How Are Black Bass Limits Regulated During Licensed Tournaments?

April 25, 2018

Question: Why are Pro Bass Tournament participants allowed to keep fishing when they have five fish in their possession? When they continue to fish and they boat their sixth fish, aren’t they in violation of the five-fish limit rule? I realize that they release the smallest fish, but for just a little while, they do have six fish in their possession. A rule is rule! (Craig)

Answer: Game fish tournaments are regulated by California Code of Regulations Title 14, section 230.  Your question is addressed in section 230(d)(1)(B): “Daily bag and possession limits for all permitted black bass contests, insofar that once the daily bag and possession limit has been reached by an individual angler, that same angler may continue to fish under the condition that each additional fish caught must immediately be returned to the water alive and in good condition, or be used to replace a fish being maintained alive and in good condition from the participant’s livewell or other suitable holding facility.”

Thus, this regulation provides an exemption for black bass anglers who are participating in a permitted black bass contest. They are allowed to continue fishing while in possession of five black bass, and temporarily possess the sixth fish while they are required to immediately release one from their boat’s livewell. Note: This exemption is only extended to active participants in permitted tournaments.