Some Florida legislators, including Rep. Richard Langley and Rep. Everett Kelly, continue in attempts to restrict or abolish bass tournaments throughout the state, despite evidence showing that such events are virtually harmless to both the environment and fishery resource.

According to Florida's Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission, "Tournament fishermen have no negative impact on Florida's bass fishery."

This judgment was reached following a seven-year Commission study that monitored 645 "major" bass tournaments held in the state between 1975 and 1982. A "major" tournament was defined as one having 50 or more anglers paying an entry fee of $25 or more; 25 or more boats in competition; or prize awards exceeding $1,000. The study results do not reflect the thousands of small club-like tournaments which were exempted from permitting requirements.

One "minus factor" centered on lunker bass weights. Seems as if the average weight of big ones entered declined a bit during the study period. However, said the Commission, this circumstance is believed to be related to overall fishing pressure and is not solely a product of competitive fishing.

Three areas emerged as the most popular tournament sites. More than 57 percent of permitted competitions were staged in the St. John's/Rodman Reservoir area. Lake Okeechobee was the second most popular spot, followed by the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes.

From the standpoint of catch rate, the "Big O" was tops with 0.40 bass per hour, followed by the Winter Haven Chain (0.29 bass per hour). The success rate for all tournament areas combined averaged 0.27 bass per hour, which is higher than a national average of 0.20.

Looking at average weight-per-fish figures, the Clermont Chain was highest at 2.6 pounds, followed by Orange/Lochloosa Lakes and the Apalachicola River/Lake Seminole area at 2.2 pounds per bass. Statewide, weights of tournament-caught bass averaged 1.9 pounds.

Average tournament "big bass" weight was greatest on Orange/Lochloosa at an impressive 9.4 pounds, a full pound heavier than the runner-up Winter Haven Chain.

Surprisingly, a comparison of tournament catch rates--both in Florida and nationwide--indicated that the average tournament fisherman is only slightly more successful than non-tournament anglers.

It also seems that public acceptance of bass tournaments is much greater today than during the 1970s when non-tournament anglers feared the worst for a sport they enjoyed primarily for pleasure and relaxation.

From the beginning to the end of the study period, Commission figures show that average tournament and non-tournament catch rates actually increased in the three most utilized areas, the average weights of bass caught remained stable, and tournament fishing effort was found to represent only a minor percentage of overall bass fishing pressure in the state.

"Currently," said a Commission spokesman recently, "bass tournaments generally represent a responsible, conservation-oriented industry. Self-imposed tournament regulations, which place an important emphasis on live release, has been accepted by the public."

Tournaments staged in areas where fishing had reportedly declined often revitalized interest in "dead waters" by introducing new, successful techniques that were adopted by the non-tournament angler, thus restoring faith in places where bass fishing was once considered a waste of time.

Not to be overlooked is the fact that tournament fishing has stimulated general interest and brought about many innovations in tackle, boats, and electronics which makes the sport more enjoyable and productive to a majority of the resource users.

Despite these findings, some lawmakers continue efforts to undermine bass tournaments in Florida.