March 14 O A F Big Bass Tournament

[Champ188]

But co, me on Champ, to say it creates an "unlevel playing field" is simply not the case.

Enforcer, with all due respect, the A-rig is a major game changer on Table Rock when the water temp falls below 50 degrees. As for "everyone can go buy one" --- that would not begin to level the playing field for those who have never fished it. To effectively fish the thing, you need a heavy-action rod at least 7 feet long, an equally burly baitcasting reel and very heavy line. Then there's the matter of being able to hurl the thing far enough to get ihappt down 30 feet in the treetops and keep it there long enough to bite.

I own quite a few A-rigs and a good-sized box full of heads/swimmers, plus two rod-and-reel outfits set up just for A-rigging. That's just to say that I'm equipped and fairly well skilled at fishing them. I'd just like to see them disallowed for the benefit of those who are not. Some of these guys just started fishing and are in no way skilled enough to compete against experienced anglers throwing A-rigs.

[Bass Enforcer]

Fair enough Champ. I hope I will be able to make it. I'm looking forward to meeting a lot of great guys. That being said, I guess my name can be put in the hat of "those attending." See ya there.

[Iclass]

I'd think it's more of an equalizer, not so much the other way.

Would it level the field for the unskilled to go buy anything and compete against guys that fish TR regular?

It's a big fish tourney for a trophy...Geez

[Champ188]

It's a big fish tourney for a trophy...Geez

My point exactly.

[Iclass]

My point exactly.

Then why care who uses what

[Champ188]

Then why care who uses what

You're absolutely, positively right, iclass. Don't know what I was thinking.

[Quillback]

QB, you're probably gonna kill me for bringing this up but my personal feelings are that we should not allow the A-rig in the OAF derby. Frankly, there's plenty of evidence that it creates an unlevel playing field that is tilted in favor of those using the A-rig. By nature, this is a learning forum and there are a lot of novice anglers here who do not own A-rigs and have neither the knowledge or equipment to use them if they did.

This is a small, friendly bragging rights/trophy-only tournament --- let's give everyone a fair chance to win.

Champ - It's been no A-rig since the beginning, here's a recap of the rules just in case.

OK, let's do it - March 14, 2015, Eagle Rock COE Ramp, 0700 start time, Tournaments ends at 1400.

Big bass format, largest weight wins. Any black bass (Largemouth, Smallmouth, Spotted Bass, Meanmouth) are eligible, but only one bass will qualify as the biggest.

No entry fee, trophy will be awarded to the winner (and just think of the bragging rights you will have on the forum). Immense prestige will accrue to the winner of this tournament.

You can fish multiple people out of a boat, but the trophy will go to the individual that weighs in the biggest bass.

Typical bass tourney rules apply - No bait, no trolling, and no A-rig or multi-arm lures.

We'll have a couple of grills going, so plan to stay around for a bit after the tourney and meet some folks. Hamburgers, hot dogs, and other food stuff will be available, just bring your own drinks.

Always a chance that weather could be bad in March, if it is looking bad enough to make travel treacherous then we will have to reschedule. We'll notify everyone a day or two in advance it if look like bad weather.

Feel free to take some pics during the tourney and post them on the forum.

As of now looks like we have close to 30 participants.

[Champ188]

Champ - It's been no A-rig since the beginning, here's a recap of the rules just in case.

Helps to be smart enough to read, huh? My bad.

[Quillback]

Helps to be smart enough to read, huh? My bad.

No problem.

[Pour Dennis]

I will be there.