The BLT tournament program was getting calls about the "Alabama rig" and other variations of multiple bait presentations on one rod and reel line. Before any decisions were reached about potential rule changes, the BLT staff wanted to hear angler thoughts on whether more than two baits per line should be allowed in tournament fishing.

Thanks for your input and we have reached a decision:

The BLT 2012 rules will allow multiple bait presentations based on 3 primary considerations:

1) The multiple bait presentations are legal in states were BLT holds their tournaments
2) The professional trails do allow multiple bait presentations
3) The majority of angler responses were either indifferent or in favor of allowing the multiple bait presentation

Thanks,
BLT staff

I think it you should b able to use it. We have more than one depth finder and more than one power pole. It's just another tool just like power poles, depth finders. I don't c what the big deal is by having a bait that has more than one hook on it or five hooks on it. It's just another bait.

I know tournament directors must be politically correct so as to not offend participants. The answer to the protesting angler should be informative as to where they can purchase an Alabama rig. No rule required.

No change unless it gets to the point where you have to use a multiple-bait presentation to have a chance in every tourney. If it gets to that point, and ruins the competition, then change the rule, but not until that point.

It is real simple follow the State Laws.

I don't see why you wouldn't allow multiple rods if you allow multiple baits on one rod...what's the difference?

In Texas it will turn into a trolling tournament almost like a lot of them are now. Throw out your multiple bait rigs get on the trolling motor and go...

Keep it at two like you have now or less.

No change needed.

(I copied my post from another post....yes I can be sarcastic sometimes! )

Pretty wild...all I can say.

You can have 6 or 9 hooks on a crankbait or jerkbait. Like mentioned above people drop shot and crawl a jig at the same time. Donkey Rig has been around for years.

I guess 9 hooks is okay....and two baits was okay.

But have 5 baits with 5 hooks and it's over the line......and rules get defined.

Reminds me of high school....all the "new" rules come into play when someone pushes the envelope a little too much. Also reminds me of our piddly governement right now!

We should also ban caffine in tournaments!

I vote no change
Thanks
BLT Fall Team Division

Let them use it.

Doesn't matter to me as long as you can only use one rod per cast.

What is the difference in one rod with a bunch of baits on it or multiple rods with one bait on each?

I think you have to go one way or the other, its either one bait or multiple baits cant really say it is ok to use 2 baits but you cant use 6 baits.

Personally I see no reason to throw more than one bait at a time and one rod at a time.

As JR Howard said above, if you can use 6 baits why cant you use 2 rods or rods that are 10' long.

I like it JR. We are going to start seeing bass boats with spider rigs all over them. Heck, I have at least 20 rods I could get in the water at one time.

Walleye tournament style