By Steve Chaconas

Forward Facing Sonar (FFS) continues to divide the fishing community. Proponents label non-users as OGs, old guys. Younger anglers staring at screens are donned Scopers.

As top level professional organizations seek FFS compromises, local and smaller tournament groups are taking direct actions. Discussions with anglers on both sides of the digital divide are drawing the line in the water when it comes to computer aided fishing.

Cumberland Bass Anglers in Western Maryland decided late last year there would be no FFS in their events. Their primary reason was economic. Many anglers can’t afford or were unwilling to make the $4-6,000 investment. This season is starting off well, losing only one participant who was unwilling to fish without electronic help. However, 4 new anglers stepped up to join them. Other clubs are reporting their numbers are as high as before FFS bans, especially true when co-anglers are involved.

In early January, Larry Martin, a well-known local tournament angler and organizer, floated the idea of going old school, with the first ever no electronic fish finding units tournament in the DMV on Lake Anna. This of course excluded FFS, but also navigation, side imaging, and even temperature readings. Online discussions were mostly supportive, including reminiscing to days, not long ago, where sonar flashers were the extent of bass boat electronic gear. Martin wasn’t looking for debate, “Either fish it or don’t”.

Martin insists this isn’t about the “Great FFS Debate”, personal beliefs, or objections to using new technology or non-use of it. “This is my attempt to unite those on both sides of the fence, even the playing field, and get back to the love of the sport.” In support, some anglers agree FFS has created a divide and it would be interesting to see how many show up to fish such an event. Martin says no one else locally seems to be willing to at least try it. “Guess I’ll be the bad guy.” While supporting the concept, some OGs expressed concern with driving without sonar or mapping for depth. Anglers signed waivers, boating at their own risk.

One OG commenter claimed the field is even for everyone whether all electronics or none, acknowledging a no-electronics event allows anglers to expand and develop. He challenged Scopers to show up to demonstrate their fishing skills. Competing during certain times and places, FFS is advantageous. Scopers believe this style of tournament isn’t going to help much and is somewhat of a waste of time.

Scopers discounted the value of time on the water, whereas many OGs learned a lot over time, one cast at a time. Being younger, this was the opportunity for Scopers to pick up on a few things from the OGs, but they weren’t having it. They don’t need their help or advice. Scopers think OGs are stuck in an old school rut and can’t figure out new technology. OGs realize technology is here to stay.

Without electronics, local knowledge and fishing decisions were at play. Supporters of the Old School Open believed without FFS there would be more participation across the board, especially this time of year when fish are scattered in deeper water where FFS provides a massive advantage. This might explain why none of the Scopers competed when their electronic assistance was taken away.

Scopers stayed home. Some saying they would participate in electronics-free events that were held when fish are moving shallower, where FFS isn’t as much of an advantage. Finding fish cover without electronics forced OG anglers to rely on paper maps, memory, and the ability to line up stationary objects to triangulate their key spots.

Avoiding discussing the merits of a non-electric event specifically regarding the FFS use, a Scoper simply said, “I think it was dumb”, unable to elaborate. One accused the organizer of creating an event to prevent Scopers from competing. Many OGs were disappointed not seeing any Scopers take the no-electronic challenge and Scopers commenting were antagonistic that anyone would even try to take their FFS away from them. On social media, Scopers call out OGs and contend they would outperform anywhere, anytime…but not for this event.

Martin says usually 12-15 boats enter his tournaments. For the February Old School Open, 12 boats, including 3 new teams showed up for the 16-degree start. This first ever old school tournament format, “Making Waves Using Old Ways”, was well received by OGs and spectators. Martin may try another sometime this year. As one OG said, “A tournament that relies on finding fish with your own skills? Sounds like fishing to me!”

Martin thinks Scopers took this event the wrong way as was indicated in social media with many derogatory remarks coming from the youngsters. Scopers have dominated Lake Anna and just missed an opportunity to show they could do it without computerized confidence. With the trend in pro and local tournaments working to minimize the impact of FFS, Lake Anna Scopers declining to fish the Old School Open missed the boat.

Potomac River Bassing in APRIL

Time to go lipless. Water warming into the 45-55 degree range encourages fish to move to shallow banks. Covering them with ½ ounce red lipless crankbaits tied to 12-pound test GAMMA Edge fluorocarbon line works by dragging along hard bottoms. As grass emerges, concentrate on these areas.

Also try red crankbaits like squarebills also on 12-pound test Edge.

Spinnerbaits with gold blades and white skirts are great around wood cover and in stained water.

Use green pumpkin Mizmo tubes once fish are found. Tie to 10-pound test GAMMA Torque braid with a 10 pound Edge leader on spinning gear, slowly drag, and stop.

If water is clearer, up to 3 feet visibility, tie suspending jerkbaits, clown pattern, to 10-pound test GAMMA Edge. Vary length of pauses interrupted with slight taps.  Note how long baits need to sit.

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