Turn out the lights, the party’s over.
Last week, we saw an additional umbrella-rig ruling come to fruition in pro fishing when FLW banned the controversial set-up from its Tour ranks. However, like the Bassmaster trail, FLW is continuing to allow the use of multi-rig contraptions in its triple-A EverStart league, state-based BFL Series and other trails.
Starting at the top, I think FLW just couldn’t take the heat any longer. And, like it or not, ruling on the rig became a focal point in the B.A.S.S. vs. FLW comparison. The B.A.S.S. decision to ban the rig from the Bassmaster Classic and Elite Series seemed to create an “elitist” feeling, for lack of better words. As senseless as it was, the B.A.S.S. pros seemed heralded as “true professionals," as they had their own set of rules, not applicable to all of the other circuits.
In the end, FLW claimed it needed additional time when considering the impact of the umbrella rig, and whether or not to ban its use. I can go along with that. FLW has never been an organization, in my opinion, to change rules or modify its approach in haste. Everything it does is very calculated in today’s modern era of controversy and rule-bending. We see far fewer rule infractions, disqualifications or “cloudy areas” in FLW operations than anywhere else, and for very good reason. FLW runs a pretty tight ship.
I think a few other variables led to the delay in a ruling, as well. Like it or not, tournament organizations sell advertising, and website hits lead to bigger ad dollars. The back-and-forth banter wasn’t hurting either organization. Every fan of fishing checked the FLW website during the early onset of U-rig fishing to see whether or not the rig was dominating events. Were the naysayers right, they wondered? Was the rig magical?
I find it very interesting that the official FLW ruling seems so gray, in terms of wording, considering how long this has been going on. The rule simply states, “Alabama rigs and similar umbrella-type rigs are not permitted.”
What about rigs with one hook and dummy baits, or several plastic bodies joined on one jig? What about multiple lures on a single “harness”? What about everything else that manufacturers will come up with to dodge the rules and appeal to the fishing public, who are so convinced multi-lure rigs are a cure-all? I’m guessing we’ll see further clarification from FLW in the very near future. I’d hate to see the tournament directors be required to make those calls on the spot; their job is hard enough.
Regardless, the rig is out of the two major pro fishing tours. I stand by my opinion that this does nothing to negatively affect the fishing marketplace. The same number of anglers are going to partake in tournaments as a result, if not more, and those same anglers will continue to buy fishing tackle at record paces to keep up with the competition, whether the new fad is U-rigs or Flick Shake worms. Yes, if you’re a tackle manufacturer that only produces umbrella rigs, this may impact your business. But the guys selling trolling reels and minnow buckets aren’t getting any business from tournament bass fishermen either, and they seem to make it work.
Why in the world the rig is still allowed in triple-A and state circuits is beyond me. I guess it goes back to the previous argument; many feel totally outlawing it would create a dent in the fishing marketplace, and most of the support of the tournament trails comes from fishing equipment manufacturers. I think both B.A.S.S. and FLW feel they have an asterisk next to the ban specifically so no one gets too upset.
In the end, it appears the lack of boundaries presented by the rig led to its undoing. At the tail end of last season, we saw anglers using a dozen or more lures at a time. It seemed there was no limit, and it was just a matter of time before pressure from anglers led FLW to make a choice: Come up with its own set of rules, or just be done with the whole thing. They chose the latter.
In addition, fans of pro fishing have recently heard the rumblings of FLW Tour anglers moving into the B.A.S.S. trails. Some mention sponsor considerations, all mention the Classic, and a few have recently cited the umbrella rig as their motivating factor. Perhaps this will lead to a happier family.
At least now the whole thing has been put to bed. I imagine we’ll see the same ruling from the PAA, as it announced in June that a ban is "extremely likely" in the wake of a membership survey last spring in which 65 percent voted to oust the rigs. Major League Fishing, however, may keep the rigs around for awhile, as its events are very limited, and locations and seasons for each event could be chosen to prevent “rig domination." Besides, at times it would create a bit of the X-factor hype that MLF lives for.
I, for one, would like to see the whole thing done away with, as many of you know. In my opinion, it steps over the boundaries of the origination of competitive bass fishing, simply defined as a guy in a boat casting a lure. It’s not trolling crankbaits on planer boards. It’s not spider-rigging with 14 rods. It’s not harnesses with a dozen lures.
I’m sure this is not the end of the multi-rig controversy. If nothing else, it will continue to fill the minds of bait designers and tackle marketing professionals who can’t seem to get enough. Maybe in the future we’ll all be using lures designed to simulate schools of fish. I just hope they have only one hook.
(Joe Balog is the often outspoken owner of Millennium Promotions, Inc., an agency operating in the fishing and hunting industries. A former Bassmaster Open and EverStart Championship winner, he's best known for his big-water innovations and hardcore fishing style. He's a popular seminar speaker, product designer and author, and is considered one of the most influential smallmouth fishermen of modern times.)
