From the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources 3/15/2012
Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources provided GreatLakesBass.com with a clarification on their regulations specifically pertaining to the use of Alabama / castable umbrella rigs stating you can legally fish with up to 4 hooks on the rig. You can leave the 5th wire empty or use a spinner or minnow body with no hook if you choose.
From the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources 3/15/2012
Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources provided GreatLakesBass.com with a clarification on their regulations specifically pertaining to the use of Alabama / castable umbrella rigs stating you can legally fish with up to 4 hooks on the rig. You can leave the 5th wire empty or use a spinner or minnow body with no hook if you choose.
The 2012 Ontario Fishing Regulations Summary states (p. 8):
”Hook – A hook includes a single-pointed or multiple-pointed hook on a common shaft but does not include a snagger or spring gaff. The number of hooks includes any single-pointed or multiple-pointed hooks that are part of a lure.
Hooks and Lines – An angler may use only one line, unless otherwise stated in the regulations. Two lines may be used when angling from a boat in parts of the Great Lakes (see exceptions to the general regulations) and for ice fishing in many areas (see Ice Fishing, page 11). A fishing line must not have more than four hooks attached.”
Therefore, an Alabama Rig would be legal as long as it doesn’t have more than four hooks attached. Anglers can place either a spinner blade and/or a minnow body with no hook on the 5th wire or leave it empty.
We hope you find this information helpful. If you require further assistance, please contact the Natural Resources Information Centre at 1-800-667-1940.