By Steve Chaconas

Fisheries biologists are examining potential impacts of overfishing as the use of Forward Facing Sonar (FFS) increases. Recently Maryland’s Department of Natural Resources conducted a survey to study FFS use. Nearly 2/3 of respondents used FFS to target largemouth bass. The DNR considers this survey to be a starting point in evaluating FFS’s impact. They’re not motivated to make any decisions at this time but are aware of angler and fishery manager concerns.

In the aftermath of the world championship Bassmaster Classic, fans continued to beat a dead horse, pointing to the elephant in the pond, FFS. The debate was fueled by another event decided by its use, with record results.

Wherever anglers stand, it’s certain that a demographic fracture is occurring. Proponents claim technology brings younger anglers to the sport. The harsh reality is the real elephant in the room is money. Pro bass fishing has always been about money. Attracting younger anglers, under 25 years old, may appear to increase numbers in the sport but older anglers are losing interest and money. No matter what the organization claims, there were a lot of empty seats at the Classic weigh in. Post Classic social media posts were overrepresented by dissatisfied viewers.

The Classic broadcast, by all accounts, was boring. Staring at a screen, spotting a fish, pursuing the fish, casting to that fish until enticed or aggravated, reduces suspense. Time on the water is being replaced with electronics expertise. Many feel future stars will become younger as they forgo fishing experience for video game prowess.

Previous electronics advances like flashers, 2D, side and 360 imaging, pale in comparison with FFS. These units show where fish were. FFS reveals where they are in real time. Anglers put baits close to fish and watch lures elicit reactions. When FFS was first introduced it was a way to see fish cover from a distance. As with most video games, FFS morphed. It became an open water chase rather than a more traditional hunting tool. Old school maps, contours, and history are no longer required reading. Tournament preparation, ordering baits, respooling reels, and packing gear for specific fisheries, is being replaced with spinning rods, jig heads, and soft plastic minnows.

Claiming older guys can’t keep up with technology isn’t true. For decades, pro anglers met the challenge of advancements in electronics.  Most experienced pros say they just don’t like fishing with FFS and their bait sponsors are likely thankful as established pros still have strong followings, reaching most anglers to boost traditional lure sales of crankbaits, spinnerbaits, jigs, and others. Sponsors support anglers who sell their products. With FFS, professional angler skill sets are narrowing. Rather than being proficient with a variety of lures, techniques, and water depths, modern anglers are equipped with spinning rods, jigs, and minnow imitators. Overall, this is hurting lure makers. This comes as tackle sales, viewership, and attendance are down as proclaimed on social media. Attracting a younger audience doesn’t help sell $120,000 bass boats. Something must give.

There’s never been a piece of equipment that allows below average fishermen to win tournaments like FFS, and it’s no coincidence livescopers don’t do as well in tournaments where it’s not allowed or irrelevant. FFS won’t make fish bite, however in any event, scopers rise to the top. The MD DNR survey confirms anglers see an FFS advantage.  Younger anglers refer to scoping as a craft and challenge older anglers to learn it.  All pros have FFS. For younger guys, its reliance on technology. For older ones, it’s for reference. Older anglers are reluctant to embrace this new fishing style.  The sport is evolving and leaving them behind. Others liken FFS to MLB allowing steroids and metal bats.

Anglers, responding to the MD DNR survey, who have and don’t have FFS agree it provides an advantage that removes the element of finding fish, which creates more time for catching them. Spending more time looking for active fish the old fashioned way leaves traditional anglers behind, while scopers offer repeated presentations until fish bite.  FFS isn’t used to locate cover and habitat. It singles out the biggest fish and allows figuring out how to make that fish bite. Individual ability is being replaced with interpretive electronics. The Classic TV broadcast lacked excitement, watching anglers staring at screens, leaving some to suggest a split TV screen to see what anglers see. Highly focused on the screen, scopers generally don’t offer much information. Color commentary by a scoper would reveal what’s happening for the audience to gain insight to the anglers approach.

FFS is on everyone’s radar and it didn’t take long this season to dominate dock talk. There’s no question it attracts younger anglers. Professional bass fishing’s newer generations will be learning to fish only with electronics, forsaking grandpa’s century old fishing lures. A level playing field with everyone fishing with electronics will feature anglers not trying just to catch fish but learning to crack the code.

Potomac River Bassing in May

Best time of the year to get on the water. A variety of lures work. Try lipless crankbaits in red patterns when water is cloudy or chrome patterns in clearer water. Tie to 12 pound test Gamma EDGE fluorocarbon and drag across gravel bottoms or tick the tops of emerging grass.

Bladed jigs in white patterns and shallow crankbaits in firetiger or red are working tied to the same 12 pound test EDGE. Add minnow trailers. Vary retrieves and depths.

When fishing docks, wood, or grass, black/blue jig patterns on 14 pound test Gamma EDGE fluorocarbon line is effective. Also try bulkier creature baits or Mizmo Tubes Texas rigged with 3/16 ounce weights.

Carolina rigs cover water and come through grass. Bites feel like pulling. Sweep set to hook them.

In shallow water, tandem spinnerbaits cover water and can be used in any cover.

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