I do believe I made mention of the Alabama rig being the most controversial bait in all of bass fishing a few days ago.
Well, an announcement was made today that only seems to add validity to my claim.
Originally reported by Bassmaster.com in this article, the BASS rules committee has enacted a “one lure” rule. This rule effectively outlaws the aforementioned Alabama rig, as well as the donkey, or double rig, and a few others.
The rule announcement today serves to clarify a long standing rule permitting only one rod, one reel, and one cast at one time by one competitor (that was a lot of “ones,” huh?).
Double drop shot rigs, double topwater plugs, double jerkbaits, and castable umbrella rigs are no longer going to be putting bass in Elite Series competitor’s boats.
The rule change does not apply to Bassmaster Open, Federation Nation, College B.A.S.S and other events.
Here is where we get into the opinion part of this piece. If all of the competitors are allowed to use these types of set-ups, then why is there a concern? If all competitors are allowed to use them, then everyone is on equal footing—thus, no competitive advantage, or “cheating,” is possible.
With the new rule change however, it does put all competitors on equal footing just the same. Also, a grey area from a long-standing rule is clarified.
Really, the rule clarification and ban doesn’t affect tournament results. I am just not able to understand why you would disallow a tool, if everyone has equal access to the use of that tool.
Really, that’s just my two cents. Regardless of my opinion, this year’s Classic and Elite Series tournaments will be battled out sans the Alabama rig and it’s cousins.
See ya on the water…