More bad news for FFS dependent tournament anglers has arrived. Two of three major tournament circuits, B.A.S.S. and MLF, are adding further restrictions. NPFL, has banned FFS since the trail’s inception.
FFS dependence is noticed by fans, fishermen and sponsors alike. Heads down and casting to fish revealed on the screen in real time, fishing is becoming more catching with less casting. “Old school” techniques, spinnerbaits, jigs and crankbaits are losing ground to small jigs and soft plastic minnows.
B.A.S.S. announced a rule change for the 2026 Elite Series, only 5 of 9 events will allow FFS. Technology dependent anglers will demonstrate their skills without it and older, less technical anglers, will have to excel in non-FFS events and shorten the learning curve for events with FFS.
Meanwhile MLF, already restricting FFS use to only one 3-hour segment each tournament day, has now extended this rule through all professional and boater/co-angler levels of competition, from the Phoenix Bass Fishing League to the Bass Pro Tour. MLF contends this format allows multi-dimensional angling where anglers can utilize the latest technology while creating an environment for using traditional techniques. This combination would make every venue a showcase for all skill sets. MLF College Fishing series will not restrict FFS use. FFS will be on trial again this upcoming season, while biologists consider the fisheries impact.
Maryland fisheries biologist Ryan Gary has polled local anglers. He found FFS is a polarizing subject among anglers and fisheries managers. Several states are either banning or restricting its use due to overfishing concerns and harm to local ecosystems.
After discussions with the Black Bass Advisory Committee, Gary solicited 2025 MLF tournament data to analyze how FFS impacts angler catch rates and size. Catch rates vary significantly by fishery and even day to day. FFS led to increased numbers of fish caught on Lakes Conroe and Murray, however, on other bodies of water, like the Potomac River and Saginaw Bay, catch rates showed no significant difference between periods with and without FFS.
There was no consistent pattern of FFS leading to catching larger fish. However, some days and events it enabled increased sizes of fish caught. But on the Potomac River anglers caught larger fish without using FFS.
Gary’s study stands alone, using large-scale professional tournament circuit data. Isolating use for one of three periods, Gary compared the same anglers fishing in the same location on the same day with and without FFS. Gary intends to factor weather, wind, time of year, habitat, and depth to build a model detailing variables making FFS effective, useful for fisheries managers.
Electronics aren’t subject to federal excise taxes that could fund research on the impact of FFS and other new technologies.
Meanwhile, states monitor realized and unrealized FFS impacts, considering regulations to allow, restrict or eliminate it. Some states have laws and restrictions in place, so check before powering electronics when traveling. For younger anglers being introduced to the sport, it might be time to prepare to fish the old fashioned way.
Author Capt. Steve Chaconas is Potomac bass fishing guide & freelance writer. Potomac River reports: www,nationalbass.com. YouTube video channel NationalBassGuide.
