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Is Tournament Bass Fishing Destroying the Sport?

Bass fishing, especially in the tournament scene, has long been a popular and competitive sport. But in recent years, there’s been growing debate over whether these tournaments are doing more harm than good. Could it be that tournament bass fishing, which has brought attention to the sport, is actually damaging it in the long run? Let’s take a closer look at what experts and enthusiasts have to say.

The Debate: A Blessing or a Curse?

The Debate A Blessing or a Curse
Image Credit: Intuitive Angling With Randy Blaukat

In a video on his YouTube channel, Randy Blaukat, a professional angler for nearly 40 years, dives deep into this very topic. He openly questions whether the sport would be better off without tournaments altogether. Blaukat’s experience in the field lends weight to his argument, and his perspective is clear: bass tournaments, as they exist today, are doing more harm than good.

The Pressure on Fish Populations

The Pressure on Fish Populations
Image Credit: Bassmaster

One of Blaukat’s main concerns is the overwhelming pressure that tournaments place on fish populations. He points out that when he first started fishing tournaments in the 1970s and 80s, the number of competitions was a fraction of what it is now. Back then, most tournaments were small, local club events or buddy competitions, with only a handful of larger, professional tournaments. Now, the sheer number of tournaments – from high school and college events to weekend circuits – has exploded.

And it’s not just about the number of tournaments; it’s about the level of skill and technology involved. Tournament anglers today are equipped with advanced electronics, high-powered boats, and gear that leaves no place for fish to hide. According to Blaukat, this leads to “overfishing,” making it tougher for everyday anglers to enjoy the sport.

Tournament Mortality Rates: A Hidden Problem

Tournament Mortality Rates A Hidden Problem
Image Credit: Bassmaster

A significant issue Blaukat raises is the mortality rate of bass in tournaments. While tournament organizers often tout high live-release rates, Blaukat calls this claim “a bunch of BS.” He explains that while a fish may appear to be alive at weigh-in, many of these fish die from delayed mortality due to the stress of being handled, transported, and stored in livewells.

He argues that up to half of the fish caught in tournaments may die later, which paints a grim picture for conservation efforts. This sentiment is echoed by a user on Reddit who commented, “The whole livewell practice with tournaments is unnecessary and damaging… After, just put the fish back where you caught it, asap.”

Technology: The Double-Edged Sword

Technology The Double Edged Sword
Image Credit: Get Ur Fish On

In a similar vein, Steve Chapman, host of Get Ur Fish On, raises concerns about how technology, particularly forward-facing sonar, is affecting the sport. In his video, “Bass Fishing Tournaments? Good or Bad? Will They Survive”, Chapman argues that while this technology helps anglers locate fish with incredible precision, it’s also shrinking the skill gap between veteran anglers and rookies.

Many of the newer anglers rely heavily on forward-facing sonar to find fish that would have otherwise remained hidden. While this technology has allowed anglers to be more efficient, it has also sparked a debate: is it making the sport too easy and taking the challenge out of fishing?

Chapman goes on to note that the best anglers today are almost all using this technology. If you don’t have it, he says, “you’re not winning tournaments.” This reliance on tech is a far cry from the days of traditional fishing methods, where experience and skill were the main factors in an angler’s success.

Social Media: The Demise of Authenticity?

Social Media The Demise of Authenticity
Image Credit: Bassmaster

Chapman also raises an interesting point about the role of social media in the decline of professional bass fishing. Platforms like YouTube have become saturated with content creators, many of whom focus more on clickbait and drama than on providing valuable, educational content. Chapman acknowledges the irony of his own involvement in the space but admits that social media has contributed to the degradation of the sport’s authenticity. He states that drama and sensationalism draw more clicks than genuine fishing content, further muddying the waters of what bass fishing should be about.

The Impact on Local Waters

The Impact on Local Waters
Image Credit: Survival World

In addition to the concerns raised by Blaukat and Chapman, many recreational anglers have voiced their frustration with how tournaments affect their local fishing spots. One Reddit user, MrArcher13, shared his experience with tournament fishing on the Mississippi River, where the constant movement of bass between different pools has led to a noticeable decline in the quality of the fishing.

He states, “They’re depleting our stock… I hate tournament fishermen.” This is a common sentiment among anglers who feel that tournaments are draining local fish populations, leaving fewer fish for recreational anglers to catch.

Conservation Efforts: A Silver Lining?

Conservation Efforts A Silver Lining
Image Credit: Survival World

It’s not all bad news, though. Blaukat does acknowledge that tournament fishing has helped bring attention to conservation efforts, particularly through the promotion of catch-and-release policies. In the 1970s, Bassmaster was instrumental in pushing for the catch-and-release philosophy, which has since become standard practice in the sport. This movement has undoubtedly helped preserve fish populations to some extent, even if tournaments themselves create new challenges.

The Split Between B.A.S.S. and Major League Fishing

The Split Between B.A.S.S. and Major League Fishing
Image Credit: Bassmaster

Chapman also touches on the split between Major League Fishing (MLF) and Bass Anglers Sportsman Society (B.A.S.S.), which he believes has contributed to the decline of professional bass fishing. When MLF was created, many of the top anglers left B.A.S.S. for what they believed would be a more lucrative opportunity. While MLF does offer larger payouts, Chapman suggests that the division has hurt the sport by fracturing its fanbase and diluting the competition.

A Possible Future: Where Do We Go From Here?

A Possible Future Where Do We Go From Here
Image Credit: Survival World

So, what’s the future of tournament bass fishing? Blaukat and Chapman both offer insights, but neither is particularly optimistic. Blaukat suggests that if tournaments are to continue, they should be scheduled during cooler months, outside of the spawning season, to reduce the stress on fish populations. Chapman, on the other hand, questions whether tournaments, as they currently exist, can survive the ongoing challenges posed by technology, social media, and the split between MLF and B.A.S.S.

Is the Sport at Risk?

Is the Sport at Risk
Image Credit: Survival World

Tournament bass fishing has certainly done a lot to elevate the sport and bring attention to conservation, but there’s a growing sense that it’s also hurting the very thing it aims to promote. The pressures placed on fish populations, the reliance on technology, and the divisiveness within the fishing community are all taking their toll. As Chapman asks in his video, “Can the industry survive what’s going on right now?” It’s a question worth pondering, especially as more anglers and fans voice their concerns.

Ultimately, whether tournament bass fishing is destroying the sport is up for debate. But one thing is clear: if the sport is to thrive, changes may be necessary to ensure that both the fish and the anglers who love them are protected for generations to come.

The Need to Adapt

The Need to Adapt
Image Credit: Survival World

What do you think? Are bass tournaments, as they currently exist, sustainable for the future of fishing, or will they need to adapt to protect fish populations and local ecosystems? With advancements in technology like forward-facing sonar, are we losing the traditional skills that once defined professional fishing, or are these innovations just part of the sport’s evolution?