In New York, because fishing for bass is considered a high-interest activity, particularly for new anglers, a statewide fishing regulation for black bass allows catch-and-release fishing right through what used to be the closed season for bass fishing: right through the winter and spring when female bass are heavy with eggs and later spawn as waters warm. NYSDEC considers through elements of their studies that invasive species like zebra mussels and round gobies have caused changes to once natural bass habitats. The NYS Bureau of Fisheries has monitored NYS bass populations for decades. This group uses on-the-water angler surveys and special studies as part of their assessment strategy. The results drive the NYS bass fishery management rules for minimum bass size, daily creel limits, and more, often with a specific body of water defined in the regulations.

Adding to the existing studies, the DEC has introduced a new layer of assessment this year. As of Jan 1, 2025, a permit and reporting system was mandated to provide information on the scope and scale of black bass tournaments across New York. This additional layer of bureaucracy is designed to assist biologists in understanding, tracking, and, if necessary, managing tournament-related issues to preserve the quality and popularity of New York’s black bass fisheries. It will also benefit tournament organizers and the general angling public by providing an up-to-date list and map of permitted events throughout the state, ensuring a smoother and more informed tournament experience.

As of Friday last week, officially registered tournaments with DEC permits for nearly 500 so far, with 43 for Onondaga Lake, 36 for Cayuga Lake, Honeoye 24, Conesus 23, Seneca 10, Chautauqua 7, Silver 6, and Cuba Lake and the Niagara River with 3 each. Lake Erie at the Buffalo Small Boat Harbor has only 1 registered tournament permit. More than 80 percent of the tournaments are issued for motorized boat use (not kayaks or canoes).

Is this whole bass tournament permit rule a good idea? There are pros and cons to all things. Will this discourage angler groups from taking the time and trouble to run the contest events as before? Some think not. Others say it’s OK. In a report entitled “Black Bass Anglers’ Experiences in New York and Their Views on Tournaments and Fisheries Management,” anglers who have participated in a tournament think: a) tournaments provide a boost to local economies, b) a weigh-in is a necessary part of tournaments, c) tournaments are an important tool to promote catch and release fishing, d) most released fish survive, and e) they would like to have more opportunities to fish in black bass tournaments in New York. That publication was one of a series of reports resulting from investigations dealing with public issues in environmental and natural resources management by the Human Dimensions Research Unit (HDRU) in the Department of Natural Resources at Cornell University. They study the social and economic aspects of natural resources and the environment and the application of social and economic insights in management planning and policy. So, perhaps the bass tournament permit idea from NYSDEC was not a recent whim; it is based on facts and data.

Photo by Captain Hans Mann The greatest prize for bass anglers is to catch a heavy smallmouth bass. Lake Erie is known for them, especially near Barcelona and Dunkirk Harbor shorelines.

If you’re like me, most of us oppose change in any form. We all like old habits. We’ll have to see how this new idea for tracking bass tournaments plays out. One good thing about it is that anyone can identify when and where the next bass tournament in the state will be held on any given day. That will allow anglers to hurry over there and sign up or hurry anywhere else to avoid the busy boat launch on a particular water body. Most folks worry about next year when some say DEC will implement a fee to register for the permits. DEC has not ever said that (yet).

If you are planning to hold a bass tournament on any water body in New York, it’s crucial to note that the permit application must be completed by the director (organizer) of each tournament and must be received no sooner than 365 days and no later than 45 days, prior to the scheduled event. Once submitted, it may take up to 30 days for DEC to perform a complete review and issue a permit. Therefore, it’s important to act now and submit your application as soon as possible to ensure a smooth and timely process.

To know more about where tournaments are currently registered or to apply for a permit, visit https://dec.ny.gov/things-to-do/freshwater-fishing.

Gotta love the outdoors!

Outdoor Calendar:

Feb. 8: Hanover Fish & Game Club, sporting clays course, open starting at 9:30AM. 760 Overhiser Rd., Forestville, NY.

Feb. 9: WNY 3D Archery, League shoot, open to the public, this week at Collins Conservation Club, 2636 Conger Rd., Collins, $15, kids 12 and under free, info: 716-863-7342.

Feb. 13-16: Greater Niagara Fishing Expo, 101 Old Falls St., Niagara Falls, visit www.niagarafishingexpo.com.

Feb. 18: Erie County Fisheries Advisory Board, monthly meeting, 7PM, Bison City Rod & Gun, 511 Ohio St.

NOTE: Send Calendar info or related outdoor news to forrestfisher35@yahoo.com.