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We made some changes to the regulations that will affect black bass tournament anglers. The changes are to weigh-in requirements and to the black bass pass program.
Previously we had two similar weigh-in requirements, one for registered bass pass events and a similar set of requirements for non-black bass tournaments. We also had cumbersome conditions for use of the bass pass such as a requirement to register the event, provide cards to individual angers, ribbons to be placed on participating boats,etc.
Here is the new and improved weigh-in requirements and black bass pass information. Of course, tournament organizers still need to contact the property manager when launching from a department facility and may be required to pruchase a special event permit.
Tournament Black Bass Pass
Anglers participating in bass fishing tournaments from September 1 - June 15 and who possess a Tournament Black Bass Pass ($12.50) may keep 2 fish as part of their 5 fish limit, to be released after the weigh-in, that meet the statewide 15-inch minimum length limit but are under a special length limit for the lake being fished. Tournament Black Bass Pass holders fishing in tournaments may also cull their catch after the daily creel has been reached, by releasing a small fish and replacing it with a larger one.
There is no longer a requirement to register events, provide cards, or mark boats with ribbons. Holders of the black bass pass may cull fish once they reach the daily creel limit year round while fishing weigh-in tournaments.
Black Bass Tournament Weigh-in Requirements
Persuant to K.A.R. 115-7-9, all vessels used by participants in a weigh-in bass tournament must have a working livewell that contains an electrolyte solution, and the following procedures must be followed for weigh-in and release:
- One individual work crew support for each 10 anglers
- One weigh-in tank filled with an electrolyte-water chemical solution and fitted with recirculation and aeration accessories for every 25 anglers
- If the water temperature at the tournament location is 75°F or cooler, water in the weigh-in tank shall be maintained at the same temperature
- If the water temperature at the tournament location is warmer than 75°F, water in the weigh-in tank shall be 5 to 10° cooler but shall not exceed 85°F
- Not more than 4 anglers shall be in the weigh-in line at any one time
- Weigh-in bags containing livewell water shall be reinforced, reusable, and capable of holding up to 15 pounds of live fish and 2 gallons of water
- The weigh-in site shall be located near the vessel mooring site and the release site, vehicle, or vessel and under a portable awning, event tent, or in the shade
Minimum requirements for releasing bass during a weigh-in tournament include:
- Fish shall not be released directly into the water after being weighed
- If release tubes, vehicles, or vessels are used, holding tanks shall contain a ½ percent noniodized salt solution
- If release tubes, vehicles, or vessels are not used, fish must be dipped in a 3 percent noniodized salt solution the same temperature the lake water for 10-15 seconds before being released
- The release site must have water at least 3 feet deep with good circulation and a hard bottom
- The release site must be located away from vessel traffic and public-use vessel ramps
- Each participant’s vessel used in the tournament should be cleaned before and after the tournament in compliance with department guidelines regarding the prevention of aquatic nuisance species (ANS).
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