FFS Survey Results

SURVEY RESULTS - Regarding the survey I posted last week asking how many people have Forward-Facing Sonar (FFS, such as Garmin Livescope or similar Humminbird or Lowrance brands), the survey has now been closed.

Albeit TOTALLY unscientific, I am absolutely astounded at the results! With more than 500 people taking part, basically HALF of all respondents indicate they do have forward-facing sonar.

I never imagined the percentage would be anywhere near that high. Perhaps folks were more inclined to answer if they do have FFS? But no matter what - even if it is off by a significant margin - it is clear to me that there are LOTS more people using FFS now than I ever would have imagined!

FYI, of the people who “Commented” on the reasons they do not have FFS (53 comments), a large percentage indicated they have concerns about the technology impacting the resource.

EXAMPLES OF RESPONSES (from people who don't have FFS):
• It is depleting a renewable resource at a rapid pace
• Should be outlawed
• They’re a crutch for lazy fishermen. I can’t imagine a duller way to fish.
• Not willing to lose knowledge it has taken me a lifetime to acquire.
• Unfair
• Will eventually lead to too many fish being removed from lakes. State agencies will need to reevaluate the number of fish that can be taken out
• Too much technology in the sport already.
• I think they are unfair for sport fishing.
• It's not fishing, it's spotlighting
• Taking the “fishing” out of fishing
• I think they negatively impact the fish harvest.
• I think it’s a detriment technology. Two reasons, most resources are struggling and this highly effective tool will only damage it further. Second issue is the angler. The technology is dumbing down anglers. I’ve fished for a living for almost 50 years. I’ve watched a steady decline in anglers that truly understand all the elements and those that are successful almost solely through tech. We are losing our skill sets. I blame tech for that. I’ve seen the full arc of electronics and use modern electronics in my business. This just crosses an ethical line for me. To each his own though.

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Thanks for sharing the results with us

Of those that gave reasons why they don’t have if they would/could spend some time on a body of water with it!

they would learn so much!
1. noting like spot lighting ! just because you see them don’t mean you catch them.
2.if using ffs is un fair so should all electronics be!
3. Most folks using it already could catch as many fish as they do now! It’s not plug and play like you think sure they are those that will take advantage of it but those are the same ones that take advantage of everything.
4. I think it’s educating folks so much! Using ffs You learn so much more about how fish react,move etc etc.
to each their own haters are going to hate so until the next latest and greatest hits the market . These discussions will come about daily!

Just a guess, but I'd think folks who responded here are more likely to answer yes for two reasons, partly because they may be slightly more serious anglers than those who aren't members here (on average of course) and secondly, because those here are serious Crappie anglers and Crappie are a species where forward facing sonar is especially effective. My guess is that if you could somehow have a random survey of ALL boat owners who fish, it would be a MUCH smaller number.

Interesting results. Thanks for sharing.

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Originally Posted by Brag

Just a guess, but I'd think folks who responded here are more likely to answer yes for two reasons, partly because they may be slightly more serious anglers than those who aren't members here (on average of course) and secondly, because those here are serious Crappie anglers and Crappie are a species where forward facing sonar is especially effective. My guess is that if you could somehow have a random survey of ALL boat owners who fish, it would be a MUCH smaller number.

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I don't disagree. I have tried to make it clear that this survey is totally "unscientific." Even so, if we assumed a 50% margin or error, the percentage is still be WAY higher than I ever expected.

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Originally Posted by rsimms

I don't disagree. I have tried to make it clear that this survey is totally "unscientific." Even so, if we assumed a 50% margin or error, the percentage is still be WAY higher than I ever expected.

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I will agree that the percentage of anglers with it is surprising. I would assumed the number would have been around 35%. I understand both sides of the issue. I have it because it eliminates non-productive water. The old addage that 90% of the fish is in 10% of the water is a pretty accurate statement. I like to fish alot of different lakes and i'm lucky if I get to fish once a week. Sometimes my livescope is never turned on. Especially during the spawn. When dock shooting I simply use it to dial in the distance and depth of target. I hate watching a screen all day and I only do this when fish are roaming in open water. I could leave my livescope at home if I am fishing my home lake. I have fished it enough to know were the fish are. I suspect those who say they don't need it are the ones who mainly fish their home lake or a couple of lakes. Thru their experience they know were the productive spots are. I am one of those who is last to get on the technology bandwagon but it goes on regardless if your on board or not.

Interesting, thanks for doing the research and sharing the results.

I understand asking the crappie fishermen specifically but it’s still probably not a real good example of folks using ffs because there are more than we realize there are using it. There are a whole lot of Bass, walleye, musky, striper & catfishermen using it too. I also think those that don’t have it are way over thinking it because they read what other non users are saying & becoming conspiracy theorist about ffs themselves.

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Originally Posted by Les Young

I understand asking the crappie fishermen specifically but it’s still probably not a real good example of folks using ffs because there are more than we realize there are using it. There are a whole lot of Bass, walleye, musky, striper & catfishermen using it too. I also think those that don’t have it are way over thinking it because they read what other non users are saying & becoming conspiracy theorist about ffs themselves.

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Just FYI, the survey was also widely posted on other discussion boards and social media outlets that are NOT exclusively crappie fishermen.

I see fishing today divided into 2 camps- those that have plenty of time or just like to be on the lake whether they catch anything or not, and those with limited time and want to use their day to catch more. FFS does not guarantee success, but it definitely gives you an advantage, especially to see which lures/bait they are wanting on a specific day. In the year I have had FFS, I have learned more about crappie behaviors than I ever imagined. I don't always look at the screen as I use 5-6 techniques to catch 'em. Single poling and searching for schools of fish is where FFS excels.
Fish your own style and enjoy life. No worries about what the other guy is doing. :twocents

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Originally Posted by happycaster58

I see fishing today divided into 2 camps- those that have plenty of time or just like to be on the lake whether they catch anything or not, and those with limited time and want to use their day to catch more. FFS does not guarantee success, but it definitely gives you an advantage, especially to see which lures/bait they are wanting on a specific day. In the year I have had FFS, I have learned more about crappie behaviors than I ever imagined. I don't always look at the screen as I use 5-6 techniques to catch 'em. Single poling and searching for schools of fish is where FFS excels.
Fish your own style and enjoy life. No worries about what the other guy is doing. :twocents

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I fit the limited time frame group as I’m away from home more than not. I might’ve be been on the water 15 times targeting crappie last year(about 35 total all species). After getting FFS in December it gives me more time on fish versus not on fish, maximizing the time I have. I have definitely seen way more fish than I’ve caught with it so I’m not sure it’ll devastate the population. Maybe some people pull up on some cover and catch over 25% of the fish there but I haven’t caught near 25% yet. A dozen is plenty for our family. Hopefully I can get more time off and catch up on the chores so I can visit some other lakes. Caddo is on my list this year.



Sent from my iPhone using Crappie.com Fishing mobile app

I like the "lazy fisherman/crutch" thing lol

I've never come in from crappie fishing prior to having FFS tied, hurting, and having ran most of a tank of gas out of a boat like I do now.

The intensity of which I fish now with FFS is exhausting, and I do FAR more searching for fish rather than trolling or dock shooting, hoping I stumble into some.

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Originally Posted by happycaster58

I see fishing today divided into 2 camps- those that have plenty of time or just like to be on the lake whether they catch anything or not, and those with limited time and want to use their day to catch more. FFS does not guarantee success, but it definitely gives you an advantage, especially to see which lures/bait they are wanting on a specific day. In the year I have had FFS, I have learned more about crappie behaviors than I ever imagined. I don't always look at the screen as I use 5-6 techniques to catch 'em. Single poling and searching for schools of fish is where FFS excels.
Fish your own style and enjoy life. No worries about what the other guy is doing. :twocents

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I totally agree my granny got me started crappie fishin when i was a pup and i am far from that now and i have never learned more or have been more disappointed than i have in the past couple years since i got my first garmin ls you can learn behavior like never before you can also hang it in front of hundreds of fish in a days time and no matter what you do they simply won't bite they are a spectacular tool and like others have said folks will cheat and keep more than they are supposed to with or without ls it's all about a persons moral code not what type of ff they use.....to each their own and everyone go out and have fun no matter what camp you are in.