Forward Facing Sonar (FFS) is changing fishing tactics and tackle. Spinning rods, line, bass boat decks, each with similar line setups, lead head jigs, and minnow imitators. Tackle and lures of bygone angling days are overlooked.
While trends are not specifically attributed to FFS, tackle tendencies lean in that direction. Spinning rods are the preferred delivery tool of light jig/minnow set ups.
Ranger/Mercury pro Stephen Browning used to have only two spinning rods when leaving the ramp, one drop shot, one shaky head. When fishing deeper with jig/minnow baits, Browning uses the lightest line setup that doesn’t put him at a disadvantage. Leaders compliment this line matchup with either 6, 8, or 10 pound Gamma Edge fluorocarbon depending on how he wants baits to fall. Thicker diameter leaders slow the fall, thinner makes baits more reactive. Watching the screen, he dials in on presentations looking the most natural, noting how fish react. He equips 3 or 4 rods with different sized line for varying presentations.
Watching the FFS movement closely, Gamma Fishing owner Dale Black says it’s hard to determine how FFS is affecting line sales, but notes he sells a lot of Gamma Edge and Touch fluorocarbon for main lines or leader. Black also sees sales increases in thinner diameter Gamma Torque braid.
Finesse fishing is expanding and FFS is spawning a broadening use of existing tackle.
Many area tackle shops are noting a lot of sales of jig heads and minnow baits. New FFS specific baits are selling as are longer spinning rod and finesse baitcasting gear anglers are using with FFS tactics.
After working with highly decorated Bridgford Foods bass pro Luke Claussen for over two years, ZMan’s FFS Graph Shadz was unveiled.
Claussen had two goals, a fast fall rate and a horizontal presentation. Prototypes were tested, avoiding copycat or repackaged FFS baits. Claussen and the design team started with a natural profile jig head narrower at the top with the same profile for every weight. A soft plastic body mates seamlessly to the head, enhancing the natural profile and producing better FFS returns. A hook channel allows perfect rigging alignment. The custom 3/0 hook, with a line-thru tie under the head, presents baits horizontally.
Claussen’s adjustments resulted in an ideal body roll and appearance and a bait that wouldn’t helicopter when casting for accuracy and distance.
Dominating pro bass fishing events, FFS use is expanding to weekend anglers. Cost is restraining widespread use and angler reluctance to engage in “video-game” fishing is slowing growth. However, as evidenced at this year’s ICAST show, companies are branding generic products as FFS, as they are betting on the increased acceptance and demand.
