RE: Balog on forward-facing sonar – I get where Joe is coming from here, but did we feel the same way when down sonar became so good? We used flashers in the '80s and caught fish then, but welcomed a better view of the bottom. I also believe fish become conditioned, and with more anglers offshore, will the bank once again become more productive? Personally, I hope so, cause that's still my favorite way to find 'em!
In the "Fritts on flat-sided crankbaits" article, the author states David Fritts uses a BB1 reel with no anti-reverse. This is false. The reel does not have an instant anti-reverse, but it DOES have an anti-reverse (called a multi-stop anti-reverse) like the many reels of a few years ago.
RE: Balog on forward-facing sonar – It's just getting ridiculous.
RE: Balog on forward-facing sonar – I totally agree, Joe. As the top species, I am pretty sure we can eventually figure out how to catch every fish in the lake/river if that is our goal. However, can we not put competition and corporate money aside and protect the resource, and at the same time keep the sport fun and interesting? If we can't, I suppose we deserve what we get, which will likely be tough, depleted fisheries.
RE: Balog on forward-facing sonar – Bright future for neurosurgeons, in my opinion. Plenty of patient candidates standing all day looking straight down at their screen. Boring as heck to watch also.
RE: Balog on forward-facing sonar – I recently got out of tournament bass fishing. I sold my boat and I have very little of my tackle left. The thought of trying to get back into it with all of the things that seem "needed" now is too much. I assume I would need to spend somewhere on the level of $80-$100K just to get back in where I feel I could compete basically. I just don't see myself ever going back even though I still love to bass fish. This is just the icing on the cake, really.
RE: Balog on forward-facing sonar – Not a good situation for the bass fishing industry, especially interest in pro tournaments. Too much of a good thing is not good. Also, do not let the cure kill the patient. It really is all about sales, whether pro tournaments are needed or not. It will be interesting to see how this plays out.
RE: Balog on forward-facing sonar – The article failed to mention those circuits with the co-angler format; where the forward-looking sonar puts the co-angler on the rear of the boat at a distinct disadvantage. It's just a matter of time before a co-angler refuses to sign the weigh slip of their "pro" because the pro used the forward-looking sonar and zeroed in on huge bass hanging in a brush pile. All the while the co-angler was kept from casting and the pro's 35-pound-plus stringer is disqualified.
RE: Balog on forward-facing sonar – Good article. LiveScope has taken over on the crappie circuits as well. The fish don't stand a chance. I fear this will eventually deplete fish populations all across the country. Finding fish has always been part of the challenge and kept tournament anglers sharp. Now, a lot of guys who pre-fish for tournaments don't have to wet a line to find them. Are they the best fishermen? The answer is no and most would agree. Limit practices and tournaments to down-imaging only. Put the hardest part of the tournament equation (finding fish) back into the sport.
RE: Balog on forward-facing sonar – Hey Joe, I always enjoy and respect your opinions. I have to say I am really surprised by this backlash regarding forward-facing technology. You yourself have heavily promoted electronics in the past. I think it's a natural progression of the technology. It's hard to draw the line, in my opinion. Should every pro be mandated to go back to flashers as an example?
RE: Balog on forward-facing sonar – I completely agree that technology has reached a point where it detracts from the sport. Not only has it pushed the cost of a well-equipped boat out of range for most people, it is replacing the good old experience that used to factor into one's success. Fishing and hunting should serve as an escape from sitting there staring at a computer screen, not another form of it.
RE: Balog on forward-facing sonar – Absolutely agree with Joe on the sonar dilemma. As a bass geek of 40-plus years, it pains me to see this happen. To see and hear the pros talk about what they're seeing and having it completely dictate how they fish is pathetic. Especially the younger ones who learned to read the water and trust their gut instincts like we all did, have completely abandoned that true fishermen's gift. To save the top tournament level of the sport it needs to be banned immediately.
RE: Balog on forward-facing sonar – I totally agree on this one. I was a huge fan of the initial MLF format, with anglers going head to head on the water. But now, as Mr. Balog points out, it's become a snoozefest. I have turned several episodes off lately. And forget "learning" anything from these pro video-gamers – I don't have the resources to fish the way they do. I have a tournament background from my younger days and even thought of venturing back. The recent advent of video fishing pretty much convinced me I don't belong out there anymore. So I pond fish a lot ... and nary a sonar or boat to be found. So are they helping the "industry"? Me thinks not this time.
RE: Balog on forward-facing sonar – I agree with Joe, this could negatively impact tournament fishing and more importantly, tournament fan interest. It is also cost-prohibitive for the guy working out there just trying to pay a mortgage and a car note, and for his weekend club, the thought of shucking out thousands for sonar technology just to compete is out of reach for him. I say ban it, ban side- and down-scan too. 2D sonar only will make us better at reading nature’s signs.
Bill Lowen had the fortitude to stay with B.A.S.S. when the majority bailed. He earned my respect with that decision. Now he is rewarded with a well-deserved win. Congrats!
I think that all bass tournaments are full of too much money and top of the line equipment. How about a tournament on a small lake with all jonboats, one spinner, one baitcaster, one tackle box, no depthfinder and all equipment exactly the same. Then let's see who's best. Fish like most people, not like the rich.
RE: MLF TV ratings – Funny how everyone I know focuses on watching B.A.S.S. and not MLF. BassLive is superior in every way possible. My guess is Boyd must own a few thousand cable boxes.
John Cox is lining up to have one of the most epic seasons in professional fishing ever and we get to watch it live. It's gonna be fun.
RE: Good cast gone bad – That is the best fishing video I've seen in a long time.
If John Cox is successful at fishing both leagues, It will be interesting to see if that entices others to do the same thing. I think it would be great to see these guys cross over and fish both circuits.
With John Cox fishing both the Elites and the BPT, will he skyrocket to No. 1 in the BassFan world rankings?
BassFan says: Fishing more tournaments isn't necessarily an advantage in the Rankings, but with Cox's propensity for high finishes it could end up being one for him. Competing on both circuits will not, however, provide an automatic boost.
Tournament angling has ALWAYS been a game of those who use lake knowledge and rules to their advantage. Roland Martin, Randy Blaukat and Mark Menendez are three who come quickly to mind.
By B.A.S.S. Communications Staff
PALATKA, Fla. — John Cox grew up on Florida’s east coast, so he is intimately familiar with nearly every section of the
By B.A.S.S. Communications Staff
LEESBURG, Fla. — Sometimes, you close the door. Other times, you slam it shut. John Garrett did the latter and tallied
By B.A.S.S. Communications Staff
LEESBURG, Fla. — Things got a little hairy for John Garrett, but that transitional period helped the Tennessee pro amass
