The castable umbrella known as the “Alabama Rig,” which turned the bass fishing world on its ear just a few months back, has officially been banned in B.A.S.S. Elite Series tournaments and the Bassmaster Classic.

Elite Series Rules Committee members believe the rig eliminates some of the skill that should be required in tournament competition at the highest level. “It doesn’t matter how you work it,” said one of the anglers. “The fish can’t help themselves.”

Our resident bassin’ expert and professional angler, Big Fred Contaoi, is excited about the ruling.

“The rig can be hard on the fish…you may get one of the lures in the mouth but others can snag fish in vital areas like the belly,” he says. “Outlawing it levels the playing field again I wish other tournament series would follow suit.”

Read the entire story at BASSMASTER.com