Bassmaster Classic reactions ranged from disgust to disinterest in watching or giving credibility to a sport where competitors spent days staring at screens. Social media lit up, not with secret lures, techniques, or patterns, but rather on Forward Facing Sonar (FFS). Posters accused Bassmaster of selling out to electronics companies, ignoring fans and sportsmanship. It’s hard convincing non anglers how fishing is a sport, then justifying $10,000 in electronics showing real time fish images.
Pro fishing is restricting FFS, struggling to satisfy pro anglers, audience, and electronics companies. Bassmaster allows use in five of nine events. Major League Fishing limits to one three-hour period a day. States are considering bans or restrictions, concerned over fairness in fishing competitions, environmental impacts, and ethical considerations.
As anglers clamored for an end to the forward facing fiasco, the National Professional Fishing League (NPFL) launched their season-opener. Since last season, the NPFL has prohibited FFS. It was a business decision to attract anglers, fans, and advertisers.
Ken Duke, NPFL Communications Manager, said “We anticipated that MLF and BASS were losing audience due to lack of interest because of FFS and we could pick up audience by banning it.” Duke said NPFL’s FFS ban evokes hunting’s rule of fair chase as angling fans see technology giving anglers an unfair advantage.
The best in the business along with some of the brightest rising stars are gravitating to the NPFL. Recognized pro fishing names including Bass Fishing Hall of Famer and four-time Bassmaster Classic winner Rick Clunn, one of the few to win both the FLW Championship and Bassmaster Classic Luke Clausen, FLW Champion and Elite Series Angler of the Year Greg Hackney, and million dollar FLW winner Scott Suggs are among NPFL’s roster. With nearly 20 former Elite Series anglers, the NPFL fields the biggest pro tour name recognition.
Vintage NPFL anglers set the stage for fans and sponsors and the example for upcoming younger pros. Scoping advocates claim technology is leaving older anglers behind and perhaps a senior league would be better suited for their ancient skills. Duke explained NPFL anglers aren’t older. The age in other tours is falling.
Duke contends it’s more than the FFS ban that’s attracting top pros. The NPFL fishes places others don’t. Staff launches and pulls pro boats and drives them through the weigh in stage, providing more sponsor and boat rig exposure. Pros contribute articles and videos to a multi-platformed website, further enhancing their brands and fan base. Increased tournament coverage attracts more viewers.
To further establish roots, the NPFL conducts community outreach efforts. Anglers go to area schools, senior assisted facilities, and local tackle stores promoting their tour, tackle, and license sales. Serving communities strengthens angler brands with sponsors and fans.
The NPFL field catches fish with a variety of techniques and tackle, providing viewers with relatable information and tackle companies with exposure. The NPFL isn’t reinventing the wheel, they’re just rebalancing it and putting it back on track after nearly being derailed by FFS.
Author Capt. Steve Chaconas is Potomac bass fishing guide & freelance writer. Potomac River reports: nationalbass.com. YouTube video channel NationalBassGuide
