events, clarifies the intent of long-standing rules permitting only one rod, one reel and one cast at a time. No longer permitted are double soft jerkbait rigs, drop shot rigs with jigs used as weights, double topwater setups and other multi-lure rigs, such as “umbrella rigs.”

A rig controversy continues.

Like sands through an hour glass

Think about it whether it be pro or con, what is the difference in using more than one rod at a time compared to the A-Rig???? You can't use more than one rod at a time in tournaments but can use 5-6 baits on one rig????

"It's okay to buy fish from your coanglers, just don't try to buy them with more than one bill at a time."

I'll call it the Wellman rig.

BASS has lost their minds.

That was funny, I don't care who you are!!!!!

I can live with the A-rig or do without it, doesn't matter to me. Not near as controversial IMO as telling guys they can't make boat choices as the situation calls for, or even more controversial...... negotiating (since when do we negotiate with rule violators ?)with a clear cut incidence of cheating to result in allowing that person to compete going forward. Yes B.A.S.S has lost it's mind. Like I said, on any given day can someone tell me what side of the fence B.A.S.S. is going to be on?

I heard that Gordon Stouffer with Media Bass was a major player in this decision with his ruling earlier this month to limit the number of baits allowed on the A-Rig.
As unpopular as it was, the Texas native pioneered the grass root effort that helped lead to this historic BASS decision.

"sarcastic comedy"

So now if smaller trails and organizations follow suit and ban them also, I guess those who spent $10-$30 a piece on the "A Rigs" to fish in tourneys have something cool to use as a wind chime or a ornament on next years Christmas Tree.

The people selling the made some quick cash , so there is 1 positive..

Yea, IMO it's all good. As long as legislatures continue to allow it for recreational fishing. We'll see.

I'll buy all of you tournament guys ARigs for 50 cent apiece. I was actually kind of shocked at this decision after reading this piece, yesterday.

http://www.bassfan.com/docktalk.asp?id=8629#8629

get 10 of them and troll DD22's on Falcon catch 20-60 bass per pass!

I'm in on that

Good for them something just didn't seem right about the A Rig.

What a joke. It's a tool not a miracle fix jeez. They want it to get back to old fishing take away the depthfinders, maps, and practice. I don't even throw the a-rig as I personally can't stop laughing when I try. I just feel that if they are wanting to make the trail so even and fair they should all use same rig,same setup, and No known lake locations before hand. Just my opinion. Just let these guys fish come'on.

If they all have them what's the big deal?

I think this is a good idea. At least for competitive events. I always felt like casting out multiple lures in one retrieve was 'cheating'. I'm sure many disagree but I am all for this new rule.

As far as recreational angling is concerned, let her rip haha.

sometimes we make things complicated by trying to make them simpler.


but like stated b4 its still legal to "buy fish"

There goes that market! LOL

Are they going to limit how many trebles you can have now??? Lol

i guess side and downimaging are next

barbless hooks only???

Al Lindner taking over BASS??

I saw where KVD was against the rig because it could injure the bass. BIG DEAL, how about boat flipping the bass and letting them flop around on the carpet. The Elites aren't so elite when it comes to fish care.

It'll be interesting to see if the guys push the envelope....having 4 ghosts on the outside and one hook in the middle.

Where did you see that, Wayne? The pros had them at the last TTBC and Kevin and I talked about it. He was intrigued but hadn't thrown one, yet.

Then I read his 10 New Year Resolutions. Look at Number 1.

http://www.bassmaster.com/blog/my-10-new-year%E2%80%99s-resolutions

They banned the rig, period. There will be no pushing the envelope on the Elites.

Whew! Just in time...a 'New Rule'...I was deeply concerned as to the survivability of the species. Thank God we live in a land that has the support and oversight of such sterling entities as BASS, NASCAR, PETA, EPA, OSHA, Democrats, Gambino crime family and others too numerous to mention, willing to protect us all from overindulgence and keep us safe. Welcome to the Nanny State.
Now, go fish........and enjoy. (take off them trailer hooks:)

Happy to see it. 1 bait-1 fish

That's what makes me the winner!
I'm not a rules maker, nor does my vote count for anything.

What's the buying fish deal. I must have missed something.

Nevermind. I read the other post.

Texas State Tournament also ruled no Bama rigs.

question is.... The Alabama rig has 5 arms? What if you take one with 4 arms, and attach 3 spinnerbait blades to it and one lure, is that legal?

Good. It never passed the smell test for tournament bass fishing as far as I'm concerned.

"I love the Alabama rig...because I like to bass fish, but I also like to get the feeling I'm trolling for walleye and running a trotline at the same time."

Well wouldn't this rig simulate a school of bait fish? Also, wouldn't the hydrowave thing be doing something similar?

the "RIG" itself is banned?

So B.A.S.S. has banned the shape or size? Is this just for this 1 rig or will they be issuing "templates" of the shapes, sizes and materials that one's lures will conform to?
You could still have a similar size and shape and still have only 1 hook.
Not sure I understand what they banned, I read it to be the number of hooks ??? If that is the case why couldn't one run 4 hookless "non-lures" and one lure with a hook????????????

Lol

It's only 100 guys who can't use them. Everyone else can have fun pending state regs.

I applaud the decision for bass to eliminate the A-Rig from the Elite Tournaments even though I bought 25 of them. Also, I recently purchased a Triton aluminum, added power poles and a jackplate. Despite this, I agree with the decision to not allow the switching of boats. Good for BASS and the rule changes they have made. I am respectful of all of your comments. Just wanted you to know where this Bassmaster Elite Angler stands and I am not alone on this.

dangit! i just bought some a rigs.


oh wait, i don't fish the elite series.

Kriet to TFF

Also I will give you $4k cash (american) for the tin boat and the A-rigs. Just trying to help ya out! LOL

Thats good bro!!!!

Welcome Jeff. Kick A in Shreveport!

Kriet wassup bro? About time you joined us here, even if you are an Okie! How are the girls?

Jeff did you put a jet drive on that tin boat?

Rules Committee members believe the rig eliminates some of the skill that should be required in tournament competition at the highest level. “It doesn’t matter how you work it,” said one of the anglers. “The fish can’t help themselves.”

The same thing was said about the helicopter lure. Based on this logic I HOPE the hydrowave is next.

But, KVD, uses this COMMUNICATION DEVICE, he probably had the rules committte rewrite this years rules. Since there is no longer any mention of communication devices.

Not too surprised and glad they banned it. Told you boys from the git go,that thang was unsporting.

yeah no reels faster than 6.3:1 either

Good ruling.

The Elites are exactly that "ELITE". That circuit is by far the cream of the bass fishing crop. There are several different styles of fishing that make up the tour.

They will keep the playing field even.

Some are deep water specialist and others go shallow, some like clear water and some like it stained or muddy.

They can't give one type of fisherman an advantage over the other or the tour would not be as diverse. This is what makes it exciting for fans and sponsors(diversity).

Good job on keeping the integrity in the sport B.A.S.S.

Kriet
Glad to see ya spend some time in here.
I haven't fished one but plan to, sounds like a lot of fun. I don't fish tourny's, but I respect B.A.S.S. for the rule since you boys are the "ELITE" and should have to be held to a higher standard/level of skill. Sometimes ya'll make it look too easy. Don't see why much fuse is made about it from most of us, we don't fish in that level. They made it clear their not against it, just don't want to make it to easy.
Anyway, you TX boys are still lucky. Ya can fish it in TX, us TN boys are only allowed 3 of the 5 to be loaded on a A-Rig.
Anyway, Again welcome Kriet. Hope this aint your only visit here. And Good Luck this season.
If ya need a pick me up during the year, just Come on down and me and you can do a little UMF on Ky lake, a sure bet to walk away with a win. Just don't expect that 50K.

Two thumbs down....took out one of the most exciting new approaches as well as the donkey rig. Guys are thinking outside of the box to pull out a win and the rules committee is making it illegal

+1..

I bet Paul Elias didn't want it banned..lol

A Hydrowave/Biosonix unit is legal? But the A-Rig is illegal? Go figure..lol

A-rig is a poor mans Biosonic..When those five baits hit the water, it sounds like a feeding frenzy. They may not bite, but they darn sure know it's there. Honestly,I've only caught one 'double' in the month I've been using it. But I have had some really good days, mostly by experimenting with different presentations. If it don't wear me out, it's fun to fish.
I just hope they don't outlaw braided line next...or Alleve.:)
Take care guys,
Jim

Jeff just say the word and I will "pro actively enhance" that practice boat for you

One bait to catch one fish at a time in competition. I applaud the decision.

Do not see the need to ban it. More rules do not necessarily make things better. Your government should have made you reallize that.

Next they set the depth finder limit to no more than a total of 40 horizontal inches for the sum of all units.

So you're against catching 2 fish at a time on a rattle trap or any bait with a couple of trebles?

I think all these rules are a bunch of garbage. That is what is wrong with this country now. TOO MANY RULES. We've done it to ourselves.

NASCAR has done the same thing. All cars look the same. The only difference is a decal for Ford, Chevy, etc. The motors are basically the same. The same rear ends, the same shocks the same..... In their infinite wisdom to cut the cost of racing they managed to double it instead.

That is what is going to happen to competitive fishing too. There will be an approved list of boats, motors, GPS, trolling motors, rods, reels, line, lures and everything else.

JUST LET THEM FISH and use their minds and ingenuity to make things better for all of us. If the manufacturers make a better product just to have the rules changed where it can't be used they will STOP pouring the money into research.

Off the stump. Sorry for the rant. I just don't like so many rules.

Careful on this one Jeff!

Welcome to the TFF.

Funny it got banned and it was never used to win any money in a BASS Elite event.

I guess they wish they could recall the A-rig article last month....and those Donkey Rig, topwater with trailers, and double drop shot rig articles from the past.

Retarded ruling. It is not a catch all. Heck ive thrown it on about four occasions and haven't had a fish on it. But i know where the rules are going next. The next thing to be banned is the whole 6th sense lures fishing crew on rayburn because they are too good its unfair. Then the 6th sense squarebill bc it catches too many huge sacks. It "ruins" the playing field having these good sticks always catching monstors and making all the folks who cant fish quit fishng. Really??? Come on quit crying.

Or next on the elites would be "kvd you have won too many classics and have proved to have an unfair advantage against the other guys we will have to ask you step down You will no longer be allowed to fish bc the rest of the field doesn't like fishing primarilly for second place. "

Or the hydrowave, or side imaging. Heck the side imaging changed the field far more than a rig with five hooks. With todays side scans it is almost like an underwater camera. Just one more misguided rule.

Pretty easy to see who the Catchermen are vs. Who the fishermen are.

Just my two cents whats the difference in creating a feeding frenzy with a hydrowave and a A-Rig? is there a difference? Just a thought. If a frenzy is created with a hydrowave and I can catch two fish at once on a CB then whats the difference.

To me bass fishing is presenting a lure to fish and tricking them into biting it. When you put together a "rig" of lures it takes some of the sport away from it for me.

If it's presenting a lure to a fish that is the sporting part to you, throw an a-rig out and let it sink to the bottom and just sit there. Guess what happens... absolutely nothing. You still have to present the dang thing.

Thats the difference between live-bait and a hunk of wires, hooks, and plastic.

The problem with banning a specific bait is the precendence that you set. Where does it end?

To me, an electronic device that simulates a baitfish school and puts fish in a biting mood takes the "sport" out of it. A side-imaging device that an angler uses to drive next to me and mark a spot I am fishing takes the "sport" out of it. A guy that hires a guide for three days straight prior to a tournament and then pays them a % of winnings takes the "sport" out of it. Guys that galavant around as "pros" that buy or purchase information from the best locals takes the "sport" out of it.

I understand that technology has advanced, lures have advanced, money buys success, etc... But to say that the A-rig will be the end all be all of fishing lures is absurd. And the proponents of banning tha A-rig say that it endangers the bass??? Give me a break, you endanger a bass every time you throw a lure with a hook in the water.

There will always be those anglers that have an advantage, be it money, time, or technology. I can accept that. But banning a lure before you even know what its capable of is kind of a knee-jerk reaction to things. Give it a year and see what happens.

Its not like any of us (until that Jeff dude spoke up ) are going to fish the elites. If its such a "weapon" use it at the local level. I have a few and have not been able to say it works any better than other moving baits.

I just watched the FLW tournament on Guntersville a few nights ago. Paul Elias won it with something like 106 lbs for four days...throwing nothing but the Alabama rig.

More to the point, everyone who made the final day cut to 10 anglers was throwing the A-rig.

Maybe someone can point out another big-time tournament in which everyone who finished in the top ten was throwing the same presentation, but I've never heard of it.

In other words, I think we've already seen what happens.

Welcome to the Forum Jeff

We've seen what happens in the Fall. And there are plenty of tournaments where the top ten were doing the same thing.

I agree, the ban was for the Elites, but like I said before, it sets a precedence for consideration of other techniques and other methods. Lots of local and regional trails base their rules off of the precedence of professional standards. For example, during some tournaments, if you don't sight fish, you lose. I love to bedfish, but that's a fairly effective method of fishing because the fish almost has to bite to defend its young. How is that considered any more sporting than throwing an A-rig? Its still a legal method in tournaments. You don't even have to be good, you just need the time to find enough fish.

I'm no tournament fishermen, but I do get a kick out of reading this thread: some intelligent opinions and a few "others". Glad to see Jeff joined us.

To me, it's not about the "sport" of it. But any setup where you can catch a limit of fish on one cast doesn't seem fair to me. Multiple hooks on one lure is one thing, but multiple lures on one line is something else. Like someone else said, it never passed the smell test for me. But then again, I'm no tournament fishermen so I'll use it whenever I want.

and yet the FLW just let out that the A-Rig will NOT be banned for their events as long as the angler adheres to state fishing regulations!!!!!!!

Maybe we should just use the long-lining technique and use artificial bait instead of live bait. You could let out the line then use the trolling motor to stroll the length of a roadbed. You have the opportunity to drag about 50 baits from the bottom to the surface, covering all water zones. Catch a limit in one pass.

This will mean a trickle down affect. So, not only is the A-rig out, as mentioned the Donkey Rig, Jig & C-rig, and Jig and drop shot rig is out too.

The A-Rig. Cheap and can be easily home made. Under 10 bucks to make it yourself and 15 for a store bought harness.

If its close to as good as it appears it might be, the loss to the business of fishing could be monumental. Crankbaits and any moving shad bait sales could plummet. They will at the very least have to compete.

BASS is a business that exists mainly because of the support it gets from its sponsors. Anything that would jeopardize this is subject to removal.


Its a little far fetched but IMO its the reason they banned it. The other two big fish technologies that have come out recently have both been complementary to fishing. Side and Down scanning technology along with the Hydrowave are not in danger only because they don't detract from other fisherman necessities.


JMO

Good point Allison1....

The swimbait and jighead manufacturers were all drooling until this.

Kriet told me this morning that 95% of the Elite ANGLERS supported the ban, fwiw.

Squirrels were never too good at math though.

Thats what KVD said at least..lol

Another disappointing decision from the new management at BASS. Guess FLW will go from the shakey head tour, to the A-rig tour lol.

My opinion is like others on here. The a-rig is a tool not a miracle worker. For those that say a rig you can catch a limit on is ridiculous, it's funny that the inventor himself said He has caught 4 at once on two occasions (Bassmaster January 2012 pg.29 for reference) . Also if your worried about one bait one hook your need to remove the trebles from your crank and run a single circle hook so u make sure to hook the fish in the corner of the mouth to try not to hook it deep in the gills. I know personally I've had 5 doubles on a trap in my 25 years of fishing and 3 doubles on regular lipped cranks. Now is that unfair because I don't see a rule anywhere against it. Honestly PERSONALLY I don't care if they throw it or not but I like some here feel these rules are getting ridiculous and agree with Allison that the sponsors have a major pull in these rulings. Kinda strange how all these talks about donkey rigs and all the other two lure rigs were OK and widely used in the past. Now they are all banned. Makes me go huh and scratch my head a little. What's even funnier is as I type this the flw everstart championship on Kentucky lake came on tv and they just said alot are using the rig to get a limit but have to swap to a crank or football jig to upgrade. Apparently those big fish missed the memo of they have to eat the rig.

Don't look at it like that. BASS was just supporting its source of income. I might be force to do the same if I was up against it. With the ban in place it should not affect the bait sponsors.

The only real bad thing that I can think of is that I look at them to see new techniques and see whats working. Now we'll still see this in the FLW tournaments and the lower BASS tournaments. Fair enough.

BASS used to be revolutionary, but this decision just is not that... The A-Rig was revolutionary and who knows where this could have gone. Now, many local sanctions will follow as BASS sets the pace and trends..

The reason the Hydrowave isn't in "danger" as you put it, is because Kevin Van Dam and Jeff Kriet are among its business partners.


http://www.hydrowave.com/press-release-new-hydrowave-product.htm

I had a conference call this morning with KVD, Clunn, Nixon, Ike, and both Martins. They all said they were fine with it.

Amazing! 100 'fishermen'......and 95 agree...on ANYTHING!
Truly amazing. Elite they must be.

A lot of lame comparisons and weak poitical B S - It's really just a simple clarification of an existing rule - one rod one bait - Y'all are just scared they're gonna take our new toy away from us (yeah I'm guilty - I've been throwing one too) I don't think it belongs in competitive fishing - however as long as it's legal I'll take advantage of it myself.

Lol, I got a fax from Skeet

Okay guys, I am fishing as a coangler in the Lewisville BASS tourney in a few weeks and have the A-rigs ready for action.

Can I use them or not?

the one thing that has gotten me more fired up than anything is that THIS IS A DIRECT BLOW TO PAUL ELIAS!!! Only saying that Elites are not allowed to use it and also banning it from the classic is a DIRECT BLOW TO PAUL ELIAS! I don't know who's on the committee, but I'd be will to bet that they are liars if they say they have never been influenced to fish differently because of Paul Elias over the years!

Thats my rant. GIVE 'EM HELL PAUL!

It is not a miracle bait and those with a lot of time with it know it blanks just like any bait. It would endanger sales of conventional baits for the short term until reality sets in. I believe Allison1 is right in terms of sponsor influence. I suspect that is part of BASS's decision. Understandable, but illustrates the constraints they have to live under. I hope FLW lets the bait run it's course as it should. Having more non-fishing industry sponsors is a plus in this instance.
As an aside, what would be the objection to a bait with one hook and the rest all "ghost" baits? How is that different than a spinnerbait with a minnow pattern on the blades? Time will tell, but I'll certainly be throwing the A-rig this year.

thats funny stuff.

I think the decision is less about the mechanics of the rig and more about not wanting their pros to look like goofs on the national stage. Just throwing that out there.

No way, throwing a chandelier to catch fish makes you look cool.

With a stupid rule like that I just crossed the Bassmaster Elite Series off my list.

I have said before, Im not for or against the Rig, I personally dont have one and never will, but thats my choice.

My take on it being banned:

I dont think it hurts the fish, most of the time people just catch 1 fish at a time, its not going to work more times than it will.

On the Other hand:

Some states have rules based on how many hooks, this is based on Ethics and Conservation. They cant say a bass fisherman can have 5 hooks but a catfisherman cant. Its up to those states to decide this. Same with B.A.S.S, They own the Company, They make most of the Decisions based on what Elite Anglers and What fans want, I feel they are allowed to decide something that affects the business, whether its selfish or not. Any one of us running a company would do the same thing. If you let everyone else run your company it will fail eventually.

During a tournament my partner and I were idleing under a bridge and noticed a guy was throwing the A-rig. He glanced over at us and gave us a snooty look like he was the man then launched the rig under the bridge only to get it hung up in an old shredded up rope hanging from the bottom of the bridge....laughed our azzes off....the rope end he hung it in was about 2 feet out of reach.

No mention of a ban for my Herd O' Lizards lure for bedding bass?

Wow, I am so upset this rule was passed. I have already spent 30,000$ coming up with a harness design that would allow 8 football jigs to be dragged on the bottom with leaders for 8 swimbaits up above it. I cant believe people are claiming this is unsportsmanlike??? After I conquered this design I was trying to develop a fiber optic transparent leader with leaders branching off to reproduce a real school of shad, not the sissy 5 bait schools the A-rig imitates, Im talking 30-40 baits. I was hoping to be able to plug my rod into my Hydrowave so it would send bait sounds down to a transmitter on the head of my harness, I want it as life-like as possible. Well that was all just a dream now that they will not be allowed. Man, if coach had only put me in in the 4th quarter, we would have taken state.......

Yawn...so they banned the rig. I'll bet anyone that wants it 20 bucks they will still catch'em.

We get worked up over the silliest things.

So when do they go on sale for under $3.00?

What list is that? I love to watch the Elites. It was a board made up of their members that recommended this. I have no issue with it. Can't wait to watch the Classic.

Do you guys think anyone is going to get into the sticky gray area of what constitutes a lure? I remember in one of the recent BASS mags discussing the legality of the A Rig in various states, that one state official said his group was in a debate on whether the A Rig was "5 lures attached to a line" or "1 lure with 5 appendages." Or something like that.

Anyway we have double armed spinnerbaits, buzzbaits, I think there is a crankbait with two pieces that slide up and down a wire. If a manufacturer replaced the blades on those dual arms with another fixed head, would this then be one lure since it is all one unit?

Pot stirring finished, carry on.

This is my issue with banning it, because, for example we have spinner/buzz baits with trailer hooks, segmented swimbaits with multiple hooks, etc. An "a-rig" (or more simple example, a jig and drop-shot), is counted as 2 lures because someone says so, but it could be argued it's a "widely segmented" single lure with 2 parts (like a segmented swimbait, which has 2 or many more pieces of the "lure" attached with fabric, metal pins, etc, in the middle of it... an a-rig is multiple "lure pieces" joined by metal wires (conceivably heavy flouro could be used similarly to make the comparison even more equal).
Bottom line, trying to define a lure-type to decide if it's legal or not, is getting into nasty areas, the one-line/one-rod rule is very simple, I have already elsewhere proposed this "fix" for ALL the different lure challenges presented by this situation:

For any rig, no more than 3 separate "hook-unit-attachments" may be made, consisting of no more than 3 separate hook-points per attachment point.

This doesn't outlaw ANY rig specifically, you could have an a-rig with 3 hooks (single or treble) (and "x" number of dummy lures), a spinnerbait with a trailer hook (2 attachments), a jig-and-drop shot rig, but more importantly, swimbaits, triple-treble topwaters, etc, are under it (other than large 4x trebles, but this covers nearly all "reasonable" bass rig setups)

This also allows for open creativity, you could have a "flock of mayflies" on the surface as a topwater setup (I'm trademarking/copywriting that name right here and now!! LOL), so long as only 3 have hooks.

The argument about fish "tangling" in so many a-rig hooks becomes much weaker, although still possible, there is no "pulling pressure" against any hooks other than the one in their mouth (the rest of the rig is going to try to move with their movements so they'll tend to stay "away" mosstly), worst case they get a few tiny surface sticks like we do when hnading crankbaits in general, with no blood or penetration worth mentioning.

I've had/seen some nasty hooked fish on normal crankbaits, and even one belly-hooked on a chatterbait, stuff happens, but with fewer (and therefore more widely spaced) hooks, that's not going to be a major problem.

What about a flutter spoon with a feather treble hook on the line above it. Seen this done a bunch would it also be kicked.

Even if the 95% wasnt accurate, If 51% didnt want it, its a majority vote. Im sure that the 51% are made up of people at the top of the pack as well as the bottom.

That was funny..

You can fish em if you want but not me.

Ehh. Never tried it, probably never will.

Yes Sir!! AMEN!