Study Shows DEVASTATING EFFECTS Of Forward Facing Sonar

[@inaslump]

I literally caught less fish learning FFS for 2 years straight before I could catch them like I did before..Its an entire new learning curve to how you fish...Great video geek..

[@BassGeek]

I'm with ya.

[@DanielLong-d4w]

Very interesting information! As a fisherman myself, and not leaning for or against FFS, the problem with harming fish ( bass ) are the tournaments. You go to any lake when there is a tournament and watch and see how many dead bass are left floating! It’s not just here in East Tennessee, it’s everywhere there are tournaments. I live on the lake, I see it every time there is a tournament.

[@comfortablynumb9342]

More fish die in the week after the tournament too. So you don't even see all the dead ones.

[@BassGeek]

Yup

[@kabbythedog9409]

Agree so I live on a lake and fish for food and now everyone dumps in catches as many crappie as they can and then drive away / we also have a very small but growing bluegill population and I think they will be stunted

[@Basscater81]

The argument is not that it’s hurting our fisheries. As you said most guys that have FFS suck at using it. It’s having it in competition especially at the highest levels. Personally I don’t understand why you would want to watch the fish you are targeting live on a screen but that’s just me. Part of the exhilaration of fishing is the anticipation of a bite.

[@BassGeek]

It’s topwater all day

[@sherlockhomesky]

In all honesty, just like the results show, my catch rate has not increased for bass one iota. That being said, it has opened a new world up to me that was at one time a mystery. I can sit for hours and watch fish on live scope doing what fish do, it's absolutely fascinating. So far it hasn't translated into better catch rates, but I do have a better grasp on fish behavior and that my friend was worth the price of admission 😊

[@BassGeek]

I have had more success with Hydrowave

[@Jessie-kh1yn]

You can see them but you still have a hard time getting them to bite.

[@TravisLee-b7k]

Sometimes I think I caught more without mega live honestly. Takes some getting used to seeing how many times you catch their attention but can't get them to eat your bait for sure. It's just not what purist old school fishermen think it is at all.

[@TheFishingMommy]

My suggestions, as just some lady who doesn’t even use FFS: 1) Catch photo (or weigh) & release is far healthier than sticking fish in a live well all day then releasing them 10, 20, 30 miles from where they were. 2) Stop scheduling tournaments that target bedding fish ESPECIALLY if it’s a live weigh in format. 3) Tournaments at the local to opens levels could be separated into FFS and non-FFS formats, so everyone has the option to compete “apples to apples”.

[@BassGeek]

I like all that but they are already coming out with cheaper alternatives.

[@TheFishingMommy]

@@BassGeek that’s true. But some people just don’t enjoy FFS (like me). I can afford it, I just don’t want it. I’ve tried it a few times & just have more fun the old school way, haha! When I fish tournaments, they’re just for fun too, I don’t currently have enough time to be actually competitive on any trails, even locals, because they’re so spread out where I live.

[@sherlockhomesky]

Apparently they haven't seen me operate forward facing sonar. The bass have never been safer.

[@BassGeek]

Hahahaha SAME HERE!!

[@Crankbait]

They seem to be swimming away for me. Rarely suspended and still like I see on videos.

[@brianrich7818]

Yeah same. It’s nice watching them swim away from my bait every now and again

[@opietaylor5778]

That’s pretty funny

[@silasclayton7777]

So what I'm really hearing is that tournaments, particularly tournaments with live weigh ins, are the issue when it comes to fish die off? How many fish are dying off after live weigh-ins?

[@fishingthedmv]

Boom and way in mortality rate is probably striated, depending if you’re talking about the elite series versus your local club derby

[@BassGeek]

Hey I’m not saying what I’ve seen on that side

[@comfortablynumb9342]

Obviously putting fish in a box with others and bouncing them across the lake is going to stress out the fish. Catching them is enough stress, keeping them before letting them go just makes it worse.

[@mattfleming86]

​@@comfortablynumb9342 extended poor handling, and then while their slime coat is damaged you toss them in the box with a bunch of other stuff. So even if they survive the short term experience long term disease transmission goes up. I can't even tell you how many floaters I have seen after tournaments especially during the more inherently stressful times of the year. It's sad. Its a solvable problem. State law, fish that are not intended for harvest may not be retained.

[@tuiflies5869]

I think stopping the practice of targeting bass on their spawning beds would have a larger positive effect on the fishery than eliminating FFS.

[@BassGeek]

Yeeeeeeeeeees!

[@JeremyMartin-xq7pb]

Thankfully fisherman never lie about what they catch.

[@BassGeek]

Here we go! Move along.

[@JeremyMartin-xq7pb]

@@BassGeek See ya

[@DbzDan78]

definitely you can't trust a study done like this and expect everyone being honest I can't believe you take that as 100pecent factual information.

[@The420Fisherman]

Awesome video and data. Like I've said before. The best part about forward facing sonar, is that even your seeing fish react to three different lures and techniques. If they're not eating stop wasting your time on them. Mark the spot and go fish another. I've always believed fish eating is a timing thing throughout your day on the water. Forward facing sonar helps you figure that timing out with different schools of fish. It's a tool just like 360, Clearview, or side imagine. Also watching tournaments on TV hasn't changed either. You're still watching the back of a man in a jersey. Man still looking down at the screen. Video game fishing has been around since 99!

[@BassGeek]

Yup I been dropping using a 2d for ever

[@The420Fisherman]

@@BassGeek it's just ridiculous to me. This technology is what fishermen have been wanting and now we got it, it's an issue.

[@cda-John]

“Lies damn lies and statistics” if it didn’t work who would spend 2000 dollars for a unit?

[@youtv7299]

They should do tournament test with and without for a true wide span fisherman test.

[@BassGeek]

It’s called advertising

[@rhodesianhunter9360]

Ask a flathead catfish guy those three questions in Ohio. 1: flathead catfish 2: three weeks, one day and three hours, no breaks 3:zero

[@nachopretzel3533]

​@BassGeek but it's topwater all day....

[@davidmeyer9648]

So… why do the pros spend 1000’s on FFS and 4 screens to catch 1 more bass in 9 hours. I don’t believe the stats. Makes no sense.

[@timg185]

It hard to believe it only makes a 1 fish difference. But it’s probably an average . For the best at using the tech . It’s probably much higher . While people not good with it might not catch any extra fish. It does allow people to target fish in places they didn’t catch fish before and it’s easier to target bigger fish.

[@timg185]

Also 1 fish can be the difference between winning and losing . Or qualifying for the classic.

[@BassGeek]

Because a small percentage means a lot more to them than it does us

[@Joshthetruthseeker]

Me neither

[@Really-cq2uw]

The best gotcha phase. “Well, if it doesn’t help that much, than you shouldn’t mind fishing without it…” (instantly triggers FFS users)

[@TheTinHorseMonty]

Good video Hank. Man you put in some serious editing time.

[@BassGeek]

LOL Thanks man.

[@richardloux3920]

And they told us steroids couldn't hit the baseball for you but...........

[@BassGeek]

No one has ever said that. BS Hater. Hat on troll

[@andylewis7982]

That's what I have said from the beginning. I catch and release every bass i catch, so how am I hurting the fish population. The only effect that I agree with is that I am educating bass that have not seen much pressure. They will adapt and become harder to catch, making it look like there are fewer fish because you won't catch them like you did in the past. Anyone here get in on the A-Rig when It first came out. What a special time that was i caught big fish and a lot of fish. You can throw it all day now and won't catch as many fish as you could in the first 2 hours when it was brand new. They became conditioned to it and won't hit it like they used to.

[@BassGeek]

Yes sir you are absolutely correct!

[@peanutskustomz2466]

Great video. The Texas Parks and Wildlife is the best hands down. They know how to manage wildlife. Tyler’s Reel fishing has posted some great videos lately about fish management with a member from TPWD. Proud Texan here 💪

[@BassGeek]

Heck yeah

[@FishOn1]

Great content backed by data! Well done BassGeek.

[@BassGeek]

Thank you very much.

[@pal-pdbaits1119]

A couple of facts that should be noticed : deep water FFS = more dead fish after c&r and the effect on the high fishing pressure on big productive/old/resting/inactive fish.

[@BassGeek]

All myths. I can sow you those open water bass are not resting and most in the summer are not deep

[@pal-pdbaits1119]

@@BassGeek bass spotlighted from 30ft and down is not good. The fish is standing on cooler water with more oxygen, then put in livewell and later release in shallow. We seen this on NPike, Walleye, YPerch too....the pike is the only that manage pretty well if they are released in deep cold water. If the Bass is active it will go up to feed, no need for FFS then ;)

[@High-techRedneckFishing]

This is a myth. I fish highland reservoirs. I've watched bass on ffs swim from 50ft deep to the surface and go back down. Do you believe a bass would hurt itself? I've caught bass 100ft deep on Lake Jocassee. Depth of fish is relative to the body of water you fish.

[@pal-pdbaits1119]

@@High-techRedneckFishing - so you recomend deep water ffs for bass then...fantastic. Why is as much as up to 75% of the fish dying after some tournament...guys hanging from the dock trying fiss the fish...

[@High-techRedneckFishing]

First you fizz the bass as soon as you get it in the boat. Second I don't ride around 6 to 8 hours with a bass in the live well. The live well does the most damage. Pros use pool noodles cut down so the bass don't hit the lid or latch. They need to catch and release. Just for information, I caught bass deep long before ffs. I knew 20 years ago bass live offshore.

[@johnwhite993]

Weigh and release is the safest way for the fish. Kayak tourneys take pics and release

[@BassGeek]

Agreed

[@TWC6724]

I agree

[@SMF89]

FFS is going to have a greater effect on certain lakes, where its application is definitely a game changer. Great example, Lanier and Lewis Smith. Additionally, it's application will show out more during the summer months when fish suspend.

[@BassGeek]

I can see that.

[@DaveWashburn]

Hey Hank, appreciate you laying it down. Let’s just enjoy fishing the way we wanna fish man. It’s that simple. As always #100percentwatchsquad👊

[@BassGeek]

Amen!

[@ronturnbull4191]

Thanks, this was very helpful!

[@BassGeek]

Thank you

[@arlinwright1819]

Does the survey say anything about the mortality rate of deep caught fish when using FFSj?. I hear that hundreds of fish after a major tournament have died after two or three days of being caught. I have no first hand proof of this though. So I don't know.

[@BassGeek]

That is more on the angler than FFS. To sorry to take care of bass or fizz them

[@LowBrowFishing]

#100percentwatchsquad You really put a lot of work into this one, Hank. And it shows. Very well done! I think there are still going to be negative and hateful comments, but that's how it goes, unfortunately.

[@BassGeek]

Always but I’ll be sure to tell them where they can go! LOL

[@falin4764]

Great information if people are being truthful on the surveys. But bottom line is you still gotta catch the fish thanks for sharing.

[@mattadams3721]

This is a great video! Thank you for making this

[@BassGeek]

Thank you!

[@areddfishing7473]

This is great! Very educational and what I’ve been saying people fear instead of learning and understanding.

[@BassGeek]

Yes!

[@richshackelford5793]

I don’t care either way. Let’s just MAKE FISHING GREAT AGAIN

[@BassGeek]

A men!

[@Massholefishin]

@@richshackelford5793 🫡

[@brianpierson7708]

Got that right!!!💯👈🏼 BUT I HAVE 2 SIMPLE YET EXTREMELY LOGICAL POINTS. 1’st some kind of system like a gps that when some of these straight video gamers that NEVER LOOK UP CANNOT RUN INTO SOMEONE OR THING. AND WILL NOT CUT BOAT LINES WITHOUT THE ANGEL STEPPING OFF THE FRONT DEACK LIKE A FOB SO THEY HAVE 2 LOOK UP&AROUND!!! Thats fair right ??? And let’s get a good count off the lakes that a lot of people fish put has been on a slow fall in fish numbers & size!! That a lot of people already fish going to Texas is about like going to Headwaters in Florida or the TVA lakes or California delta. I have no care as far the use I live in southeast Louisiana and fish the marsh and rivers and bayou’s we just lost a 500K-700K Bass last week we eat em they don’t get bigger than 2#-2 1/2# a trophy is 4+ in the marsh and we run up the river or cross the lake to release to a better “Less likely” to be storm killed or bull shark or gator food been doing it over 45 years. So we definitely not a destination. But BFS in Dec-April we can have a 200 fish day 120+ under a lb But I think It’s a rule needed for people get hit or worse

[@inaslump]

Amen to that Trump'24

[@bassfischer4273]

It'll be great again when they outlaw FFS on derby days. Until then, especially for smallies, it's a crap shortcut that's worthy of no more respect than spotlighting deer.

[@Daiwa_Is_King]

Thank you for sharing this information with us Hank, I really liked how you put this all together. Keep up the great work your dedication is much appreciated. #100percentwatchsquad #MakeFishingGreatAgain At the end of the day I just want to have fun and I use fishing to get away from the stress in my everyday life. Fishing helps me unwind and ground myself and that’s one of the main reasons why I do it.

[@BassGeek]

Thank you. I’m not trying to tell people what to do. I use it just keep their RUDE opinions to themselves. I just want to catch fish and someone had to put some fact to this.

[@Daiwa_Is_King]

@@BassGeek fully agree with you on this keep doing your thing. #100percentwatchsquad

[@donniemcmasters1610]

Bro... thank you so much. People seem to go with emotion over facts these days more than ever. Kinda thought all along it didn't make that much of a difference. The price is high but that will come down when companies compete more. But not if it gets banned everywhere. Can't afford it myself but I'm not bitter. Couldn't afford a kayak before I saved and bought one.

[@BassGeek]

Yes it will TW h always does and already is

[@donniemcmasters1610]

@@BassGeek competition always drives down price and innovation forward.

[@rickvann3489]

The have and have knots is what it all boils down to. Most people completely don't know how to use FFS to its full potential. As far as die off after tournaments, you need attrition rates to keep a better bass population in said lake.

[@BassGeek]

Your right

[@mikeroten6894]

Great great video. Very well spoken. Thanks

[@BassGeek]

Thanks

[@spikesb1]

Thank You!

[@BassGeek]

Thank you

[@davidrauschenbach6871]

Thanks for an interesting video. I don’t have any skin in the game so as long as you have fun and don’t hurt the environment have at it. You only have so many days to fish!

[@BassGeek]

Ah mean fishing is fun!

[@riverrat988]

Can’t argue with Facts. Texas does a great job with Bass management. Straight from the Basses mouth

[@BassGeek]

Yes sir I’m just tired of the bs. Let’s make fishing fun again.

[@riverrat988]

@@BassGeek Yesssssss

[@TWC6724]

Yes they do. I moved to the mountains of NC from Texas and wish NC managed their reservoirs like Texas does. Texas ruined me!

[@High-techRedneckFishing]

I'm from Western NC. I've caught 35 bass over 10lbs in Western NC. If you want to catch big bass in our area, learn about trout eaters.

[@TWC6724]

@@High-techRedneckFishing That’s good insight. Thank you! I know nothing about trout. Sounds like I need to learn this for sure. 👍 Thanks brother. I’ve been struggling

[@robertmonroe2665]

I'm with you 💯% Hank. It's not making that big of an issue with the tournament scene, and it's not as easy as everyone that doesn't have it thinks it is. Im so tired of hearing the old "spotlighting" bullcrap besides that doesn't remotely relate to FFS. I'm with you all the way, you rock brother 🎣 🔥 #100percentwatchsquad

[@BassGeek]

Yes I am to. I have been saying what about the Hydrowave? It's an electronic call which is not allowed in hunting. I know it catches me at least 1-3 more bass when I need it.

[@diehardanglers]

Freaking awesome video bro! The results were SHOCKING! So glad i caught this one! #100percentwatchsquad

[@BassGeek]

Truth is what it is

[@basstobasscookingbrentbabi5411]

Great video bro as always🎣🙌🏼! Heck I go with my buddy who has a Garmin on his boat and we dock shoot jigs and shiners sometimes till our arms hurt- it doesn’t mean they will feed🤨

[@BassGeek]

Hahahaha so good!

[@Saber_Outdoors]

This was very interesting and informative. This is different but a good kind of different

[@BassGeek]

Thanks!

[@Classic_White_Boy]

I love this! As always, thanks for spreading truth through the misinformation!

[@BassGeek]

Thank you

[@lannyluckyj3227]

How about we get rid of both FFS and live weigh-ins, that we make everyone happy. And just do catch and release.

[@BassGeek]

No! I’m keeping mine thanks

[@shizzlestix66]

Im with you on this Hank. You still have to get the right lure, color and presentation to get the fish to bite. No different than bed fishing really. Just cause you see them, dont mean they are buting.

[@BassGeek]

It’s just the truth

[@poppy.fishing]

Very well spoken! I don't have FFS but, I hope to waste my money on one some day. Lol I love to fish and it's just another tool in the box. Thanks for the info Hank I truly appreciate it! #100percentwatchsquad

[@BassGeek]

It is I’ve caught more because of hydrowave to be honest. It why I just bought one for the new boat

[@secretbassrigs]

Great report HankI It cleared up one side of the debate where a majority of bass anglers already tend to be in agreement with - the recreational use of FFS. I don't think there's been very much drama , vitriol; or controversy under this consumer context. I think most of the tribalism, resentment, and irrational fear you are referring to stems from the unprecedented dependence on its use in professional bass fishing tournaments, where the most valid of concerns relates to its possible influence on the declining popularity of the sport reflected by dwindling viewership ratings and lack of interest by the general outdoor sports audience. I'd love to see what you can find out for us in that regard. I think it would help settle things much sooner than later once that aspect is narrowed down for everyone to gain a more accurate perspective on its actual influence on the sport.

[@BassGeek]

I’ve got a poll that shows it really is just a small loud bunch of haters that don’t like it. Coming soon

[@44thala49]

It’s affecting the white perch and trophy catfisheries as well. Don’t be surprised if creel limits and maybe even closed seasons are put into effect one day because of this and the ones of us who don’t use it for whatever reason will have to suffer along with the people who caused it.

[@BassGeek]

I would have to see the numbers. Most of it is just more people fishing. Direct relation to covid.

[@charlesronk2989]

I am generally more of a panfish fisherman. I don't have FFS but I can see where it along with spot lock would drastically increase my catch numbers. For me I completely believe it should be outlawed. In Michigan most lakes are less than a couple hundred acres. Side Scan alone allows me to Chase and catch open water fish that would never be found just 2 decades ago. Live scope insanely increases this. This is most dramatic with Ice fisherman. Where it may have took 30 holes drilled along structure to find fish and catch a few can literally be done in just 2-3 holes. This along with cameras can allow people to almost force feed fish. Without harvest size and limit changes I do believe that it will damage fisheries. This all being said the temptation to purchase it and take advantage of this technology is hard to resist. Cast nets are banned from use in inland waters in Michigan do to the risk of using them to take game fish. Well cast nets are no threat at all compared to live scope.

[@BassGeek]

Hahaha I wish it was that’s easy

[@fish2reelaxfishing662]

Not harvesting any bass could be just as bad as over harvesting crappie.

[@BassGeek]

YES!!!!!!!!!

[@jeffjames9568]

All we need are yearly limits on fish along with the current daily limits

[@BassGeek]

10-4

[@JustFishing1489]

Thanks for the video. I appreciate the level headed discussion. People have been ridiculous about ffs.

[@BassGeek]

Yes

[@David-qo7lz]

It never addressed the quality of fish, or its impact on smaller lakes. It will be decades before there is any impact on large fisheries.

[@BassGeek]

It does. Go watch.

[@donprater2754]

If you really want to help the fish go to lengths instead of weights at lest you can release the fish . Right away after measuring the fish. You never talk about this.

[@BassGeek]

Plenty of tech to weight also.

[@FishingClearWaters]

I make $75k a year and bought my house b4 covid. How the #%^* are 50% of anglers affording ffs?

[@BassGeek]

You can get in on for 2k or less

[@artvandelay5749]

Covid relief money and unemployment checks

[@FishingClearWaters]

@@BassGeek are u serious?!? The reason half of us are against it is because we think it's like $25k. Im gonna look into this. I know ur a tech guy so would you also mind breaking this down for us a little

[@ZZ430T56]

@@FishingClearWaters Garmin 93sv UHD $699. Garmin LVS32 Livescope kit $999. That is everything you need.

[@ezras1661]

You can get FFS now depending on the manufacturer from about 1500-1700 is the cheapest I've seen so not crazy expensive but also not super cheap either.

[@father1st894]

I have used ffs for about a year and a half. It did not take long to use it effectively. I dont believe it affects the fisheries all that much. That said, it has greatly increased my catch rates. Overall, I am not a fan of ffs being used in professional tournaments. The statistics can say whatever, but if a fisherman takes the time to learn how to use it , it most certainly increases their catch. I think the reliance on ffs is the problem. All the pros are glued to that screen.

[@BassGeek]

I don't know where your fishing or how many people are using it there. I can tell you just like every other bait and tech it's great at first but as those bass that have not seen pressure start to see more and more they do adjust and get harder to catch. Hey I'm great with the pro's not using it. Just means all of us that have it will get to make things WAY harder on them. It's not just a suspended bass tech I catch'em in 3ft all the time.

[@father1st894]

@BassGeek Well I fish the lakes of North and South Carolina. From Sharon Harris to Santee. From Lake Norman to Lake Murray. I will be honest , ffs just simply takes something sacred away from the sport. Just my opinion. During the redcrest on Lake Norman I was on the water. I watched countless pros coming in and out of coves, dropping that trolling motor , scanning a couple of minutes and pulling the trolling motor up and buzzing out. Not once even holding a fishing rod. I'm sorry , there is just something unsportsmanlike about.

[@bobwilliamson2828]

The way I look at it is that just because you can see the fish, if it doesn’t want to bite, you can’t make them bite. It’s just a tool like game cameras. Hank you need to call the craw-pee not crappy, LOL you’re kinda in the south…

[@BassGeek]

I don't understand how people call it spotlighting yet we use the Hydrowave and we are ok with that. It's an electronic call with is NOT allowed in hunting other than nuisance species. I know for a fact that thing catches me in the right situation it catches me 1-3 more bass a day.

[@Flippencz]

FFS is Dope AF. I embrace technology. The ability to see what’s down there without “wasting time”, time is all we have as humans on this earth. COME ON PEOPLE…GET OVER IT!!!! Read it and weep, FACTS!!! 👎🏻To all the Randy’s(New Karen’s of the fishing industry out there)👎🏻 #timeisallwehave 🤙😎

[@BassGeek]

AMEN! I get to fish 1-2 times a week so I want to catch not fish. If I cared about scenery I would have taken up hiking it’s a lot cheaper.

[@Flippencz]

@@BassGeek my point exactly. Fish ohn brotha🤙😎

[@bryanfranks6327]

#100percentwatchsquad let’s just fish & enjoy that you are getting to fish.

[@BassGeek]

Yes!

[@chrisboyd1408]

Great job! 100percentwatchsquad

[@BassGeek]

Thanks

[@BassmasterSteven]

It's not the number of fish but which fish you are catching.

[@BassGeek]

As long as you catch and release why dose it matter?

[@The_Bass_Stunters]

I actually like the technology. But what happens when the prices come down to where 75% of anglers with a boat can afford it as well as anglers have mastered the technology itself. That’s when I see FFS possibly harming our fisheries. At that point we ALL will need to be great stewards of our sport.

[@BassGeek]

Cool.

[@NeilGraham.I.M.F]

I loved the documentary style of this video! That was well done. And it is like politics. People today are all your with me or against me

[@BassGeek]

Yup like sport team more worried about winning than truth

[@KissmyBasss]

Personally, it hasn't ever loaded the boat for me. It keeps me from getting zeroed. People that don't have ffs seem to think it's like trawling a huge net. 😂

[@BassGeek]

You mean it’s NOT a magic box? 😆

[@KissmyBasss]

Probably for someone smarter.. 2yrs later I'm still learning from it. But we are lazy and fish close to home so the quality of the fisheries makes a bigger difference.

[@BassGeek]

Same here 😆

[@Spook-nj1wt]

Now survey competive bass tournament anglers with that technology

[@BassGeek]

included.

[@matthall8378]

I catch an average of 6 bass a day and sometimes I catch 10 or more without ffs or any electronics. I just have a kayak and use what I've learned to catch fish. I don't see the point of using it but Im not a tournament fisherman. Obviously if it didn't help all tournaments wouldn't be won using it though.

[@BassGeek]

All were not won by it. It is an incredible learning tool. We have only had theory's of what bass do now we can know.

[@matthall8378]

@@BassGeek But if you don't have it then you are at a disadvantage. Thats why all the old guys are leaving. You can't compete against it.

[@fliperotchy]

Turns out when bums with too much money use FFS, they don't catch much more fish and they skew the average. When the pros use it, I still think it makes it quite easy for them.

[@BassGeek]

Bum with to much money???? Hummm Sounds like a socialist to me. How about when people that work their A$$ off to have the things they want. Maybe do better be better…. Sounds like the BUMS are the broke sorry losers 😢

[@morganvanschuyver]

Here in Mississippi the crappie creel limit had to be reduced due to FFS.

[@BassGeek]

Hummmmm I’ll look into that

[@Goatse-monogatari_no_homo]

The limit was 30 crappie before FFS. You didn't need to be keeping 30 crappie every day.

[@WilliamFisher-k9h]

Is jerking bass off beds during the breading season make bass fishing great ? Don't see the difference.The bass on FFS isn't protecting their eggs.

[@BassGeek]

Yup 👍

[@tgardner866]

I think it would be more impactful if we could take a photo of the bass like kayak tournaments do. That, in my mind, would reduce bass mortality rates after weight in. I imagine that would be much more impactful that’s banning FFS. Old school fishermen had to use a lifetime of knowledge to locate bass. New school fishermen just have to watch a video screen. There is the heart of why there are such high emotions out there regarding FFS. Is it me vs you or is it my electronics vs your electronics? Additionally, FFS impacts the lure markets in a negative way too - puts companies out of business who give back a lot of money to the sport when compared to the tech companies who only want to make profit for investors. Time will tell, I suppose.

[@BassGeek]

I think the catch weight or photo is great. The whole knowledge thing is all based of theory. The truth is bass are not dormant in the winter they just aren't where your fishing. The truth is bass aren't deep in the summer they just aren't were you're fishing. Bass will hit a topwater at 1pm on a clear calm day over 200ft of water with no wind and 15-20ft clarity!

[@BassGeek]

The lure manufactures just need to do their jobs and innovate. That’s business things change and business adapts or they don’t and they go under. That’s how it works ask Kmart or CircutCity

[@The_Bass_Stunters]

Also I’m not sure FFS has a place in tournament fishing (pro fishing) at least not the entire tournament. IMO

[@BassGeek]

K

[@michaelstout3704]

I love my FFS but don't watch bass fishing on TV any more because it is boring to watch but I still keep up with results from all bass fishing and no I don't think it is hurting the fish at all.. #100watchsquad

[@BassGeek]

The lives are boring and that’s on the companies it really has nothing to do with FFS. They need to do better with the show

[@youtv7299]

There's just something unethically fishy about using FFS in tournaments.

[@BassGeek]

That’s a personal belief not reality

[@brianlee9074]

I don't care either way. Great video Hank. Puttin' your foot down on the whining. 👊🤬 #100percentwatchsquad

[@BassGeek]

Amen down with the whinning

[@patrisiovillanueva3000]

Next time there’s a tournament make it a rule no one can use the sonars .This will show the true experience of the fisherman knowledge of fishing.Just saying

[@BassGeek]

Will it though? FFS has shown us that a lot of the “experience” is not really how bass live and react

[@ryajsmit]

.11 percent times number of casts directed at specific bass stress rate has to go up on the fish. Oh and this is super premature on the effects of this 5 yrs from now would be interested to see what happens.

[@BassGeek]

Hahahaha

[@High-techRedneckFishing]

If you're worried about the stress on the fish, why do you want to catch it and stress it out.

[@ryajsmit]

@@High-techRedneckFishing your an idiot I am a weekend worrier these guys fish everyday

[@JeremyMartin-xq7pb]

MLF 2025 will provide some actual data that compares apples to apples.

[@BassGeek]

I mean numbers don’t lie. This was done by the best fisheries management on earth.

[@TrashBassin]

I'm no hater man but this seems sort of like a skewed statistic. It doesn't take into account how much experience those fisherman have with the FFS. Weekend or once a month anglers with FFS would take a year plus to become efficient with the new technology. For example if the catch rate was such a minute difference then why in professional tournaments is it completely dominated with FFS. It certainly isn't because they are only .11% more likely to catch a fish. Again I'm not a hater, love your videos and when I am able to afford a new HDS Pro 12 and FFS I will definitely be adding it to my boat!

[@BassGeek]

You are also talking about pro’s vs everyday anglers. You also have to add in these bass have not seen lures out there. When they get that pressure they adjust. I’ve already seen it.

[@aneedmorehead9006]

If 1.00 is the scale and .11 is the difference…. That isn’t insignificant

[@BassGeek]

There is no scale it's Catch Rate Per Hour. It mean on average anglers are catching 1 more bass ever 9 hours than those without it. Considering 98% are release it's NOT.

[@nachopretzel3533]

If resources departments made shooting deer at night lawful hunting, FFS fisherman would only hunt at night.

[@nachopretzel3533]

Its not sportsmanship, its just trying to use technology to beat your competition.

[@nachopretzel3533]

They make golf clubs that use shotgun shells to drive golf balls. But no real golfer would respect a par game when that club is in their bag.

[@BassGeek]

People who have never seen or used it are like people who don’t vote talking politics…

[@justcallmedyno8938]

I don't care about ffs at all in the pro circuit. Or if the recreational fisherman wants to use it. I'm a bank angler, I don't get to use it at. But, remember that the pro circuits are just glorified advertisements for fishing products. If they alienate the average consumer then it's going to cause backlash

[@BassGeek]

The average consumers aren’t buying bass boats sorry but true.

[@justcallmedyno8938]

@@BassGeek I realize that. But any boat can still get you on the water. And again I don't care if pros use ffs or not. But, some of the techniques the pros use now is strictly reliant on ffs. And how can you market lures rods and other gear specific to a technique that people just can't access?

[@floydmayes4924]

​@BassGeek YEP. Ordinary folks can't afford it!

[@FishingClearWaters]

4:08 obviously he would be checking always on my survey...

[@BassGeek]

Yeah always! And…..

[@tabstiles6890]

If it didn't increase catch rate you would have tons on Facebook market place.. but none on there! You pay 3-4K for a huge screen and FFS with no increase.. as a content creator prove it take, it off your boat permanently. Put your money where your mouth is! Fish your next tournament without it. You wont do it!

[@BassGeek]

See you obviously don't know and have not watched my channel. You should before assuming things. You know ASS-U-ME. Really you would learn a lot and have all these questions answered..

[@alexdolly6077]

With all due respect, you're conflating two different point. One is the Tournament Angler use of FFS and the other is the weekend Angler use of it. As a non-tournament angler, I use a modified A-rig with just one hook. I will also Troll a plug from location to location, are these two simple techniques guaranteed "fish catchers" ?? answer is No, and yet they are banned from most bass tournaments. 2nd, if in the end the study showed little to no advantage in the use of FFS, why the objection to the limited use of it during tournament?? again, if people have no issue with not being able to troll lures or use an A-rig (Modified or not) why get upset about any restrictions place on FFS during tournaments??

[@BassGeek]

The. An on the arig was garbage and so is the FFS. The bass will catch up!

[@alexdolly6077]

@@BassGeek So if they're both garbage, removing FFS from bass tournaments shouldn't be a big deal, and yet look at everyone crying to keep it in. Why is this even a topic of discussion then??

[@High-techRedneckFishing]

Hi Alex. I can tell you why trolling is illegal in tournaments. Last weekend I was fishing a highland lake. The fish in the creeks was setup on ledges in 15 ft of water. I tried using a minnow jig with my Active target. The fish spooked really easy. I started trolling the ledge with a crankbait and was able to catch 26 fish. I found the fish first with down imaging. If I had started trolling I think I could have caught 30 or more. The hardest part with any ffs is to know when to turn it off. The A-rig was banned because it didn't meet the 1 rod 1 reel 1 lure rule. They also banned the double fluke rig and the jig n dropshot.

[@teamtigershotokan]

Of course...that explains why almost all tournaments are won with FFS. Funny how you never addressed that...but FFS doesn't have any "affect."

[@BassGeek]

I can and did. Pressure! If your lake is 50 years old those bass on the bank has seen 50yrs worth of pressure. The bass in open water have seen 2 max? I’m just showing facts

[@ChuckJohnsonFishing]

❤❤ great video! If these cry babies like RB actually tried using FFS, they would realize it’s nowhere near as easy as they claim. FFS is destroying the sport cause you can see the fish to cast at, but seeing a fish on the bed and casting at it til you piss it off enough to bite and jerking it off its bed and hauling it around in the livewell all day is ok and doesn’t harm the spot. 😳 explain that logic to me. Lol

[@BassGeek]

No where near spotlighting

[@aneedmorehead9006]

It’s pretty silly to put much value in the things fishermen tell game wardens. Of course they’re gonna lie to the greenies. “Oh yea just like 3 or 4 crappie today on the ffs”

[@BassGeek]

If that were the case and TEXAS bases almost all of their conservation efforts one those surveys, According to TEXAS Parks and Wildlife directors. Then why are they the literal GOLD standard for how to run bass fisheries? YOU CAN NOT SAY THEY ARE NOT! They pure more money into it and catch more double digits bass than any 3 combined. That is a statistical FACT....

[@jobsearch5871]

Reality is bass fishing is nothing more than a money machine. He'll most of the bass in this area are not even native to the area.

[@BassGeek]

Yup

[@markschellenberg8222]

No way

[@BassGeek]

WAY

[@RobertAFarleyJr-jb9mk]

Yeah,and like the surveys done around here,the majority lie.Fact!Besides in tournaments the fact u can target only bigger fish is key.You dont need to catch alot.Everypne wants to keep like comparing it to when mapping,2D,DISI came out,u still had to fish blind to catch those fish.FFS is a whole different technology that has completely changed the sport and how anglers fish now.We all know it's true,and it's not for the better.

[@BassGeek]

This argument sounds like a democrats saying people don’t know what they want or need and we should do it for them because they are to stupid do it for themselves. If you LIE you deserver the fishery to suck! Besides WE ARE TALKING ABOUT TEXAS! THE BEST FISHERIES MANAGEMENT IN THE WORLD! You think they would put it out if they didn’t know it for fact

[@225jigpole]

Keep the shit out of bass fishing! We've been catching bass before sonar existed

[@BassGeek]

And this comment shows the rude and hatefulness of the majority of FFS haters. Who then want to take the moral high ground when you point out how they make the first Ahole remarks.

[@joshgrimes9554]

Ban tournaments...now that won't hurt a thing.

[@BassGeek]

After all it’s the tournaments that have caused all this

[@crappietoutdoors2159]

Why would anyone keep a bass anyway. Not good to eat so what’s the purpose of keeping. Ffs fisherman seldom keep walleyes where I fish all summer. Maybe down south it’s different.

[@BassGeek]

Hahahaha

[@johnnyrichards3967]

you should give Randy B a class on facts.

[@BassGeek]

Hahahahaha

[@High-techRedneckFishing]

I tried schooling RB and got banned from his channel.

[@jayb8329]

Men lie women lie....numbers dont lie cut the shit with this ban ffs talk already. Ppl just gotta stop the hate. Appreciate you Hank 🍻

[@BassGeek]

We better ban Hydrowave if we are banning live scope. Electronic calls are not allowed in deer hunting. LOL

[@Jannakennels]

This is dumb. Those surveys are not reliable and it's also about the fish your catching, not just the number. Also, if it didn't make a big difference people wouldn't pay 5k to put it on their boat.

[@BassGeek]

Believe what ya want.

[@inaslump]

You don't need a 1k iPhone but you still buy it..

[@inaslump]

I know about 8 guys that bought it just cause the hype & they refuse to learn it...They turn it on & that's as far as it goes...You're just another opinion spewing nonsense. The dude literally provided the FACTS backed by data,clearly you're just ignorant... I bet you watch the "news" also...

[@Jannakennels]

@@inaslump right but you do need a phone to operate as a productive human.

[@inaslump]

@@Jannakennels lmao wow..Did I just read that correctly,you can't function as a "productive" person without a 1k Iphone?You're lost without it, aren't you?Wow lol. Please get some help...

[@David-wb9vw]

Forward facing sonar is the best investment I've ever made from someone who has to work for a living and only gets to fish part-time I don't feel like I'm wasting so much time guessing where the fish are and let me tell you I don't catch them all or sometimes any that I'm seeing on the screen

[@BassGeek]

It helps us eliminate water just like all the other electronics

[@opietaylor5778]

Are they saying ffs is making harvesting worse? Cause that’s just a flat out lie… sorry but ppl who use ffs are I’m sure 100% not harvesting fish… esp large amounts… the only ppl I know who harvest bass are ppl who don’t fish alot or are not avid bass fishermen who spent 3k-15k on a freaking system… usually less fortunate ppl… so that’s just a flat out lie someone is trying to spread anyways.

[@BassGeek]

@@opietaylor5778 no listen to the video it’s pretty clear

[@opietaylor5778]

@@BassGeek not the video I know the video good I’m talking about dumb ppl lol why the video even had to be made cause dumb ppl making that up lol

[@BassGeek]

Hahahaha yes they are and yes dumb people. I LOVE IT>

[@rmoore208vx]

Hey Hank I don't care either way I'm not watching ffs tournaments anymore and I'm not spending that much money on one more fish which I believe is BS

[@BassGeek]

Facts are fact so I don’t care

[@bassfischer4273]

If it doesn't make a difference then why does practically *every* B.A.S.S. tournament highlights clip these days show the FFS zombies staring down at their screens all day? These guys fish for a living and wouldn't be using it if it wasn't producing game-changing results. The sport needs more KVD's, not video gamers. FFS = Feeble Fishing Shortcut.

[@BassGeek]

Because they are better than everyone else. They are the top 1% To the average guys You me and everyone else not so much. Which means to all but 100 people it don't. We just ain't that good... LOL KVD used Side imaging to win most of his tournaments. He was so far ahead of everyone else with it they couldn't keep up with him...

[@bassfischer4273]

@@BassGeek The point that I was making is that while (we) critics can certainly see that there is a learning benefit to FFS, it's also unquestionably being used to win tournaments and winning bass tournaments using a technology that lets you see, in real time, where and how big the fish are is unsporting crap. What's next, AI-driven crankbaits with fish-seeking capability? There absolutely is a point beyond which technology dissolves the sport of the sport and, imho, FFS is that point. I think there needs to be a middle ground. Legal for practice and no FFS on derby days would be a good start.

[@BassGeek]

That's your opinion. Is it winning tournaments NO. No more than the chatter bait does, or a jig. In my opinion, based on the 2.5yrs and over 1,000hrs with the tech along with YEARS of offshore fishing or ledge fishing, I can tell you bass are adjusting. The percent of bass that are out in open water is GREATER than the bass on the bottom or on the bank by a X's of 50. Almost all the "theories" about bass and their movement and active or inactive is BS. So How do we just forget it and go back to fishing based on lies? Is it skill if it's fake garbage? I like truth...

[@bassfischer4273]

@@BassGeek 'Is it winning tournaments NO.' Um.. try again. Just pull up the highlights videos for the winners of the B.A.S.S. events these days (Opens and Elites) and see for yourself. A substantial percentage of those guys (the winners) are staring at their FFS all day, **especially** if the event is being won with smallies. I appreciate that you're a believer and a defender but the video evidence speaks for itself - PLENTY of guys are using FFS to WIN bass derbies now which, in my humble opinion, demeans the wins, the anglers and the sport.

[@Goatse-monogatari_no_homo]

I have no problem with bass foshing being ruined forever. where ever bass fishermen go, they act like they own the place and are better than everyone else.

[@BassGeek]

Hahahaha ok sure

[@BrianHopkins-xm2ez]

If it does not give an advantage...then why are some dudes spending 50k on this crap ..for no good reason? This study is BS.

[@BassGeek]

Haters gonna hate. It only takes a small percentage to be effective. Hate I don’t care.

[@davidmeyer9648]

FFS should be banned. Just go fishing. I’ve seen the decline in fishing on lakes like Table Rock over the past 5 years. I think FFS is a big part of the decline.

[@BassGeek]

NO FACTS! BS

[@floydmayes4924]

I agree!

[@davidmeyer9648]

Not BS, my observation. I’ve unsubscribed from the channel.

[@joelrussell8033]

Good😢