The system will also help identify the number of participants, the number of tournaments, and the number of fish caught during each tournament. The system will be implemented through a mobile application that allows participants to report their tournament details. The application will collect data on the location, date, time, number of participants, number of fish caught, and other relevant information. This data will be stored in a central database and made available to the Department of Natural Resources for analysis.

The state’s diverse range of bass species, including largemouth, smallmouth, and spotted bass, has made it a popular destination for anglers. The growth in tournaments has not only provided recreational opportunities but also contributed to the local economy.

The regulation aims to ensure the sustainability of black bass populations by limiting the number of participants in tournaments. The regulation also includes provisions for the protection of non-targeted species and habitats. DEC has provided guidelines for tournament organizers to follow, including measures to minimize the impact on the environment and non-targeted species.