Forward Facing Sonar (FFS) continues to come under fire. Listening to anglers and fans, BASSMASTERS has decided to restrict FFS use in its circuit for 2026. Interestingly, organizers performed a coin toss to decide which five events would permit the use of FFS and which four would not.
One of three pro anglers having fished every BASSMASTER Elite Series tournament, BassCat Mercury pro John Crews looks forward to this season to see the true talents of younger pros sometimes known as “scopers”.
According to Crews, the five FFS venues provide a contrast of impacts. FFS opens more water for Lake Martin’s February event as the lake fishes smaller this time of year. FFS will be a huge factor targeting clear water spotted bass.
But in April, the Arkansas River requires creative FFS use as it won’t be a factor in how most will catch fish that time of year.
In May, Elites fish Lake Murray where 30% at most will be using FFS quite a bit, enabling the lake to fish big. FFS might not be a huge advantage, depending on herring spawn where FFS will be used to follow bait locating where fish have moved, a different FFS use. But some will traditionally scope, running and gunning or sitting on spots.
In June the Pasquotank River, won last spring using FFS, will be interesting as more anglers will be using FFS. The spawn will likely be behind them, and anglers will need to find fish living offshore and deeper. Even though there will still be a ton of fish caught conventionally, flipping and topwater, FFS will be a big influence.
In August, St. Lawrence River will be good. Crews says it’s a great time of year up there and having FFS will allow anglers to pinpoint fish and what they’re keying on…or just move to another area, not wasting time.
For fisheries where FFS isn’t allowed, Crews provides insight. Lake Guntersville continues to be a great fishery all year. With FFS, weights would be high. Without, it should still be good, and Crews expects to see a variety of techniques utilized.
A event not impacted by FFS is in March on the Tombigbee Waterway. Crews says there’s plenty of shallow fishing with a few opportunities to fish offshore cover.
Santee Cooper Lakes in May would have been a good FFS stop, but with more grass growing there’s good opportunity for guys who can figure out that bite. Crews says the biggest changeup for FFS users, who would have targeted offshore fish feeding on bait, will be on Lake Champlain. Populations of fish on cover isn’t as good as in the past. Weather will be the biggest factor.
Crews says MLF rules highlight anti-FFS arguments, showing its impact on outcomes even when used for only one period while encouraging hole sitting by anglers waiting for their FFS periods.
As pro bass fishing restricts FFS use, will next season continue to feature anglers who rely on FFS? Or will those who reject technology return to their dominance in the sport where age and experience used to be an advantage.
uthor Capt. Steve Chaconas is Potomac bass fishing guide & freelance writer. Potomac River reports: www,nationalbass.com. YouTube video channel NationalBassGuide.
