Are Rookies Playing In The Grey Area? (The Bilge Podcast)

Chris Zaldain and Trait Zaldain sit down with Bill Lowen to discuss the current environment on the Bassmaster Elite Series and within the tournament fishing industry on this week's Bilge Podcast presented by ​⁠ @battlebornbatteries .
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[@Zaldaingerous]

We are aware of a few audio and lighting issues. It happens. Hope you still enjoy the show!

[@shawncollins7123]

😅Another episode with one of the boys. Regardless of a few tech issues viewers will love to relate rigging/fish talk🫰🏻

[@xplicitfishin]

Just a heads up for Trait; I don't hear the buzzing sound until I turn my volume up past 90%, and I'm listening on PC with a 150mm driver headset.

[@dustingrant2062]

Another great show

[@cross_fire_]

Always enjoy the show! Y’all are the best in the business.

[@adamhowell5043]

Big fan of the podcast, but what a cry baby of an episode. You guys literally talk about how big of a disadvantage you have vs the rookie class. Whether it was the internet, grey areas or Live scope. You all existed during this Era and didn’t just go live under a rock. The same resources that they have you also had. You talk about working harder then anyone else but you ignore the fact that your own stubborn ways of fishing old school blinded you by technology that was available to you. You guys made that choice and you blame rookies for being fast tracked to this new technology vs yourselves for not adapting. You all sound so bitter yet you all had the same advantages yet you’re upset because it didn’t go the direction you preferred. Certain pros were sponsored by the same companies you guys were and switched because they saw the changing of tides. You hummingbird guys got left behind but you guys chose that path. So many older pros I loved to follow but the constant whining has unfortunately forced me to change my focus towards the new Rookie class.

[@JesseMcMillanFishing]

I want to thank Bill so much. You gave my son a membership this year at the Harris Chain, and that's all he talks about. Thanks again!

[@darrylcoats1676]

This is the man who buys a kid a bass membership. He stays and signs autugraphs every tournament. He welcomes complete strangers to his campsites. I heard he can swim a jig a little too. Awesome example of what a real Man should be.

[@williamdeel377]

You got that right dollar Bill is the man he to me is what a true Elite angler is...

[@RustyWells2]

So you think that is what makes a man lmfao son you have got some problems with your opinions.

[@darrylcoats1676]

@@RustyWells2 I am truly sorry Rusty. You are the man indeed. I now know what true love is because of You. I will never forget our time together and the feelings I have for you. Love you always.

[@wmkoehler3942]

r u a fisherman zaldain or just shit disturber

[@derekrobertson2659]

A real man? Getting beat by rookies every event so he's gotta be a negative Nancy on a podcast lol dude is so overrated

[@jeffharvey3968]

Jordan Lee isn’t a rookie and is sitting in 2nd for AOY. Johnston brothers are 3 and 4 not rookies. As professionals in any occupation you either learn and move with the times or you fall behind and lose your job.

[@Tedthib]

As it should be

[@jaywagner13]

Exactly. Can't wait until this all goes away.

[@claytonedney8568]

​@@jaywagner13yup.. 9 at a time

[@slabbusterrtr7690]

Yeah no kidding jo lee has won back to back classics

[@WakeUpNRage3]

I agree seems like a lot of these vets just want the field to be old people that's been fishing for 60 years thing is old people don't grow a sport its the younger generation you can't expect better payouts and sponsorship deals if you aren't willing to grow the sport...

[@jamesmims5850]

Don’t announce the elite schedule until the last open is done. Simple solution.

[@DCmite1]

how about no prefish

[@rileysmith6483]

The only issue I would see with waiting so long to announce the schedule is finding lodging/campsites without at least 6-10 months ahead of time. A lot of places the elites travel are popular areas.

[@Mjones8383]

There's more to it than just naming a lake, you have to go through the politics of local municipalities, venues, and lodging for workers and making sure anglers have options of lodging too.

[@jeb4836]

Another Top notch show. The sport was built in the skill of finding fish and then catching them, now ONE machine finds them for u and u just need to cast at them. It’s not fishing anymore.

[@chuckkaleel9105]

Bill was one of the nicest most approachable pros I met at ICAST last year

[@HighPoleGuide]

Nothing against Bill, but he said something along the lines of questioning his work ethic, nobody is questioning that. The rookies spend more time on the water... at their profession. That's like an NBA player putting in more time and effort on their brand deals than their jumper, and then wondering why their FG% is down. lmao. It's a sign the sport is growing. Just like in any other professional sport, young talent replaces veterans. There are extraordinary exceptions to the rule and they require extraordinary sacrifices. Never saw Tom Brady bitch about it.

[@rileydumpy8316]

Bass fishing went from who understands the fish, to find and seek. No shit the kids are winning. Some of these guys aren’t even warming up on these lakes. Theirs no point. You go around and map the lake, drive in early. They don’t cast at shit because you’re not checking spots for fish, you’re driving till you mark a big fish and cast at it. You know damn well they take out forward facing sonar, these young guys don’t compete. It’s not that they’re young, that’s why they’re winning. They’re good at fishing with tech that all the old guys pushed against so hard.

[@ericmorris2594]

Bass fishing has turned into a bitch fest on all levels, I have been fishing tournaments for 25 years and I have never seen the drama there is today. Its sad to see. I hope we can get thing back on track

[@HighPoleGuide]

retweet

[@omarelena9782]

Is in the water it’s turning them gay I swear everyone is in there feelings cause they can’t keep up with the comp

[@Mike-pf7pc]

well they wanted to grow the sport, and the sport is growing. This is just the side effects of it

[@PunchFishing]

Facts. I've stoped watching Bass because of this. Buncha drama queens.

[@GordonPettieFishing]

WELL PUT! Social media and instant gratification of getting enough people to agree with you have contributed to that. No matter what side you are on. It's all about the CLICKS. Bass fisherman are the worst. Probably no turning back sadly. These kind of videos and podcasts don't help, they only stir the pot. Can't wait till the next one! 😉😁

[@fishingthe262]

Is it possible the rookie class is performing so well because they are the best guys to come through the EQ’s? Those guys fished a national 9 event trail whereas in the past you had some regional guys who maybe weren’t prepared to make that leap?

[@danielw2120]

They fished a 9 event national trail using FFS in literally every event. It is all they used and all they continue to use. This is why they qualified. Yeah you can say they may have qualified without it but does anyone believe that? These rookies dominate because they use FFS in every event and it is just that effective.

[@fishingthe262]

@@beavisbrowne3497 and the other 90 guys on the elite series don’t have access to ffs.

[@joepotaczek]

​​@@fishingthe262or maybe all of us with ffs could go and qualify for the elites next yea 😅😅r

[@adamhowell5043]

Every single Elite angler had the money and resources to get FFS technology at the same time. They even were geared with experience. This is nothing but excuses for being stubborn and doing things the way they wanted vs adapting. These pros also suggested doing 9 events to get the most fit qualifiers which took most blue collar guys out. They literally created their own monsters, and now their mad that it's tough to compete with their own creations.

[@chrism2042]

They are performing well due to electronics, real fishermen don't come overnight from learning to place video games. Take the FFS off the boats and see how bad the rookies suck!

[@CharScarX]

5-Dollar Bill Lowen! (Inflation's a bitch)

[@garylake998]

This man Bill Lowen is what I watch bass tournaments I want to see and win, week in and week out. Bill all praise to you and to your parents that taught you right. And mark me down for video game fishing to go away and not allowed in tournaments, and certainly not be the reason you make "Angler of the Year"

[@Bsmith_1325]

I’ve always been a fan of livescope but he’s definitely put things in a different perspective and I definitely see where he’s coming from

[@TFish-lu1df]

I have the tech and loved it for the first year and a half or so. I’m just over it. I’ve won tournaments with it but the last two springs out tournament series have lost member after member and the same crap wins everytime and many times the same areas. We basically just play who can throw to the most big blobs all day and it’s exhausting. It’s absolutely killed my local tournament scene. I’ll gladly take my transducer off on tourney day to get people to come back and fish again so we can all have some fun competing and figuring the fish out instead of chasing them with FFS

[@Gunrunner223]

​@@TFish-lu1df Amen

[@blakesmith6718]

Shit I’ve only had mine for about 6 months and I’m back to fishing docks 😂

[@raleighnelson4126]

@@TFish-lu1df This is probably the best fully objective statement I have seen. This fully encompasses the situation.

[@Caught_a_Goodwin21]

I got to meet bill back in 19 when the classic was in Knoxville great guy

[@bill-qv3er]

Keep a close eye on the new guys !! Bill Lowen is great !!!!!!!!! A breath of fresh air !! Some states do not allow fishing during the spawn, imagine if that happened all over !

[@josephhogue376]

Come on guys. I'm a big fan of the show, But damn Chris quit agreeing with your guests all the time because we know you're not on the same page as they are....all the time. As a viewer and fan we know where you stand on all these topics so quit catering to the guest. Nothing wrong with a discussion when you and the guest don't see things the same. Rant over. Continue on please

[@shanebridges4388]

Don’t know about everything they talk about but I know zaldain does not like ffs

[@Gunrunner223]

A movie about Bill Lowen's story would be amazing. Never take for granted the blessings. Also, hold our family and friends closr enough, to know when they are in a bad place. Great show Zaldains

[@4orkful]

Wow. Bill Lowen is a good dude. I will shake his hand next time I see him somewhere.

[@JohnFriar-bn8jd]

Hey guys I just want to say I so much enjoy the podcast, honesty and integrity is a must I’m 50 years old and I feel theses words are not truly used and followed, I love ya guy’s ya are the real deal people with real guest that tell it like it needs to be said. Can’t wait for the next guest.

[@Zaldaingerous]

🙏

[@jonathanstewart9838]

Respect the heck outta this dude

[@austinkiefer125]

Chris and Trait nailing it as always. By far the best fishing podcast ever

[@dustinmaccumbee8081]

Only fishing podcast i watch from beginning to end. Keep up the great work and the great guests!

[@Zaldaingerous]

Glad you enjoy it!

[@toddbrown9398]

Bill and his stance and style about life and fishing is my hero! I'd give anything to spend a day on lake Dardanelle with him. Id learn soooo much!!!

[@brucesmithoutdoors]

This is exactly why I look forward to getting the notification of a new podcast dropping! It’s always on🔥! Trait”You’re gonna get roasted for that comment”😂😂. Thank yall for the best content on the internet!!

[@josephfleischauer8051]

Man, you guys just keep putting out great podcasts. I love the human stories you get these anglers to tell. I listen every chance I get. Keep it up. I love what you are doing!

[@Zaldaingerous]

Glad you enjoy it!

[@catfishcrazy4288]

I fish in local tournaments (Cherokee lake tn) we don’t let forward sonar is some of them. It makes a real difference in who wins them and we r just amateurs. Love to see the pros do this. Think be way more exciting to watch

[@nicholasroberts5826]

He has a point about the internet being like an advanced speed tutorial. I've only been doing this 1 full year and I've become proficient enough to catch every time I go out in almost any condition. I usually know what to throw and where based on shoreline points and dropoffs that I can see from the bank. I always catch and release because a small part of me knows that I have no business knowing this much already. It's exciting as hell, but feels a tiny bit wrong. Lol

[@josephdurhamjr.8798]

What a cry baby

[@The_Bass_Stunters]

Wow! Bill Lowen has absolutely stated the best comparison I’ve ever heard for FFS with water fowl resting areas. I never understood the deer “spotlight” reference. When you spotlight a deer it physically impairs its ability to detect the threat and temporarily blinds the animal. FFS doesn’t impair the fish.

[@oghostcc5649]

"I want to be rewarded for time on the water." That one hit deep. First to the ramp, last to leave. Kids and family AND DENNY BRAUER

[@SBowers321]

"I may not spend as much time on the water" 30:08

[@zimks]

He clearly wants to rest on his laurels when he says this, he used to be a sun up, sun down type of guy, he’s not anymore and his results show it

[@Nick-te4kl]

As a guy who watches and loves tournament fishing and fishes a small portion of tournaments on the back of the boat, I feel that it is the most important to learn how to catch fish at all times of the year all conditions everything so if there’s a tough tournament so it’s part of the deal the game

[@markburke1689]

I agree 100% with everything bill lowen said

[@joebuda7900]

What a stand up guy giving out the memberships to kids. Giving a kid a hat or some soft plastics will make forever memories for them!

[@frankelasavage2717]

Great podcast as always, Chris! Bill Lowen is a great guy. Both of you are and I had the privilege of working the same in store promo at, Susquehanna Fishing Tackle a few years ago with you guys and had some great conversations with both of you! I screamed out YES, when he Mentioned what would Ray Scott say about with what's going on in the sport of Professional tournament fishing. I have been saying this all year. There definitely needs to be a meeting with ALL anglers on the ELITES. What is happening right now, is not good for the sport.

[@chadmcwhorter1974]

Garmin is going to beat out lowrance for AOY this year im pretty sure

[@mattwfishing]

What does that even mean

[@CalanHawkins]

1st and 2nd in aoy rn have active target lol

[@DDDTxuser-cn8xq]

The worst part is,I'd be willing to bet on that very thing!!! LMAO!! You're Right! IMO

[@slabbusterrtr7690]

Lowrance has to pay Garmin as it is for FFS tech 😂 garmin is king

[@davidharbilas4185]

Definitely one of the good guys out there. Talked to him at an expo--super nice guy.

[@TheREELBass_Dad]

I loved watching Trey McKinney scope a big one, hooked in the side. Tried to hide it on LIVE😂

[@NCshooter1213]

Another great pod, chris, and trait. I enjoy hearing from the guys i have been following for years. Pro bass fishing is going through a dramatic change. I don't think ppl get just how much it's changed and how far it's gotten from what it was.

[@stewboyslabs1578]

Chris I agree with you in that years of experience is irreplaceable but what we have to realize with these younger guys is that they’ve grown up in a generation with unlimited access to information. They’ve grown up with KZbin, podcasts, BASS live etc, so many different avenues with TONS of information about fishing. It no longer takes years to learn everything when you can go and watch a couple KZbin videos and learn something brand new to apply on the water. I don’t think it’s fair to discredit these young guys by saying it’s just FFS that’s got them where they are. Just my two cents. Love the podcasts!

[@joepotaczek]

Another thing the young guys do is fish all the time they don't take time off or go hunting they live on the water

[@bradmclaurin3025]

@@joepotaczekand that is why they are losing

[@Gunrunner223]

So, do they already know how to pattern fish? Crank ledges? Punch mats? Flip cover? Nope. Just the basics, and FFS. That's the difference

[@bradmclaurin3025]

The goal is to win the tournament. Why do that if it's not what's going to win the tournament 🤔 Is it just to make you feel good! They are trying to make a living fishing

[@stewboyslabs1578]

@@Gunrunner223 I’d say throwing a crankbait, flipping and punching cover are pretty basic things. And if you think they don’t know how to pattern fish then you haven’t been paying attention.

[@everythingoutdoors-vl9bl]

Great interview! Im glad he got to tell that story about his best friend and what the family did for him that’s amazing and says a lot about his character

[@lilbeckham9]

"I'd rather spend time with my family than figure out something new" No wonder the old guys hate these new guys, you summed up yalls mentality 😂

[@barryprice7692]

He is at a different stage of his life. JT Thompkins said on camera. He appreciates his parents helping him be on the water everyday since he was like 14. Bill has kids he needs to spend time with. JT only has to fish.

[@rousefire]

I've been a bass tourney fan since the 70's. This FFS is the biggest paradigm shift in history and most controversial. . Its been detrimental to the sport.

[@williambohling4517]

The irony in Bill saying that you can take forward facing sonar away for the elites and that the opens and all the other circuits don’t need to follow the same rules. Then to say the opens need to be under the same exact rules for sharing information.

[@Zaldaingerous]

It’s not the Opens tournaments that would fall under the info rule, it’s the future elite events…

[@williambohling4517]

How Bill said it, “if you are an EQ angler then you follow under that set of rules.” (Elite rules) Just sounds like he wants them to have same rules as them but he can move the goal post when it comes to his ffs stance. Ironic, nothing more

[@boyd1002]

That’s objectively just not what he said. He said the EQs should have a no info rule on future elite events, so they can’t get info if they make it

[@williambohling4517]

@@boyd1002 correct. But they had not qualified yet when they obtained their information.

[@boyd1002]

@@williambohling4517 agreed. So when the elite schedule is released, the EQ field cannot go obtain info on those lakes. That’s his proposal. Seems like a simple solution

[@lifeofbrian2635]

I like a lot of these veteran guys on tour and love hearing their opinions. What I cannot seem to wrap my head around is how FFS is sort of competitive advantage for younger guys vs rookies? these veteran anglers had the same opportunity to slap these transducers on their boats and learn how to use them. With 20-30 years experience you all should be taking these rookies to the woodshed. However, in my opinion, the old Gaurd got complacent, and almost every one of them got passed up. Map chips, side imaging etc are all technologies that helped younger and younger generations flatten the learning curve. BASS has over 500,000 members , only 103 of which are on the elite series. Talent for talent there is a whole field of better anglers out there 1 opportunity away from bumping someone out. At the end of the day, you all get to fish for living while the vast majority of people listening to the complaining is grinding out in the real world. Can things change to be better? Of course, but I think all these pros need to take a deep breathe and really appreciate where your all at, and remember, when you’re in the duck blind, tree stand, on the beach, in the mountains, there’s a long long of young hungry rookies on the water, sharpening their skills for an opportunity to take your job.

[@jaywagner13]

Finally a post with some common sense. Hit the nail on the head. Old anglers got complacent and slacked. Now they are scrambling and using other tactics to save their jobs.

[@Slaughterlorder]

I love hearing podcasts about how the anglers actually feel about the current changes in pro fishing. More needs to be said about the people who compete in the Elites and MLF who aren't on the up-and-up so to speak. Life isn't all about winning and I like learning about who isn't acting with integrity and only cares about results. Sounds like there are a bunch of dirty sociopaths with fishing rods who are obsessed with winning and are given a lot of leeway to operate outside the rules. I want to see some repercussions for these anglers. Maybe make everyone wipe the waypoints on their graphs before the official tournament practice starts.

[@Tedthib]

No a single rookie was breaking rules. They're casting shade at the rookies once again using imaginary gray areas. The rookies are being held to a standard that is completely unreasonable

[@Slaughterlorder]

@@Tedthib Where did you get your information that it is only one angler that is trying to game the system and get unfair advantages? Notice how they did compliment John Garrett and Kyle Patrick so its not all the rookies. This is not the only podcast where professional fisherman who fish on the major tours have alluded to anglers fishing in the gray area and trying to game the rules. Seth Feider on another show was saying similar things about anglers trying to outmaneuver the rules. It is constantly being brought up, and has been for years where guys get caught or are suspected of cheating, so it is not just one angler. It doesn't seem like it is all the rookies, I agree but I think there are probably quite a few guys who aren't rookies on the elites who break rules and try to not get caught, as well as MLF.

[@SpookyRedz]

I just want to say Thank you to you both , thank y’all so much for this battle that’s going on , I’m back and y’all just made me so Happy

[@Fishhead2458]

It all makes sense now. I was shocked that one of the rookie anglers fished half a dozen spots on the St Johns river that took me 15 years to find. Here I was thinking he found these spots in 2 days of practice lol.

[@tackleshacktv4862]

Yeah he's not a more talented angler than you

[@BrianSousa1]

Paid waypoints bud!! Today’s society

[@jordanthompkins1974]

You do know we can pre practice how ever long we want we were there for weeks and scanned 150hrs there and found ourselves

[@Tina-ji6mq]

Hi 👋 Chris and Trait. Can't wait for yall coming down to South africa soon. Can't wait for it ! You guys will be surprised how many fans you have this side. Highlight of 2024.. truly ! Jp

[@Zaldaingerous]

We are so excited for the trip!!

[@stephenpaulson9043]

The analogy of an aluminum bat to a wooden bat is spot on.

[@flyinhawaiian9950]

Definitely not. If all pros had an aluminum bat it wouldn't make a difference. They would still all be using the same kind of bat.

[@stephenpaulson9043]

@@flyinhawaiian9950 his point was it’s a lot easier to hit with aluminum than a wood.

[@brandonackersonfishing5738]

They use wood bats in MLB so they don’t kill someone. It’s not because it’s easier to hit home runs

[@NattyState]

​@flyinhawaiian9950 if all pros had aluminum bats it would just be a home run derby. It would diminish the other aspects of the sport.

[@flyinhawaiian9950]

@stephenpaulson9043 you're still hitting something that's statistically the hardest feat to accomplish in sports. Unlike baseball, the "fence"(cut line, top 10, etc.) Is adaptable to the field you're playing at

[@macking4942]

Dude, i absolutely love this podcast........ Keep bringing them.

[@shimanoshane4020]

I fished a bass open with a new elite rookie last year on Lake of the Ozarks the way they shared information before tournament and during the tournament amazed me! I guess it’s totally legal? The old guard needs to learn a few things from these new guys are they are going to be left behind! Me personally if I was one of you guys it would motivate me to no end to figure out how to beat them. FFS will not be a player in every tournament so embrace it our get your teeth kicked in! These young guys think a lot different than most of the elites! They’re not gonna live and die by one or two techniques like most of the veterans will. Just my thought ,great pod cast as usual!

[@cobbocinco]

It’s your job as an angler to catch fish with the tools that are permissible, that includes FFS. The younger generation has less “bad habits” and less preconceived thoughts…they fish more free. You’re still looking for a fish under a dock or shallow when that fish may not be there.The younger kids are learning at an exponentially quicker rate with all the info thats out there and it seems the older gen is salty AF about it because it took the so long to learn and what they “learned” years ago may not even be accurate we’re finding out!It’s not their fault the info is at their fingertips and taking advantage of it.

[@BkallDay407]

Bill lowen: “i like forward facing sonar , I really do” Then proceeds to cry about it for an hour . Lmao 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@StephenByrd-tg7dm]

The most honest and straightforward video. Thanks Chris, Trait and Bill

[@joshuablankinship8842]

Tanners Creek on Ohio River! Lawrenceburg Indiana…. Pittsburgh Classic style! Very tough at times!

[@firstchoiceheatingandcooli5785]

I’d love to see that!!!

[@edwardcowan7012]

I Caught 13oz at that Classic. Out fishing Hackney and Yelas, lol.

[@timmaloney5495]

The best podcast I've watched by far. I could listen to Bill all day. Very knowledgeable and really knows how to put his words together to make great sense. But not only Bill, I really enjoy the show. Keep it up.

[@dedicatedendurance8929]

I have to be honest, I’m over the self entitlement of many of the Veterans. Perform or get cut that’s the way it is in every other sport.

[@mikeharris130]

FFS is the bridge too far in the pro levels of bass fishing. Very candid, and appreciated, comments from Bill.

[@user-em1oq5bi5j]

I think there have been too many century club belts given out. Only thing that has changed FFS. I don’t think that belt is as prestigious as it once was. Dollar Bill spitting the truth!

[@shanebridges4388]

Yeah let’s put an asterisk beside those wins because they don’t carry the weight that a Hackney or Martin or Bill lowen win Carrie’s

[@bradmclaurin3025]

Wow, you guys are stupid

[@andybrode2507]

I had a cart sitting on Lure Parts with a bunch of Bill’s products…..just completed the purchase. Dig that guy!

[@Theburningseason]

Legit question, if 1 minute late is a 1 pd penalty, and you only get a time penalty for blowing a no wake, if you're running late back doesn't it make sense just to blow all the no wakes back? To me that's the most ridiculous punishment it's not even a punishment, and what happens on day 4 or if u know u won't make day 4 do u get a time out day 1 of next derby? Is it always just a time penalty or do we play favorites? I'd like to know peoples thoughts

[@robnicholson923]

In many fields, including sports and business. It highlights the importance of continuous effort and dedication. When someone who has been successful in their profession stops working hard, they may become complacent and lose their competitive edge. On the other hand, rookies or newcomers often have a strong drive to prove themselves and are willing to put in the necessary effort to succeed. This can lead to surprising results where the rookie outperforms the more experienced professional. It's a reminder that sustained hard work and a willingness to continually improve are crucial for long-term success. It almost always leads to the experienced professional try to bend the existing rules to their favor.

[@davidhawkins6776]

He's spot on with everything!! Seems like a lot if these younger anglers just don't have the same respect for the integrity of the sport.

[@chadlawyer4891]

Absolutely love, Bill Lohan, and what he represents, and what he stands for, have met him a few times, always has been a class act, and a true stand out, and is a fellow Hoosier boy,

[@MichaelPFishing]

No rule = No gray area. That's "black and white" (BASS owns that issue for not having a rule in place) Also, you can't say "No one will out work me" and then Immediately say that you don't/can't spend as much time on the water or pre-practice anymore due to demands on your time or other priorities. (That is a choice your making and as such you ARE being out worked on the water where it counts) Finally, lets be honest and just say that FFS is here to stay. Yes, BASS can add some limits but to totally remove it from the sport is nonsense. Thanks for hearing this 50 something out...

[@briansenter4023]

Another solid session! 💪🏽

[@Justin.Hawkins]

Here is my major counter to anyone who discredits ff sonar. If it was that easy to see a fish/catch a fish, and you have so many more years of finding fish without it, then why is it that with all your knowledge and with how easy it is to “spot light” or “video game fish” is it that so many veterans struggle to catch fish with it? Maybe it’s not as simple as it seems, and veterans are drastically discounting all these young kids success?

[@westonjarvis4305]

You do realize that the man who absolutely made FFS what it is Josh Jones said that he believe it should me limited in tournaments right? The guy that will admit it made his career said that. He will say it’s so easy that he puts his trolling motor down and chases fish in 40 foot of water without cranking his motor. So don’t even say “if it’s that easy, why isn’t everyone doing it”. People refuse to fish that way because it’s not their strength and don’t believe it’s right. They have to have those graphs on there boat for sponsor money. Don’t mean they use them.

[@Justin.Hawkins]

@@westonjarvis4305 Josh jones did not make ff sonar what it is. And Josh jones doesn’t fish elite level tournaments so no one asked him. If it was as simple as see a fish catch a fish then why isn’t everyone who uses ff sonar having the same level of success?

[@4290122]

Ffs has been out since 2016 that’s when Garmins first ffs came out Josh jones was a nobody till last year or two

[@westonjarvis4305]

@@Justin.Hawkins ain’t no way you’re telling me that Josh Jones DIDNT make Active Target blow up😂 FFS became what it is 2 years ago. Been around forever but 2 years ago (Like when Josh Jones name blew up). He does $2,000 guided trips, sounds like he has it made more than a elite level angler. Do some research.

[@KHeinz_57]

Honestly, Only fishing podcast I listen to!!!!

[@cbw8510]

All I hear is bitching by oldies but goodies.

[@dannyhardy878]

I remember when I was in my early 20’s. We didn’t have GPS- your biggest concern was not getting lost the first couple of trips. I found my way up and down the Alabama & Tombigbee Rivers because I purchased river charts from the Corp of Engineers. You’d read the buoy markers and know whether to go up or down to get where you were heading

[@jameskinniry1621]

Best fishing podcast hands down!

[@Zaldaingerous]

Thank you!

[@briane.mcguire197]

Thanks learned a lot from Bill and Trace and as always Cris you are a Pro Fisherman always learn a lot about fishing and being a good person on n off the water Thanxs!!!

[@skubastevesam]

All the older pros are complaining now that these young guns are taking checks. Look at Rick Clunns point of view, he stated that if ffs is banned then professionals can no longer say they are the best in the world. You can’t ban a skill set just because you are threatened by it, a pro , like Clunn will adapt. These rookies are dam good. Adapt, and beat them. Don’t make rules to push them out. That’s weak and these arguments are petty.

[@peterlong9629]

Hey Randy Blauket, I hope you read this...

[@petecook1611]

Ffs has NOTHING to do with who the best is the best is who can find an catch them wout it!

[@justintimeforbass]

If FFS is easy to use to catch, they’re wouldn’t be any complaining about it… 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@TheKrumster]

Clunn isn’t adapting. I respect the man for what he’s done but he’s full of crap

[@shanebridges4388]

Not a skill set , I have it because I think it can be a wonderful tool to use to get children involved but I’m here to tell you that it makes it 75% easier when you know where they are ! And they all say but you got to make them bite , you keep on em and they will either leave or bite ! Nobody will ever be able to say that somebody who is good with ffs is as good as kvd or hackney or Hite

[@rhondaboone977]

Good to see Bill and hear his take. To those who think ffs is the greatest, I contend "Just because we can, that doesn't mean we should"

[@petecook1611]

I TOTALLY AGREE W BILL on EVERYTHING!!!!

[@jamescaspersamanthalintner4767]

Bill is my new favorite pro ! Balls 🏀🏀 my friend good for you

[@asianboi08]

Another 🔥 podcast. Keep it up.

[@user-um6gy4rg5s]

I think they should all get together and share information with each other. Just like Chris and Cory. If 10 guys worked together they would be unstoppable.

[@BrianSousa1]

If BASS thinks these kids with FFS is going to carry the sport into the future they’re on another level of stupid. The anglers hold all the cards, if they want it gone it’s going away, if not, they’ll be another tour starting soon and the BASS struggle will be real. The problem is the man that’s supposed to be making the best decisions for the sport is obviously spineless. He needs to grow a pair and step up.

[@RustyWells2]

Yeah that's what they said about baseball when Babe Ruth retired one thing I've learned in my life is time marches on!

[@TFish-lu1df]

Lol, this isn’t one guy leaving a league. This is technology that completely has flipped tournament fishing upside down. Ask the BFL tourney directors how much FFS has helped their series. Also check your local tourneys and see if numbers haven’t dropped off. I’ve got it and used to love using it, but I’ll gladly remove my transducer or lock it out on tourney day to get some damn participation back. These people are still out fishing and pressure on the lakes is just the same if not more but they ain’t fishing tournaments

[@BrianSousa1]

@@RustyWells2 Yeah, FFS will marching right out the door with the time

[@davidgarner4716]

Very good interview as always. Thanks.

[@Zaldaingerous]

Thanks David!

[@CTCFishing]

I saw at least 1 angler on live at Murray this week that was looking at one (fry guarder) and hooked it outside the mouth. He turned his back to the camera knowing it was hooked outside the mouth .That fish went in the well and got weighed in. Zona and Ronnie didn't know what to say . That's no morals

[@Zaldaingerous]

The guys were talking about this at the bump tanks but there’s been zero conversation from the league about what happened

[@CTCFishing]

@@Zaldaingerous sad state of affairs. Starting to look a lot like MLF over there 👀 hope that meeting you all have talks some sense into these guys

[@chaserellison7188]

Who

[@CTCFishing]

@@chaserellison7188 the current points leader

[@Chainoflakesguy]

@@CTCFishingjust the way he acts and talks on bass live gives alot away. Treats it like it’s a walk in the park and talks like he’s won the event on day 1. All makes sense now. Him and thompkins obviously work together too, mckinney literally called thompkins in an event to tell him to join him where has was and they magically both made the top 10. Its pretty obvious on bass live what the kid does since they have him on live every single event and show only him for half the time. Take the bought waypoints away and the AOY standings are very different.

[@mikeleistner1071]

Bill has always been an amazing dude. Fished some BFLs he was in and always signed autographs and talk fishin' n huntin' with anyone. And he is 💯 spot on

[@ruanmoore1271]

If it’s so easy to catch a fish on FFS, then why aren’t all the pros wacking em’? Its all about the drive to success, the rookies are just hungrier and are willing to work harder

[@scottbrewer2221]

If a rookie knew anything about fishing he would not have to lean on FFS to find fish so he can throw at a fish he can see. Most probably could not find fish without the live scope.

[@ruanmoore1271]

@@scottbrewer2221 okay you obviously have been living under rock then my friend, point 1: Trey McKinney caught all his this past weekend without FFS….Point 2: John Garret won the Harris chain without FFS, only using 360 to locate shell bars where he caught the winning fish…I can go on! But dude, you telling me these rookies have made it to where they are purely due to FFS, That’s an invalid statement

[@kraigacarter]

Couldn’t agree more with what you guys are saying…. Keep up the good fight

[@DHW448]

Should tournaments be allowed on fisheries during the spawn? 100-300 boat fields during the spawn can't be beneficial. My 2 cents worth.

[@brandoncottrell9025]

One of the best to play the game. Thank you for being a leader in our sport Bill.

[@mattwfishing]

I find it great that T-McK found a “little” spot that he catches all of his weight off of. So he’s that much better at 18/19 huh? The 89 other guys are running and gunning multiple spots a day but he finds one little deal to himself? Hmm. Big respect to patty walt, is he a local? Yeah but he also didn’t win last year. That’s a true angler who fought his way up the ranks, occasionally has mediocre derbs like anyone else, bc he does It on his own. (To my knowledge)

[@martyaustin6545]

Great show yall, thank you

[@FishingVet8004]

Saw a social media post where an angler was caught on plane going through a no wake zone during the classic. He immediately blamed the person that took his picture and turned him in for getting penalized instead of owning his mistake. Then after making a habit of openly and frequently talking trash about a lot of other pro’s and other brands than his own (including you and yours) he wants to have the other anglers get behind him and get together on how rules are enforced. Was never an issue for him until he got caught.

[@stevesteve4350]

Who was the angler?

[@FishingVet8004]

Miliken

[@stevesteve4350]

@@FishingVet8004 Now that does not surprise me one bit. Thanks

[@YankeeDoodle2]

​@@stevesteve4350 Ben milliken

[@NMTCCT]

Another great interview, you all do an awesome job, bass fishing is a passion and enjoy your tube. thank you both!!!!!!!!!

[@danramzinski2957]

I have nothing but respect for the old guys, but all this heat on the rookies is not a good look. The veterans have all this experience plus they have livescope as well. They should be able to get it done. They are supposed to be elite. All this complaining is getting old!

[@Tedthib]

It's wrong. It's flat out morally wrong to constantly treat the young guys this way. The old guard should be ashamed of themselves

[@danramzinski2957]

@@Tedthib yes sir, I agree. They are dealing with some serious jealousy. The old guys want them shut down. Nothing against old guys. I happen to be an old guy. I’m 60

[@zacharywebb8189]

Listen up young pup. They put their time in, out on the water, 84 years ago and no one worked harder than them. The rookies’ fishing IQ is room temperature, at best, I heard it on the internet.

[@secretbassrigs]

It's time to take the training wheels off kids. Learning how to fall off your bike, keeps you from breaking your neck.

[@secretbassrigs]

​@@Tedthib the rookie level is projecting like woke Marxists now.

[@robertnapier6063]

Great show y’all!! Love the kindness and honesty of THE Dolla Bill Lowen!

[@WEFISHN]

bass needs a event at the California Delta.

[@TheCarhartt1]

No revenue out west

[@GordonPettieFishing]

Rick Clunn once said: Success breeds resentment. Strong men build others up. Weak men tear others down.

[@Zaldaingerous]

No one was torn down in this podcast. It was a conversation about loopholes and how Bill feels about FFS. Hard conversations make weak men uncomfortable.

[@GordonPettieFishing]

@Zaldaingerous Bill basically accused some of the rookie elites of borderline CHEATING. Name names and give the proof if you gonna do that. I've always supported Bill, but he lost some respect over those statements. Love or hate FFS, it is what it is. 🎣

[@matthewcoker9448]

​@Zaldaingerous you're correct not one person was tore down. Just a whole group of rookies😢

[@matto_fishing]

Eliminating forward facing sonar for the pros would create the worst product they've ever had. The fish and lakes have already changed with the added pressure of having baits on their face constantly and every level below the top will still be using it.

[@jasonperry5456]

I disagree. It needs to be eliminated at the professional level.

[@williambohling4517]

Agreed.

[@larryhobbs8769]

FFS should not even be considered in high school tournaments. Not all parents can afford it. Eliminate it across the board in tournaments

[@scottbrewer2221]

When people say FFS has taught them so much about where bass are I would agree. Now mark that spot in practice, turn off the FFS in the tournament and see if they can still catch them.

[@stevesteve4350]

​@@scottbrewer2221Smart comment. Agreed

[@tryptaman4315]

“I’ve never seen anglers as mad as they are right now.” Yeah, you’ve also never had a class of rookies that were this good. I hope Trey and Tyler feel special, bc they got their competition SCARED TO DEATH

[@chadweaver5251]

Who was the 2019 cheater? Jamie Hartman, Carl Jocumsen, or Paul Muller? Chris finished 2nd to all 3 of them in 2019...

[@stevenjohnson9855]

Ohh crap so we don’t know, it’s going to be the person who is never invited to be on the show lol

[@stevenjohnson9855]

I feel bummed for Chris, to get three 2nd’s but he should have won one that year, man the money for 1st, then sponsors and then the recognition of every tournament as an Elite Champion just because someone cheated and it’s sad that someone has a video of it and they were afraid

[@raywillett2157]

Curious who the cheater was and who had the video

[@GVJoe32]

@@raywillett2157 Hartman, from what I've heard.

[@toddaldrich1936]

She sa8d the oe who got his first win

[@keithcook8173]

The information loophole for the EQ anglers is a valid complaint and it has been addressed for the 2025 season. The incessant complaining about FFS from some of the veterans on tour is getting old. If BASS doesn’t embrace the technology, they’ll be left behind. Transducer and screen limitations are reasonable requests but an all out ban is not the answer, not if BASS wants to be the top tour out there. Listen to Mr. Rick Clunn, he has the best FFS take I’ve heard. Regardless, y’all have a great podcast, keep it up and ignore the haters. I appreciate you two and the excellent content you put out!

[@danieleverett171]

If Bass would not announce the schedule until the completion of all the open events, that would fix the no information issue.

[@troyroach1277]

The young guys handing out ass kickings started a good while ago. FFS is simply accelerating it even more. Change whatever rules you want, the young guys will adjust. Most of these complaints center around one issue…the vets just can’t handle seeing guys not have to struggle financially like they did. Like these rookies are supposed to apologize for having strong support structures while not being anchored down by a wife and kids. Hope we see 9 more show up next year.