White River-Varitey, Variety!

[m&m]

Here is the text from the MO regs regarding the a-rig.

The Alabama, umbrella and similar rigs may be fished in Missouri so long as they use only three lures or baits. The remaining attachment points can include similar baits so long as their hooks have been removed or other hook-less attractors such as spinner blades are used. This rig is intended to be fished using a rod and reel.

just thought I would post this for those who are using the 5 hook or more rigs. 

Mike

[Champ188]

I'm not interested in fighting either so I'll acknowledge upfront that we aren't likely to find common ground on this. I'm good with that and sounds like you are, too. So we are way ahead of where other contentious topics tend to go around here.

The general feeling about it among those who dislike it in tournaments --- and yes, I am one --- is that it stretches the traditional limits of sportsmanship and that it tends to make "heroes out of zeroes." For example, what is to keep one from tossing the rig up near one bank of a big pocket or small creek, then "strolling" across to the other side on the TM with the spool disengaged, then retrieving the darn thing 150 yards or more across that pocket/creek channel? In essence, isn't that the same as trolling? 

But more of an issue among us "old timers" is that the rig tends to level the playing field where skill is concerned. No one can deny that some who rarely do well in derbies (but always show up to donate ) started inhabiting the check line when the rig first came out. Yes, the fish seem to be becoming more conditioned to it these days so it isn't the "magic bullet" that it was at first, but still there are times when folks who otherwise can't catch a fish from a mud puddle with a throw net bring in a big sack and either finish high or win. Any other time of year, these same guys are consistently empty-handed at weigh-ins. 

I'm not saying there is NO skill involved ... not at all. The better fishermen still win most of the time, or at least those who throw the A-rig, because no matter what you throw, you still have to find the fish, and that will always separate the haves from the have-nots. But the importance of the actual act of presenting the lure is lessened considerably with the rig, IN MY OPINION.

That's my feelings in a nutshell. Not saying they are all grounded in concrete facts. As stated in the beginning, you also have yours and you are most welcome to have them and to state them. This is a public internet forum and civilized, intelligent discussion is what these places are all about. Besides, we're talking about fishing here --- not world conflict --- and as long as we're all taking care of the resources, there isn't really a lot to get upset about.

[Guest]

10 hours ago, Champ188 said:

I'm not interested in fighting either so I'll acknowledge upfront that we aren't likely to find common ground on this. I'm good with that and sounds like you are, too. So we are way ahead of where other contentious topics tend to go around here.

The general feeling about it among those who dislike it in tournaments --- and yes, I am one --- is that it stretches the traditional limits of sportsmanship and that it tends to make "heroes out of zeroes." For example, what is to keep one from tossing the rig up near one bank of a big pocket or small creek, then "strolling" across to the other side on the TM with the spool disengaged, then retrieving the darn thing 150 yards or more across that pocket/creek channel? In essence, isn't that the same as trolling? 

But more of an issue among us "old timers" is that the rig tends to level the playing field where skill is concerned. No one can deny that some who rarely do well in derbies (but always show up to donate ) started inhabiting the check line when the rig first came out. Yes, the fish seem to be becoming more conditioned to it these days so it isn't the "magic bullet" that it was at first, but still there are times when folks who otherwise can't catch a fish from a mud puddle with a throw net bring in a big sack and either finish high or win. Any other time of year, these same guys are consistently empty-handed at weigh-ins. 

I'm not saying there is NO skill involved ... not at all. The better fishermen still win most of the time, or at least those who throw the A-rig, because no matter what you throw, you still have to find the fish, and that will always separate the haves from the have-nots. But the importance of the actual act of presenting the lure is lessened considerably with the rig, IN MY OPINION.

That's my feelings in a nutshell. Not saying they are all grounded in concrete facts. As stated in the beginning, you also have yours and you are most welcome to have them and to state them. This is a public internet forum and civilized, intelligent discussion is what these places are all about. Besides, we're talking about fishing here --- not world conflict --- and as long as we're all taking care of the resources, there isn't really a lot to get upset about.

so champ, how are you on those that "stroll" their jigs and c-rigs around all day with the trolling motor in a tournament.  one of the reasons that i just do fish tournaments anymore.  at least for the most part, the a-rig is gone from a lot of tournaments.  those that "stroll"  make believe that they turn the reel handle once in a while, and therefore is not trolling.  same could be said using a kicker.  they have to wind the lure in to make another pass.  therefore trolling is not trolling according to the "stollers" own account.

bo

[Champ188]

Bo, once again we are on the same side of the fence. Dragging any lure with the trolling motor is trolling no matter what they want to call it. It’s cheating.

[Sore Thumbs]

They stroll crankbaits to get maximum depth too. My thought on the A-rig. I only fish it when I’m forced to. By being forced I mean that if I’m in a tournament this time of year that allows them and the conditions are right I’m gonna get my butt kicked if I don’t throw it. It takes a lot out of you to throw it all day and someone in your boat needs to be throwing one at all times. I wish they weren’t allowed but my desire to fish outweighs my dislike for the rig. They do catch fish. Usually keeper fish.

[snagged in outlet 3]

14 hours ago, merc1997 said:

how are you on those that "stroll" their jigs

I fished with one of my wife's friend's husband who bragged about tourney fishing incessantly.  He strolled jigs all day even after I pointed it out.  He said he didn't even know what I was talking about.

[Quillback]

I am not going to mention the tourney name, but a buddy fished with another guy who trolled a jig during a tourney - the guy trolling it called it "dragging".  He was using the boat to drag the jig, which is from what I understand the definition of trolling, using the boat to move your lure.  I bet that goes on a lot.  I do it fun fishing sometimes, just let the wind push me dragging a jig or c-rig - very effective.  

 

[Mitch f]

The Whopper Plopper requires not much talent to fish either but by contrast doesn’t seem to draw the ire of the fishing elites like the A-Rig does. Never understood this.

The A-rig requires much more thought and has more variables than the Plopper...

[jdmidwest]

Never found the use for the A rig.  Bought one when they first came out.  Laugh at my buddy when he wastes time and elbow on them thrashing the water.

Never impressed.

[Basfis]

7 hours ago, Mitch f said:

The Whopper Plopper requires not much talent to fish either but by contrast doesn’t seem to draw the ire of the fishing elites like the A-Rig does. Never understood this.

The A-rig requires much more thought and has more variables than the Plopper...

I’ll second this one....