The Central Pro Am Tournament Association announced today that umbrella rigs will be disallowed in the organization's events for the 2013 season. The ban includes all qualifying events and championships.
“We’ve had an unbelievable amount of feedback from our anglers,” said Mike Webb, the new owner of the circuit. “The response has been overwhelming; our anglers don’t want the rig used in competition and most feel the rig does not show the true skill of an angler.”
The new rule will not go into effect until the kickoff for the 2013 season. The remaining tournaments on the 2012 schedule, including the championships, will not be affected.
“Anglers can use an umbrella rig at the September qualifying event and both championships,” Webb said. “At the 2013 kickoff, the rig will not be allowed.”
“I don’t have anything against the rig; I’ve caught the biggest stringers of my career on an umbrella rig with five Deadly Shad baits and love to fish it. The anglers have spoken out. They feel strongly that umbrella rigs remove skill from bass fishing.”
The Central Pro Am decision is similar to that of B.A.S.S. earlier this year when multi-bait rigs were prohibited for Bassmaster Classic and Elite Series competition and practice. However, Central Pro Am’s rule is not as restrictive as the B.A.S.S. regulation.
“We will still allow our competitors to use multi-fluke rigs, multi-bait dropshot rigs and multiple topwater baits, but umbrella-style rigs will not be allowed."
