NORFOLK – Growing controversy prompted two major bass fishing circuits, and 12 states to restrict live sonar technology.
Live sonars, like the Garmin Livescope, utilize sound waves to detect objects underwater, they are then turned into a 3D image produced on a screen for the fisherman. One of the features is real-time viewing. This means you can see what is happening underwater in real-time. For example, if a fish swims into the range of the sonar the angler can see it and identify its species and exact location.
Sonars offer significant advantages to anglers improving safety and time. Their ability to detect obstacles in murky water and help boaters see the underwater landscape improves safety. Fish identification helps anglers save time and increase the number of fish caught. With this technology, anglers can better fish for the species they are targeting lowering the possibility of harming others. Overall sonars have contributed to more enjoyable, safe, and efficient outings on the water.
While sonars provide many advantages for anglers, they also have many disadvantages, particularly to marine and human life. If a sonar emits high enough frequencies, it can permanently alter marine life and change their behavior. Even if the sound does not hurt them directly, it can interfere with how they live.
For example, whales and dolphins use echolocation to communicate, navigate, and hunt prey. If a sonar is in the area producing high enough frequencies, the whales and dolphins will struggle to communicate or find food.
John Slocum noted in Scientific American that “while little is known about any direct physiological effects of sonar waves on marine species, evidence shows that whales will swim hundreds of miles, rapidly change their depth (sometimes leading to bleeding from the eyes and ears), and even beach themselves to get away from the sounds of sonar” (June 10, 2009).
Although these mammals are not the main target for anglers, they are an example of how harmful sound waves can be to marine life on a larger scale. Many believe that fishing will become too easy with technology advancements, and we will over-harvest fish. Also, some anglers cannot afford an entire setup making it unfair in competitions.
Because Sonars are so effective, there are many strong opinions on their use of them in competition. The NPFL banned Livescope for the 2025 season but will allow other 2D sonar technology.
“Every sport has equipment rules to protect the players and the integrity of the game,” said NPFL officials in a recent press release. “Major League Baseball does not allow aluminum bats so as to protect certain players on defense and to preserve the game’s legacy. Auto racing has restrictions on engines and other equipment to protect drivers and ensure competitiveness. The Professional Golfers’ Association prohibits balls that use technology to overcome shortcomings of skill. Tournament bass fishing is not different from these other sports in its need to protect the integrity and appeal of the game. At NPFL, we do not want competitive bass fishing to become a technology arms race.”
Many younger anglers support the advanced technology and believe older people should simply learn how to use it to make competitions fair.
Mike Iaconelli, age 52 said, “I’m competing in an era of these younger anglers that are so good and so efficient. And I want to compete with them. That side of me has to accept the (new) technology as a tool.”
However, there are many anglers who agree with the ban. The top finishers in most bass tournaments all use a type of FFS (forward-facing sonar) like Livescope. Whether they like it or not most anglers have to use the technology if they want to be successful.
Pro fisherman Keith Carson, age 37, said
“I relied on it (FFS) purely because I’m tired of getting my butt whooped by it. So, I pinged a Berkley PowerBait MaxScent Jerk Shad on a medium light 7’2” Fenwick walleye rod to catch every fish. But I’m really worried that if all the retailers are selling is spinning tackle, light line, jig heads, and plastic minnows, the sales of all other tackle are going to struggle in a big way, and that doesn’t leave the fishing industry in a healthy place,” adds Carson from a realistic perspective. “Many anglers like Carson believe organizations need to make decisions about the future of the technology in professional fishing. Professional tournament’s prize money consists of hundreds of thousands of dollars. With the payout being so high organizations must decide what they will do to make competitions fair. Some people are upset because the sport that they worked hard to master is now being made easier through technology.
Currently some of the top brands that make forward facing sonars are Lowrance, Garmin and Humminbird. The cost of these setups’ ranges from $15,000-$30,000 depending on what the angler prefers.
As of October 7, 2024, the average annual income for Professional Bass Fishermen in the United States is around $51,755. This means most make around $4,312 per month. Do you think that is enough for a father to buy a forward-facing sonar among all other expenses? Most tournaments that fishermen travel to require many expenses such as a hotel room, food, gas, and fishing supplies which reduce the amount of money they are making.
In conclusion, while forward-facing sonars cannot guarantee a win, they do give large advantages over others fishing without them.
