I threw my sponsors version of the arig - Red Dirt Bait Company "The Toad Loader" - for the 1st time this weekend at a BWS tournament on KY Lake. I was on the TN side so I could only use 3 wires.
I already had my limit on traps and square bills so I decided to try it out to upgrade. 1st cast ever with the arig and I caught a large mouth. I culled a few times with it and caught several keepers on it. I had my kicker on but had an equipment failure so I lost it. My boater was about ready to tie one on.
I don't think they should be legal in tournaments. I believe it takes the skill out of it. If you are anywhere around fish, you are going to catch them. They have outlawed them for my LBAA pro tournaments but I will keep throwing them from the back of the boat for sure.
I was fishing in 8ft or less - chucking it out and reeling it back. Used a 7'6" flipping stick with 65 lb braid. When they hit it, they slam it. I can see it being very good for schooling fish as well.
I now see what the craze is all about.
If you are interested in the Toad Loader (reasonably priced arig at $13.99), go to www.reddirtbaits.com and enter promotion code TC2012 to save 15%.