Legislating Preference

I planned to cover another topic in this post, but was sidetracked by another “Banning”.  While some anglers will be happy to hear it, others will not, but I’ll argue that they should all be concerned.   In this case, the PAA (Professional Anglers Association) just announced that the umbrella rig (Alabama Rig, etc.) will be banned for all future PAA events.  On the surface, it seems like another reaction to a hotly debated topic; however, underneath simmers an even greater intrusion, erosion of our “Angler Bill of Rights”. 

The umbrella rig has been nothing short of controversial since it debuted on the tournament scene nearly two years ago.  At first, all the talk was about how the rig would revolutionize the fishing world.  The assumptions were that anyone could catch big limits on the rig and that fish just couldn’t help themselves.  However, that hasn’t panned out.  Since the introduction of the “Rig”, only a handful of major tournaments have been won with a rig, and these were exclusively on deep, clear, highland reservoirs during cold water periods.  Not an impressive list considering the Strike King 6XD has accounted for more money won during the same period (not to mention other crankbaits).  What we have learned is that the rig is a cold water technique that excels in clear water situations.  That’s it folks, it’s a technique!  You still have to determine the best configuration, which bait styles, colors, size and more importantly, where and how to use it.

So why are we banning the umbrella rig?  Is it legal? Yes.  Is it damaging our fisheries?  No.  Is it an unfair advantage?  Absolutely NOT, it is available to anyone!  So why then?  Simply, preference.  Umbrella rigs are available to everyone (with enough money to purchase, they are expensive) and they are not magic.  These are the primary complaints/arguments from tournament fisherman.

1)      Anyone can catch limits using them.

Really?  Then why doesn’t everyone?  Because it is a technique (like any other) that must be learned.

2)      I hate throwing them, they wear me out!

I can relate to this one, they are a load to throw.  However, the rig can be adjusted to limit the weight.

3)      They snag a lot of fish and they appear mangled.
This is probably the only legitimate reason.  However, this can be managed by adjusting the rules (similar to sight fishing for bedding bass).  Mandate all fish caught outside the mouth be immediately released, or simply limit the number of baits with hooks to ONE.
4)   Allowing the use of the "Rig" will damage the integrity of our sport.
Just the OPPOSITE!  Banning the technique actually does more harm to the integrity of our sport.  Fear of anything, the unknown, rumors, etc drive our desire to eliminate the source of our discomfort.  Become educated, learn to manage not destroy.  Banning a technique that is legal causes division and actually exposes our sport to other bans outside our control by showing that we are willing to give something up.
5)   One Rod, One Bait.
We can accomodate this.

LIMIT THE USE OF THE UMBRELLA RIG TO ONE BAIT WITH HOOKS!
This is a simple solution to all the arguments.  Will the technique still dominate (occasionally), yes.  However, this is no different than the sight fishing technique.  There are tournaments every year that if an angler does not sight fish for bedding bass, then they are not going to win, period!  How about crankbaits?  In 2012, Douglas lake (sight of this years PAA controversy) was dominated by deep crankbaits.  Why not apply the same argument here?

Slippery Slope

So why should we all be concerned?  Many anglers actually prefer eliminating it.  Because we are legislating preference.  We are changing the rules to favor some, not all.  The recent PAA ban was decided by a survey result of 65% for, 35% against (the ban).  So what we are saying is that 35% of the anglers have just had a tool removed from their toolbox in favor of the 65% who do not like the tool.  What follows next?  Do we ban sight fishing for bedding bass?  I bet if you polled this technique, you would get similar results.  Do we ban plastics to prevent accidental ingestion (kills fish, Maine has tried this)?  Do we cordon off areas to prevent fishing for released fish?  This is as controversial as the umbrella rig.  What about electronics, do we eliminate them because some have an edge?  How about your bass boat?  Should we limit horsepower to even the playing field? Banning is not the answer!  

The primary foundation that Ray Scott built B.A.S.S. on was one of integrity and sportsmanship.  How far we have come when our desire to eliminate something overtakes our responsibility to manage it!  I do not want to win a tournament because I successfully lobbied to eliminate a part of the competition.  Call me old school, antiquated, history or whatever.  Our great sport is built upon the tradition of fair play and honesty.  What ever happened to shaking the other anglers hand, congratulating him/her and meaning it.

What legacy will we leave for the next generation?  What are we teaching our children?

So next time you hear someone talk about banning the umbrella rig or any other technique, remind them of the consequences.