Ok so I came across some rules and regulations re fishing nh waters. First thing I found out is the Alabama rig is illegal in NH. Ok I can see their reasoning for that. But then I came across this rule:

While taking fish in open water, two hooks may be used for bait per line, one with a single hook point and the other with no more than three hook points, except in certain waters where only a single hook with a single hook point may be used (see Lakes & Ponds with Special Rules).

Has anyone else seen this or know more about it? If this is in fact the caae does that mean that cranks are in fact illegal as well???

Yes they are. I will give you my address, send me all your lures and I will legally dispose of them.

I found the answer. Bait is anything live or dead. Therefore crank baits don't fall under this rule...

The only way to fish an Alabama rig legally in the state of NH is to fish it with 1 hooked bait and 4 hookless teasers, other than that anything else would be considered illegal.

Good to know! Thanks

While we're on the topic, did anyone else notice the Alabama rig in the Dick's Sporting Goods flyer for the Nashua store on Sunday? I wonder how many people will get cited for using one of those this year.

On another topic, has anyone heard anything on the latest effort to ban all lead jigs under 1 ounce? Is that still waiting on a vote?

No I didn't see the flier. Although now I may go take a look...

There was an article in the Union Leader I think 2 weeks ago and I believe the ban was still being discussed. I have not personally seen any decision...

Trying to figure out the laws in NH you'd have to be a Philadelphia lawyer, what lake is open on Apr1st then if it has lake trout in it apr 28th and so on & so on, just do what most of the other states do, keep it open yr round, and thats it. most of the trout fishing is put and take anyway. we've just had a nice stretch of weather and can't go fishing on a lot of nice bass lakes cause they have trout in them, in the mean time people could have been bass fishing, stoping in at stores buying subs, sodas,water, filling up with gas or using motels which relate to $$$$$ for the local economy. Times have changed most anglers fish for bass not trout and if most bass anglers catch a trout as well as bass they are releasing it anyway, Time for fish and game and law makers to get up with the times. There thats my rant for the day now I'm happy

Not a good topic to bring up... rules and regulations set forth by our government for our people...

I respect what you say, but if you have to read a rule and can't make heads or tails from it, than the rule either needs to be changed or clarifyed, I feel it is a way for the wardens to interpret it the way they want. I have gone over the rules and still can't decide can I fish this place or not. MA along with many other states have open seasons yr round and it hasn't hurt the fishing matter of fact their trout fishing is much better than NH, and if I'm fishing for bass (catch and release) how am I hurting the trout /salmon fishing. Yes it is very importing to protect & preserve our fish and wildlife and regardless of what laws are in place we have to obey them, But if you can decipher the rules on what body of water can be fished and when, by what is written in those laws, than your a better man than I am. Remember one thing, along time ago in this country the government wanted to tax tea, fortunetly alot of people didn't like that law...............

I could be misinterpreting, but I thought i read that you cant "take" fish. I hear ya tho, the rules sometimes do make me feel like I need to be a Harvard law graduate to decipher...