Photo above courtesy of NPFL

By Steve Chaconas

Fishing fans on social media viewed the recent Bassmaster Classic as divisive due to the use of Forward Facing Sonar (FFS). Reactions ranged from disgust to disinterest in watching or giving credibility to a sport where competitors spent fishing days staring at screens watching fish until they bit.

Social media lit up, not with secret lures, techniques, or patterns, but rather on FFS use. Most agreed technology doesn’t make them bite, but it sure shows exactly where big ones are! They compared today’s tournament fishing to video games and say pro level anglers should be able to fish without it. Fans are accusing Bassmaster of selling out to electronics companies and ignoring fans and sportsmanship.

It’s hard enough to convince non anglers how fishing is a sport, then justifying $10,000 in FFS electronics that shows real time images of otherwise hidden fish. Bassmaster is struggling to keep pro anglers, audience, sponsors, and electronics companies satisfied with their product.

Pro fishing is restricting FFS use. Major League Fishing limits to one 3 hour period a day. Bassmaster allows use in only 5 of their 9 events. FFS for next year’s Bassmaster Classic has yet to be determined. Muddying the waters are states considering bans or restrictions due to concerns over fairness in fishing competitions, environmental impacts, and ethical considerations.

As if by plan, the National Professional Fishing League (NPFL) launched their season-opening event as anglers clamored for an end to the forward facing fiasco. Since last season, the NPFL has prohibited FFS use. Fans and anglers took note and sponsors like BassCat Boats, Tackle Warehouse, and others have signed on.

The NPFL policy wasn’t an anti FFS move, rather it was a business decision to attract anglers, fans, and advertisers. One of the few guys who’s done it all with every pro bass organization is Ken Duke, NPFL Communications Manager. “We anticipated that MLF and Bassmasters were losing audience due to lack of interest due to FFS and we could pick up audience by banning it.” Duke says NPFL’s FFS ban evokes hunting’s rule of fair chase as angling fans see technology giving anglers an unfair advantage.

The best in the business along with some of the brightest rising stars are gravitating to the NPFL.  Some of the most recognized pro fishing names including Bass Fishing Hall of Famer and 4 time Bassmaster Classic winner Rick Clunn, one of the few to win both the FLW Championship and Bassmaster Classic Luke Clausen, FLW Champion and Elite Series Angler of the Year Greg Hackney, and million dollar FLW winner Scott Suggs are among NPFL’s roster. With nearly 20 former Elite Series anglers, the NPFL field now boasts the biggest pro tour name recognition.

However, the field isn’t based solely on achievements and qualifying events, Duke says anglers fill out a NPFL application. NPFL President, Brad Fuller determines their character.  The NPFL doesn’t actively recruit anyone, according to Duke.  Anglers are chosen who best represent the pro sport and can produce a relatable product. The upfront goal is to enhance the bottom line for fans and advertisers. Vintage NPFL anglers set the stage for fans and sponsors and the example for upcoming younger pros.

Scoping advocates claim technology is leaving older anglers behind and perhaps a senior league would be better suited for their ancient skills. While it’s true the average NPFL angler age is somewhat higher than other tours, Duke explains their anglers aren’t older, the age in the other tours is falling. Having been in the tournament industry for decades, Duke says the closer your field average age is to 40, the stronger your league is and the average age for Classic competitors has been 38-41, however that has recently fallen.

Duke contends it’s more than the FFS ban that keeps top pros signing up. In addition, the NPFL fishes places others don’t.  The NPFL staff launches and pulls pro boats and drives them through the weigh in stage, providing more sponsor and boat rig exposure. A multi-platformed website allows pros to contribute articles and videos, to further enhance their brand and fan base. Each NPFL season brings more polished tournament coverage with more viewers, helping anglers obtain and keep sponsors.

To further establish their roots, the NPFL conducts community outreach efforts. Anglers go to local schools, senior assisted facilities, and local tackle stores to promote their pro fishing tour.  These efforts promote tackle and license sales. Photos and videos of anglers serving the communities they fish score points with sponsors and fans, strengthening their brands.

Tournament anglers still need to catch fish and the NPFL field does that with a variety of techniques and tackle, providing viewers with relatable information and tackle companies with ample product exposure. Weekend anglers won’t feel obligated to take out a second mortgage to purchase expensive electronics or abandon angling skills to learn how to video game fish. Advertisers are taking note as this league is growing and reeling in new followers. The NPFL isn’t reinventing the wheel, they’re just rebalancing it and putting it back on track after nearly being derailed by FFS.

Potomac River Bassing in May

Water temperatures are in the upper 60s. Bass are in shallow water, moving into spawning grass flats and in various stages. Many techniques will work.

Drop shots work to fish beds and as search baits on 15 pound Gamma Torque braid and 12 pound test Gamma Edge fluorocarbon leaders. Use 2/0 hooks and 3/16 ounce weights. Any 4-5 inch bait will work.

Lipless crankbaits find scattered grass and bass. Use larger triple grip trebles and 14 pound test Gamma Edge to snap out of grass and to keep baits from running deep. Try red squarebills and Baby 1-Minus crankbaits.

Black/blue as well as green pumpkin jigs and Texas rigged Mizmo tubes can be pitched to grass clumps.

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