New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Interim Commissioner Sean Mahar has announced the adoption of regulations to establish a black bass (largemouth bass and smallmouth bass) tournament permitting and reporting system. The free black bass tournament permitting and reporting system will help determine the prevalence and frequency of black bass tournaments across the state.
“Smallmouth bass are New York’s most sought-after freshwater sport fish and a premier venue for fishing tournaments,” said Interim Commissioner Mahar. “The free smallmouth bass tournament permitting and reporting system will help the DEC better understand the scope and scale of tournaments, ensuring New York remains one of the nation’s most popular smallmouth bass fishing destinations and improving the overall angler experience.”
New York’s excellent bass fishery has led to a significant increase in the number of smallmouth bass fishing tournaments over the past few decades. However, the overall extent of tournament activity remains unknown, limiting the ability of DEC fisheries biologists to adequately understand and manage these fisheries for the benefit of both tournament and recreational anglers.
The smallmouth bass tournament permitting and reporting system will provide information on the level of tournament activity and tournament results, which will be critical to the appropriate management of the smallmouth bass fishery. This system will also provide information on the locations and schedules of smallmouth bass tournaments, which will benefit tournament planners and anglers in general.
DEC first proposed the rule in April 2024. An analysis of the public comments received on the proposed rule and the final rule is available on DEC’s website.
Smallmouth bass tournament permits are required only for fishing tournaments where smallmouth bass is the target species and the tournament has 10 or more participants. Tournament directors may apply for smallmouth bass tournament permits through an online permitting system beginning September 9 for tournaments beginning on or after January 1, 2025.
For more information about the smallmouth bass tournament permit and entry system, including a map of approved tournaments and links to the online application and entry forms, visit Bass Fishing Tournament Permit.
Get all the latest Finger Lakes news from Finger Lakes News Radio delivered to your email every morning for FREE! Sign up by clicking here.
Listen to the most important news on the radio 24/7 on Finger Lakes News Radio 96.3 and 1590, WAUB and 106.3 and 1240, WGVA, and on Finger Lakes Country, 96.1/96.9/101.9/1570 WFLR.