New Rules for Fishing Tournaments Win Praise

The Candlewood Lake Authority (CLA) this week saluted the Connecticut Bass Federation Nation (CBFN), the sponsor of eight major bass fishing tournaments throughout the state including Candlewood Lake, for its new rules aimed at halting the spread of zebra mussels.

“The Connecticut Bass Federation Nation has raised the bar for participants in its bass fishing tournaments via a comprehensive education and verification program,” said Larry Marsicano, executive director of the Candlewood Lake Authority. 

“The organization is both aggressive in alerting its tournament participants to the threat of zebra mussels to Candlewood Lake and other water bodies and vigilant in verifying that the tournament participants have either avoided contaminated waters altogether, or have followed the recommended procedures for decontaminating boats, trailers and gear after exiting waters infected with zebra mussels.” 

More than 100 anglers participate in CBFN-sponsored tournaments each year.

“The quality of the water we fish in as well as the health of the fish are top priorities for our organization,” said Sylvia Morris, president of the CBFN. “We are alert to the threat of all aquatic invasive species, especially zebra mussels, and our tournament participants share our concern.”

Under the rules, participants in CBFN tournaments must sign a document in advance verifying that: a) they have not been in waters infected with zebra mussels within a prescribed time period; or b) if they have visited infected waters, have taken the necessary steps to “” their boats, trailers and gear that has come in contact with the infected water.

When CBFN tournament participants check-in the morning of the tournament, they also receive additional educational materials on preventing the spread of zebra mussels.

Boaters who visit more than one body of water in a season, including those who use canoes, kayaks and personal watercraft are considered the most likely form of transport of zebra mussels and other aquatic invasive species.

“Following the ‘Clean, Drain, Dry’ procedure is always good practice and will help stem the spread of all aquatic invasive species,” said Phyllis Schaer, the chair of the CLA-sponsored regional Zebra Mussel Task Force.

“Recreational boaters can easily and unknowingly transport aquatic invasive species from one body of water to another. It is up to each one of us to do our part and help stop their spread.”