Bill Would Allow Culling In Wis. Bass Tournaments
Practice Is Currently Banned In Wisconsin
MADISON, Wis. — A new Republican bill would allow anglers to cull fish in Wisconsin bass tournaments.
Culling refers to catching and keeping a fish in a live well or fish basket, then throwing it back after catching a larger one. The practice is currently outlawed for all Wisconsin anglers, but the bill would create an exemption for bass tournaments.
The measure’s chief author, Rep. Joel Kleefisch of Oconomowoc, said in a memo to legislators that Wisconsin can attract more tournaments — and money they generate for local communities — by allowing culling.
State fishing officials said Wisconsin hosted about 215 catch-hold-and-release bass tournaments last year.
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