Page 21 - May/June 2022 Outdoor Oklahoma

over 14 inches. So, anglers can only keep bass over 14
inches. But on average, seven of every 10 largemouth bass COREY JAGER/ODWC
in Oklahoma lakes is less than 14 inches, limiting anglers’
opportunity to keep bass.
Data from more than 100 Oklahoma lakes shows, on
average, 82 percent of largemouth bass are shorter than
16 inches. While reduced harvest of large bass is benefi-
cial, harvesting bass under 16 inches may improve some
fisheries by reducing competition among bass, so individu-
als grow faster and larger.
With an abundance of smaller bass, there is often no
need for a minimum length limit.
In February, the Oklahoma Wildlife Conservation
Commission approved a Fisheries Division request to change
the largemouth, smallmouth and spotted bass regulations.
The new rule will allow anglers to keep smaller, more
abundant bass, while limiting the harvest of larger bass.
Starting in September, anglers will be allowed to keep
six bass daily, with only one of those longer than 16 inches.
Along with the new harvest rules, a black bass tourna-
ment exemption was established. An angler who pos-
sesses a tournament exemption authorized by the Wildlife
Department may keep bass over 16 inches until weigh-in,
and then the fish must be released. Instructions to apply for
a tournament exemption will be provided in the Oklahoma Largemouth and smallmouth bass of 14 inches and less may be
Fishing and Hunting Regulations and on the ODWC website. harvested statewide under new harvest rules that begin in September.
Fisheries Chief Ken Cunningham
said the exemption process allows
bass tournaments to proceed while
also potentially allowing ODWC to
collect more and better data about
Oklahoma’s black bass resource.
Now it’s up to the state’s bass
anglers. Fisheries biologists are hop-
ing the catch-and-release mind-set
can be softened and that anglers will
choose to harvest the smaller black
bass. In addition to charting a course
for improved fishing in the future, it’s
also a great way to enjoy Oklahoma’s
natural resources and store away
some food security in your freezer.

CONTRIBUTING: Kelly Adams,
Supervisor, Communication and
Education Division.

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