The subject of forward-facing sonar (FFS) has dominated the bass fishing debate stage, leaving guys like me scratching our heads. Try as I may, I’ve struggled to understand both sides of the issue.

Until recently, I’ve only witnessed the negative impacts. Forward-facing sonar is reducing bass fishing participation. It’s upending tournament interest and broadcasts. It’s a death sentence for formats still utilizing co-anglers.

Forward-facing sonar is drastically reducing the tackle industry. It’s increasing costs to participate in competitive angling. FFS is drastically reducing the appeal of bass tournaments as a legitimate competitive sport.

And I haven’t even touched on the bass themselves. Forward-facing sonar is the worst thing to happen to bass in history. In the case of deep-water fisheries, FFS has the potential to wipe out entire populations if left unchecked. And it has just begun to rear its ugly head during the spawn.

Yeah, it’s been hard for me to see the positives in forward-facing sonar. Why our two powerhouse tournament organizations would continue to allow its use has always eluded me.

Recently, though, I was given a little insight. During the recent REDCREST event, MLF let the press in on what they’re thinking.

I should disclose that MLF treats members of the press like me awfully nice. Invites to their biggest events are customary, as well as a few travel perks.

Even nicer is the group’s transparency in terms of principle and direction. Despite internet conspiracies, I’ve never experienced anything but open conversation and truth.

A case in point was the recent organizational press function held in conjunction with REDCREST 2025. There, frontman Boyd Duckett gave a breakdown of the group’s momentum and future plans. He discussed the importance of growing the sport, the need for non-endemic sponsors and the success of online broadcasts.

Following Duckett’s presentation, the press was allowed to ask any question we’d like. Naturally, I raised my hand. I’m certain MLF leadership swallowed hard and sighed. My questions are never fluffballs.

I explained to Duckett that I just couldn’t grasp the FFS thing. Grow the sport? Hardly. Interested sponsors? Nope. Online broadcast? I’ll show you one way to destroy it …

Why the excuses? Why not just be done with the whole thing?

“I started tournament fishing in 1977,” Duckett explained “and I’ve seen a lot of changes in those times.”

I assumed this would be another one of those pass-the-buck speeches. But what Duckett followed with was real, tangible information. I’ll paraphrase.

MLF believes there are now two, relatively polar groups of anglers. Those who use and enjoy FFS, and those who (regardless of use) do not support the technology. According to Duckett, MLF’s mission is to work to accept both sides, not choose their own side, and offer bass tournaments that each group can get behind.

While MLF admits it may not be perfect, and may need adaptations, their inception of period-use or single-day-use of FFS in events is an attempt to allow both sides equal time and enjoyment.

Even more compelling, though less noticeable, was Duckett’s view of the dangers of setting precedence for the industry. Here, I thought he was simply going to bat for the electronics manufacturers but, really, he was careful to point out the need to avoid installing regulations that could hamper manufacturers from pursuing new technology. He stressed that the tournament trails, with all of their influence, should not be the ones to decide when enough is enough. I’m not sure I agree with that, but I understand the viewpoint.

For now, I can better comprehend MLF’s direction. Blending both user-groups by creating a format attractive to each may be the best-case scenario. We’ll have to wait and see if such an approach can be incorporated into the minor leagues.

I’ve come to realize that I may never accept forward-facing sonar. It’s like face tattoos.

Incredibly effective at what they set out to do, but still leaving me shaking my head.

(Joe Balog is the often-outspoken owner of Millennium Promotions, Inc., an agency operating in the fishing and hunting industries. A former Bassmaster Open and EverStart Championship winner, he's best known for his big-water innovations and hardcore fishing style. He's a popular seminar speaker, product designer and author, and is considered one of the most influential smallmouth fishermen of modern times.)