Pictured above: Lenny Baird takes home Co-angler Trophy

By Steve Chaconas

Co-anglers (cos) have been frustrated with boaters using forward facing sonar (FFS). Nothing more futile in fishing than to be in the back of the boat while the boater stares at a screen while chasing fish in open water. Cos are left stranded with nearly zero chance of catching fish.

FFS technology allows anglers to locate and see fish in real time, placing lures in front of them until they bite. The impact has been realized and now rationalized by the Bassmaster tournament organization. Announcing they’re eliminating cos from their Open tournament trail, they assigned blame to Covid.  The reaction of anglers was consistent in their disbelief. Covid was the scape goat. Coanglers, blaming FFS, have been dropping out of events post covid, even in the middle of events.

Coangler Lenny Baird has dominated from the back of the boat. It takes special talent to fish behind boaters as they make all decisions on where and how fast to fish. Adjusting to boater decisions has been the coangler’s challenge but FFS impedes their success. Baird has seen technology take over and expected coangler elimination.

Coanglers have always been an essential participant, not only keeping boaters honest, but to generate additional tournament organization revenue. In addition, cos also promoted sponsors, providing companies additional exposure value. Giving cos the opportunity to participate in high level tournaments, with the possibility of moving up to the boater level, increased boat and truck sales.

Additionally, the coangler position allowed weekend anglers to travel to other fisheries and learn from anglers from around the country. This model was less costly, required less time off from day jobs, and demanded less commitment than full time pros. Baird will miss the opportunity to fish these events, instead fishing locally out of his boat and spending less time away from home. Baird says high school and college fishing will be where new anglers gain experience now that coangling is going away.

But what really sticks in the craws of anglers is how Bassmasters ignored the negative impacts of FFS, diverting attention by blaming covid for cos leaving. Fans lost interest and patience watching anglers staring at screens to dangle baits in front of fish until they bite.  Another casualty of “video game” fishing is the tackle industry as only a handful of inexpensive tackle is required, thus hurting lure sales across the board. Tournaments are increasingly less effective to promote products and companies are spending less money supporting tournaments and the anglers who fish them.

Maryland angler Danny Rodriguez fishes as a boater but recognizes that it’s become a crapshoot for co-anglers in the last couple of years because they are likely to get back-boated by FFS techniques dominating the front deck. Rodriguez says, “Most boaters probably don’t want to shaft them, but it’s become the nature of the game.” Cherry-picking local events, Rodriguez is looking forward to fishing solo as cos can affect the outcome of an event by catching some of your fish or by making you slow down to help them out. He has helped cos, with 3 winning from the back of his boat. With the elimination of the coangler, Rodriquez can now fish his spots at his speed.

Bassmaster’s ruling has ignited social media controversy.  Many feel the organization is ruining fishing by discouraging grass roots anglers from participating. But some boaters were encouraged by the cos exit, stating boaters typically put in more time and money for each tournament compared to coanglers. Boaters aren’t complaining about not having co’s as they are trying to qualify for the Elite Series. As for coanglers who feel they’re being excluded from their rightful place, some say they should buy a boat and fish these events.

Still others feel that due to FFS, tournament bass fishing is on the way out as very few anglers really make a living at it. They claim no one fishes for fun anymore as it’s getting too expensive to look at a video game while making big monthly boat payments. In defense of FFS, sports progress over time and new technology emerges. Don’t like FFS? Don’t use it! Fans claim watching anglers competing with FFS is boring. Tech defenders say fishing is a boring spectator sport to begin with.

For boaters and coanglers, comradery, meeting new people, and making new friends was also a part of the experience that’ll be missed. Many develop friendships across the country, but acknowledge no other sport has their top participants having to compete alongside amateurs.

Blaming covid for the decision was called out as BS with covid actually producing a surge in participants. Electronics company sponsorship dollars dictate the use of FFS and coanglers aren’t showing up due to FFS taking them out of the competition. Tournament organizations have recognized the baggage of FFS and have restricted its use, however, FFS is still the elephant in the boat.

Potomac River Bassing in FEBRUARY

Cold conditions continue with water temperatures dropping to 40 degrees, or below! Fish are very depth oriented and located in out of the current areas with steep drops.

Silver Buddy lures are the best way to catch cold water bass, covering depths and areas. Cast on 8 pound test GAMMA Copoly on spinning gear. Allow ½ ounce silver baits to drop and once on the bottom, slightly burp up and semi slack line down. Most bites occur on the drop or fish will be there when you lift.

Drop shot and split shot rigs can be worked slowly down drops with frequent pauses. Use 2/0 hooks with 3-4 inch green pumpkin worms or swim baits.

Threading avocado colored stingray grubs on ¼ ounce ball head jigs can be presented with a slow lift, glide and drop.

Also 3” Mizmo tubes on 1/8 ounce tube heads with can be slowly worked.

Bites are light, so watch line.

About the Author: Capt. Steve Chaconas is a Potomac bass fishing guide & freelance writer. Potomac River reports: nationalbass.com. YouTube channel NationalBassGuide.