Forward-Facing Sonar in Bass Tournaments: Tool or Cheating?

[Pgiem13]

The use of forward-facing sonar (FFS) in bass fishing tournaments has sparked a heated debate among anglers. Supporters argue that it’s just another technological advancement, much like GPS, side imaging, or high-quality rods. This technology allows anglers to locate fish more efficiently, making the sport more competitive and skill-driven. Instead of relying purely on instinct and experience, anglers can use real-time sonar data to adapt their strategies, much like how other advancements have shaped the sport over the years. For them, it's not cheating—it’s evolution.

On the other hand, critics believe FFS takes away from the essence of bass fishing. Traditionalists argue that the sport should rely more on an angler’s ability to read the water, understand fish behavior, and make decisions without technology doing most of the work. Some claim that FFS gives an unfair advantage, turning fishing into more of a video game than a sport. As more tournaments allow it, concerns grow over its impact on fish populations and the spirit of competition. Ultimately, whether FFS is considered a tool or cheating may come down to how tournament organizers and anglers choose to regulate it in the future.

 

What are your thoughts on it?

[gim]

[Team9nine]

There are already 16 pages worth of topics with FFS mentions. Might start with this fairly recent one that has over 250 replies before we all go down the same path again:

 https://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-forums/topic/262272-a-pro-angler-voices-concerns-about-ffs/

 

[MN Fisher]

[Fishingmickey]

Troll - you'll catch more fish.

 

[MediumMouthBass]

FFS is like if Major League baseball guys played Tee ball

But its where the money is.

 

On this world people will do anything for money. So it will more than likely be regulated 0% or just a little bit.

[Pumpkin Lizard]

3 hours ago, Pgiem13 said:

The use of forward-facing sonar (FFS) in bass fishing tournaments has sparked a heated debate among anglers. Supporters argue that it’s just another technological advancement, much like GPS, side imaging, or high-quality rods. This technology allows anglers to locate fish more efficiently, making the sport more competitive and skill-driven. Instead of relying purely on instinct and experience, anglers can use real-time sonar data to adapt their strategies, much like how other advancements have shaped the sport over the years. For them, it's not cheating—it’s evolution.

On the other hand, critics believe FFS takes away from the essence of bass fishing. Traditionalists argue that the sport should rely more on an angler’s ability to read the water, understand fish behavior, and make decisions without technology doing most of the work. Some claim that FFS gives an unfair advantage, turning fishing into more of a video game than a sport. As more tournaments allow it, concerns grow over its impact on fish populations and the spirit of competition. Ultimately, whether FFS is considered a tool or cheating may come down to how tournament organizers and anglers choose to regulate it in the future.

 

What are your thoughts on it?

Don’t take this the wrong way but it sounds like an AI wrote this.

[A-Jay]

Hello @Pgiem13 and welcome to Bass Resource ~

Interesting first post.

My thoughts are that when it comes to controversial technology like LiveScope, ActiveTarget, and Mega Live, there will never be a true right or wrong.

Making it an Unwinnable Battle.

Question for you . . .

Why do you care ?

 

A-Jay

[Scott F]

If it’s in a tournament, It’s only cheating if you break the rules of the event. 

[Mike L]

Granted, finding them is first and foremost 

That said, you still have to get her to bite with all the different variables that go along with it. 
 

Since the rules apply to all it really doesn’t matter any more

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mike

[QUAKEnSHAKE]

Shouldn't be any restrictions on the use of FFS it's just another tool. Learn it excel at it reap the rewards.

[Fishingmickey]

     FFS can bite both ways. It doesn't tell you if it is a bass or not. You can catch white bass, Crappie, Catfish and Drum using FFS. Don't ask me how I know. You can also get screen fixated and lose a ton of precious tournament time just looking for or casting to fish that aren't Bass.  Again don't ask me how I know.  It can also get really interesting when you cast to a fish and it swims away, sometimes rapidly.  It's a tool, it helps you see what is going on under the water and the interpretation of what you see is what determines how useful it can be for you.

     I have been using FFS for about three years now. I don't get to fish nearly as often as I'd like to.  I don't use FFS all of the time, maybe half to a quarter of the time at best.  But I do use it when I want to know more about whats under and around me.  Yes, it is a rush when all of the stars align and you get it all right. The cast, the retrieve and to see the reaction and the "eat" of a good fish!

My two cents,

FM

[Logan S]

It's lame and greatly oversimplifies bass fishing.  

 

I have FFS on my boat and know how to use it.  

 

I know this is a troll post, but it's 20 degrees and might snow tomorrow...Got nothing else to do 🤣

[Glenn]

And scene....