RAY SCOTT OUTDOORS
Presents
Short Casts & Backlashes
By Bob Cobb

TOURNAMENT FISHING BACKLASH – “Over the last decade, we’ve consistently had more complaints about tournaments than anything else,” Fisheries Chief Ron Payer of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources tells the Minneapolis Star Tribune. 

 In a special “Outdoors” page report, staff writer Doug Smith says the out-cry from non-tournament anglers is putting the heat on state lawmakers to regulate such events.

 The DNR-supported bill will cap the numbers of tournaments allowed monthly on lakes, streamline the tournament permit system, establish “Tournament Free” weekends on four of the largest lakes and give the DNR authority to restrict off-site weigh-ins, tournament hours and public water accesses.

 Sponsor of the legislation, Sen. Dennis Fredrickson, R-New Ulm, says, “We’re not trying to eliminate fishing tournaments or put them out of business.  We’re trying for a reasonable compromise so that everyone can enjoy our natural resources.” 

 Tournament supporters are voicing objections saying “restrictions are unfair and will hurt the industry; the DNR doesn’t restrict other anglers.”  The complaints site increased fishing pressure, tournament crowds and jammed lake accesses.

 The DNR’s Payer opines the restrictions won’t immediately effect most lakes, but would in the future if “the number of tournaments continue to grow.”

 By spreading the tournaments and fishing pressure, the DNR will lessen the impact.  In 1999, the state issued 18 tournament permits for Prior Lake, although only 1,164 acres in size.

 The most popular tournament waters last year, according to the DNR: Mississippi River Pools 4-8 with 24 events; Lake Mille Lacs’ 132,500 acres also hosted 18.  Minnetonka, a well-known bass fishery near Minneapolis, had nine tournaments.