The Alabama Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division neither permits nor denies tournaments, but the Alabama Marine Patrol requires permits for any marine event “that interferes with marine traffic or creates a potential safety hazard” (including bass tournaments). Click below to download the free tournament application. NOTE: Applications are free of charge and must be submitted to at least 15 days prior to the event.
Since its inception in the 1970's, the catch-and-release ethic has become the standard for most black bass anglers. It has been so widely accepted that harvest rates for black bass in most Alabama reservoirs are less than 5%. However, traditional black bass tournaments are an exception. They typically require competitors to retain their catch for a live weigh-in at the conclusion of the event. These bass are usually released following the event, often with live release rates approaching 100%. Most competitors and tournament organizers make a valiant effort to ensure that these bass remain healthy while in their care. Unfortunately, an exhaustive list of scientific studies has shown that this does not adequately address the long-term mortality caused by the stress of confinement, handling, livewell agitation, excessive water temperatures, poor water quality, and disease transmission. Even with excellent fish care protocols, mortality in the days following an event can range from 30% - 80%, depending on the predominant species and water temperature. Because the largest fish are being targeted, the size-structure of the population is often affected. With that in mind, the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources recommends that all competitive fishing tournaments utilize catch-weigh-release (CWR) or catch-measure-release (CMR) formats to minimize unnecessary mortality associated with competitve angling events. These formats are currently being used successfully by kayak anglers and other conservation-minded bass clubs. There are a number of manufacturers of scales, measuring boards, and software, that are designed specifically for CWR or CMR.
The objective of the program since its inception has been to gather information on bass populations by combining the efforts of bass club members and state fisheries biologists. The BAIT Program summarizes catch data on reservoir bass populations that are collected and provided to us by participating clubs. This information is used by state fisheries biologists in combination with data from other sources as a basis for fisheries management decisions. Bass anglers use the report to establish future tournament sites, or to locate a reservoir that provides a particular type of fishing.
Bass Clubs in Alabama and neighboring states have submitted their tournament results to help us manage their resource. We appreciate this help from anglers! Your bass club can be a member of BAIT by submitting tournament catch data online, email, or by mail. Click below to learn more about the BAIT program.
Click the button below to view an interactive map of all current public boat ramp access points managed by the Alabama Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries (AWFF) Division on Alabama's public bodies of water. NOTE: Public access point not managed by AWFF Division will not be noted on this map.
We've also included a link to download a KML/KMZ file of this list to a GPS device of your choice.
The annual Alabama Hunting and Fishing Digest contains information on freshwater fishing creel and size limits and is available online.Click below to view current freshwater fishing regulations.
Fisheries biologists with the Alabama Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries (WFF) routinely receive requests to stock sport fish species, such as largemouth bass, in specific public water bodies to improve the fisheries. Unfortunately, the utility and expectations of fish stocking are often grossly misunderstood by the angling public. Click below to learn more about about fish stocking practices.
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Support freshwater habitat enhancement, aquatic wildlife species protection and restoration, conservation education, bass genetic research, sport fish disease research, invasive species management, and public water fish stockings.
