By Steve Graf
Not really sure where to start with this article. I understand that we live in a world that is
constantly moving forward in so many ways, especially when it comes to technology. All sports
evolve with time! While some progress is for the good of the sport, it could be argued that
some is not.
Golf, for example, has become so advanced due to technological advances with equipment,
that some golf courses are becoming obsolete. Whether it’s the clubs or the balls, the
advancements are insane and have made some golf course architects lengthen their new
designs to accommodate the improvements in golf equipment.
This is true even with bass tournaments. Rods and reels, tackle, bass boats and electronics have
all come so far in the last 20 years that the sport is no longer just about who can catch bass, but
who has the best equipment.
Technology has leveled the playing field with the controversial forward-facing sonar (FFS). This
invention has allowed the younger generation of anglers coming up to compete with the older
more experienced anglers. No longer can an angler just go flip bushes and win an event. He or
she better be good at using FFS and looking for fish that are roaming in open water, a technique
that was unheard of 10 years ago.
Also, 10 years ago, 20 pounds was the target weight if you wanted to have a chance to win. Not
today! The new normal at weigh-in time has become 25 pounds or better. Twenty pounds
today is average with this new FFS technology.
Another question that’s being asked today: “Why has bass tournament participation gone way
down?” By way down, we mean cut in half, as most tournament trail registrations are down 50
percent! Why? There could be several reasons like the economy, the price of bass boats, etc.,
but most will say forward-facing sonar.
Anglers using FFS are dominating tournaments. While other anglers can’t afford it, some have
just rejected or refused to learn to fish this way. They have come to the realization that they
just can’t compete with anglers who are using this advanced technology. Therefore, many have
decided to withdraw from tournament competition all together.
What does this mean for tournament organizations in the long run? Well, if they don’t adapt
and change, some will just fade away like the sun going down. But I think there might be a
glimmer of hope!
Some tournament organizations have taken the initiative to ban FFS in all their events in order
to encourage tournament anglers to come back. Up until now, only a few have taken a hardline
stance on this issue. Most benefit tournaments like the Despino Tire Fishin’ for Kids event have
banned this technology and have had record numbers of anglers show up to fish their
tournament. The Dylan Kyle Poche Tournament for 2026 will also be a no-FFS event.
Other organizations have also taken a stance to ban this technology like the newest
professional level circuit, the NPFL (National Professional Fishing League). Top name pros have
made decisions to leave major organizations like Major League Fishing (MLF) and the
Bassmasters (B.A.S.S.) in order to fish with no FFS.
As some of the older anglers will tell you, the sport of bass fishing should not come down to
who has the best electronics, but rather who has the most skill for both finding and catching
bass. The new technology has ruined the purity and integrity of the sport of bass fishing. For the
first time in my life, FFS may be the most controversial advancement that a lot of anglers feel
has not been good for the sport.
So where do we go from here? Will 2026 bring a whole new set of rule changes like banning
forward-facing sonar? Will all tournament organizations finally take a stance and do what’s best
for the sport or will they be convinced by money from these electronic sponsors to maintain
the status quo?
Only time will tell what the future will hold for so many tournament organizations as they
attempt to reel in so many anglers that have left the sport for what they feel is an unlevel
playing field.
‘Til next time, make sure your hooks are sharp, and your boat is full of gas. Hope to see you on
the lake!
Contact Steve at sgraf26@yahoo.com