The Professional Anglers Association (PAA) announced today that 65 percent of its Tour- and Legends-level members voted to ban umbrella rigs from PAA Tournament Series events in a recent survey. The survey, which called for a strict "yay" or "nay" vote without a "no opinion" option, was initiated by several members in the wake of the season-opening event at Douglas Lake in March, which was dominated by the multi-arm contraptions.
Of the 147 members who participated, 96 voted to outlaw U-rigs (65 percent). The final say as to whether the rigs will be allowed in PAA events now rests with the board of directors.
If the board votes for a ban, it will leave the FLW Tour as the only top-level circuit in which U-rigs can be employed. B.A.S.S. instituted a prohibition of them for the Elite Series and Bassmaster Classic prior to the 2012 season.
PAA president Dave Mansue told BassFan today that a ban is extremely likely. "In the past, the board has always gone along with the wishes of the membership," he said.
The PAA also announced that Elite Series pros Tim Horton and Matt Reed have rejoined the board and FLW Tour pro Todd Auten has been added as the result of this year's election.
Horton formerly served as PAA president and Reed spent a term as treasurer. The trio joins Scott Burns, John Crews, Kurt Dove, Johnny Grice, Charlie Ingram and Brian Snowden on the board.
