[txnative]

Amen, Randy.

For what it's worth, a rig simulating an entire school of baitfish is common practice in saltwater and fairly common in fresh. Since TWRA allows only a single hook if the hook is above a size 6, then current regs already make the AL-rig illegal to use with hooks that would be efficient for stripers. A size 6 hook, unless it is a very uncommon one of extra thick diameter steel, will not tolerate much force before straightening, nor will it accommodate a very sizable lure or bait. To an ethical angler (operative word: ethical), this pretty much eliminates the AL rig for anything but panfish due to ill-matched tackle. If only 3 lures are used, the rig is legal, and I don't see a huge problem with this in a legal perspective, but if the creel limit is two stripers/hybrids, and safe release of the extra fish fish is dicey at best, why run the risk? I know some will say the can fish if they want as long as they don't take home more than their limit, or they ALWAYS make sure fish swim away fine, or some other bs justification to abuse a fishery, but the simple fact is that when trolling rigs are used most often is during the hottest months and released fish are in trouble from the start. Use some caution, and be okay with catching less fish. I know some THINK they NEED to use this style of fishing to be productive, but I will be willing to tell them how I can find quality fish in fisheries that promote healthy releases that can be caught with 1 rod slinging 1 lure.

I hope that anglers don't see the AL-rig as bass fishing's new superlure and go nuts using it on waters that may not allow it, but, unfortunately, only time will tell.


Chris