I'm joining the thread late, but I have my two cents worth:

WHY DO WE HAVE A PERMIT STRUCTURE IN PLACE ANYWAY?

It is my belief that the reason is simple: The state has a group to blame in the event of trouble, or complaints by anyone in the public.

No money is collected by the permit issuers for the permits, money is not the reason tournaments are required.

Any GUN OWNER knows that the reason they have to get a gun permit is so that there is accountability records for any illegal activity relating to a gun's use. Makes sense.

But with permits for fishing tournament is the same thing. There has to be someone accountable to issues, and complaints. With the tournament permits, the process creates a group that they can go after when issues arise.