USE OF THE "ALABAMA RIG" ILLEGAL IN NEW HAMPSHIRE'S FRESH WATERS
CONCORD, N.H. -- Anglers should be aware that the "Alabama rig," a lure
gaining popularity in the bass fishing world, is illegal to use in New
Hampshire's fresh waters, New Hampshire Fish and Game Department officials
said today.

The Alabama rig generated national interest following a well-publicized win
by a professional bass angler in a major bass tournament last fall.

Technically, the rig is not a lure, but an apparatus that allows an angler
to attach and fish up to five lures on a single line, with the possibility
of catching more than one fish at a time. It is basically a castable
"umbrella" rig, consisting of a hard body with a line-tie, followed by five
wire strands in a fanned out design each with a snap swivel at the end.
Anglers can attach a variety of lures to each swivel for a look that is
meant to mimic a school of baitfish. A photo of the rig can be seen on the
N.H. Fish and Game website at
http://www.fishnh.com/Fishing/alabama_rig.html.

Following the tournament win using the Alabama rig, bass fishing websites,
forums, and magazines abounded with stories touting the fish-catching
abilities of the new tackle. The buzz has generated many inquiries to Fish
and Game about the legal status of using the Alabama rig, or similar fishing
rigs, in New Hampshire freshwaters.

The bottom line is that the rig's use in New Hampshire fresh waters is not
allowed. That determination is based on the following New Hampshire
regulations:

* RSA 207:1 I Angling: The taking of fish by line in hand, or rod in
hand to which is attached a cast of artificial flies, or an artificial bait,
or hooks or other devices for the attachment of bait. A person may have in
use not more than 2 such lines at one time. Nothing in this title shall
prohibit the use of a rod-holder in a boat.

* Fis 401.011 “Artificial bait” means any fishing bait constructed by
humans as an imitation or substitute for natural bait or fish forage and
includes, but is not limited to spinners, spoons, poppers, plugs, jigs and
plastic, rubber or other artificial imitations of natural bait. “Artificial
bait” does not include “fly” as defined in RSA 207:1 VII.

The words “an artificial bait” contained in New Hampshire's statutory
definition of “angling,” mean one artificial bait per line. Attaching
additional spinners, spoons, poppers, plugs, jigs and plastic, rubber or
other artificial imitations of natural bait is not allowed. Therefore, an
Alabama rig is illegal to use in New Hampshire’s fresh waters.

For more information on fishing in New Hampshire, visit
http://www.fishnh.com.