Is Forward Facing Sonar Good for Professional Bass Fishing?

[@Manwhosays]

Finally, someone is talking about this. I don't consider it fishing if you're watching a screen all day, you might as well be sitting on a couch.

[@muthafukajones1513]

Like they have been doing for decades you mean? Bad argument

[@jameshoward7594]

I use mine when when fishing is tough, and new body of water , just to check myself, but rely on it , no ,

[@jimmurphy834]

Live info vs delayed info. Bad argument, you lose.

[@muthafukajones1513]

@@jimmurphy834 Let me guess, another broke bank fisherman with an 8th grade education.

[@Manwhosays]

@jimmurphy834, if you prefer to engage in video games, it would be advisable to remain at home. Spending an excessive amount of time staring at a screen may not be the most productive use of your time.

[@benhanes6466]

Amen, you gained a fan, Chris. Respectfully laid out the truth, good and bad. Nice job.

[@fryeguy9939]

A BIG THANKS CHRIS... We need more people like you to come up to the plate and say how they really feel about this topic ... They probably won't listen to the nonpros , but as more and more of the pros give their options on banning FFS ... The more the tournaments directors will listen.. Thanks again Chris ! ! !

[@Daniel-pz4wm]

Your at the top level in Bass Fishing!!! You don't need it. The pros need to fish with common knowledge in the Mind🤓.As far as charts and safety and charts for mapping it's great. Thanks for your insight Chris!!! 👍

[@ThumperSpinnerbaits]

I feel fortunate that I grew up watching Bassmaster in the late 70s and early 80s, on through the late 90s. It was so much more enjoyable to watch Denny Brauer flipping a jig shallow than watching these guys now stare a screen.

[@metreldownersr4291]

They to draw a line some where, they had a tournament last weekend at Lake Hartwell no ffs there were at least 60 boats.

[@Gunrunner223]

The pros, need to speak up!!!! It's clear how you feel about it. Just say it. Until the pros speak up, nothing will change.

[@ikashibimauler]

Sponsors got em by the nuts. Its the same thing I see in politics with special interests and donors. Bad reward structure that results in shady self-censorship.

[@jimmyroberts6004]

Can’t say the quote part out loud 😂😂😂

[@rjd7697]

A better baseball analogy would be akin to a new rule where the hitter is now told what the pitch is before it comes. Yes you still have to hit the ball but it's a lot easier when you know what pitch is coming Totally changes the game

[@Basscater81]

Exactly

[@rustyfrederick]

Best analogy yet!!!!

[@arkvidpro]

Anyone who can’t understand the need to regulate forward facing technology in professional bass fishing is not “forward facing” the future of technology. Yep, I’m an old guy in my 60s but that means I’ve witnessed the technology advancement in computing from monitors connected to large mainframe computers then desktop, laptops, and now computers in your phones etc. At some point even the biggest supporters of FFS will say it’s enough when AI and other technologies make it possible for someone with zero knowledge of bass behavior, seasonal patterns, and all the other factors to dominate tournaments if they can afford the endless advancements in technology.

[@brianpierson7708]

@@arkvidpro It’s like that now if a kid can play a video he can catch fish just watch here in the next month or two what’s coming out. They have goggles 🥽 now that puts the screen on it and it’s like looking under the water. Or well better than that I guess. It’s like you standing there and the fish are out the water in the air in front of the world be a better way to explain it. I’m telling you what it’s going to kill the sport and the fish. A pro is only a video game junky now who’s figured out a way to go outside so mom and dad to tell them to get outside 100 times a day.

[@matthewotis3594]

And where it will be in the strike zone. Craziness.

[@jimliechty2983]

I am( old! ) school, and self taught fishing offshore in the 70's. Field and Stream and Bass Master Magazine along with time on the water were my teachers. From then until now there have been several "aids" that have came about (invented) to make the offshore process easier. My initial aids were triangulation, marker buoys, and a depth flasher... next came the paper graph, and then GPS and underwater cameras . Even though I highly welcomed each advancement, it also greatly increased the ability of my competition, even those that were not willing to do the original hard work. FFS is the latest great advancement, and it also proves that my data was incomplete, way back when I started!. I would have FFS today to increase my knowledge of back where I started, but it is as the other advancements, allowing my competition to catch up. For that reason,. it is a great tool for learning. Allow it for practice to build a strategic plan, but have a tamper proof switch to disable for competition.

[@Fishingin290]

What a Class Act, well said! We need more pros coming out for this to change.

[@billyschwach9695]

Well said Chris I agree with you 100%

[@fishingandfloors1569]

Great content and a good argument. Tough to argue with what he says. It really isn’t fair when you can see the fish react to a bait 15ft under the water. It’s too much of an advantage for these guys. More pros need to speak out like this.

[@judgetoogood1033]

Hank Cherry said it’s best. It is all about EVOLUTION, kids are bigger, stronger, faster and SMARTER. Kids learn faster and that is their secret to winning right now. In Engineering school in 1970, my first class was how to use a slide rule. Babies today are learning on IPADS and playing games. They love too play fishing games. The IPAD teaches them about structure and how fish behave. By the time these babies in 2045 start fishing they will be fishing machines. They definitely will know more than the Hank Parker’s and Rick Clunn ever knew. Evolution baby.

[@joemathis2451]

I watched about five minutes of the classic and you could almost feel the tension over ffs

[@cjnugent4102]

I miss seeing the top water blowups that you had on Toledo Bend! 💥 POW 💥 You know what I’m talking about! 🎣 I agree 100% that as a Professional angler yaw should have access to FFS in practice only BUT come game day yaw should be aloud to fish your own strengths NOT FFS! Bring back the 💥 Pow 💥 👍🏻🇺🇸🎣

[@mattalan6559]

Thanks for speaking out on this Chris. We have to stop watching the tournaments and live feeds. That’s the only thing that will force Bassmaster and MLF to take notice

[@tannerhamelau1543]

Well BASS at least is having record viewership...

[@charylstephens6875]

Not this fan, I love it. You still have to catch them.

[@billybell1300]

This was this best take from a true pro I’ve heard yet!!! It’s killing the fan base. Facts

[@charylstephens6875]

not this fan, I joined because someone actually caught a bass. running and gunning down the bank bores me.

[@dropshot5371]

I have ffs and love it. We fish club tournaments and the majority of the boats have at least 1 ffs on the boat. HOWEVER, I would like to see it limited to 1 ffs of whichever platform the angler chooses in pro tournaments. Just my opinion.

[@scottmooneyham5521]

Besides the negatives that Chris mentions, there is another one that I don’t think people recognize yet: Narrowing the types of skills required to be successful will ultimately mean that larger and larger numbers of fishermen will have them, and the winners of these tournaments will increasingly be people no one has ever heard of. That will lead to brand dilution and fewer people actually able to make a living doing it. That represents a real threat to the industry. People buy equipment when KVD’s name is attached to it, or Chris Lane’s name. Anyone buying stuff based on some 19 year old kid winning one or two tournaments and then being replaced by the next 19 year old kid the next year. Having top-10s filled with rookies, year after year, will become an industry problem if this isn’t resolved.

[@b.s.fishing5902]

So who knew of KVD before he started winning tournaments? What you are talking about literally happens not just in sports but in jobs too. Everything has a lifespan and everyone on sports and work can and eventually will be replaced. There has to be turnover for any sport to succeed or once the stars you know retire, there is no more sport. New stars will always emerge that you haven’t heard of and become the new stars

[@fisherman7275]

So new is bad? So new blood, new talent, to drive competition bad? We shouldn't have new NFL players, they push out the old vets. No new young baseball players😂. Seriously, think about what you just said. Nobody knew who KVD was when he came on the scene. Nobody knew who Wheeler was before he won the Forest Wood Cup. The new batch of upcoming "rookies" are anything but rookies. Especially now with fishing all 9 opens to qualify. Lot of old BASS elite pros DIDN'T make it. Great fisherman, but didn't qualify. They fish HS, college, BFLs, Opens. They just didn't start. Comes down to who uses their equipment better and catches the best 5 per day. You don't make it to the Elite level being a 1 trick pony. Sorry doesn't happen. The younget guy's are hungry and causing the older vets to evolve or be left behind. They are either gonna get better by learning a new approach or they will get beat when it applies.

[@charylstephens6875]

@@fisherman7275 Best answer yet.

[@scottmooneyham5521]

@fisherman7275, no one in bass fishing makes a living from tournament earnings. They aren’t paid a salary by any “team.” They make money by becoming a brand. Sorry that you and @b.s.fishing5902 can’t grasp that. It’s highly unlikely that anyone in two years will remember who Trey McKinney or Tyler Williams are, because if FFS continues they will just replaced by the next round of 19 and 20 year olds. If it doesn’t continue, they will have to spend thousands of hours over multiple years learning how seasonal and daily weather patterns affect fish behavior in different types of waters, just like their predecessors did. My point is not that there shouldn’t be new stars. My point is that there will be no KVDs in the future when the knowledge base needed to win tournaments can be achieved in a relatively short period of time by those with the necessary resources.

[@mattpriode803]

Chris you will do what is necessary to support your family. So using FFS will be part of your tools. Admit it!!!

[@kylecasetta4091]

I don't Bass fish, I musky fish and walleye fish in Wisconsin. I do some Small tournaments the musky world for me banned FFS for thr sake of competition. The walleye world the big time guys have 3 to 6 separate units dedicated to FFS chasing schools down all day long attacking them. I admit it's one heck of a tool and works too well. I feel at some point we need to evaluate fair Chase against our resources.. i modeled musky fishing and how i approach my fishing day to some way like the mlf formatting. I am enjoying the different opinions and having the conversation about this technology. O believe it should be banned for the use of making money on public resources guides ans tournaments should be won by skills not live technology. It should be allowed as a scouting tool.

[@adambrodahl9849]

Thank you for saying this I have literally been saying all of this. Do not forget the Records!! We had more 100 lb bags in one tournament then ever in history of any tournament. In the best part about bass fishing is pore in rich could both compete in have a chance just needed a 4k boat with working livewell. Guys are leaving fishing clubs at a alarming rate because the same 4 guys with it always win. It is deffinatly that good of a tool. Also I wasted 30 years of saving in buying rods for every tech. In lures for 30 years. Screws all of us.. Thank u for coming forward in speaking your thoughts!! Appreciate you in good luck buddy! Love watching u fish!

[@Keller.Outdoors]

If we don’t regulate it and at the very least limit amount of stuff that can be on a boat I believe a good many people will be priced out of the dream before they even have a chance short of being financially well off before they start. I love everything you have said on here. Not a sport till it’s a level playing field. Right now your financial situation dictates how much equipment you can afford and with great knowledge and talent puts you above the guy not financially well off with the same knowledge and talent. My. 2 cents

[@tannerhamelau1543]

You've always had to have deep pockets to make it to the top level. Travel, lodging, entry fees, tackle, boat, truck, etc aren't cheap.

[@GabooNx]

Love your talking points! 24inches of screen is all you get, start there

[@CATCHSUM9858]

Yea the excitement of the unknown bite the real surprise, excitement and reactions of the angler and like ya said who doesnt like to see an awesome surprise blow up on a topwater

[@brockblack8765]

You keep saying you don’t know Chris but I believe you do know. All your points are valid. It’s bad for the sport just say it.

[@Exhausted-resource]

I used to belong to clubs, fish tournaments, opens, and used to compete, now, we’re just donating money to the rich guys with the electronics, sold my boat, and down sized everything, I got 2 rods and a back pack full of of baits, I fish from the bank now, the industry of bass fishing now breaks my heart, it’s all about money!! Everything so damn expensive.

[@ScottieReed-s8f]

So true😢

[@deanneff4262]

I agree with you 100% on this one. I’m 62 years old now and have been a hold-out on this technology until the last year. I have FFS now and still learning with it. It’s a good learning tool for bass behavior. I believe even after we’ve all spent that money on this amazing technology that it might be a little much to be called a sport. I’ve talked with fellow anglers and the conversations have been all over the place. As far as tournaments go…. I believe it’s time for some regulations to help even the playing field. I’m just one voice….

[@dougwarren1187]

Agree 100% Chris. Bass needs to grow a set and ban it

[@bigjpguideservice]

He represents MLF ......

[@rubenakacoolerlid2314]

I'm good with it for recreational uses but there needs to be regulated in the sport for sure it takes the fun out of it for the spectators

[@jeffraygooch5154]

Great points! Never heard this side of it, really made me sit back and look at it from a different prospective. I think its here to stay but regulating it I think would be great. I saved up and went out and bought it because i love to fish tournament's and to be competitive I had to. Do i wish in a way they had never came out with it yes because i miss the frog in the pads bite as you say. Another problem is the cost it cost to play just like the super expensive little league bats and the super expensive drivers in golf. I an way money dictates success in every sport, how good of equipment can you afford how many private lessons in golf or baseball can your parent afford. Fishing has came to the same point. I was at a high school event last weekend in Tennessee and it was ridiculous the amount of money that was spent on these boats and tools. Boats and equipment well over the 100,000 dollar range that were making 100 mile runs then the kids in 20 year old 18 ft boats with 115's on them that had to fish the area. Not that the kids that won would or wouldn't have won without it just that the opportunity/odds are a lot better. In a nut shell overall from pro to high school yes i think its hurt the sport for a lot of people.

[@mikewrobel6938]

Thank you so much for coming out and giving your opinion on this. FFS is ruining bass fishing. I hate watching any shows where FFS is being used. It's so boring to watch. It's also really unfair to the people that can't afford it.

[@muthafukajones1513]

😢

[@tannerhamelau1543]

I don't get the boring to watch argument. Is watching someone look at a screen different than watching someone look off into space or look at a dock? There are no pro's that can't afford it so that's not really a valid argument either.

[@muthafukajones1513]

@@tannerhamelau1543 You are correct. Every person who has a negative attitude towards is only regurgitating what Randy tells them. Constantly moving the goal posts with its boring, back of the head, depleting resources, too expensive, video game, not sporting, and now we are at the tradition one. It never stops and all of the talking points are easily refuted. If Randy didn’t start this then there would be no problem. Unfortunately, we have learned that there are a lot of bass fisherman who can’t think independently.

[@jimmurphy834]

And alot of silver spoons who can't catch shit without it. Which one are you?

[@tannerhamelau1543]

@@jimmurphy834 There are kids whose parents have afforded them the opportunity to chase their dreams. I don't get the hate for that. Isn't that one of the goals for a parent? To make life less miserable for your kids? The whole "I had it hard so they should to" standpoint comes from pure jealousy and is just a nasty standpoint.

[@danmonahan8594]

I think there needs to be some regulation. Maybe 1 transducer to start. Only allow 360 or perspective/scout mode. I am Florida guy so I mainly fish grass

[@schl8675]

They better figure this out soon before it kills the sport. there's been more drama in bass fishing this year than in my granddaughters 7th grade cheer team. Maybe they should compromise and limit screen size and how many monitors can be used, some of these boats look like the TV department at Walmart.

[@muthafukajones1513]

Maybe the Karen’s should shut up and then no more drama.

[@basscat2107]

It will not kill the sport in any way. There is a line across the country wanting to pay 5k to fish tournaments with it. That's just the facts, so how is it killing or going to kill the sport.

[@Hugowt17]

Got to say I appreciate your take on it, not taking any sides, but you know something is going on and it's going to if it hasn't already changed the sport of bass fishing. You one thing I will say is that when you look at Baseball and Golf and look at why the regulations are there, you have to think about the same thing with the lakes. Baseball isn't worried about too many homeruns and golf isn't worried about scores being too low, but infact they are worried about the size of the stadiums, and length of the course. If they didn't have these regulations the stadiums and courses would be obsolete overnight, and that wouldn't be good for anyone (Stadium/Course owners and fans), and the money would stop rolling in. My question would be are we outgrowing what these lakes can withstand?

[@mattthomen1608]

Found ya,and subbed, seen you get sum at headwatwaters, i got some 4x4 jigs, and always appreciate your heart in the game💥🎣💪✌️

[@vernonhearn2724]

Now you know it’s just UNSPORTSMANLIKE period.

[@franchester2013]

Great job Chris, only time will tell what type of impact it has on our fisheries.

[@kevinkane1428]

One graph on the bow 2 on the console 1 graph can hold forward facing sonar.three grafts total on the boat.

[@AM-we6en]

I love this topic lately….. Edit : thanks for giving your opinion at the end. Most guys don’t want to or are scared to say what they really feel. Well put overall.

[@jcrow530]

I think pro's at any league shouldn't be allowed any live imaging. If the best of the best cant hang with a new guy only knowing FFS, then we need to reevaluate.

[@wadedalton3506]

If that’s the case lets go back to nothing but flasher units, no side or down imaging

[@inaslump]

​@@wadedalton3506Exactly...Now guys wanna stop learning technology that they been using for decades..Its all because guys are getting they're tails kicked...I'm 50,I'm trying to keep up with the sport NOT fighting it....

[@brianpierson7708]

Ffs is flat out for people who can’t compete 365 anywhere anytime any condition like a REAL PRO FISHERMAN HAVE BEEN ABLE TO DO. IF THEY ALL CLAIM THEY CAN DO THAT THEN THEY SHOULD PROVE IT RIP IT OFF THE BOAT AND PROVE YOU CAN. Because the real pros, fishermen and fans say YOU CAN NOT DO IT !!!!

[@adambrodahl9849]

@wadedalton3506 it's like you didn't even listen to what Chris said. At what point is it not fishing at what point to we keep the true essence of the sport. All u guys are worried about is Catching . Not the actual learning in fine tooning techniques. It's lazy fishing in the greed of needing to catch every time u go.

[@inaslump]

@@brianpierson7708 like a little child screaming in the back of the room who isn't getting his way..waaaaaaaaambulance...

[@travishanson5512]

90% of the Bass Fishing public doesn’t tune in tournaments to watch the best bass fisherman in the world cast at fish they know are there. 80 years of bass fishing knowledge no longer matters when an 18 year kid can hit the water and beat everyone else cuz he has excelled at the video game. I would outlaw the black box during tournaments and then setup a Super Bowl of bass fishing where the top 10 in MLF goes against the top 10 in BASS.

[@manicmetal157]

Don't say you don't know Chris. Sounds like you know. And I know too. I still throw my Lane changer. Terminator color to be specific. Keep up the good work bud!

[@berniestewart1738]

I would say that they can use FFS in practice and not during the tournament. I feel like that’s a fair concession.

[@timg185]

It’s not just a jig and a minnow anymore. We are seeing more baits added into to the mix this year.

[@billpatterson6249]

Yes, Chris, you do know.

[@matthewcritchfield6997]

I’ve always liked you and your brother, and I hate FFS for competition, after watching this for the last two months, the solution I’ve come up with is the fisherman are going to have to get together because obviously Bassmaster doesn’t know what to do, so all of the pros from all leagues need to come together and stop this🇺🇸👍

[@bassngal3314]

Glad to see your take…it for sure needs regulated, going from one ffs unit to now four or more is ridiculous…

[@ikashibimauler]

Protect the legacy and the future. We've got to look a little down the road here. I really have no desire AT ALL to watch a pro bass fisherman with a virtual reality headset on leveraging 360 awareness of what is going on under the water. This will be happening down the road. Count on it. It will go too far eventually and I personally think we are there.

[@andrewpulliamfishing]

What's up Chris...I think time will tell with FFS. It's no secret marketing in pro bass fishing is the reason for wrapped boats, jerseys, big sponsorships, etc...if FFS starts to cut into the profits of everything else, besides electronics and small jigs and minnow type lures, then it will change...the sport needs all of the companies to stay in business and have the big payouts. Personally, I'm a Florida bank beater for the most part and love that most of the bank is left alone now since everyone is looking for offshore stuff...as long as they keep it the biggest 5, I think I can compete...DC proved in the Redcrest because of the "every fish counts format", if you find the right school offshore, you can run away with it...does that make him better or just first to the biggest school? that's a different conversation...tightlines...keep throwing that plopper and pitching worms and I'll keep watching!

[@marina-Steve]

It’s the same as hunting with a thermal imaging scope. Plus they have got to limit the size of screen on the helm. I’ve been near run over twice by guys watching the screen in front of their face

[@ogles824]

Honestly I don’t think it needs to be banned but it does need to be regulated. From a safety standpoint the amount of units and how high/wide they are mounted needs to be regulated for sure and that includes DI and SI units as well. When you start putting enough of this equipment on a boat to interfere with the boat operator’s view eventually someone is going to get hurt or killed. My take on creating regulations is BASS and MLF need to sit down and have a round table discussion about what to do and how to approach this situation and come up with a uniform set of rules to roll out across the entire sport of bass tournament fishing. I don’t have FFS on my boat YET but plan to add it #1 because I coach a high school team and I feel we are at a big disadvantage and #2 I’m about to start fishing some BASS Nation tournaments as well as BFL and ABA tournaments and feel I’d be just donating my entry fees to the cause without it.

[@rodthigpin1682]

Thank you for talking about it!!!!!! Only the guys that know they can't compete without it are gonna fight in favor of FFS. It could be the death of competitive fishing if they don't stop it. I won't watch it anymore. They loose the fans and the money it generates then it's the death of the sport. The sooner they ban it the better before records and stats from legit anglers get thrown aside. Ban that shit!!!!

[@mountainbasser233]

Thanks for standing up to this Chris. I know it’s risky for pros to say something that might harm future business relationships but this has gone on long enough. It’s not exciting,it’s not talented,it’s just not sportsmanship.

[@theamateurangler6273]

The FFS situation, for the 18/20 y/o's that are solely dependent on it nowadays there's no need to learn how to skip dock, pitch a jig, learn how to tie a Texas rig etc. The sad truth is this, if we come into a tournament without FFS and only rely on the tricks that our dads taught us or what we've learned from the old heads in professional bass fishing we are going to be dragged across the scales by an 20 year old who couldn't tell you what a Carolina rig looks like.

[@DLPfishing]

It’s a great tool for the sport and a good for the manufacturers but definitely needs to be capped too only two on your boat during practices and tournaments

[@steveporteroutdoorsohio4739]

Love this video Chris , absolutely agree with you , it really isn't a sport anymore

[@porthos6914]

Definitely needs regulated!

[@mikemalone9404]

I have it on my boat, but I'm not a pro, and don't fish tournaments. I still like to just get on a bank fish it with whatever I feel like works, plus I like to look at them too, so I do both, and not for money. When I get to watch a pro tournament, I find myself pulling for the ones that TRY to refuse FFS, and fish old school. I'm older, so I still love watching how they use to have to figure them out, and have to use their special skills they learned the hard way, to catch em. So, I think it's a good thing for us non pros, but a bad thing for the industry, and the sport in general. Just my take....

[@MichaelMartin-yo8jw]

Golf is the perfect comparison. FFS means anglers only need a driver and a putter. Years of practice with irons and wedges is now irrelevant. Fisherman only need to know a couple of techniques to compete with anglers who have thousands of hours of experience.

[@BenEaddy]

The vets are feeling the pain! Seriously, more and more of these videos are being made...

[@chrisstepp3302]

Thanks Chris for this I love hearing you guys speak on this, and I'm with you on its more about the integrity of the sport

[@edwardmarshall8795]

Well if you do one transducer in the front and one in the back that should work

[@CatahoulaTwoStep]

The best bass fishermen are not the "professionals", that is more true now than ever.

[@StephenByrd-tg7dm]

Just bad for fishing Chris, thanks for your opinion

[@SeanShanahan9]

Come on Chris, "I don't know " really your whole statement was saying the right thing, but "I don't know "

[@robinsheltrafishing2634]

We live in the age of instant gratification, less work for more. We need to make some changes soon before it’s too late, the sport is losing and going to lose many more fans and it will affect tackle companies as well. FFS is incredible technology and it’s showed us a lot we didn’t realize about fish behavior but in my opinion it should have no place in bass tournaments.

[@tannerhamelau1543]

BASS is having record viewership so....

[@JohnEastonFishTecCharts]

Guys have been looking down at their electronics for the last decade at least, so we can't blame FFS for some 'new phenomenon'. Once spectators can watch what the angler is seeing live on the screen on TV, I believe the viewership / sponsors will explode. As far as baits go, I believe we will see a whole new world of 'FFS baits and tackle' as well as some other hardware we never even thought of just explode on the market as well. Should electronics be restricted to a certain degree, definitely, but if it takes anything away from any one technology, then that is a form of 'censorship' for want of a better word.

[@eugenefoster9120]

No Bass fishing does not need FFS !

[@charylstephens6875]

Where you stand Chris is everyone must fish shallow.......

[@rogerglasco5941]

Chris, I have followed you since you lived in Lakeland, Fl. I think FFS is okay for the practice days but not on tournament days. Your skill as a Pro must be used then. That is my opinion.

[@oldfishermanandhisdog]

Chris, thank you for doing this video. In my opinion, I do not tournament fish, but I do watch BASS and MLF. Your analysis of regulations comparing pro fishing and other sports is spot on. You guys are the best of the best, and I would like to see FFS banned from professional tournaments. I'll take it a step further as well. Boat control is also a skill and should be a part of professional fishing. Let's do away with the spotlock trolling motors and power poles. In a professional sport, every aspect of the competitor skill should be challenged. Another thing in every sport every Team and or player is afforded like equipment. Pro Fishing should be no different, let's limit the number of rods and tackle to be the same for every competitor, let's equip the boats the same, everyone is on the same playing field so to say. Again thank you for speaking up and best of luck going forward!

[@JasonWarren-xu3xx]

I agree! Can’t watch the BASS tournaments any longer. It’s simply rich kids with electronics. It’s all about the $. Good for them to win 100k, but I simply don’t respect any of them as PROFESSIONAL fishermen any longer. Even regular fishing shows are hard to watch. Once they say they are using FFS, I stop watching as they have nothing to tell me. It’s pretty depressing to see this happening.

[@muthafukajones1513]

Because all other pro sports are the opposite of that.

[@ReelinTension]

It’s cool technology but I think it’s hurting fishing as a whole imho.

[@johndaniels2922]

I totally agree 💯 with you and it’s became a rich man’s sport with all the electronics you need to compete and definitely took the bass fishing out of bass fishing it’s pretty sad

[@tannerhamelau1543]

It has always been a rich man's sport. $2000 FFS is a drop in the bucket.

[@sledfam3659]

You seem pretty levelheaded on this subject. I’m 60 and I love this tech…… But I think the last 2 tournaments Lake Fork and Grand. There were several fish brought in the boat not hook in the mouth… On camera. How long before State fisheries see this and call it snagging and put a stop to FFS. I think Bassmaster should do something before states do.. How about If you show up to the ramp with FFS on your boat you are restricted to single hook lures only that day…. That would make for an interesting twist and choice. Yet still maintain good FFS sales.

[@andyespenan5919]

Wow! Chris! Well said!

[@0013619511]

It will hurt local Bass tournaments. Most folks can't afford Livescope .

[@ikashibimauler]

Even when the price comes down, I still think it is a bad thing that erodes the challenge of the sport. There are a million reasons why to ban it and one reason not to. Electronic manufacturers' income statements.

[@PeterWFishing]

a lot of guys fishing weekend tournaments are paying $100 in gas to get to the lake, $100 in entry fee, a boat payment, a truck payment. a big percentage of those folks don’t have a problem putting another $2000 into their hobby

[@jimharris714]

As a dad of young kids, I get outdoors and go fishing to get away from technology and screens. Last thing I want is my kids staring at that crap. We have finally reached the point where technology has out grown the sport.

[@daveysketter9186]

come right Out and say it Cris! Ban FFS, stand up with Randy and Hank ! 39 year member of B.A.S.S. I canceled my membership in December! No I didn't watch the Classic on TV

[@kevinkane1428]

You can use forward facing sooner in practice when it comes to tournament day. You can only use 2D.

[@bradleysutterfield9127]

100 percent agree with you!!!

[@BillAlexander-s4x]

I don,t know is not an answer . Pick a side .Ban or not. I say BAN!

[@lylebrandes64]

It's gotta go Chris, you know, everybody knows, come on now.

[@Crankinstien]

It’s taking a huge toll on crappie

[@ReelinTension]

Indeed

[@TheFISHIN14]

I been saying it for awhile! At least bass being thrown back! Crappie being over harvested! Gonna destroy some lakes! Guys catching 2 and 3 limits a day. Cleaning and going back out to catch more stocking freezer!

[@leojeidy8010]

​@TheFISHIN14 why don't you call them in. That's illegal. Is it ffs fault or gready anglers

[@TheFISHIN14]

I see what you mean not fault of ffs.​@leojeidy8010

[@regardtdupreez2752]

Define "Professional Sport". Then check if FFS detracts from any of the elements that defines it. Here's what I found on the web: "devoting the training time necessary to increase skills, physical condition, and experience to modern levels of achievement". Key word here is experience... FFS takes away this instinctive/learned gut feeling of what the fish are doing and learning from experience how to catch them.

[@brentcarr8365]

Your a true sportsman Chris thank you

[@NathanWhitfield-sc9dj]

The only reason it’s here is Money!!!!

[@jamesrice304]

100%

[@DarrylHanks-j1j]

And vanity.

[@MJ_Bass]

And because it actually works…

[@cleangreenlawnservicellc2630]

True pro! New league coming? Maybe so.

[@stephenknight7601]

Totally agree. I have the darn thing because I have to but when I take my daughter fishing I refuse to use it so we can experience magic of fishing not the idea of watching tv on the darn water. It has ruined the magic of fishing. They can make up all the lies they want but it has made people that couldn’t catch bass able to compete. It is a slippery slide and we better be careful or pro bass fishing is going to become the next nascar.

[@davidhasty200]

Thanks for your help. What I don’t understand is 50% of FFS are hooked outside of the mouth and isn’t forward facing sonar like site fishing bedding, BASS, and it’s a rule violation, if not hooked inside the mouth and they’re allowing those fish to be kept.

[@leblueoutdoors5945]

To start, the trails banned a bait, the Alabama rig, because it wasn't viewed as fair chase for the professionals, but FFS is completely legit. I think for the professional trails it should not be allowed on tournament days. As for the weekend guys I think it is awesome. If it helps a guy put some extra fish in the boat then great but like the points you make about other professional sports, there needs to be some regulations. As for watching live, I don't care for it. That's my opinion and some may like it and that is their opinion but it is something the leagues will have to look at. I do think that there are some guys that are very proficient with FFS and they got to the pro level because of that and I also believe that some of those guys would fail miserably if FFS was taken away. I think in the end it will be up to the leagues to decide what if any regulations need to be placed to elevate their platform.

[@Bipecrazy69]

Well said..

[@dustinwright4601]

That’s so stupid

[@MrTxawjcoj]

The electronic companies dump major money into the industry. An Alabama rig does not.

[@jeb4836]

It’s not fishing. It’s just not. Call it scoping and make it a variant trail but it is not fishing

[@mattkoesterer5146]

Come on Chris say u don’t want it!! It’s u guy’s that can change this say u don’t want it!!

[@tomembree6388]

Quick change in the right direction: only allow graphs of any type on the steering console viewable from the drivers seat.

[@dustingrant2062]

I agree 100.. ffs has made a short road from beginner to pro it's made the classic an redcrest not mean as much just look at the young guys now coming in its never happened before because you guys have Invested years of learning your craft that's what separated the pros an beginners not electronics Thanks Chris I've been watching an hoping you would start a channel I enjoy listening an learning from you an your brother because you both are the best of the best

[@bingobongo8101]

​ Moore's Law states that technology will exponentially grow. Right now FFS shows fish as blobs, in 3-5 years the technology will become more advanced and more affordable. I would assume eventually it will look close to ultra sound, where you could eventually see details on the fish, and if AI and machine learning is added it could assess the scans and even tell you species, size, weight and even probability of strike. People complain about this technology but these advancements were inevitable. Ever since sonar was used in fishing it opened the door for this. I'm sure eventually in the not so distant future you will be able to put glasses on that connect to your sonar on your boat and allow you to have augmented reality (a good example of this is how the F35 pilot can see through the airplane) Technology is made to make everything in our lives easier. FFS is no different, whether you hate it or love it there is one truth, fighting against technological progress is pointless.

[@Michagan_outdoorsman_James]

i have no issue with it but its quickly turning into the haves vs the have-nots, we have never had a opportunity to study the fish in real time like we can today. on how they are relating to the structure you are fishing, the way you are presenting your baits and the reaction the fish give amongst other things. great tool more people just need to use it instead of complaining constantly, first it was 2d then it was side view, now its forward facing, whats its gonna be next.

[@ronfeyo493]

It seem that way, but there are no "have nots". They all have it, and a very large percentage of recreational fisherman have it. It's not that expensive.

[@mr.j5kmbl383]

What’s it gonna be next? You won’t have to worry about next when you go out and come back skunked with no stories to tell except the one to the grand kids someday and it’ll go..back in the day we used to throw these things called lures tied to some line that went to a reel it was on a spool inside the reel and if you worked the lure just right you could catch a fish called a largemouth bass. It was fun while it lasted but they’re all gone nowadays. 😁 that might not be too far fetched from what’s next.

[@tannerhamelau1543]

@@mr.j5kmbl383 You think that FFS is going to lead to making fishing illegal?

[@mr.j5kmbl383]

@@tannerhamelau1543 No I wasn’t implying that ffs would make fishing illegal. I was sarcastically implying that I think ffs will make catching bass way way harder than it already is based on survival rate of over tournament fishing, nothing illegal.

[@wmweekendwarrior1166]

MLF and BASS will have to accept not receiving the sponsor dollars from Garmin, Humminbird and Lowrance, before moving forward, and in a sport with few non-endemic sponsors these days that’s tough.

[@darrelllangley2262]

Great explanation with the aluminum bats!

[@fragelicious]

This will hurt availability of the wide diversity of baits we enjoy now, eventually. Good for flukes and crappie jig sales, though.