Starting Saturday, Canadian citizens without a fishing licence can plop their lines in Ontario lakes during Family Fishing Week.

They have to obey other fishing regulations, however.

The Ministry of Natural resources is concerned about the growing popularity of the Umbrella or Alabama rig, which imitates a school of baitfish by using five lures.

According to the ministry, it is illegal to fish with a line that has more than four hooks attached in Ontario. As a result, the Alabama version of the Umbrella rig with five hooks or lures attached is not permitted for use. However, if modified to four strands or arms to accommodate only four hooks, it is allowed.

The manager of D and R Sporting Goods in Thunder Bay, Adrian Hagar, said he sells the rig, but warns customers about the law.

“So on the five-bait rigs, guys are substituting a hook with a flasher spoon or bait without a hook,” Hagar said.

Hagar added this is the first year his store has sold Alabama rigs and he said they are already a hot-ticket item.

The MNR says the rig has garnered considerable attention since a U.S. professional bass angler used it to win a large bass tournament in Alabama last October. The subsequent publicity has made it one of the most sought-after pieces of tackle in the bass-fishing community both in Ontario and in the United States.