Is Wisconsin Going To Ban Forward Facing Sonar? Here are the facts!

[@IheartBass]

As an anonymous with close ties in the WDNR, this is the first video I watched on the subject that actually presented FACTS. I actually sat down with some biologists today to talk about this. It would require extensive research to actually put a ban on something. We would need supporting evidence that this is actually detrimental to a fishery. If anything, the first step would be adjusted bag limits. It stops here most likely. great video, man. Definitely the most intelligent presentation I've watched yet. This shows you're from Wisconsin!

[@JimGrady67]

Great point! That's what I thought. Who cares if you can find them easier, you adjust the bag limit. Also when you start down a path where does it stop is SI next?

[@Twangtown7]

Randy is packing up his stuff to make the move to WI as we speak, just so he can vote on this. 😅

[@MattStefanFishing]

Haha

[@brianprice7645]

And he'll be crying when someone builds a house on their own property next door to him

[@Fillet_Release]

Lol

[@WFSmith]

Randy is probably pissed off that the 19 year old live scoper won the tournament at Lake Fork

[@wciii3591]

That, and the top ten ALL got a century award.

[@FishingVet8004]

Definitely a lot of factors to consider when it comes maintaining the states fisheries. Decisions like that should really be made on data and facts not on a popularity contest. Here in Kansas our Wildlife Biologists and Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks have the ability to set limits on individual bodies of water as they need to. And sometimes they have to make quick changes to their decisions to adapt to changing conditions. They’re fairly good at publishing information on studies and why they set the limits they do for each body of water. It’s not always the most popular method but it’s been fairly successful for the state. Like you stated, let the pro’s and people that are trained in conservation make those choices and know that sometimes it takes a little time to get it right.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Agreed

[@Huntinandfishin]

As long as the data doesn't come from tech companies or their lobbyists

[@douglasspickler4925]

Not a Wisconsin resident. So I don't have a dog in the hunt. I will say be careful what you ask for with a ban. Because you never know what might be next.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Agreed

[@Wilbur3]

On the other hand you can't be afraid to govern based on a slippery slope argument. Protecting common, shared resources is a key part of a functioning society.

[@dprob1985]

Like what? Ffs is only going to get worse. Gonna have kids w vr goggles and robot fishing rods do the fishing next. It needs.to stop now. If you can't fish off knowledge and instincts...then play video games

[@rileydumpy8316]

nothing compares. we already have bans in Minnesota on using 2 poles, we can still use one. we have bans on using lights at night to attracted fish, but we still have live scopes.. The fact that this discussion has been going on for 3 years. its been a thorough and concise investigation, as conservation stands, itll probably get banned. Wisconsin taking the first step would be huge as-well. They have done an incredible job in that state w conservation, they have excellent populations and exceptional regulations. Now they have lakes in Hayward that have a 5 panfish limit... 5. This ffs is ravaging fisheries, and its not like you can simply stock more fish. These lakes only support so much, theyve been at an equilibrium for 30 some years now. But when you have 1% of the fisherman catching 99% of the fish because of their computer screen on the boat. Then also seeing issues within the fisheries, its obviously a conservation issue that requires action.

[@FindingAdventure]

Johnson outdoors who owns humminbird is headquartered in Wisconsin lol. Interested to see how this plays out as a Wisconsinite with live scope!

[@MattStefanFishing]

It will be interesting

[@eastTnbigs]

Hummingbird would love to see it get banned cause theirs sucks and they can’t compete with the other two. I hope they ban it!

[@wciii3591]

Interesting. I wonder if they will spend money to sway the vote or pay off the politicians?

[@shootincoyotes]

Garmin trying to eliminate the competition.😂

[@dasimcoes]

Do I dare say that when the people that make these decisions use common sense, or is that asking for too much. It would also be nice if those same people would be knowledgeable in the subject.

[@coachruff54]

Fellow Wisconsinite. It’s staggering how many outdoorsman live in the state and don’t understand the process and are already overreacting.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Yep

[@randyemerson8729]

I think overall based on the comments with multiple channels 70% of recreational anglers do not want other anglers using live, scan and limited use of other electronics. I definitely think in the tournament setting that live scope is a massive advantage and unless the entire field is going to use it or mandated it’s gonna cause friction, my personal opinion is is that if your recreationally fishing live scope can certainly help you create atmosphere of finding fish faster. But the issue I have is it also relegates itself to not fishing for periods of time and just hunting for bass without sport fishing and getting your lure wet.

[@joegreenwood6663]

The same guys comment on every video...

[@MattStefanFishing]

This will be interesting to see how it plays out

[@itllkeal]

I hope they ban it nation wide. I saw a crappie boat with 6 rod holders facing the front of the boat and a FFS unit along side of it. Whenever I crappie fished I would drag 3 poles behind me as I made passes and had a hard enough time getting a mess of 10in plus ones then

[@randyemerson8729]

that’s true some of the crappy lakes in the southeast of been decimated using this stuff in the last five years and it’s kind of went under the radar. Walleye guys that’s all they use now you want to turn 18-year-olds in the bass pros by spending 100 grand and scanning the lake. What’s gonna happen is you’re gonna have your local anglers that are going to be pissed off at that you’re gonna start having some on the water incident

[@BlobRob787]

At this time you can't fish in MLF or Bassmaster and not use it. If you do, there is no chance of winning. That is why a lot of pros use it, but are not thrilled about it.

[@nutzpwnz]

For everyone that says Wisconsin should ban ffs, just realize that technology is moving so fast so that it will be obsolete sooner than you actually realize If they do ban it, where do they stop? Ban flashers like what we use for ice fishing? Ban all fishing electronics? It's a slippery slope. they should just make smaller bag limits, or maybe a minimum length for panfish, or a combo of both?

[@MattStefanFishing]

Slippery slope for sure

[@johnmiller5987]

I think it's about protecting the state fish. The musky. Which are way too easy to spot with ffs. Also they are temperature sensitive and should not be targeted in water over 75 degrees. Pete Mania and another guide just made a great video about it.

[@MattStefanFishing]

FFS is great for musky fishing

[@johnmiller5987]

Yes, it is. Too bad you can't keep any eater sized ones anymore. That's one of the only fish I have never eaten. But it is the state fish and rules will be changed to further protect it.

[@riverpigoutdoors]

Fellow Wisconsinite here. I don’t have any strong opinion on FFS, but I do worry about fish populations going forward if FFS is allowed and bag limits are not adjusted accordingly. I guess we have to decide if we like FFS or bigger bag limits more.

[@MattStefanFishing]

I think you can have both with catch me release

[@tymfortoys]

Hey Matt....Boy you sure handle this subject way better then Randy Blaukat. Thank you....

[@MattStefanFishing]

Got to have a discussion in order to figure out the future

[@Randy-z2k]

I do think Randy has some good thoughts about it... but some, he talks about is over the top. Every one's channel is different and that's a good thing. Your channel for me is more enjoyable to watch...

[@bryanwiitala8854]

In regards to question number one on the spring survey arguably illegal as well and here's why. The proposal for an administrative pathway to speed up angling regulation changes in Wisconsin could lead to a couple of potential legal infractions, but the likelihood depends on how the pathway is implemented and used. Here's a breakdown: Lack of Due Process: If the administrative process for regulation changes is designed without proper opportunities for public comment and participation, it could be challenged for violating due process rights. People potentially impacted by the regulations would have a right to be heard. Arbitrary or Capricious Decisions: If the DNR uses the pathway to enact regulations based on flimsy evidence or without clear justification, it could be seen as arbitrary or capricious. The ability for corruption with such a method should be alarming to any resident in Wisconsin. The regulations would need to be grounded in sound science and a demonstrably urgent conservation need.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks for sharing

[@robertcook8187]

14:22 14:26 Everyone should be concerned about this. what's next you can't fish during spawn season what about more concerning things like putting poison in the lakes And you are totally correct we do not want the government to tell the people what they can use to fish I'm so tired of this subject about forward facing sonar dumb thanks for this video with lots of good information.

[@aarons6931]

I'm in ny and its cnr during the spawn and man I am happy the fishi g is so good here 100 fish days all over 4 pds southern states should try it.

[@aarons6931]

They already tell us what we cant fish with aka dynamite

[@S2pidMedia]

Yea, it's called closed seasons. You've never heard of them?

[@MattStefanFishing]

i told myself i wasnt going to make another FFS video and then this happened...

[@youtubzkoz]

​@@S2pidMedialots of places don't have closed seasons.

[@lightningmusky5286]

You’re looking at it from mostly a bass angler. As a Muskie fisherman I have noticed some severe issues with FFS on Muskie populations due to Muskie being a low density fish and incredible pressure as they are very easy to see on FFS. So stocking either has to be majorly changed or a ban on the technology. Bass and pan fish are only a small part of the total equation and have huge populations compared to Muskie.

[@MattStefanFishing]

thanks for sharing

[@jeffsomers4434]

Whole lot of yelling at clouds going on.. slippery slope, what would come next, banning internal combustion outboards? It’s a tool. I’d trade the Active Target for a ban on jet skis and wake boats though.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Haha a lot of people would

[@Mrfrerob]

Matt I grew up in the Northwoods and your tangent of Bass vs Walleye cracked me up. The mentality when I grew up was bass are evil get rid of them and make every pothole lake a walleye fishery. That put me in the minority for fishing Largemouth and it was awesome 😊. People overfished the stocked walleye and still blame bass. The FFS argument is moot to me. I’m not a professional angler nor do I have FFS. The WI DNR already has the tools to manage fisheries with the size slots and limits. Instead of banning or creating new legislature the DNR should adjust or heck even increase enforcement of limits and sizes. Agree with you on question 1.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Bass are eating all the walleye!!! Haha that arguments cracks me up

[@johnkommer2842]

I think ure on the same track as I am.

[@johnmiller5987]

They are fish. If it fits in their mouth they eat it.

[@natea4828]

I have ffs and honestly, I could go either way and not be affected. Of course, I have the skill to find fish without it. The only thing it's really good for, for me personally, is tracking where the fish are moving as they move across humps or points or other similar structures after I've found them already, because they are constantly on the move in summer but they stay on those structures as they move. I used to just have to fan cast to find where they moved next and so on. I would have no issue going back to that because I caught a lot of fish regardless, it just takes a small amount of additional time and I don't even use it at all in the Spring or fall, because because I cover a lot of water and fish shallow during those times and I think it's pretty useless in those situations.. I also know where they go in the winter and they don't move as much, so I have no use for it then either. I would actually do better if they did ban it because a lot of those people are useless without it. Whereas I only use it in the one situation, which isn't even at all a requirement, but just saves a tiny amount of time when they are moving on the structures in the summer time. I think they should ban it because if you don't have the skill, then you shouldn't be winning money from it in tournaments. I think it would be fine if you wanted to use it to learn how to fish and get the skill on your own time. Like to help you know where fish go at certain times and how they react to certain things and how they move and everything. But after that then I think that you should put it away and learn how to take what you got from using it and put it into a skill set that you can use without it. But I definitely don't think it should be able to be used in tournaments especially.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks for sharing

[@natea4828]

@MattStefanFishing Thank you and of course, this is my opinion and I want to make that clear, obviously. I don't think there's an issue with using it on your own time. I just don't think that people should be able to use it In tournaments with money on the line. I think tournaments should be about skill otherwise I feel like anyone could do it even without proper skill and knowledge. But of course if it's allowed in tournaments, Then I don't blame anyone and everyone for using it, Otherwise you're putting yourself at a disadvantage on purpose.

[@Dawgrum]

Man, the FFS apologists are a trip. Just accept that you use it and like it. You don’t have to layer up and explain how you definitely “don’t need it”.

[@natea4828]

@Dawgrum I wrote a comment for you, but then I realized I didn't know if you were talking about me or not. So I deleted it. But I definitely am not a proponent of forward facing sonar. I don't even think it's good personally and I also don't think it should be used to be able to make money either. I am far from an apologist, that's for sure! It's not like it's a huge help in my eyes anyways and I hardly use it ever and if you have actual fishing skills then I don't think it is a big deal to fish even against those people and I beat those people in tournaments often and a lot of them can't catch a fish to save their lives without one and some even with it are useless and that's before I got one which was just last year out of curiosity alone. Honestly, I'd rather have my money back. I wouldn't be sad if it was baneed at all, and I think it needs to be banned. In tournaments, absolutely! I'm not sure how I feel about outside of tournaments, but I feel like I would need to see information on how it affects lakes and if it affects the lakes in a negative way, I think it should be banned as well outside of tournaments as well. Honestly i'm the opposite of an apologist if anything because I wish it was never created in the first place.. I think it makes tournaments boring to watch and the excitement is not the same as it used to be. All I'm saying is that if you think that I am some sort of apologist who likes it, then you are barking up the wrong tree, but if you're just saying it then I actually agree with you more than you think.

[@ReelGameFishing]

Asking the government to make the decision for you is something that we may end up regretting. As you mentioned there is no clarity on how it will be enforced and it can open the door to overzealous bureaucrats. Question #1 is even more alarming. They already have power over bag limits. If we leave it at that, I'm sure we can maintain our fisheries. Fore example, if you think FFS is really such a problem, then reduce the bag limit for FFS users. There is no need to give them the authority to ban it. Thanks for the reasonable stance on this.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Agreed

[@S2pidMedia]

I've seen a very noticeable decline in the fishing in my region in the past 2-3 years. Bass are harder to find, crappie are harder to find, and some of it probably has to do with covid flooding the water with people who had nothing else to do, but it's also coincided with the rise of ffs. We do have some lakes and rivers where motorized boats are banned, or are inaccessible to bass boats, and magically, the fishing is still great in those places. I don't think it's a coincidence that when you can't take a boat loaded with electronics on the water, the fishing is much better. I'm generally opposed to lots of regulations, but we can do it now, or in 5-10 years when the lakes are decimated.

[@ReelGameFishing]

You could impose a zero bag limit on FFS users. But pressure is still an issue. The no motor lakes round here have always had huge bass in them.

[@billpatterson6249]

I live on Table Rock. I watched a guy launch his aluminum rig today. Pretty sure he had $20K worth of electronics on that boat. I worry that due to FFS, the crappie population in this lake is gonna be severely impacted. Guides are killin it. 2 trips per day. 6-8 limits per day out of ONE boat. I fear the resource won’t hold up.

[@MattStefanFishing]

then creel limits should be changed

[@realtruth172]

ban all electronics !

[@nathanielwick230]

Catch and release has a mortality rate that varies between species. If a fish keeps getting caught over and over that rate keeps going up. Creel limits won't solve the problem. Fishing is a lifelong pursuit. Honing your craft over time actually means something. Stay home if you want to play video games imo.

[@laylow8648]

I have a Helix 7 on my boat. I generally use it for GPS, Water Temp, Depth, Bottom Contours, and Structure. Also it’s linked to my MinnKota to follow a set plan to make it easier for me as I age. As far as catching fish I like to use life long lessons and skills. It’s a challenge it’s work’s rewards. I’m just not of this current generation where everything needs to be handed to me on a silver platter or I will cry because I want it my way. In my extended family I only take the little Kid’s Fishing until there Parents buy them their first iPhone. That’s when we loose them.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks for sharing!

[@avalanchefishing5725]

They don’t realize that FFS and 360 are two different birds, no pun intended.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Haha

[@leojeidy8010]

It just proves that most of the anti scope crowd have no clue as to what they are talking about.

[@secretbassrigs]

lol

[@Jb-vc5fq]

Always gotta love people who have no idea what they are talking about trying to make laws over those who actually use it. Just like people saying assault rifles, fully automatic weapons, clips, etc

[@sonar5676]

@@Jb-vc5fqor think they are funny trying to say it..

[@timeintheoutdoors]

I personally hope that it is limited in the state. An outright ban... I don't know. When I say limited... I want to see it limited on what lakes and river systems it can be used on. I feel that only a very large body of water (Green Bay, Winnebago, Pettenwell, etc.). Or it should be county to county.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks for sharing

[@ZZ430T56]

First there would need to be an official study of effects of FFS on Crappie, Sunfish, Perch, Walleye, Trout, etc. Not docktalk but a real study which would take years to be accurate. And if it is found to be detrimental to certain species, change the bag limits. Wouldn't that be a lot simpler and fair for everyone?

[@MattStefanFishing]

You would think so

[@1shubing]

That makes too much sense .

[@kurzhaarguy]

I appreciate that you have an opinion on this. Here’s mine: managing our waters for the, “two tours,” tourists and tournaments are the greatest threat to our ecology. Push for monoculture management; exclusive access for games; greater technology to locate and bait fish; on and on. This opinion from one northern Wisconsinite echos among the outdoors people there who don’t own hotels and bars. Stay west of the river and south of Hwy 8. F’up your lakes down there.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks for sharing

[@heinrichkellogg7563]

🍺Matt you are spot on with your assessment. Question #1 is a blank check to do as “they”see fit. Unless those making the ultimate decision attain and keep their position by the vote of the people don’t let them pass #1. The current Wisconsin legislative procedure allows enough time for the people to overturn any overreaching and or poor decisions “they” make thru the courts🤠.

[@MattStefanFishing]

#1 is sketchy to me

[@CAN43725]

Question #1 only applies to fast tracking regulations on creel limits, not FF sonar.

[@heinrichkellogg7563]

@@CAN43725🍺We will have to agree to disagree. “Prompt angling regulations” is not limited to creel/size/numbers. They want you to assume that thou. It could actually be almost anything they see fit and they will use a wide brush to try and associate it with angling. It could be to shut down fishing altogether, kill off a certain fish species or plant species to potentially aid the species/plant/recreational water craft special interest groups with the most money. Matt gave an example of similar things that have already happened under the current system with the largemouth versus Walleye in his favorite body of water. #1 would be a blank check for the special interest groups to lobby for who knows what. 🤠

[@CAN43725]

The example they gave to "prompt angling regulations" is creel numbers, not banning electronics. Anything more than regulating creel numbers to fast track legislation would go to a Judge to determine intent.@@heinrichkellogg7563

[@B.A.P.]

You got it almost right (factual). The DNR Spring hearings and Wisconsin Conservation Congress are separate parts of that meeting and questionnaire. The first portion (Questions 1-12 are asked by the DNR and are advisory in nature for fisheries-more on this below). This is the first step in the ~3yr rule making process from a DNR perspective. Question 1, IS a DNR question but the intent is for fishing regulation changes (bag, size or possession limits). The intent is not to have the ability to ban any type of technology. I also believe it's unrealistic to think that tech would get banned in the first place. After all, where do is stop? No more mega side? no more fuel injected outboards, no brushless trolling motors, and on and on..? All of it helps people catch more fish. We both know those things will not happen and SHOULD NOT happen. IF a fish population is negatively effected by ANY tech (or any non-tech issue, the first step is to change size, bag, or possession limits (this is Fish Management). Banning a technology is not Fish Management. Furthermore the Department already has an emergency rule process that allows for instant regulation changes for up to 6 months. The part of your vid that missed the mark, was your failure to distinguish between the DNR portion of the questionnaire and the Wisconsin Conservation Congress (WCC) portion (questions 13-49). In even years (2024), DNR wildlife questions are binding (if passed they could become law (or rule) the following year. Fisheries questions are ADVISORY only. That means the fish questions are being used to gain information only. Any question that the Department might want to pursue based on the 2024 results would need to be asked again (in an odd year like 2025) to be binding and put into law (or rule). WCC questions are written by their members, they typically are not based on data or measured problems. They can ask anything they want. That's why they are the way they are. DNR questions have many benchmarks to meet PRIOR to going on the questionnaire (as advisory or binding). Essentially they need to address a need demonstrated by data. There is a huge difference between the two. So, IF the FFS WCC question (#22) passes the Department will get to decide whether on not to consider asking a similar question on the DNR side of the questionnaire. The Department does not have to do so. In addition, scientific research (3-5 studies that I am aware of) that compare FFS to traditional angling does not show support for FFS ban.

[@ericc8790]

Shouldn’t ban live scope to avoid depleted fisheries… the more effective approach would be to reduce limit size.

[@MattStefanFishing]

i tend to agree

[@mikemaloney2342]

I enjoy your opinion, you use w very reasonable thought process

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks

[@johnkommer2842]

He does good post

[@astrophysicistguy]

Exactly! A great example of an unenforceable law if it gets enacted

[@MattStefanFishing]

it would be such a cluster

[@astrophysicistguy]

@@MattStefanFishing and I thought the FWC here in Florida had some dumb ideas ...

[@wciii3591]

They'll figure it out.

[@lightningmusky5286]

Unfortunately, people will be petty. You know anglers that hate FFS will police this. They will call the DNR hotline , just like for poachers or take pictures.

[@astrophysicistguy]

@@lightningmusky5286 won't matter. Unless the law is written to say that mere "possession" of a FFS transducer is illegal the law is unenforceable. Good luck trying to get a law passed where the mere possession of a transducer is illegal

[@yankeelipperfishing]

Slot limits are always the key. Government should not ban anything that does not endanger the citizens of the state 9:52

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks for watching

[@gucciman4380]

It needs banned through the whole country, out here on lake Erie it's completely destroying our bass population, there are so many guys on this lake that have it, and many of them are meat fisherman that don't care about dnr regulations, they will go out there and catch WAY over their limit of 5 lb plus bass every day, just to take them home, filet them, and let them get freezerburnt. They end up in the dumpster. It's a sad case.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Catch and release is more Important than anything

[@joegreenwood6663]

If they already break the law what is another law gonna do...

[@gucciman4380]

@@MattStefanFishing agreed 100 percent, it's just sad to see man. I got binoculars on the boat and Ive seen what these guys do and it honestly makes me sick. They're also not afraid to throw it in your face and straight up tell you what they're doing... I've almost been in fights with guys, and mind you these are the same guys that I know for a fact a few years ago weren't even fishing for bass. They're doing it because the technology allows them to do it in a way that's easy for them.

[@gucciman4380]

@@joegreenwood6663 not only do laws need to be enacted, the DNR needs more funding, and they need to be patrolling where people are actually fishing.

[@BlobRob787]

I think there are a lot of people in the country who just care about themselves. If you could prove to all those forward facing sonar users on Lake Erie that what they are doing is destroying the bass fishery I think they would just tell you to "F" off. Most of them probably don't care. They just care about "their" fun. Not the long term problems this will cause. The fact that Matt mentions lakes in Wisconsin where pan fish have been devastated is alarming. I'm surprised more people aren't upset about it. Wait until a lake like Table Rock or Lake Okeechobee start having issues when %50 of the fishermen use this technology. Will people like Scott Martin or Roland Martin say something? Will the hard core fisherman on those lakes do anything? Hopefully. I suspect many will continue to say nothing. Too much money to be made from the sonar companies.

[@reliablyrandomoutdoors]

Staring at a screen while fishing is just pathetic to me, but I guess it’s what domesticated males need to help them get outside….

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks for watching

[@reliablyrandomoutdoors]

@@MattStefanFishing you’re welcome for watching!

[@tannervanasten]

thanks for covering this. As a guy with both livescope and 360 on my boat, (your old boat lol.) Regardless of what gets passed that shits not coming off my boat lol. I don't think it's as big of a deal as those who have never used it like to pretend... but the moneys spent and I wont go backwards on that.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks for watching

[@leecewest]

I use mostly GPS and maps to find walleye and bluegill, I don't have forward facing sonar. The fishing guides use Livescope to target and follow walleye and perch and their customers limit out multiple times a week if not multiple times a day all season long. I no longer luck into even small perch, the locals who know the water very well cant find perch anymore and are surprised when they see my walleyes. The guides admit that the schools they see on their Livescopes are getting smaller.

[@mikel.4885]

Hopefully many more states will take notice of this

[@2cthetruth]

Maybe you can move to china

[@mikel.4885]

@@2cthetruth oh sorry if you need ffs to catch fish...

[@meister-p5z]

​​​@@mikel.4885 nobody needs FFS sonar to catch fish.... but also nobody needs 100k bass boats, trolling motors, $300 rods and reels, custom lures or even a boat at all..... we can all harvest fish butt ass naked with spears, so why need anything to catch fish in the first place? Might as well ban all technology 😂

[@2cthetruth]

@@mikel.4885 For the record, I don't own a FFS setup, so eat an ass.

[@cdietrich22]

Thanks Matt. I’m a WI resident and didn’t quite understand how all this worked. Thank you for taking the time to make a video thoroughly explaining everything. Great job!

[@MattStefanFishing]

Glad it was helpful!

[@erichovatt]

I hope they do. Wisconsin is doing things right over there. They don’t let people overdevelop and overfish their lakes. Every state should ask the people on this one.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks for watching!

[@kevinvue8159]

You can manage fish populations without banning technology. If thats the case, just ban all fishing electronics.

[@STEPSLY]

I live in Wisconsin, I can point several scenarios Wisconsin has directly destroyed fisheries. They do not do everything right.

[@timothystevens4840]

Good grief, if forward sonar makes that much of a difference just lower limits when necessary like it's always been done in conservation.

[@MattStefanFishing]

thanks for watching

[@dakistle]

I have had about enough of WI and am ready to move.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Winters are to long

[@dakistle]

@@MattStefanFishing Don't get me started on ice fishing this year

[@dansteiner5644]

Having grown up in Wisconsin and a former hunting guide in the state (now living in Texas), they have never been good at fishery or wildlife management. I used to talk with the DNR and many of their biologists and they all would talk in circles. I love Texas as they know how to manage our fisheries and do everything in their power to maintain great fisheries. However, I will say the Texas Army Corp of Engineers are not very good at lake management so we do have some issues on a few of our reservoirs.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks for watching

[@cdub414]

@dacrosberthey have a sharelunker program in Texas, if you catch a fish over 13 pounds you can give it to them and they use it for selective breeding. Generations of big bass DNA, pretty smart idea more states need to do it.

[@astrophysicistguy]

You can always put your house up for sale ... I've heard that Texas & Florida have some nice bass fishing ... lol

[@MattStefanFishing]

i wish it was that easy

[@Pudge4400]

Can't complain much here in middle TN either. Bass fisheries ABOUND in the TVA chain! ✊

[@limegreenfishingmachine3332]

Good luck finding a house in Texas I look by lake fork on occasion whole state has 20 houses for sale on zillow

[@denissijecic5164]

Nope florida is full! We dont want you

[@astrophysicistguy]

@@limegreenfishingmachine3332 there are literally thousands of homes for sale within 2 hrs of Fork, Toledo Bend & Rayburn just to name 3

[@michaelmaretti3979]

The technology may help you find the fish but if they are not biting it is the same as any other sonar. If they are biting, we as fisherman needs to self-regulate. As far as question 1 you are correct. Over regulation at a bureaucrats whim is scary.

[@TonyHix-q1e]

Auburn University has been doing a study of the bass on my home lake Neely Henry in Alabama i have been fishing on for 50 years.similar test have been done on several other lakes in the us mostly Texas 60% of the bass that die on my home lake are caught and weighed in at bass tournaments 1% are caught and eaten 8% are caught and released where caught.now I love bass fishing and I love tournament fishing but FFS is not the problem in bass fishing and every tournament fisherman knows what i am saying.they had a big tournament on Guntersville lake last week and there were hundreds of dead bass afterwards some of the anglers were talking about the coolers full of dead bass.If tournaments would weigh and release or take a picture of length right after catching the population and weight would double in a few years on every lake in the country. if some company released some chemical in any lake that was responsible for killing 60% of the bass that die on any lake the government would be all over them.the problem is not FFS it’s us the bass tournament fisherman we are the problem.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Anglers are a big part of the equation

[@Mg0936]

Haters just use it to push their agenda when they won’t admit tournament fishing blows any other mortality out of the water. They just are jealous/don’t understand so they blame it on livescope

[@ThatGuy-sw2xe]

@@MattStefanFishinghe didn’t say “Anglers” The problem is tournaments.

[@charliecfh]

I used to live in Alabama, and have personally seen hundreds of dead bass around Guntersville ramps on several occasions. I now live near Clark Hill, which used to be a fantastic fishery, but it has been taking a beating over the last couple years from huge tournaments ravaging the lake. It's not only killing the fish populations, it's killing my desire to fish. There is no peace and serenity left in fishing, unless you own a pond where you can be the only A-hole on the lake 😂

[@robfunke909]

How does one come to such a conclusion yet ignoring the clear improvement in catch rates & weight they legitimately go hand in hand , if tournaments outcomes are improving because angler ability with livescope is improving then the 2 are part of the problem & im not even for the banning of the tech entirely just in competitive sense

[@donprescott9660]

Thank you for this discussion, Matt! I live in northeast Illinois. Every year, I buy an annual nonresident Wisconsin License at the same time I buy my Illinois license and I have spent many days fishing in Wisconsin. My first reaction here is that I would not want to bother to remove and replace my Humminbird Mega Live and 360 hardware from my boat and I would no longer need a Wisconsin license. I would simply spend more time fishing my Illinois lakes and the Mississippi River. By the way, I release every fish I catch.

[@MattStefanFishing]

I think others would agree. Thanks for sharing

[@tbauer2521]

I'm sure others will do that too. The way I look at it, people will adapt quickly and it will be a little pain now for improving the fishery for eternity.

[@plem7210]

Many states have different fishing rules. I really do not get that you can not remove your live sonar stuff. I take off my heavy electric downriggers when I am not salmon fishing. Plus there are plenty of pole mount systems. That you could easily remove. Instead of the trolling motor mount style. Kind of reminds me of the people saying. They will not fish Minnesota. Because you can only use one rod a person.

[@scottsurman5504]

Here pq

[@scottsurman5504]

My opinion. These future laws are to protect the future.. the past is over and done with. All of us know how technology changes over time. Currently most FFS set ups on boats or ice are in the 2k to 3k price range. Think about this...what if in 3 4 or 5 years the price is a fraction of that. And available on a cell phone or smaller portable device. I could easily see bigger problems with more people using it. That being said maybe now is the time to ban it or drop limits. Just my opinion...thinking about my kids and future Grandkids. Yes right now I think ffs is badass but I don't want to be selfish

[@jamesbarron1202]

If that passes you're going to have a new neighbor. His initials are RB.

[@mongo.outdoors5479]

😂

[@MattStefanFishing]

Haha

[@BlobRob787]

Haha. That is true. However, I don't think Randy would like the Wisconsin winter.

[@kevindunn3883]

Like you, I agree the bigger issue is question 1. Just like in the federal labyrinth, Congress has created a massive administrative state with hundreds of agencies that issue regulation after regulation with absolutely no recourse to the electorate. Make sure this doesn't happen at the WI state level as proposal 1 is attempting. Keep these rules as law with the current process intact. Good luck Wi as I'm sure more and more of these will begin showing up in other states.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Question 1 gives all power to the government and they can do what they want when they want

[@CAN43725]

Read rule No 1 carefully. It only gives power to fast track creel restrictions if necessary to offset fish populations. Nothing about restrictions on electronics.

[@astrophysicistguy]

They can't even get the actual name of the technology correct!

[@MattStefanFishing]

these proposals can be made by literally anyone if they are willing to follow the correct procedures

[@wiscowalleye7954]

I have a mega live honestly I catch more fish not using it open water. I don’t like to see bans on anything based purely on emotion. I could see reduced bag limits if FFS is used in the boat as an option. Harder to enforce and prove but we already have some pretty ridiculous laws.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks for sharing!

[@SpookyRedz]

Banning it is not being selfish , it’s conservation to its fullest , thanks for talking about it also

[@FindingAdventure]

Sonar has nothing to do with conservation. Bag limits do.

[@SpookyRedz]

@@FindingAdventure it’s cheating the intelligence of a bass , and in time it’s going to ruin our fisheries

[@jawjerker26]

No conservation to it's fullest would be to just ban all fishing. Hey, there's an idea, let's just do that instead!

[@SpookyRedz]

@@jawjerker26 we want bass fishing back with the laws and Ban the cheat code , if you give this new tech time fishing will be ruined

[@jawjerker26]

@@SpookyRedz I wish I could see into the future. You wanna let me know the numbers for the powerball drawing?

[@briantanner9900]

Thank for all you do to inform your viewers , not sure about government getting involved in the FFS issue , I would like the tournament committees or organizations to look at it and say yes or no , and move on period, I do not fish tournaments any more but fished heavenly on BASS organization and learned the old school way , I enjoy figuring it all out , it what makes love fishing , that said I do have 360 and side-imaging, But my take on 360 is not live scoping, but that my opinion .

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks for watching!

[@alexniapas9243]

It’s never a good ideal letting voters or legislators deciding how to manage wildlife

[@marksanko6138]

Legislators no, but citizens that utilize the resource yes. FFS users are the minority in Wisconsin

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks for watching

[@BlobRob787]

I totally agree.

[@alexniapas9243]

@@marksanko6138 I don’t care for using FFS too, but it’s the wrong process of getting rid of it. It’s slippery slope you might agree with it now but later in the future there maybe a different ballot taking away hunting and fishing opportunities,which is happening in Colorado right now. To me the better way is for the game and fish commissioners listen and vote with state biologists recommendations if they find it decimating fish populations.

[@MJ_Bass]

If you are the angler from Cali, I watch those catches at Shasta all the time 😂

[@djstevenb8745]

I have FFS on my boat and I think that alot more research and data collecting needs to be done before any kind of law making decisions are made. I know that the BASS is now doing the exact thing where they have a board of members who are collecting data on FFS and the impact its having on tournaments. I live in Oshkosh Wi and i will be voting. Thanks for the video

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks for watching

[@DonMock1]

My biggest fear of forward-facing sonar and other advanced technology is damage to our fisheries. Where do we draw the line? We have rules and regulations against the number of hooks you can use, netting game fish, stunning game fish to protect the fisheries. As for the Pros, all pro sports have limits. Pro Golf no range finders during tournaments, NASCAR rules for car modification, Baseball no aluminum bats, and so on. With all that said, I am not saying forward-facing sonar will damage the fisheries or not. I think it is something we should be aware of and keep an eye on. To say it will or will not become an issue is naive. Time will tell. If we do damage the fisheries it will suck for all of us.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Time will tell

[@jpsnone5350]

there is only damage if people take the fish home

[@RickyCarter-ro8fr]

Great video and very informative,thanks for sharing!!!!!

[@MattStefanFishing]

you bet!

[@lonewolffisherman7092]

My two cents- with the advancement of these electronics, fishing isn't fishing anymore. There isn't any challenge. I've always liked fishing a lake, and figuring it out by trying different depths lures and times. I think the knowledge that you gain is more fun and worth much more in bragging rights. Once you have a body of water figured out, you don't need that stuff, because the knowledge gained, can be used as a starting point for the next new place. I use a very old hummingbird depth finder and it serves me well.....just my two cents

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks for watching

[@TheBamadude]

When your old Bird was new technology It was viewed as cheating just like ffs is today. If one form of electronics are banned then all should be banned down to the old flashers.

[@MarkStevens-jd7zi]

If we get rid of ff sonar let's get rid of it all. Depth finders too. This same crap was expressed when they came out also. Reduce the limits. You don't need to keep everything you catch. Catch and release and you can still fish all day

[@lonewolffisherman7092]

@MarkStevens-jd7zi I mainly use my depth finder on new water to make sure I don't run aground or screw up my prop. I do agree you don't have to keep everything you catch. I also practice catch and release.

[@realtruth172]

im 79 and just started using an old fish finder and depth finder . ban all electronics to find fish

[@BanksOpenKayakFishing]

I wonder if the guy that proposed #22 is getting a lot of emails sent his way. If it would be banned, is the state going to do a buy back to compensate people?

[@MattStefanFishing]

I have no idea

[@marcusmoreland3571]

I wanna drink beer and backroad while spotlighting dear too

[@MattStefanFishing]

Haha

[@JanoyCresva]

Id love one of the league to have a couple "bare bones" tournaments a year that do count towards the points and all that of just side imaging. Force the scope kids to actually look for the fish with their baits and eyes. It would also probably help the older legends catch up in the points race. I bet the winner at the end would be a lot more well rounded.

[@resorocket1]

Bottom Line once we tap all the sanctuary spots. It all goes down hill. Those hidden spots are safe zones for fish. Their what keep lake healthy. You want a couple years of bliss or longevity

[@MattStefanFishing]

Maybe we can have both

[@darthjar9117]

My issue with live scope and tournaments are this, live scope makes fishing more precise. The number of tournaments has increased so therefore there are more anglers that are now able to target the biggest fish in the water. Either eliminate live scope or decrease the tournaments.

[@MattStefanFishing]

What’s wrong with catching big fish?

[@darthjar9117]

@@MattStefanFishing nothing if you catch it the way fishing should be.

[@marksanko6138]

I was just talking about this with my buddy. We both fish a lot in northern Wisconsin and we believe this could easily get passed. The people utilizing FFS in Wisconsin are not the average fisherman, the average fisherman in Wisconsin has a 10yr old or older aluminum alumacraft, Lund, Crestliner, or tracker and fishing is a hobby they love to do. They don’t look at it as a hobby they need to blow a bunch of money on, nor do they want it as such. I bet less than 5% of the fisherman are using FFS. For every newer bass boat on the water, there are 30 older aluminum boats. I would bet they don’t like the idea of the offshore fish being beat up by the top wealthier fisherman. Because let’s be real, the FFS sonar units we are using are $4,000 or more for everything. You could run it all on one unit, but that lasts a season or two before the second unit is bought. I would expect this to pass if it goes up to vote.

[@MattStefanFishing]

It very well could

[@johnkommer2842]

I wouldn't understand why the older men with older boats would be obligated ta buy one like ure talking,especially trying ta keep up with the current generation model.

[@ArisaemaDracontium]

@@johnkommer2842 Because of the potential impacts on the fish population of fish catchability. And its not just 'old men with old boats', its anyone who can't or doesn't want to spend $4k on fishing electronics, including young fishermen who just scrape enough together for a cheap john boat, and also, the VAST MAJORITY of fisherman for whom this is outside their budget.

[@aarons6931]

Because the lakes are getting so best up by ffs u cant catch fish with out it

[@johnkommer2842]

@aarons6931 well that why I say limits,if u do that then there's not population difference.the fish are still there.the only difference is the is the guy with ffs is there.i would think in a Lotta situations the bank guys would like it better,because it's gonna put more guys deep and not up there in your way.

[@itllkeal]

Will you a video on targeting each species of bass. I was fishing today in a spot where smallmouth are at normally and hooked up with about a 5lb spotty and I will say that you pro's are right about the gearing of a reel because I lost it and I feel like it was because the speed of that zebco33 couldn't pull line fast enough but it was awesome to see that bass jump about 20feet from the bank and go down pulling drag but I couldn't reel fast enough to keep it's head turned. So Thanks for doing what you do.

[@MattStefanFishing]

thanks for watching!

[@CAN43725]

Maybe reduced bag limits and more emphasis on catch and release. There have been too many FF sonar units sold with many more on the market to get a ban passed.

[@MattStefanFishing]

We will see

[@bigfishonline33]

It doesn't matter to me what people choose to do, but I don't see how it would hurt professional fishing or fishing in general if it were banned. I do see how it would help with conservation.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks for watching

[@mikeeller557]

Thanks Matt, I think it's a tool. I wish I could afford it.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks for watching

[@aarons6931]

It's not a tool if you fish alot and learn it's really that good trust me. One hour in my boat you'll have fun then you'll realize why people want it banned

[@mikeeller557]

If you learn the to fish without electronics your will be a fisherman , learn to fish with electronics you will become a better fisherman. That why i say its a tool @@aarons6931

[@FoulMouthFishing666]

Yoo Im also in Portage Co in Point and im kinda conflicted about the limit change on Mcdill, theres tons of stunted fish in there from what Ive gathered but they should also reduce that limit statewide period.

[@MattStefanFishing]

It’ll be interesting to see what happens

[@jonn6427]

FFS is like putting apples or a salt block out for deer and putting a blind up close to it. I feel manufacturers have out stepped their boundaries in electronics.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks for watching

[@jonn6427]

@@MattStefanFishing I will never buy ffs just because it's not worth the money. I enjoy getting that thump feeling with no clue it was going to happen. I just can't see spending that much money for catching fish. I think people are losing sight of fishing. I own a hummingbird gen 3 and that's good enough for me. I'm happy if I don't catch much if any fish. Most ofYou tube fishing videos is about selling manufacturers merchandise. There's some good instructional videos.

[@johnhanley8708]

great job explaining Matt!! Thanks

[@MattStefanFishing]

Glad it was helpful!

[@markg6960]

The idea that FFS is analogous to spotlighting is a ridiculous comparison and is obviously mainly intended to demonize it. When you spotlight an animal in hunting, it's freezes because it just stares into the light and no longer sees the threat that's now hidden behind the light. And then it is simply shot....which is why it's highly illegal of course. That's not at all analogous to FFS. Of course you see the fish with your electronics vs. your eye, but they have the free will to move around, to bite or not. And you don't simply shoot the fish, it's much more interactive. My point is that FFS is much more analogous to sight fishing than it is to so called spotlighting.

[@MattStefanFishing]

i agree, but many would not

[@Pudge4400]

Yep. That's exactly it. I don't have either one on my boat, but I don't want to be told that I can't...and I have no problem with other people who wanna use it. As far as tournaments go, I don't care either way.I don't fish tournaments, so I don't believe I have any right to say either way.

[@chrisstang7957]

Spotlighting is illegal not because everyone is going to shoot the animal after dark, although it happens, but because it gives the hunter an unfair advantage of figuring out its approximate daylight location. For instance, shining a big buck shortly after dark would greatly improve the ability to figure out where it bedded, based on time, wind, cover, etc. and could be used to put yourself between that spot and the spotlighted location. A better comparison to shining and ffs would be flying a drone with infrared over your hunting location and positioning yourself as close as possible to the deer’s location, or just sneaking in and shooting it, knowing exactly where it is. There comes a time where the advancements in technology become detrimental to the sport.

[@thewildbill86]

You should go fish Musser Lake, up in Phillips, WI...thats the best bass lake in the state. Price county lakes have some MONSTERS

[@MattStefanFishing]

ill check it out! Thanks!

[@indianasteelheadandsalmonf7033]

Does Wisconsin have a law for spotlighting game animals? Forward facing sonar is that for fishing. That's my opinion on ffs. Ban it or don't but, people need to stop acting like it's not a form of spotlighting. It's just a expensive way of doing it. I can easily afford it but I simply don't want it because, I feel it's spotlighting or a form there of. People can now flame me in the comments.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Nobody is forcing you to use it

[@bigwhitetaildreamsllc3965]

@@MattStefanFishing MATT, just say you are in favor of it and not sure about it. Put the big boy pants on.

[@NomadicNorthwoods]

Life long northern Wisconsin guy here. Avid fisherman. Would LOVE to see no Indian spearing and ban FFS.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks for sharing

[@Jb-vc5fq]

I’m strongly against spearing Indians.

[@brianbutler3318]

I go fishing to get away from computer screens. The whole thing sounds gross to me and takes all the fun out of it.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Nobody is forcing you to use them

[@realtruth172]

right

[@randyemerson8729]

True but when they’re using the FFS, they find the fish to set the hook and there’s a lot of them out there without the tools electronics can’t find their own fish nor have the experience or patience, utilize a full skill set of lures and techniques. It’s obvious from the TV coverage and perspective.

[@MattStefanFishing]

It’s not that easy

[@randyemerson8729]

no, it’s not that easy but the issue is using the technology makes you stop on that target and then you can refined your electronics and smoke out those fish using lures. Now in the past, you would see the cover target underwater, but you had to use intuition and lures to actually pull out the fish, now they’re getting the fish to expose themselves. You can see them and then you’re manipulating the lures.

[@randyemerson8729]

Trust me, I have no issues with certain amount of technology but when you’re starting to get into the competitive fishing, where are you gonna draw the line at even recreation anglers where do you draw the line at? Do we want a bunch of zombies out on the water that’s not my idea of sportfishing.

[@randyemerson8729]

@@MattStefanFishing it’s easy enough when you see the top anglers who are in the 20s are utilizing all these electronics right and they’re kicking everybody else’s ass if you have 20 years on them bullshit once you spend enough time electronics you can dial in the fish you got guys idling for 100 200 yards and using their live scope and then they’re finding fish on their way to the spots. Is that professional fishing ?

[@timothyoconnor2736]

Let’s hope so. And every other state.

[@MattStefanFishing]

no way this would ever happen down south

[@joewinkler2168]

What do ya think the city of LaCrosse is going to say with no more BASS Tournament's on the mississippi.

[@Byoung85]

@@MattStefanFishing why not? Just curious

[@bruceketchum6231]

Great video weather your for or against it I didn't know about it at all. Great explanation of it!! THANK YOU

[@MattStefanFishing]

Glad it was helpful!

[@o2man98]

BAN flashers for ice fishing and BAN live bait.

[@jawjerker26]

Right, let's just ban all fishing!

[@MattStefanFishing]

Let’s ban fishing

[@aarons6931]

Not even in the same ball park ppl are ignorant af

[@pharmfisher5371]

​@@aarons6931how is it not the same thing? Vexilars did a number on fish populations too. Your ignorant af.

[@jimdillard2180]

does this mean that I can use my "Bluetooth" swim bait that communicates with my forward facing sonar so I no longer have to cast it out but it goes right to the fish with spring loaded treble hooks?

[@MattStefanFishing]

Go for it

[@ThatGuy-sw2xe]

Interesting you talking about people being selfish. The ONLY people who would possibly be in favor of keeping FFS are ones doing so for selfish reasons; “Helps me catch more, helps me catch easier “. There is zero benefit to the actual environment or future anglers by allowing it.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Would you use the same argument for every other technological advancement?

[@ThatGuy-sw2xe]

@@MattStefanFishing any advancement which is obviously a detriment to the environment, yes. Any advancement which removes a basic skill required to fish, yes.

[@GodWillzIt]

Right, they should ban 2 stroke motors because they pollute the water. Ban the use of boats because they spread invasives in our waters. Ban all use of electronic fish detection equipment. Ban the use of live bait, because of its obvious unfair advantage over artificial baits. I could go on for days…

[@2fathomsdeeper]

Banning sidescan and other sonars will also hurt the scuba diving industry. If the ship isn't buoyed, it's hard to find the shipwrecks.

[@marina-Steve]

Ban it

[@MattStefanFishing]

It could happen

[@shawnfollmer4491]

I grew up on the Chippewa Flowage. I watched them 40 years ago stock northern pike as apparently they thought they needed a trophy northern pike fishery to match their trophy muskie fishery. As a result, the walleye took a beating and still do to this day. Wisc DNR destroyed the chip and will not admit it. We left the chip for good. Sad!

[@MattStefanFishing]

It’s still a good fishery

[@stevenkirby7478]

I applaud WI and hope they ban FFS.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks for watching

[@stonehorn4641]

Stop being so childish. There are no studies showing ffs hurts fish stocks

[@rogerray2545]

Man I hope they don't ban guns that'll shoot over a 100 yd

[@wesmclaughlin9369]

Just ban it completely and get back to real fishing! Fish to find fish , that the way it should be!

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks for watching

[@michaelotto8696]

If this does transpire then where do you draw the line? Is 360 still OK? Side imaging? Well let's ban those too. But wasn't LCD sonar screens a game changer? OK, let's go back to flashers only. No, wait. Gotta be monochrome flashers, no color. It's a can of worms. And guaranteed, there will be yet another innovation that will also have to be banned in the future. Cat's outta the bag boys n girls. No going back I'm afraid.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks for watching!

[@SpookyRedz]

I hope Wisconsin does it , ban it Wisconsin

[@MattStefanFishing]

If any state will it’s Wisconsin haha

[@brianpierson7708]

I hope so someone has to start it

[@SpookyRedz]

@@brianpierson7708 agreed 👍🏻 thanks

[@brady8257]

I wish they would ban it unless you’re in a tournament. Randy would lose his mind lol.

[@bchristenson26]

Banning tech is not the solution, just adjust fish limits appropriately.

[@johnarcher9480]

On that question specifically, they at the very least need to specify that you can’t use them for fishing. There are other uses for FFS than simply fishing. I’m not saying I’m against FFS for any fishing, but if they are going to ban it, they need to keep it specified to either fishing in general, or better, limit based on the lake/river.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks for watching

[@bryandavismoviefan]

I hope they do ban it. Previous FFS haters like guides are now converting to using it to 'stay competitive '. It's literally your job to fish every day and you can't provide good experiences for clients based on your knowledge and skills? Don't be a guide then. Give up. Most lake associations are worthless comprised of rich lakefront property owners who do nothing.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks for watching

[@PizzaCologne3]

you can catch and release largemouth and smallmouth bass year-round in Wisconsin, unless otherwise noted. This regulation went into effect on April 1, 2020, how would forward facing sonar effect the population on bass ?

[@aoeugb]

I like the part where you complained about people voting selfishly and justifying it as selfish because it went against what YOU wanted. Large mouth bass are not native to northern Wisconsin. They were introduced into countless lakes and decimated the walleye populations over time(along with over fishing and to a very small degree climate change). Walleye and Largemouth bass are in direct competition with each other over food sources and also prey on each other. It isn't selfish of fishing resorts to want to stay in business. The amount of people booking weeklong vacations in northern Wisconsin to fish for largemouth bass is nilch.

[@cottonO3]

Ya its about the conservation. I can say i personally lost the ability to go catch fish at alot of my small local pond like lakes just because word got out about them and people from big cities and out of state came and overpressured them and more ppl kept too many and didnt follow rules.. and thats without being able to go out and know where to cast cause of live sonar.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks for watching

[@Larry77777]

Hey Matt: Very informative and thought provoking. Anglers will always struggle to remain logical when fishing is their passion and profession. Good luck "going forward" ha ha. Me, I think tournaments should ban FFS and that in turn would somewhat de-incentivize general usage (perhaps enough to keep the government out of it).

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks for watching

[@raybeaumier5320]

Respectfully Matt, I really don't think question 1, changing regulations quickly if necessary for a specific resource in trouble would have any bearing on question 22, whether to ban or non ban forward facing sonar. If it was found that implementation of forward facing sonar is seriously depleting a specific resource, one of many potential management tools would be to ban forward facing sonar in that resource. If forward facing sonar starts to deplete a number of specific water bodies then that is a bigger concern that would need to be evaluated for how to handle forward facing sonar. Large waterbodies with massive fish populations should be more resilient than smaller water bodies or water bodies that already have factors limiting fish populations. I am originally from WI and know WI has a large number of highly opinionated anglers so the response to question 22 should be interesting.

[@MattStefanFishing]

It will be interesting to see how this plays out that’s for sure

[@cswanson]

So much for science based fisheries management. Kinda like the current post-recovery bans on wolf hunting to please special interest groups against scientific evidence. Ballot box fisheries and wildlife management is a very bad idea whether it is from anti hunter/angler groups, or groups of hunters/anglers who don’t like the way others do things

[@aarons6931]

Bro wolves were on the verge of extinction lol

[@MattStefanFishing]

thanks for watching

[@S2pidMedia]

Wolves were nearly wiped out, as was the American bison. Human beings are terrible stewards of their resources. Pollution, over harvesting, habitat destruction. People need to be regulated because most are too stupid to think beyond their own self gratification.

[@aarons6931]

@@S2pidMedia wow someone with a brain in the chat that's scary. He might as well said bro banning ffs is like banning shooting black rhinos why do it. Like I said reading these comments we are doomed there is alot of low i.q ppl in this country

[@aarons6931]

@@S2pidMedia where did the passenger pigeon along with the carolina parro go? Must be that new tech they had called a gun got rid of them all lol ban ffs. Before it's to late

[@TNtreasurehunter]

Some one a long time ago let them talk you into paying for a license for your god given right to fish and here we are.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks for watching

[@stevecolombe4446]

I guess that I am old school and don't GAF either way. I don't use any electronics and only fish spots that have few or no other fisherman. I completely got tired of dealing with all the A-holes at the popular boat landings and waters.

[@jameslovelace8958]

I think if one state bans FFS you will see other states do the same. They would look at how the FFS is effecting the fish and it’s not the tournament fisher doing damage. It those who catch and take home who hurt the bass population

[@MattStefanFishing]

It could happen

[@jameslovelace8958]

@mattsfanfishing I live near Douglas Lake here in Tennessee. Many of us who fish they regularly have noticed that when you turn on the FFS the fish scatter! They have been pinged so many times that they are use to it. It’s harder and harder to catch fish there.

[@fishingwithhouse]

Great info !

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thabks

[@mopareric340]

Where did you get the paper work of questions? Where do we go vote ?