THE BASS COLLEGE

ABT Alabama Rig is legal in every state where they allow even 2 hooks.

Please Note: Baits and jigheads not included. Paddle tail behind head is also not included.

Allen Borden and ABT have done it again. Former Strike King lure designer and creator of the King Shad has taken umbrella rig fishing to a whole new level. Unlike any other, the ABT Lures Multi-Rig System gives you the unique ability to modify, adjust and create a multitude of configurations to fit any fishing condition. Each ABT Multi-Rig features a patented screw lock swimming head with removable wire harness. This allows you to easily change your wire configurations from as few as two wires, up to a maximum six. It also allows you to change wire lengths from 3.5” to 6.5” (with the ABT Lures Multi-Rig Accessory Kit). In addition, the patented polycarbonate/abs head features a barbed bait keeper making it super easy to attach or change out your favorite matching swimbait or grub tail.

Each ABT Multi-Rig comes standard with five, 5.5-inch high strength .47 stainless wires in an adjustable configuration, which provides worry-free performance when throwing larger/heavier baits and fighting multiple big fish. Various weighted teaser & wire replacement accessory packs are also available, making the ABT Lures Multi-Rig System clearly superior to any other umbrella rig system on the market.

http://www.tacklewarehouse.com/ABT_Lures_Multi_Rig_System_55/descpage-ABTSR.html?from=detroph

http://www.tacklewarehouse.com/ABT_Lures_Multi_Rig_System_55/descpage-ABTSR.html?from=detroph

Already ordered one for me!! 

Better order these fast, I guarantee they will be backordered in no time! I'm still waiting on the original ABR that I ordered back in December!

Home of the original Alabama Rig by Mann’s Lures. Fish it with (5) hooked lures and hold on!

Alaska

There are no freshwater bass in Alaska, but there is some great pike fishing. In that sense, I’m sure this rig works well for pike too. I have contacted ADFG for clarification and will post the information when it becomes available.

Arizona

As current law stands, it is advised that you do not rig more than “two” baits onto the Alabama Rig. Depending on how you interpret “lure” from the rules, an angler should be allowed to rig (2) swimbaits on the rig with hooks and (3) teaser lures without hooks.

Anglers may use only one line or pole with no more than two hooks. An artificial lure is considered one hook.

Arkansas

Anglers may use the Alabama Rig according to this email response from 1/13/2012.

Hi Daniel, yes, at this time, the umbrella rig and the Alabama rig are legal to use for sport fishing in Arkansas waters.

Kim Cartwright

Media Specialist

California

You may only have (3) hooks on your Alabama Rig. It has been advised to rig (2) teaser lures or spinnerbait blades onto the rig to remain legal.

In California, “all fish may be taken only by angling with one closely attended rod and line or one hand line with not more than three hooks nor more than three artificial lures (each lure may have three hooks attached) attached thereto” (California Code of Regulations, section 2.00)

Colorado

From my interpretation, anglers can rig (3) lures with hooks onto the Alabama Rig. It appears that you can rig (2) teaser lures to remain legal.

The following are legal methods of take for species listed in this chapter. Any method of take not listed herein shall be prohibited, except as otherwise provided by statute or these regulations:

1. One personally attended line, except as otherwise authorized in these regulations.

a. Each line shall have no more than 3 common hooks attached. A common hook is considered (1) lure.

Connecticut

Anglers may used the Alabama Rig with (5) hooked lures.

Delaware

Anglers may rig (3) hooked lures onto the Alabama Rig, but may not rig any additional hooks or teasers.

The use of more than three hooks or lures per rod or pole is prohibited.

Florida

It is legal to use the Alabama Rig with (5) hooked lures.

Georgia

I have contacted Georgia’s Fish and Wildlife for official word on umbrella rigs and will post updated information as soon as it becomes available.

Hawaii

The only freshwater body of water told to have bass is the Wahiawa Reservoir Public Fishing Area, on the island of Oahu. In this case, only (2) hooked lures are allowed on the Alabama Rig.

Response by the Division of Aquatic Resources, State of Hawaii.

Idaho

It is legal to use the Alabama Rig with (5) hooks.

A hook is deemed to be “a bent wire device, for the catching of fish, to which one, two, or three points may be attached to a single shank. Up to five (5) hooks per line may be used, except where specifically prohibited.”

Illinois

Anglers are allowed to rig (2) lures with hooks. It is recommended that the angler rig (3) teaser baits or spinnerbait blades to the remaining (3) wires.

Indiana

The Alabama Rig may be used with (2) hooked lures. It is recommended that you use teasers or spinnerbait blades on the remaining (3) wires.

Each line is limited to no more than two single or multi-barbed hooks, two artificial baits or two live bait harnesses.

Iowa

The Alabama Rig may be used with (2) hooked lures.

Thank you for using the Iowa DNR website. Unfortunately the Alabama Rig as it is with the five lures is not legal. According to the Fisheries Bureau you can remove three of the hooks and have the same principle of a line look like a school of fish to attract others. As long as a rig only has two hooks it would be legal. Clarification provided by Iowa Department of Natural Resources.

Kansas

The Alabama Rig is legal in Kansas if you rig (2) hooked lures with teasers or spinnerbait blades on the remaining (3) wires.

Each angler is limited to two rods (three with three-pole permit) with no more than two baited hooks (single or treble) or artificial lures per line.

Kentucky

It is legal to use (5) hooked lures with the Alabama Rig.

Clarification provided by Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife.

Louisiana

It appears that the fully rigged Alabama Rig is legal to use. I have emailed Louisiana DWF for clarification and will post the answer when it becomes available.

Maine

It is legal to use (5) hooked lures with the Alabama Rig.

The Alabama rig is legal to use in Maine with the following stipulations: there can only be a single baited hook on the line, the other lines can have artificial lures but you can only have a single baited hook. If used strictly for artificial lures you can have as many lures on a line as desired. Clarification provided by Maine Warden Service.

Maryland

Anglers may rig (2) hooked lures onto the Alabama Rig. It is advised to use “teaser” lures or spinnerbait blades on the remaining (3) wires.

The Department has recently received many questions about a type of gear called an Alabama Rig. The Department defines the Alabama Rig as an umbrella rig. The umbrella rig, as described on page 39 of the 2012 Fishing Guide, may not have more than two baits or lures which have hooks. Additional hooks can be removed to bring the rig into compliance with regulations.

Massachusetts

It appears that Massachusetts State Law has outlawed any lure that is designed to catch “more than one” fish. In this case, the Alabama Rig is considered illegal.

Michigan

There is some conflicting information regarding the Alabama Rig in Michigan. Interpreting the rules would make the rig legal with up to (6) hooks. I have notified Michigan and will post the response when it becomes available.

No more than three lines per person (including tip-ups) nor more than six hooks or lures may be used. All hooks attached to an artificial bait or “night crawler harness” are counted as one hook. Hooks must be baited or attached to an artificial bait.

Minnesota

The Alabama Rig is considered illegal in Minnesota.

The Alabama rig would generally not be legal to use in Minnesota. Minnesota does have some newer, more flexible tackle regulations. But the maximum number of hooks on a single tackle configuration is 3, they must all be on a single line in a row, and the hooks cannot measure more than 9 inches from the first hook to the last hook. The Alabama rig is not considered an artificial bait/lure in Minnesota. Clarification provided by Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.

Mississippi

It is legal to use the Alabama Rig in some waters, but is illegal in some waters. Always check the regulations for each lake and river before fishing.

Game fish may be taken only by hook and line with one or more hooks (including rod and reel with artificial bait), trolls or trotlines. Each person having a valid fishing license may use no more than 100 hooks per person.

Missouri

It is legal to fish the Alabama Rig with (3) hooked lures. It is recommended that the angler use spinnerbait blades on the remaining (2) wires to remain legal.

Montana

I have written Montana DFW for clarification on the Alabama Rig. Updated information will be posted as soon as it is received.

Nebraska

It is illegal to fish the Alabama Rig in Nebraska. Pay attention to the details in your laws. This is confirmed.

Nevada

It is legal to use the Alabama Rig with (2) hooked lures attached. It is recommended that the angler use spinnerbait blades to the remaining (3) wires to remain legal.

No more than three baited hooks, nor more than three fly hooks, or two lures or plugs irrespective of the number of hooks or attractor blades attached thereto, may be attached to the line. Some waters have further restrictions.

New Hampshire

It is illegal to use the Alabama Rig in New Hampshire.

As you can see, the term “an” precedes the words “artificial bait”. “An” is singular and therefore the fact that the Alabama rig has multiple artificial baits that are interchangeable on the wires would make it illegal in the state of New Hampshire. Clarification provided by New Hampshire Fish & Game.

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.

New Jersey

I have contacted New Jersey Fish & Wildlife for clarification and will post the results as soon as it becomes available.

New Mexico

It is legal to use (5) hooked lures with the Alabama Rig.

It is legal in our state expect in our Special Trout Waters and cannot be used for snagging outside of our snagging season. Clarification provided by New Mexico Department of Game and Fish.

New York

It is legal to fish the Alabama Rig in New York with (5) hooked lures.

…each line is limited to not more than five lures or baits or a combination of both; and in addition, each line shall not exceed fifteen hook points in any combination of single, double or treble hooks.

North Carolina

I have contacted North Carolina Wildlife for clarification and will post the results as soon as it becomes available.

North Dakota

It appears that the Alabama Rig is legal to use if you have (3) hooked lures and (2) spinnerbait blades or attractors on the remaining (2) wires.

A lure is defined as any man-made object comprised of metal, plastic, wood and/or other non-edible materials made or used to catch fish. A lure may not contain more than three hooks and the maximum distance between any hooks on a lure may not exceed 10 inches. A single hook may not include more than three points, barbed or otherwise. Spinners and other live bait rigs and harnesses are considered a lure and are legal. Hookless dodgers or attractors used ahead of a lure or bait are legal.

Ohio

The Alabama Rig may be used with (3) hooked lures.

An Alabama Rig or Umbrella Rig, using 5 leaders, is not legal in Ohio. Anglers may only use up to three hooks on each line. The Alabama Rig allows for 5 items to be attached. If a fisherman were to use only 3 of the leaders on the rig, using only 3 hooks in total for the entire rig, then, they could use the rig, but would be using only part of it. Clarification provided by Ohio’s Division of Wildlife.

Oklahoma

The Alabama Rig is legal to use with (5) hooked lures.

Oregon

The Alabama Rig is legal to use with (3) hooked lures. It is recommended that the angler use “teaser” baits without hooks or spinnerbait blades on the remaining (2) wires.

No more than two hooks may be used while angling for Pacific halibut and no more than three hooks may be used while angling for other species except herring jigs may be used for marine food fish species. A single, double or treble point hook is classified as one hook.

Pennsylvania

The Alabama Rig is legal to use with (3) hooked lures. It is recommended that the angler use spinnerbait blades on the remaining (2) wires to remain legal.

No more than three hooks shall be attached to a line used in fishing (one hook having two or three points is considered a “single hook”;). All rods, lines and hooks shall be under the immediate control of the person using them.

Rhode Island

The Alabama Rig is legal to use with (3) hooked lures. It is recommended that the angler use spinnerbait blades on the remaining (2) wires to remain legal.

Unless otherwise specified, only a rod and reel or other hand-held and hand-operated device shall be used to catch fish in the fresh waters of the state. At no time shall a person place, operate, or superintend more than two (2) of these devices for the purpose of catching fish, except as noted below, and no more than three (3) hooks may be attached to each device.

South Carolina

I have contacted S.C. DNR and will post updated information as it becomes available.

South Dakota

The Alabama Rig may be fshed with (3) hooked lures. It is recommended that the angler use spinnerbait blades on the remaining (2) wires to remain legal.

Two lines and three hooks per line may be used for fishing.

Tennessee

The Alabama Rig may be fished with (3) hooked lures. Anglers may NOT use teaser baits or spinnerbait blades because Tennessee considers this illegal.

Tennessee defines an illegal umbrella rig as an array of more than 3 artificial lures or baits (with or without hooks) used by a single rod and reel combination.

Texas

It is legal to fish the Alabama Rig in Texas with (5) hooked baits.

Utah

It is legal to use the Alabama Rig with (2) hooked lures. I have written Utah DWR for clarification on teaser baits and attractors for the remaining (3) wires. Result will be posted once it becomes available.

No line may have attached to it more than two baited hooks, two artificial flies or two artificial lures.

Vermont

It is legal to use the Alabama Rig in Vermont with only (2) hooked lures.

A person may take fish only by using not more than two lines of which he or she has immediate control. Each line may not have more than two baited hooks, or three artificial flies or two lures with or without bait.

Virginia

It is legal to fish the Alabama Rig with (5) hooked lures.

Washington

It is legal to fish the Alabama Rig with (3) hooked lures. It is recommended that the angler use “teasers” or spinnerbait blades on the remaining (2) wires.

Hook and line angling only. Barbed or barbless hooks may be used, and a hook may be single-point, double, or treble, but not more than one line with up to three hooks per angler may be used”.

West Virginia

It is legal to use (5) hooked baits on the Alabama Rig.

While trout fishing in special regulation waters, multiple hook lures must have barbless hooks. There are no other limits on hooks. Clarification provided by West Virginia Department of Natural Resources.

Wisconsin

It is legal to use the Alabama Rig with (3) hooked lures. It is unclear if “teasers” or spinnerbait blades on the remaining (2) wires would be considered illegal. I have contacted the state for more information.

It is illegal to fish with more than three hooks, baits, or lures.

Wyoming

It is legal to use the Alabama Rig with (3) hooked lures. It is unclear if “teaser” baits or spinnerbait blades can be used on the remaining (2) wires. Updated information will be posted here once it becomes available.

No line may have more than three (3) single hooked devices attached.

A hook is described as being “a single hooked device or bait regardless of the number of prongs”.

Thanks to FHC Outdoors and our friend Daniel, for helping put this together for everybody. 

http://www.fhcoutdoors.com/list-of-all-alabama-rig-state-laws/

Steve, do you actually recommend spinnerbait blades for the remaining wires? I plan on getting the ABT Rig personally, but given that I have already purchased several Alabama Rigs, I will probably let my friends use them. I was just planning on clipping the hooks on some older swimbait heads, but if spinner blades are just as good, I will just do that and not ruin any jigheads.

They tell me that they have been doing that and it really worked good. I havent tried that yet but I am going to.

I spoke to a DNR, he said as long as there is 3 hooks then that's fine, but they haven't made any official rules or regulations for it yet. so, so far, I haven't only brought the 3 rig without teaser/s.