AZGFD Launches Web Page For Tournament Anglers

Tournament angling for all species in Arizona has grown tremendously recently. Many people don't realize that the Arizona Game And Fish Department does not issue permits for fishing tournaments.

Fishing tournaments are permitted by the land management agency where the tournament is being held. The department is, however, very interested in -

• Building relationships with tournament organizations, promoters and anglers.

• Working with permitting agencies like the national forests, Arizona State Parks, and the National Park Service to ensure fishing tournaments are not having negative impacts to fish populations and are emphasizing public safety.

• Promoting safe fish-handling practices.

• Utilizing fish data from fishing tournaments to better inform fisheries management.

By dedicating a Web page to tournament angling, the department hopes to provide a place for information sharing about "all things tournaments." The Web page includes information on -

• Fish handling and fish care during a tournament.

• Recommendations for bass tournament organizers.

• Recommendations for non-bass tournament organizers.

• Popular fishing tournament waters and tournament permitting agencies.

• Ways for anglers to minimize mortality when catching and releasing bass in deep water.

Visit our Tournament Fishing Web page at: https://www.azgfd.com/fishing-2/fishing-challenges/tournament-fishing/.

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