The New York State DEC has launched a new tournament permitting and reporting system for black bass to help better manage the species and the growing number of tournaments taking place. Black bass is the genus of fish that includes both largemouth and smallmouth bass.

The free system is part of an effort to help identify the extent of black bass tournaments across the state, information that is currently unknown to the DEC. The hope is that the data will help fisheries biologists better understand and manage the tournaments for the benefit of both tournament and recreational anglers.

"Black bass are New York’s most sought-after freshwater sportfish," said Interim Commissioner Sean 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 black bass tournament permit is required for any fishing tournament where black bass are the targeted species and the tournament has 10 or more participants. Fishing tournament directors can begin applying for permits online on Sept. 9 for tournaments that start on or after Jan. 1, 2025. The system also provides information on tournament locations and schedules.

For more information on the black bass tournament permit and reporting system, including a map with permitted tournaments and links to the online application and reporting forms, visit here: https://dec.ny.gov/things-to-do/freshwater-fishing/fisheries-management-research/black-bass-management-in-new-york/black-bass-fishing-tournament-permit