Bass tournaments cancelled due to coronavirus

• PFBC issued order to prohibit events on agency-owned boat launches, ramps and waters
• Prohibition extends to April 4, but could be longer
• Any event requiring a special activity permit (10 or more people) included in the order
• Tournaments can still be held from private launches and marinas

When Shaun Kucharski made plans to hold two early bird bass tournaments at Harveys Lake in March and April, he was greeted with a wave of interest from anglers eager to compete.

Weeks later, as concerns about the coronavirus began to build, Kucharski made a few changes designed to keep everyone safe. Only one representative from each team would be allowed to register – one at a time – and they would need to bring their own pen to sing a waiver. For the weigh-in, Kucharski planned on having one team – based on boat number – bring their fish to the scale at a time.

No lines, and no crowds to watch the results.

Kucharski hoped the measures would be enough to adhere to social distancing recommendations, but in the end it still wasn’t enough.

Late last week the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission prohibited all tournaments that utilize agency-owned boat launches or ramps, and waters, through April 4. The prohibition also includes all organized events of 10 people or more that require a special activities permit.

Mike Parker, PFBC communications director, said the order is likely to be extended beyond April 4.

“Everything we’re dealing with right now is so new. We’re proceeding with a lot of caution,” Parker said. “I’m sure it will be an inconvenience and will affect some tournaments, but we’re consistent with other state agencies regarding gatherings.”

Private boat launches and marinas are exempt from the order as they are not under PFBC authority.

Kucharski’s tournaments were scheduled for March 29 and April 4, and he isn’t going to re-schedule them. He said other early bird tournaments at Lake Wallenpaupack, Beltzville, Nockamixon and the Susquehanna River have also been cancelled.

Kucharski believed the changes he made to the registration and weigh-in at his tournaments would’ve worked to prevent a crowd, but he understands the decision to halt the events.

“A lot of anglers were disappointed because they look forward to competing in these early birds. You wait all winter to do this and then it’s gone,” he said. “But this is an unusual circumstance that everyone’s dealing with, so I respect and understand their decision.”

Angler George Bowers, who competes in numerous bass tournaments throughout the East Coast, said he believes there are steps that can be taken to keep things safe, but considering the seriousness of the coronavirus spread he said it’s best to wait.

“I expect the prohibition on bass tournaments to extend even longer,” Bowers said. “People really need to listen to what the President and health organizations are saying.”

According to Kucharski, some tournament directors are concerned about liability if an angler at their tournament gets sick. There are clubs that have insurance, he said, but for those who have anglers sign a waiver he wasn’t sure if that would cover an illness from the coronavirus.

If the prohibition is extended, Kucharski said the impact on tournaments would increase. Tournaments in Connecticut that he competes in have already been cancelled through May, Kucharski added.

“June and July are the peak times for tournaments, and that’s right on the cusp. Personally, I won’t be holding any events until November,” he said.

“We’ve had tournament days cancelled due to weather on larger bodies of water before, but I never thought I’d see them cancelled due to a virus. It’s a very different circumstance right now.”