By Steve Wright

Restrictions on the use of umbrella rigs, also known as Alabama rigs, just got stronger. The Bassmaster Elite Series has never permitted their use. Last week B.A.S.S. announced a further limitation on umbrella rigs: They will no longer be permitted in the Bassmaster Opens or any other B.A.S.S. event that leads directly to a Bassmaster Classic qualification. Some anglers are happy about this change, others not so much.
"I think that's fantastic," said Chris Lane, the 2012 Classic champion. "If you make the Classic or qualify for the Elite Series, it shouldn't be on something that everybody can't use."

Four-time Classic champion Kevin VanDam agreed, saying, "It's a good call. If it's not allowed on the Elite Series, the rules should be the same across all platforms."

But that decision wasn't met with unanimous approval from Elite Series pros. Even though the FLW tour banned the use of umbrella rigs after allowing them for one year, both Shaw Grigsby and Paul Elias, the 1982 Classic champ, believe A-rigs should be allowed at all B.A.S.S. events, even the Elite Series.

"I think it's sad," said Grigsby. "I think it's a sad day when we start taking innovation out of the sport. It's not the greatest thing to ever hit. It's a very situational lure. It has also taken away some other neat tools, like the two-fluke rig and the (Norman) Front Runner.

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