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<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n**Note: <\/strong>The recent discovery of invasive golden mussels<\/strong> (Limnoperna fortunei<\/em>) in the California Delta region serves as a reminder to boaters and anglers to please do your part to help prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species (AIS) in Arizona’s waters. Golden mussels have similar impacts as quagga mussels, but can survive in locations that typically quagga mussels cannot. Golden mussels are filter feeders. They can dramatically reduce plankton abundance, which native species and sportfish rely on. One golden mussel can filter up to half a liter of water per hour to obtain nutrients. This is about 10 times more than zebra and quagga mussels, making them a severe threat to Arizona.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Boaters and anglers are strongly encouraged to clean, drain, and dry<\/strong> their watercraft before launching in ANY Arizona waterbody. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Please contact the AZGFD Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Program at 623-236-7608 if you have any questions or would like to schedule an inspection. For information on the golden mussel detections in California, visit the California Department of Fish and Wildlife website<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For more information on aquatic invasive species in Arizona, including links to Director’s Order #1<\/strong><\/a> (list of aquatic invasive species of Arizona), Director’s Order #2<\/strong><\/a> (list of AIS-affected waters in Arizona), and Director’s Order #3<\/strong><\/a> (mandatory conditions for movement of watercraft, conveyances and equipment from affected waters), visit https:\/\/www.azgfd.com\/fishing-2\/aquatic-invasive-species\/<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In addition to the general AIS decontamination requirements and protocols described above, anglers should take note of the New Zealand Mudsnail Decontamination Options and Angling Recommendations<\/strong><\/a>. <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n The Arizona Game and Fish Department does not issue permits for fishing tournaments. Fishing tournaments are permitted by the land management agency where the tournament is being held. The Department is however very interested in:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Popular fishing tournament waters and tournament permitting agencies<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n If you’re planning to organize a fishing tournament, the Department offers a comprehensive collection of recommended resources and best practices to help ensure your tournament’s success. Largemouth bass tournaments are the most popular type of tournament, but many other fish type tournaments happen as well. Non bass tournament recommendations are included here:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Non-Bass Tournaments Organizers Recommendation<\/a>s<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n For more information about fish handling and fish care during a tournament go to: https:\/\/www.bassmaster.com\/sites\/default\/files\/keepingbassalive_guidebook_comp.pdf<\/a>. OR https:\/\/aftco.com\/pages\/bass-care-101<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Participating in a tournament? Below are key fish handling recommendations to ensure the health and survival of your catch. Returning largemouth bass back into the lake to be caught again another day is the basis behind catch-and-release fishing. This is especially true among bass tournament anglers today that practice catch and release.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n However, catching bass at depths of 60, 40 even 30 feet of water causes the swim bladders to expand rapidly and results in bass floating belly-up on the surface, unable to swim back to the depths after the weigh-in. Tried and true methods exist to help anglers minimize mortality when catching deep water bass. Article summarizing these deep caught bass methods<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n Fishing regulations, page 60<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Fish are a valuable resource<\/strong>, and fishing for them is a fun and exciting recreational experience. By limiting your harvest, and practicing good catch-and-release techniques, you can help preserve a fishery and ensure that angling opportunity remains for another day. Currently, native trout fishing opportunities can only exist from anglers using these techniques.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n Find ways to experience fishing all over the state, including community waters.<\/p>\n\n\n\ncollaboration with the Arizona game and fish department<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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ORGANIZE A FISHING TOURNAMENT RECOMMENDATIONS<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Bass Tournament Organizers Recommendations<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\nFISH HANDLING RECOMMENDATIONS FOR PARTICIPATING TOURNAMENT ANGLERS<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Tournament Anglers Fish Handling Recommendations<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
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<\/figure><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\ndeep caught fish<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Proper Catch-and-release Methods<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Do<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Don’t<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\nWant to Go Fishing around the State?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n