Forward Facing Sonar (FFS) divides the fishing community. Proponents label non-users as OGs, old guys. Younger anglers staring at screens are dubbed Scopers. Both sides of the digital divide are drawing lines in the water over computer aided fishing.
In January tournament angler and organizer Larry Martin floated the idea of the first-ever no electronics tournament in the DMV on Lake Anna. Online discussions were mostly supportive. Martin wasn’t fueling the “Great FFS Debate”,
“Either fish it or don’t. This is my attempt to unite those on both sides of the fence, even the playing field, and get back to the love of the sport.” Martin said no one else locally was willing to try it. “Guess I’ll be the bad guy.”
During certain times and places, FFS is advantageous. One OG social media Commenter challenged Scopers to show up for the event to demonstrate their fishing skills.
Scopers believe this tournament style is a waste of time, discounting the value of time on the water. Many OGs learned a lot over time, one cast at a time.
This was the opportunity for younger Scopers to pick up a few things from the OGs, but they don’t need their help or advice. Scopers think OGs are stuck in an old school rut and can’t figure out technology.
Without electronics, local knowledge and fishing decisions played out. Finding fish cover without electronics forced OG anglers to rely on paper maps, memory and lining up stationary objects to triangulate key spots. Old School Open supporters believed without FFS there’d be more participation, since fish are scattered in deeper water where FFS provides a clear advantage.
Scopers stayed home when their electronic assistance was taken away. Some said they’d participate in electronics-free events when fish are shallower, where FFS isn’t much of an advantage.
Discussing merits of non-electric events specifically FFS use, unable to elaborate a Scoper simply said, “I think it was dumb.”
One accused the organizer of creating an event to prevent Scopers from competing. Many OGs were disappointed Scopers didn’t accept the challenge. Scopers were antagonistic that anyone would take their FFS away. On social media, Scopers called out OGs, contending they would outperform anywhere, anytime, but no-showed this event.
Martin says usually 12-15 boats enter his tournaments. For the February Old School Open, 12 boats, including three new teams showed up for the 16-degree start. This first old school tournament format, “Making Waves Using Old Ways”, was well received by OGs and spectators. Martin may try another this year. As one OG said, “A tournament that relies on finding fish with your own skills? Sounds like fishing to me!”
Martin thinks Scopers took this event the wrong way as indicated in social media with many derogatory remarks coming from the youngsters.
Dominating Lake Anna, Scopers missed an opportunity to show they could compete without computerized confidence. With the trend in pro and local tournaments working to minimize the FFS impact, Lake Anna Scopers declining to fish the Old School Open missed the boat.
Author Capt. Steve Chaconas is Potomac bass fishing guide & freelance writer. Potomac River reports: www,nationalbass.com. YouTube video channel NationalBassGuide.
