Alabama Rig

[shockley32]

As I've been crappie fishing I've noticed several people throwing the A-rig. As a matter of fact, everyone I see bass fishing is throwing the A-rig. What are your thoughts? For those who have been using it how do you like it.

I know there has been a big debate over whether it should be legal or not, however in MO you can only use three hooks. Most are running three baits with two spinners or two baits wtih no hooks.

Share your thoughts.

Brad

[Feathers and Fins]

It has its place, Ive thrown it for great success and thrown it and had 0 success. Saturday for instance was a Banner day and caught fish on it as well as swim baits and surface plugs, Sunday in the same spot marking the same fish I couldnt buy a bite. My personal thought on why its worked so well this year is a combination of circumstances.

1st we have had a mild spring err winter. this has kept fish in a more fishable pattern and allowing for far more days on the water.

2nd we all know this is the time of year suspended open water fishing is good and that is where the A-rig shines, But so does other baits designed for this type of action

3rd it is the latest greatest bait out there and everyone seems to want to try it, Thus more people hearing about it and trying it will undoubtedly catch more fish on it.

Now in a normal cold winter with snow and ice far fewer people would be out fishing and we may not have seen the controversy its generated. Simple numbers of anglers would be far less on a normal year. Come spring I beleive we would have seen the same talk though when fish go to shallower water and top-water bites and I beleive we will see it still. Come summer however I doubt people will be singing its praises! Cussing at the number they are loosing yes!

[Whack'emGood]

I won't fish it.

[jbeenemd]

I have not fished the A-Rigs and not trying to start a pissing contest. I've heard several people say that you can't use more than 3 hooks. I've never read that anywhere. Just looked at the reg on the MDC site and this is a direct copy of what it says "If you use more than 3 poles (or two poles on the Mississippi River) at any one time, the additional poles must be labeled with your full name and address. Regardless of the method or number of poles, you may not use more than a total of 33 hooks at any one time; except on the Mississippi River the maximum is 50 hooks at one time. If fishing on the Mississippi River and on other Missouri waters at the same time, no more than 50 hooks may be used and not more than 33 on waters other than the Mississippi. Hooks on trotlines must be staged at least 2 feet apart. Hooks on any type of line, as well as the line itself, must be attended every 24 hours or removed."

It says 33 hooks not 3. Please correct me if I am wrong. Am I missing something here or not searched or looked at the proper pages on the regs.

Jackie

[Dutch]

When I asked that same question, this was the answer I got.

Pole and Line: Fishing methods using tackle normally held in the hand,

such as a cane pole, casting rod, spinning rod or fly rod, or ice fishing tackle

commonly known as a tip-up, to which not more than 3 hooks with bait or

lures are attached. Does not include snagging, snaring, grabbing, trotlines,

juglines or other tackle normally attached in a fixed position.

[Feathers and Fins]

Pole and Line:

Fishing methods using tackle normally held in the hand,

such as a cane pole, casting rod, spinning rod or fly rod, or ice fishing tackle

commonly known as a tip-up, to which not more than 3 hooks with bait or

lures are attached. Does not include snagging, snaring, grabbing, trotlines,

juglines or other tackle normally attached in a fixed position.

Pg45 of the regs

[jbeenemd]

Thanks for the correction. Maybe this information will keep someone from getting in trouble.

Jackie

[Stoneroller]

just like live bait, the a rig is a crutch for people who are fishermen and not anglers. ban hydrowave too! fishing doesn't need a 'steroid' and we sure as hell don't need a barry bonds... kvd, hope you are listening.... put the hydrowave down and step away...

[waterpossum]

Sounds like a good bait for people under 12 years old or over 80 years old.

[Willow Leaf]

I agree, waterpossum. I fish for the sport and fun of it. But, I'm sure a lot of people disagree.