BASS bans Live Electronics.
I figured it would eventually happen. I think this will affect all tourney fishing and your liable to see some states jumping in. Time will tell.
B.A.S.S. Bans All Sonars Except Flashers
B.A.S.S. Bans All Depth Finders Except Flashers
In a shocking move, B.A.S.S. CEO Chase Anderson has announced that in the 2023 season, only flashers will be allowed in all B.A.S.S. events. This announcement has drawn mixed reviews from anglers and angry responses from Humminbird, Lowrance and Garmin. Angler responses seemed to be based on age, with older anglers supporting the move and younger ones shaking their heads in disbelief.
Anderson in a short statement said: “We know this move is going to cause some ripples in the fishing industry and tournament world, but we at B.A.S.S. feel that in the interest of conservation and the future of bass fishing, this is the best option. Our Conservation Director, Gene Gillilland, has been meeting with fisheries biologist across the nation and all agree that the latest developments in sonar pose a serious threat to bass populations. In addition, our viewing audience has overwhelmingly let us know that watching anglers staring at their depth finders all day is not entertaining. Most are pulling for anglers that are fishing the old fashioned way and just relying on standard sonar and their fishing instincts. We have consulted with our sponsors in the electronics industry and while they are not happy with our decision, understand our reasoning.”
Anderson also mentioned that many weekend anglers had complained about the cost of electronics and stated they couldn’t afford most of the newer units. He felt the move by B.A.S.S. would eventually be adopted by other tournament trails and trickle down into local tournaments as well.
More on this breaking development shortly.
