SMALLMOUTH AND LARGEMOUTH BASS RECOMMENDATIONS

The situation with bass populations in the area of interest is quite varied and complex.  In a majority of bass populations surveyed a wide range of age classes are present.  A comparison of the relative abundance of bass to provincial benchmarks has indicated that many bass populations are in the moderate to low levels of abundance.  The exceptions to these observations are that some recent surveys, especially in the southern end of Georgian Bay, have been shown to have good levels of abundance and some recent strong year classes.  These strong year classes are likely a result of warm temperatures experienced in recent years that have been shown to improve year class production in bass.  Current near record low water levels may have negative impacts on bass that nest in nearshore areas.

Recognizing that bass abundance varies across the area of interest and that current water levels may affect future year class production for bass, the Council has recommended a reduction in current daily creel limits without any size restrictions.  Enhanced emphasis on catch and release, especially for larger bass that are prime spawners, is an approach the Council highly recommends.

Bass Tournaments
The popularity of catch and release bass tournaments continues to grow throughout the province as well as in the area of concern.  Many of these tournaments have provided economic benefits to the areas where events take place and have assisted in raising the profile of local bass resources.  The Council is recommending that for CATCH AND RELEASE tournaments only, a provision be made in which anglers fishing during an official tournament day can be in possession of 5 bass (a standard entry number for catch and release tournaments).  Organized tournaments are increasingly emphasizing the importance of conserving the bass resource and recent studies have shown high survival rates of released bass.  With the additional opportunities of collecting biological information from these bass, the Council feels that this exemption would not jeopardize the sustainability of the bass resource in the area of concern.

Contact:
Terry Crawford - Chair
Eastern Georgian Bay Stewardship Council Business - 705-526-3724
Email council@helpourfisheries.com