06/02/2026
Do you think Bass Nation will limit some of our trails like how others are starting to change rules? I've talked to many parents about their feelings on the topic of using live scope for Jr and high school fishing tournaments, and many feel that the rules should limit the usage. I happen to agree that rules should change because so many kids are solely relying on watching a screen all day. I drove my kids in their tournaments throughout school, and now drive for other kids. On several different occasions our boat has almost been hit by kids that are using their screens to chase after fish so they aren't watching where they are trolling into. They are simply chasing fish to try to aggravate the fish enough to get a bite. I can't tell you how many boats we pass in each tournament that has the kids just starring down at the screen and that's all they will do all day. I've watched the changes in kids over the years that would be barely catching fish and then the parents get the scope and all of the sudden they are bringing in big bags. I see how exciting that is, and I'm glad they can now catch fish, but we all know that those nice bags are from relying on the electronics. I personally feel that there should be rules that change for these young kids. It would even the field back out for the kids that can't afford all the fancy equipment. I would love for the kids to get out and learn the fundamentals of fishing at least until after high school so they will know more than relying on electronics. (Just my opinion)
Is forward facing sonar killing local bass fishing tournaments?
Small bass clubs across the Midwest and South are seeing fewer anglers show up because a lot of weekend fishermen feel like they can’t compete anymore without forward facing sonar and thousands of dollars in electronics. What used to be about finding fish, learning a lake, and figuring them out is starting to feel more like whoever has the biggest electronics budget wins.
Most anglers already know live sonar works. That’s not really the argument anymore. The bigger question is what happens to local tournament fishing when older guys, younger anglers, and working class fishermen stop entering because they feel beat before blast off even starts. Some local clubs are already talking about “no live sonar” tournaments just to keep people involved.
Are you seeing this happen at your local lake?
Aaron B. Futrell, Author|Owner, Delong Lures
