NEW YORK — The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation announced Wednesday new regulations for a permit and reporting system for large and smallmouth bass.
According to Interim Commissioner Sean Mahar, the no-cost system will help identify the distribution and occurrence of black bass tournaments across the state.
“Black bass are New York’s most sought-after freshwater sportfish and a premier location for angler tournaments,” said Interim Commissioner Mahar.
“The no-cost black bass tournament permitting and reporting system will help DEC better understand the scope and scale of tournaments, helping ensure New York remains one of the nation’s top destinations for black bass fishing and improve the overall angler experience.”
The system aims to provide information on tournament activity and results, which will be instrumental in appropriately managing black bass fisheries.
Permits are only required for fishing tournaments where black bass are the targeted species and the tournament has 10 or more participants, according to the DEC.
Fishing tournament organizers can apply online for black bass tournament permits, starting September 9th, for tournaments beginning on or after January 1, 2025.
For more information, click here.
