Indiana DNR A-rig?

[Jason1]

Just curious as to whether anyone has heard of anything official from the dnr whether they would allow the full five?
i have heard from several places they would for now, but an update would soon come.
not sure it would be worth trying if only 2 hooks can be used?

the way the rules read right now, doesnt seem like it will be allowed.

[BassnBuck]

The last that I've heard is as much as you have stated. DNR is fine with it now, but update was expected sometime in the future.

[Zach G]

BIB posted dnr statement

[GRR884]

I emailed them today and waiting for a response. Talked with a ICO last week and really wouldn't give me answer other than they were working on a answer and should have one very soon.

Here is a letter that was posted on BIB stating it is legal as of now...

http://www.bigindianabass.com/...800wi

[Jason1]

thats good to know, hopefully they get something worked out.
i was kinda holding off buying a couple till i found out for sure.

guess i can always sell them if they rule against them

[skeeterator]

I'm gonna go out on a limb here and say that the idnr bans them,anyone care to make a wager on it?

[GRR884]

<table width="90%" cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 align=center><tr><td>Quote, originally posted by skeeterator &raquo;</td></tr><tr><td class="quote">I'm gonna go out on a limb here and say that the idnr bans them,anyone care to make a wager on it? </td></tr></table>

No way will I bet on anything our DNR makes decisions on

[ss]

Probably won't ban it, but I bet they put a limit on the number of hooks or lures. There is already something in the fishing regulations limiting the number of baited hooks or lures to 3 (or maybe 2) per line. I wonder how that thing would work with 5 buzzbaits on it.

[Jason1]

<table width="90%" cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 align=center><tr><td>Quote, originally posted by ss &raquo;</td></tr><tr><td class="quote">Probably won't ban it, but I bet they put a limit on the number of hooks or lures. There is already something in the fishing regulations limiting the number of baited hooks or lures to 3 (or maybe 2) per line. I wonder how that thing would work with 5 buzzbaits on it.

</td></tr></table>

The rules right now say 2 hooks, but that makes me wonder about jerkbaits with 3 hooks?
doesnt make sense to me.

[Crappieman]

<table width="90%" cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 align=center><tr><td>Quote, originally posted by Jason1 &raquo;</td></tr><tr><td class="quote">

The rules right now say 2 hooks, but that makes me wonder about jerkbaits with 3 hooks?
doesnt make sense to me.
</td></tr></table>

I can only use two single hook baits per rod while tight lining for crappie. If they allow the a-rig with 5 which I don't think they will there would be nothing wrong with me running 5 single hook baits on one line per pole which I wouldn't do anyway since two is plenty. A multi hooked bait is still one bait the way I see it. Who knows what the DNR in our state will come up with. I'd like to see them put some pressure on the Corp to lower Patoka more than 4' for winter pool since it's about 6' above summer pool right now. If they would lower it down earlier in the year that sure would help the grass come back and keeping it lower in the spring would also help.

[ss]

<table width="90%" cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 align=center><tr><td>Quote, originally posted by Jason1 &raquo;</td></tr><tr><td class="quote">

The rules right now say 2 hooks, but that makes me wonder about jerkbaits with 3 hooks?
doesnt make sense to me.
</td></tr></table>


This was taken directly from the Indiana fishing regulations book:

Fish with up to three poles or hand lines at one time. Each line is limited to no more than two single or multi-barbed hooks, two artificial baits or two live bait harnesses.

I would think that a jerkbait is considered one artificial bait, no matter how many hooks it has. I would also think that a swimbait would be considered one artificial bait, no matter how many hooks it has. Therefore, putting 5 swimbaits on an Alabama rig would be against the rules in Indiana. I think the issue is not how many hooks you are using, but how many flashy-wiggly-shiny things you are using.

[Jason1]

i feel they will not allow the 5, i would like to try it but dont wanna spend money on something that may not be legal by the time i can go fising again.

[billius]

I would imagine they would limit it to two baits with hooks in them. I do have a couple of A rigs, but of course, haven't been able to use them yet. I sure don't plan to buy anymore until I see if they are going to be legal. I doubt they will make a decision anytime soon, they never do seem to be in any hurry to decide anything.

[slimshad]

Guys working at the Bass Pro in Clarksville have printed emails that state that as of now they are legal. What would five crankbaits look like????

[GRR884]

<table width="90%" cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 align=center><tr><td>Quote, originally posted by slimshad &raquo;</td></tr><tr><td class="quote">Guys working at the Bass Pro in Clarksville have printed emails that state that as of now they are legal. What would five crankbaits look like????</td></tr></table>

Legal as of "now". I saw this on another website. Based on this recent quote from the DNR it sounds like they are working on re-wording the law so it’s more clear in making it illegal…

“The question becomes is the Alabama rig one part with multiple lures or one lure with multiple parts,” said Major Terry Hyndman, Indiana conservation officers operations commander. “Personnel from our agency have discussed this topic in length, and although we believe that the original intent of our rule was to prohibit this type of fishing device, we’re not convinced that the language is clear enough to support prosecution. As such, our conservation officers have been instructed not to take any enforcement action until the issue is reviewed further.”

[Whitaker201]

I truely do not see how the rule is confusing for IN. The rule states that you can use up to 2 lures or 2 individual hooks per line. It really does not seem that complicated to me.

For those that want to say the A-rig is one lure I disagree with you. The A-rig is a way to attach and spread out multiple lures on the same line.

[BassnBuck]

<table width="90%" cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 align=center><tr><td>Quote, originally posted by Whitaker201 &raquo;</td></tr><tr><td class="quote">I truely do not see how the rule is confusing for IN. The rule states that you can use up to 2 lures or 2 individual hooks per line. It really does not seem that complicated to me.

For those that want to say the A-rig is one lure I disagree with you. The A-rig is a way to attach and spread out multiple lures on the same line.


</td></tr></table>
I agree

[GRR884]

The email I got today from the IDNR...


Gary –
Thanks for your webmail inquiry. The use of umbrella rigs in this part of the country has sprung onto the scene just recently. Here’s DNR’s current stance on their use:

BACKGROUND
The emergence of multiple-hook fishing rigs, generically called “umbrella rigs,” has raised the issue of their legality in Indiana. A smaller, castable version called the “Alabama rig” has recently taken the fishing world by storm, particularly bass fishing tournaments. A typical Alabama rig will fit inside a large coffee can. These arrays contain several jigs and simulate a school of bait fish. They come in various designs and sizes, can be trolled or cast and are effective in both saltwater and freshwater, particularly for striped bass, hybrid striped bass and black basses. Sometimes several hookless baits are included on umbrella rigs to present a larger target along with a few baits containing hooks.
In Indiana, anglers are allowed to fish with three poles and each line may have not more than two hooks or two artificial baits or two harnesses for use with live bait (312 IAC 9-7-2). It could be argued that any umbrella rig that contains more than two jigs with hooks is illegal under this current regulation. However, it could also be argued that this whole array is simply one artificial bait containing numerous separate pieces. Indiana’s regulations do not limit the number of hooks that can be on an artificial bait.

CURRENT STATUS
Because of this ambiguity and since this tackle is not specifically addressed in the existing rule, the Division of Law Enforcement recently made a decision not to cite anglers using umbrella rigs at the present time. This information is being shared with anyone who inquires along with a suggestion that they stay informed since the situation may change. Meanwhile the divisions of Law Enforcement and Fish and Wildlife are cooperatively reviewing this issue to determine if and how existing fishing regulations should be modified to clearly address use of umbrella rigs.

You may want to sign up for the WILD Bulletin - a FREE e-newsletter that provides information about Indiana's fish and wildlife resources and recreation through e-mail. You will receive information about hunting and fishing season dates, regulation updates, wildlife and fisheries research status reports, tips on wildlife watching and reminders about important dates for Hoosier outdoor enthusiasts. You will also receive updates about new information available on the DNR Division of Fish and Wildlife webpage. Here is the direct link: .http://www.in.gov/dnr/2350.htm

If you have further questions, I would suggest that you contact the local DNR Law Enforcement (Conservation Officer) District Headquarters office that covers the county in which the lake(s) is located where you would like to fish. Here is the direct link to all of their contact information: . http://www.in.gov/dnr/lawenfor/2755.htm

Please feel free to write again in the future.
Patti
Division of Fish and Wildlife

[slimshad]

Thats the same email he had. I signed up for the free e-newsletter and will post if i hear anything. If it helps me catch fish i will try it. Dont see why not???

[SkeeterHBK]

Heres my .02. With a rig that seems to be so deadly and effective. How is this going to change tournament fishing. Granted Im not saying I know much about fishing this rig because I haven't yet. However I know when I was in Texas this summer, the guide I talked to using it pretty much stated that the only thing you had to do was find the fish and drop her in. My thoughts being this would make tournament fishing a seperation of who is using the A-rig and who isn't.