By KELLY BOSTIAN Outdoors Writer on Aug 29, 2013, at 9:46 AM Updated on 8/29 at 9:46 AM
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Pro angler Fred Roumbanis of Bixby displays an Alabama Rig in this Oct. 2012 file photo.
KELLY BOSTIAN/Tulsa World
The pro fishing tour that gave birth to the modern explosion in popularity of umbrella-type fishing rigs, commonly named for the original Mann’s “Alabama Rig,” announced today those baits no longer will be allowed on its professional tour.
The Walmart FLW Tour, named for Ranger Boats founder Forrest L. Wood, included the new rule with announcement of its 2014 tour rules – which included news that tour payouts would be restructured to give $10,000 down to the 60th-place finisher.
“FLW has thoughtfully studied the use of umbrella rigs for two seasons, and we’ve decided to no longer permit their use on the FLW Tour,” FLW President of Operations Kathy Fennel said in the press release. “The rigs have simply evolved to a point that we can no longer wait for state-enforced restrictions to be developed..."
Pro tour anglers will not be allowed to use umbrella rigs and amateur trail anglers will be limited to three-hook arrangements. The BASS organization banned use of the rigs for its Bassmaster Elite Series tour in 2012 but still allows use of the rigs for its amateur competitions (subject to state laws).
The Alabama rig exploded in popularity in October of 2011 after Laurel, Miss. pro angler Paul Elias won the FLW Tour event on Lake Guntersville using the rig.
The rules now state:
Fishing is defined as having a lure attached to a line and a rod and reel with the rod in hand. All bass must be caught alive in a conventional sporting manner.
All lures must adhere to state regulations. Only artificial lures may be used, with the exception of pork trailers and biodegradable soft baits. Alabama rigs and similar umbrella-type rigs are not permitted. Only ONE fishing rod may be used at a time. Trolling as a method of fishing is strictly prohibited. Trolling is defined as operating the combustion engine to extend a cast or lengthen a retrieve … ”Fennel said that umbrella rigs still will be permitted in the FLW’s other tournament circuits, but with restrictions that limit them to a maximum of five wires outfitted with a maximum of five spinners and five lures, only three of which can have hooks.
“This decision is consistent with the wishes of a majority of our anglers while heading off potential conservation concerns,” she said.
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