(Provided by Michigan DNR)

The Michigan DNR has updated its Michigan Fishing Tournament Information System (MFTIS), a useful tool for individuals and organizations coordinating bass tournaments in the state.

Since Jan. 1, 2016, bass tournaments are required to be registered and results reported via the MFTIS.

In October 2015, the Natural Resources Commission required all bass fishing tournaments held in 2016 and thereafter to be registered online using the DNR's MFTIS. This requirement is for bass tournaments only and includes all access sites, including both DNR and non-DNR boat launches.

For the past six months, the DNR together with the Michigan Department of Technology, Management and Budget has been working on a complete overhaul of the information system to meet the requirements of Fisheries Order 215. The updated system was released March 25 on the DNRs website.

This is an important step in implementing the NRC order and gaining a better understanding of what tournament fishing means to angling, fisheries conservation and Michigans economy, said Thomas Goniea, a fisheries biologist and the DNRs fishing tournament liaison. We worked with several tournament directors as well as the conservation director for the Michigan chapter of B.A.S.S. Nation to make significant program improvements to meet the increased volume of directors who will now be registering their tournaments and reporting results.

The new order is already beginning to have a desirable result. In 2015, only 284 tournaments were voluntarily registered, and so far in 2016, more than 1,170 tournaments have been registered.

To register, tournament directors must go to the DNR's Michigan Fishing Tournament Information System, which can be found online at mcgi.state.mi.us/fishingtournaments. Instructions on how to access the system, add tournaments and report tournament catch data are also available online.