I am considering sponsoring a Northern Pike fishing tournament in Idaho. I have been told that they must be "Harvest only contests. Is this true and can you send me the requirements? For example, is there a link you can send me that explains how this rule is worded, or can you explain it for me.
Thank you for the help,
Mark
Answer:
Mark,
Rules for Fishing Contest are found in IDAPA. The website is: http://adminrules.idaho.gov/rules/2014/13/0105.pdf . You can also find the application to apply for a fishing tournament on our Idaho Fish and Game website at: http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/public/licenses/fishTournament.pdf .
We are concerned about the spread of Northern Pike and the impact it could have on our management of native fish populations and some of our other economically important fisheries in Idaho. For this reason, we've made past tournaments for northern pike, "harvest, only." We will continue this practice until we see tournaments are having negative impacts on the northern pike populations in the hand-full of lakes where they currently reside.
If you still have concerns about this management direction, contact your local Fish and Game Office and discuss your issues with the Regional Fisheries Manager. Maybe there is a way to hold your tournament without harvesting.
Answered on:
Wednesday, November 19, 2014 - 8:20 AM MST