Nothing has shaken the bass fishing world more than forward-facing sonar (FFS). While I’ve given my perspective on this technology and how it’s affected the bass tournament world, I’m now wondering what’s next? Understand, this is my perspective, as I have no inside knowledge from anyone.
One thing that we know for sure, the big three fishing electronic companies (Garmin, Humminbird and Lowrance) are not going to stop building a better mouse trap. Their engineers are paid to be innovative and are aways looking to make improvements and advancements with regards to their technology.
Today’s sonar units are crazy good! You can literally see the swimming action of the tail on a bass. No fish is safe anymore and no fish can hide from today’s electronics.
One thing that is probably coming next will be the ability to identify the fish you’re seeing on the screen without guessing. Is that a bass, crappie or a carp? Knowledgeable anglers can do that today if they’re really good with their electronics and if they have studied and understand fish behavior.
But I think these companies are going to figure out a way to tell you exactly what species of fish you are seeing on your screen. They are going to continue to simplify the visual aspect of what you’re seeing on the screen.
Next, get ready for live video! This already exists with a company called Aqua-Vu. (It’s just not allowed in tournaments.) These have been out for a few years and to let everyone in on a little secret, several bass touring pros already use this unit for scouting, but don’t want the public to know.
Look for new camera units from one of the big three electronic companies, probably in association with “Go Pro Cameras,” to be the first to introduce this new way of seeing fish on our screens.
So many people are asking the question, “Where does all this stop?” Here’s the bottom line. There’s no stopping technological advancement. It won’t stop until people quit paying the prices they are asking for all these electronic advancements. If anglers are willing to pay, they will continue to build bigger and better units.
Here's the problem; just follow the money! All these electronic companies are pumping thousands of dollars into these professional bass fishing organizations as sponsors, forcing B.A.S.S. and Major League Fishing (MLF) to allow pro anglers to use forward-facing sonar.
I think we are getting to the point where these organizations are going to have to decide what’s more important…sponsorship support or the integrity of the sport? They also need to ask themselves if this new technology is good for the sport in the long run on the professional level.
You can say what you want, but forward-facing sonar (FFS) in bass tournaments is destroying the sport. I’m personally not against FFS for the everyday angler. I think it’s great tool for fun fishing and catching crappie.
I’m even okay with it for local bass tournaments on the amateur level. But when it comes to professional anglers using it on pro tournament trails, not a fan and should be disallowed.
This is the same as Major League Baseball allowing the use of aluminum bats. It’s just not good for the sport of baseball! Hopefully the pro tours will do the right thing and eliminate FFS completely.
The biggest complaints about FFS come from the older generation of anglers, not the young guns on the rise. The young kids today have been raised with FFS from day one and really understand how to use it, giving them a huge advantage over the older anglers.
This could all playout another way. Pro tours may just wait out this issue with FFS and let this older group of anglers walk away or retire because 5 years from now, FFS won’t even be an issue at all.
So, what’s the next big issue going to be? Probably something totally different, as the electronic companies continue to make improvements and advancements with their electronic units. Only time will tell!
Contact Steve at sgraf26@yahoo.com
