Fishing Tournament Frequently Asked Questions

How many fish die after being released?

Catch and releasing is a common practice, especially among Bass anglers. Like all forms of fishing, some released fish die after being caught and handled, but most fish survive to grow and be caught again. In fact, studies have shown that over 90% of Bass survive when they are immediately released. Similar survival rates have been documented for Sunfish, Northern Pike, and Walleye and other fish.

How many fish die in fishing tournaments?

Mortality refers to the death of fish. Numerous studies have shown that tournament mortality tends to be low unless fish are held in summer when water temperatures are warm. Warm water is a common contributor to fishing mortality in tournament and non-tournament , as fish caught in warm water quickly become stressed. Not surprisingly, tournament mortalities have been higher for southern U.S. than northern states, which have shorter and cooler summers. Other factors that increase the chances of mortality include the holding technique. For example, Bass held in a live well for long periods of time with many other fish are more likely to succumb to mortality than are fish held for shorter durations or with fewer fish.

How does the DNR help tournaments avoid high mortality?

The DNR permitting process allows the DNR to work with tournament organizers so that best management practices can be applied. Live weigh-in formats are allowed, but mortality can be significantly reduced by managing the duration of the tournament, the time of year, and number of fish that are held in live wells. For example, Walleye tournaments are not allowed during the hottest part of the year. Many bass tournaments strictly limit the duration of the tournament and the number of fish that can be entered so that fish are not held in large numbers or for long periods. DNR also encourages organizers to consider “Catch, Photo, and Release” formats in which no fish are held in live wells. These tournaments result in very low mortality rates.

For more information about Tournament Angling, visit the DNR webpage https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/fishing/tournaments/index.html Do tournaments negatively impact the Pokegama Lake ?

There are no signs that tournaments negatively impact the fishery. Pokegama Lake provides a great multispecies fishery. Walleye and muskellunge are the primary managed species and populations are maintained by stocking. All other species maintain themselves by natural reproduction and additional management is not needed.

2017 Pokegama Tournament reports- Permitted tournaments are required to report the number of anglers, number of fish registered, and number of fish killed to the DNR. The following is a summary of the 2017 season on Pokegama.

There were a total of 10 permitted contests: 1 in March 1 in June 4 in July (1 large tournament > 50 boats, no contests on first or last weekends) 1 in August 3 in September

758 anglers registered 1527 fish (2 fish/angler) 758 anglers harvest 46 fish (1 fish for every 16 anglers)

 Walleye (1 tournament)

214 anglers registered 179 walleye (<1/angler), none were harvested

 Northern Pike (1 tournament)

41 anglers registered 8 NOP, 8 harvested

 Bluegill (1 ice tournament, 1 open water tournament)

241 anglers registered 11 BLG, 9 harvested

 Black crappie (1 ice tournament)

200 anglers registered 4 BLC, none harvested

 Yellow Perch (1 ice tournament)

200 ice anglers registered 100 YEP (1/2 per angler), none harvested

 Bass (8 tournaments)

303 anglers registered 1225 Bass (4 per angler), 29 were harvested

If you have additional questions about Pokegama Lake fish management, please contact us at 218-328- 8836 or grandrapids..state.mn.us.