I know that many states are either posed to or have outlawed the Alabama rig. I'm in FL and have customers asking me about rods. I don't want to get in the middle of anything and cannot find anything in the state G&F law that shows it being outlawed by the state of FL. Does anyone have any further up to date information on the A-rig in FL? Just a link to where I should look would be appreciated. Thanks.

The Alabama rig is NOT illegal in the State of Florida. The only rule we have regarding tackle ... "All game fish must be taken with a pole and line OR rod and reel". We have no limit on the number of poles/rods that an angler can possess either. There are no rules as to artificial lures. We do have a few rules as to live and cut bait, mostly to preserve other game species (bluegill, etc) or to protect against invasive species (goldfish, etc.).

The Alabama rig did see limited use in the FLW tournament on Lake Okeechobee last month.

IMO, the A-rig is just another tool ... no different than SONAR, GPS mapping, lure attractant, etc.

And a net is also just a tool, but I don't want to get caught using one that way! Seriously, I just wanted to make sure. I was hearing stories that I couldn't verify. Thanks for the info.

And you should stop using bird shot in your 12 gauge also.
No way it's sporting to hit a bird with more then one piece of shot at a time. Let alone 75.
Same with squires, rabbits and deer

You'd probably be better off asking the FWC than a rod building forum. They're answer will be right.
As far as I know, it's perfectly legal in Florida.

Here Matt ... [myfwc.com]

The official statement from Bass pertaining to the use of the Alabama Rig or other multiple hook "rigs" is contained in the following link.

[www.wired2fish.com]

Please read this carefully - Opens, FLW and Collegiate Legal

Competitive bass fishermen will not take the chance of entering events unless properly equipped.

States where events are held reserve the right to define the number of active hooks and number of lures.

Contact Swampland today for build details on the T-1 blanks which are now available. [www.swamplandtackle.com]

On a fishing forum I frequent the A Rig issue has hit 285 posts and is still going strong. Arkansas permits it. Missouri allows it but 2 of the 5 baits must be hookless. The tourney circuit people - as opposed to the Fish and Game departments - are deciding yea or nay on an individual basis.

Personally, I think we need to ban them as they cause global warming.