You can tell this one comes from the heart. I love active target, but was curious how far it is going and where it stops. Identifying that the optics on this are negative and addressing how you actually use it is really cool. Definitely appreciate the clarity and I don't blame you for it. If I could justify running this same set up I would bec I suck at reading side imaging well
Thanks for the Video Jacob. The industry has gotten so competitive for technology It really makes it , well diff but it drives up the price. I remember when the guy in the 21 footer would show up for a Wed eve wildcat and people would kinda snicker about coming out to a wildcat "in all that", Now you need a 21 footer to get away from the blastoff without being swamped. It just seems like everyone has bought a NASCAR from Hendrick to come run Friday night short tracks.
Why stop with ffs maybe others don't want 2d or mega live . Good for one good for all. . Just saying for everyone saying how great they are but ffs guys kicking my butt . Show me better than you can tell me .
Be sure to get rid of those graphite rods and anti-backlash reels. Oh, don't forget to remove the trolling motor and drop that V6 on the back in favor of a 10 or so HP outboard, maybe even just a paddle?
@@txman201 I'm 47 been catching bass, since I was 12 at from shore . Only had a small old town kayak and a canoe till this year . No electronics ever till now . Got an old town kayak with Garmin and livescope . These toddlers bitching about who has what is just commi mentality. Live and let live
Having all the data you can get is great. Fishing is what you do for a living. In Top Fuel Drag Racing it costs what you have in your whole boat just to compete for a weekend and that doesnt include the car, parts and rigs to haul it all. We have data recording as well to help us be fast. Just some perspective on different sports.
FFS is the "bridge too far" for professional (Elite, BPT, AAA) bass fishing. I am fortunate enough to be able to afford whatever I want to purchase, but I think it destroys the tradition of fishing.
I'm totally agree. In a couple more years the anglers that have just purchased FFS during the recent sales that are in that honeymoon phase will eventually feel the same way after they get bored looking at the screens. My breaking point was running 2 ffs transducers, so I'd rather spend my time with friends or family or actually making money at work staring at a screen.
@@jamesw5836 It has already destroyed my home lake that is over 18k acres. This year the chamber of commerce has recruited even more tournaments during the most terrible time for fish survival rates and now everybody has FFS with the Pros showing them how to use it on MLF and BASS. At what point do we stop whoring out our kids and fisheries to grow the sport? My neighbor that worked his entire life to retire from his crap town and live on this lake now can't even catch a couple fish with his son that can only visit him 2x a year. I'm embarrassed that I have been part of the problem, but I didn't understand it until recently.
I agree James. Pros are making a living out of fishing so they have to stay competitive. If they ban it completely from pro tournaments is the only way it will happen but they don’t want to kill the cash cows.
@@BassHead1322 If they ban it there will be no more pro fishing. I would assume the electronics folks are major sponsors. I don't understand why folks can't just let it go but the SI argument went on for a few years also. When SI came out I was installing them under sponsored guys consoles so that Lowrance wouldn't see them used on TV and drop the angler .... lol The expense argument is valid in some cases but the guy drinking beer and smoking doesn't need to start the "I can't afford it" argument with me :-). I also have the guys wanting an estimate that are so deep into 25 years of boat debt they can't afford it .... 😎
Loved the info, DO NOT LIKE the fact that FFS is ruining fishing!! even in the local jackpot tournaments!! if u DON'T have FFS, u have no chance of winning. Personally this tech FORCED me out of high School fishing. I LOVED taking/teaching what I knew about bass fishing to the next generation, but couldn't afford all this tech and my kids were at a definite disadvantage!! VERY SAD to this stuff forcing this sport to be SO EXPENSIVE that average/middle class folks can't compete. VERY, VERY, SAD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Guys used to use a trolling motor on the transom. They came out with a bow mount. If you didn’t have it, you couldn’t compete. Damn trolling motors ruined bass fishing.
I'm going to be honest with you Jacob . I would rather watch you hands down fish with your inner intuition . It shows your true talent . FFS not so much . Tight lines !
Can’t ask hm. To do that when the whole field does .i get it but today To compete u do kinda need most “months” in that level ..not all lakes and some Guys still get it done. Can agree fishing was funner to watch but to me the outdoors and getting close with wildlife is forreal and this was said before I just heard Jacob said “can’t compete “..sadly it’s true in ways ..I think he could and few others still like Hackney..and few others that can fish shallow and deep and intuition..Ott..but he’s got it
@@scottgeitgey488 My comment is totally based on Jacob's natural talent . If you take a moment and listen to the angler and all he has learned over the years it's much more in depth . My owning a ffs has nothing to do with my comment . My suspension is I'm a good bit older than you and I watched the first Bassmasters on TV meaning I have watched a lot of tournaments over the years . I will date myself back to Gaddabout Gaddis .
I appreciate the detailed explanation as I had been wondering why the heck Pro Anglers had them at the back of the transom. It makes perfect sense after your explanation about maximizing the time idling vice trolling. Good luck at the Hollar, I'm hoping one of the Ding Squad brings home the trophy.
Appreciate your thoughtfulness J-Dub. Yours is one of the more balanced and reasoned voices that articulates the big picture from multiple angles. Godspeed. Good luck at Dale Hollow!
Really interesting how fast the level of sophistication has advanced. Impressive use of the technology! When I see videos like this it makes me want to add FFS to my kayak but dealing with the extra wiring and having an arm hanging down keep putting me off. Maybe this year for my birthday :)
I started following you was back. You bring more to us than most realize. I folllow Ben Milliken as well. I appreaciate you guys showing the reality of bass fishing and the family life the both of you share. Keep it real, even if Ben's got a little on the content rated side. I remember way back when you fished againts us in a local tourney, and you were help seth davis find fish. I pulled for you in the bassfest, and the classic in K-ville. My wife which is in heaven now, pulled for Ott because she was a vol fan. You did finish 2nd. Keep it real, and you correct, no need to have all that to compete. I do it for fun and a few local derbies. Electronics is my hobby, and have met many of my friends in the Chattanooga area, offering what knowledge I have to give.
Geat video. Thanks for taking the time. Being a weekend warrior, I will have to stay away from live target. My next purchase is for topo graphs that can be seen on my electronics to help find new places within the lakes I fish. Any suggestions would be helpful . Thanks again.
Thank you for being honest with us the every day angler . It means a lot that you share your experience and knowledge with us on what works for us and what works for you. It is crazy how much the industry has changed and how many people think that FFS is the fix to catching fish on a regular basis. Me and my son enjoy the video content and try to put it to use on Chickamauga. Keep up the great work.
Hey Jacob the fans want you to go back to a cane pole and a bobber, no boat, just fish under a bridge, use an old truck with no power steering or ac and a leaky oil pan. But I'm sure someone would complain about how unprofessional a bobber is. Bring back 1967. SMDH
I recently got the Lowrance S3100 module and new Lowrance 4-1 transducer and I will say that having fish reveal on side scan has helped me out tremendously. It def came with a much lower price tag than buying a "Pro" unit and two active target set ups. I do appreciate Jacob's explanation of his position on FFS and you can tell this video meant something to him. Look at what golfers spend on indoor simulators, baseball pitchers spend on similar tech....It's his profession and if the rules allow it, more power to him. Keep on rippin lips J-dub!!
You have em both in forward and not perspective? Also, can you reverse the image for the left side so the screens are showing it from the boat out (similar to side view)?
JW. Big fan here. A bit off topic but I would like your advice on whether to get FFS or a spot lock motor. I came into enough money to get one or the other but not both. I only fish Parksville lake for spots. I don’t fish tournaments. I have a reliable Minkota edge with a helix 7 with lake master card and an original 360.
I'm not j wheeler, but I can tell you from my experience the spot lock trolling is a must. I bought a livescope first, and only recently bought an ultrex. I can tell you with 100% honesty, that I would give up my livecope before I would my ultrex. On windy days you'll really see what it can do
I’m not JW either, but I have both a Lowrance Ghost and Active Target. I’d also give up FFS before my Ghost. Also you can’t use spot lock and FFS at the same time unless you have a separate mount for the FFS transducer. I’ve had good luck on Parksville trolling for the suspended, roaming bass.
It depends on where you are fishing. If you are in deeper water lakes, spot lock wins. If you are in Florida here we rarely fish deeper than 7’ and have power poles, ffs wins.
@@Steve13lb12oz sorry you're right. I didnt realize while using side imaging u could sit there and follow a single fish around and keep throwing on their head until they bite. And be able to be like oh he didnt want it fished fast let me throw back on his head and move it slow and see if he will bite that.
I make my living in IT, so I love the electronics aspect of modern fishing. One of the guys at Toledo Bend on the Elite opener this year was wearing augmented reality glasses with his FFS. It won't be long until someone ties in full virtual reality glasses to their FFS and uses the motion sensors to move their targetlock to point where they are looking. If anyone at Johnson Outdoors is reading this I would love to be in the alpha testing for it.
... Secret ??? Been out there in play for 2-3 years .....Boats rigged with 6-8 12" monitors mounted on their boats ,, $30k-$50k for electronics alone ... Tournaments have gotten to be a video game instead of an anglers skills competition ..
Just use dynamite. It's way cheaper. Kidding but jeez. I personally think that the top pro tournament organizations should restrict the anglers to using using 2D sonar / side imaging. That would make it much more competitive and also help preserve the integrity of the "sport".
Thanks for your info on this video. But when you have a chance to work into a video or podcast I’d sure like to hear some discussion on a couple of questions about FFS. What % of the time do you find suspended fish? Do you mainly just try to target suspended fish? If not……I’m fishing a lake that has a ton of cover, too many stunted crappie and a lot of bait fish, at the times bass are not up suspended there almost impossible to find. In a case like this do you just try to draw them out in order to get them to show themselves? Thanks for your time and Best of Luck!
I believe a large portion of fishing viewership involves the viewer picturing themselves being able to replicate what the pro fisherman is doing on the screen. FFS has distanced itself from the majority of those viewing. I think this will cause a backlash in popularity.
I have felt this way all these years I’ve been following you & DC . I dream of holding a trophy, I don’t want the money. But what y’all run, I have zero chance, it’s a dream crusher.. 🔥🛎️🔥
This is a great informative video. I never had an issue with seeing things on side imaging. However I did have a problem with targeting the things I saw on side imaging. For example I see a rock pile on my right side. How do I then mark that exact rock pile and effectively target that exact rock pile? Never figured it out. Side note I never owned a bass boat my fishing buddy did and I don’t think he ever knew how to do it either. I believe he would get close but not 100% right on target.
Trying to explain true Economics to most Folks is impossible. Most Folks can’t get their personal perspective out of the way enough to understand real numbers. It is actually amusing to see some Folks literally not see their own bias!
Thanks Jacob i felt this came from your heart brother. I pray and wish i could afford one unit lol but i still go to the lake and catch bass so you are right we don't have to have it ro go catch some biggens. Awesome video
Lowrance needs a software update for an option to flip the orientation of a livescope display. That way when you want to run a transducer on each side of the transom you can flip the orientation on the left side. That way the right side on the display is at the transducer, and the left side of the display is looking left to the boat. That would be very beneficial.
Great video JW. If you are going to fish for a living you have to have all the electronics you can get. If you are a weekend angler you can get by with a single unit something affordable.
I've had a few guys ask about this and my first question is "How much time have you spent learning your console unit and your live sonar on the bow?" If they have no clue as to how any of it works I recommend spending time with someone for training before moving on. I feel like they would be better off spending the money on training instead of on more tech they are never going to learn.
While your idling couldn't you just drop the trolling motor down and use the remote and have the FFS display come to the console? Seems like you could pan around with the front trolling motor from the console without having to buy two for the back. Plus there wouldn't be interference to the side imaging.
@@WheelerFishing pretty sure that would spin your TM prop off too. Had it happen to me fishing at night once. Forgot to pull up the TM and moved spots, very slowly, checked the TM and the prop was gone.
Deploy trolling motor from console, pan around and keep idling forward without ever leaving the console. Plus your seeing stuff before the boat goes over them.
@@DonLStueve You cant deploy an ultrex from the console. Auto deploy TMs cant have livescope/active target ducers on them because of the way they deploy
If you have active target on your trolling motor, why not put your trolling motor in the water, point it to the right and idle? View it on your console graph.
It’s like hiking and you encounter a hungry Grizzly. You’re not competing with the bear, you’re competing against the other hikers to survive. JW isn’t competing against how much the fish knows.
@@Steve13lb12oz if im hiking anywhere I might meet a Grizzly, I have both a 45 cal revolver and a .45 cal pistol, at the very least. And I spend a fair amount of time in places like that.
Jacob, I am friends with Adrian and I got to practice with you for a few day at Lake Eire now a long time ago. Again thank you for that, and it was a few days I will never forget. However, I have a question for you about your HDS Pro unit. Do you have your ping synchronization wires connected?or I guess a easier way to ask this is, do you connect the blue wire to the yellow wire from the AT2 plug to the power plug of the HDS Pro unit or are you just connecting the two yellow wires on both the AT2 plug and the HDS Pro power plug. Thanks in advance , Vince
Let’s allow FFS in tournaments where all the fishing is well off shore like the Great Lakes. On lakes like Fork where there is every type of cover don’t allow it. People want to see anglers using a wide variety of techniques and pick apart the cover on lakes like that.
Good job Jacob. i wish it would come down in pricing so more people could use it. I have it and even with my 40 yrs of experience in Bass fishing i will say one can still get skunked using FFS. It is not the end all to be all. It is just another product that provides some information when fishing.
LOL, why in the world would someone like Mr.Wheeler need FFS? Dude! You’re a national champion and with all respect I don’t see the whole point in the absolute need at your level! I fish bass out of my kayak , have tried to surround myself with all the right equipment and gear but I suck at fishing! If anybody needs this technology it’s someone like me!😂Again with all respect you are the GOAT!
Jacob, love your channel. Could you interview the Japanese like Taku Ito, and Fujita. Also other FFS hammers like Robertson and Milikin. We Wannabees want the best, cash means nothing. I am working on a program that will look at all your graphs at one time and immediately notify where the fish are and switch to that monitor. Take care.
Being a golfer and a bass fisherman, I sort of equate FFS to having a range finder. It helps me zero in on the pin and see how far I am away, which helps me choose the correct club, but it sure as hell doesn't mean that I'm going to suck one back to within 3ft every iron shot I hit. I have FFS and it's not as easy as it looks. Does it help, absolutely, but the tech still doesn't make it "easy". I only dream I could be as talented as Tiger Woods and Jacob Wheeler lol
Honestly, your setup is the next evolution of Side imaging. A manufacture that incorporates the FFS tech as part of side imaging, incorporating a vertical and horizontal view within the transducer utilizing AI technology, will create a game changing device...and the next big controversy.
Good video explaining the reality of the use and frequency of use of FFS. I'm a 70-year-old multi species fisherman and remember at 5 years old when I started bass fishing there were no electric motors, no sonar, and backlash control was called a thumb. I remember old guys saying electric motors, sonar, high tech reels and line and lures were each going to ruin bass fishing and destroy our fisheries. One thing I've learned after 70 years is advancements in technology and most products is a non-stoppable force. I take advantage and enjoy all these advancements. I think the nay sayers on FFS are experiencing over reaction Monday.
Only if you're trying to shoot them blindfolded. It's not the same stop trying to say it is. I bet you use food plots feeders. You have to make them eat a bait, you're not shooting them. Just because you can see what's below doesn't mean you can catch them. Such a dumb comparison. Typical response to someone who doesn't have a clue about FFS.
We can tell you've never used FFS. Having it on your boat doesn't automatically give you the data to use it. Just like buying a smoker doesn't make you an immediate pitmaster.
PRO SECRET REVEALED! “Every tournament I have ever won has been off of Forward Facing Sonar.” 🙄 Just hurry and get to the part where the “fisherman” with the most drones in a swarm wins from locating, marking, recording and catching all the fish.
every tournament I have won was before FFS ! Now I just don't fish tournaments. I don't have $200,000 for a bass boat , electictronics ,new P/U to pull it and all the rods ,reels and thousands of lures which are coming out weekly to buy !!! This has got out of hand .I used to think golf was for the rich but it want hold a light to Bass fishing and fishing in general.
So why not have the Active Target 2 transducers set up on the back so you can get 180 view? Then you don't have to have the screen split on the 16, it would just be one screen.
You better make the knockout round. Lol I’m driving up Saturday to follow you around it’s 2 hours from my house. We got second last weekend in our “fishers of men” team tournament. I never powered the two units on the bow of my boat. All bed fishes and it was a freaking blast. Had 15.07 and got beat by 4 smallies weighing 19.19. They locked through to the river and had 30 minutes to fish. 🤦 FOM Tennessee central division.
Great vid and you are an awesome bass pro. We are reaching a point where guys come from Japan which has limited water so one would expect them not to do well in the diverse water eco systems we have in the states. The reason they do well right out of the gate is that they do understand technology and how to maximize it. What would happen if we restricted everyone to one unit and one transducer in the front and one in the cockpit? I’ll tell you that it won’t be the teenagers finishing near or at the top. I’m not for banning ffs or traditional sonar but let’s go to one and one.
My thing on this whole argument on whether you need forward facing to compete these days is this. If you take 10 guys that are good with forward facing and take the same 10 guys and don't give them forward facing and they fish 10 tournaments against eachother, you can't tell me that the 10 guys with forward facing wouldn't do better on average if not all the time. Than you have the problem of people that can afford to spend that kind of money and the ones that can't. Than you have guys that are not as good of fisherman beating guys that are better only because they have the sonar.
I'm one of the crybabies who hate FFS, I love fishing and I love to watch you fish Jacob using your talent and your knowledge. Watching FFS fishing is boring I don't even watch tournaments using it anymore
There’s a reason why Major League Baseball players have to use wooden bats… Professional fishing has gotten out of control. $30,000 electronics setup just to catch a fish. It’s unrealistic and no longer fun to watch.
You can get livescope for less than $1500. You also can buy polarized sunglasses that show bass in realtime under the water for less than $20.00 . You do not need $30,000 in electronics.
@@jsstuff1431 Guess there is always Greg Hackney and John Cox then. Personally, I like watching both, livescope and bank flippers. Livescope can be fun to watch as you can see the bass react to or reject baits that you would not otherwise see.
I think some regulation could be a great idea but it can still be a lot. Say 60" of total screen and 4 total transducers. Maybe a limit on total weight of batteries also. I think there are plenty of efficient setups that could be made within regulation. I think all the added weight and lack of visibility is unsafe beyond that. I don't really care about the money like everyone says. The pros should have all the best I'll get what I want and what I can afford.
I’m really trying to understand why this needs to be regulated? It’s a tool . Just like 2d and down/side imaging before it. Please provide factual data that shows FFS is detrimental to anything outside of the entertainment value of professional fishing.
I’ve always enjoyed fishing spots hoping to find them. FFS just takes the hunt and turns it into a game of eye spy. Could afford a boat load but just have no interest in having it
You can tell this one comes from the heart. I love active target, but was curious how far it is going and where it stops. Identifying that the optics on this are negative and addressing how you actually use it is really cool. Definitely appreciate the clarity and I don't blame you for it. If I could justify running this same set up I would bec I suck at reading side imaging well
Thanks for the Video Jacob. The industry has gotten so competitive for technology It really makes it , well diff but it drives up the price. I remember when the guy in the 21 footer would show up for a Wed eve wildcat and people would kinda snicker about coming out to a wildcat "in all that", Now you need a 21 footer to get away from the blastoff without being swamped. It just seems like everyone has bought a NASCAR from Hendrick to come run Friday night short tracks.
100%!
No FFS, no active target, just 2D sonar and your angling talent. That is what fishing is and should always be....
Why stop with ffs maybe others don't want 2d or mega live . Good for one good for all. . Just saying for everyone saying how great they are but ffs guys kicking my butt . Show me better than you can tell me .
@@Trump2024musthappennothing on the boat that can show the fish and lure moving in real time. Period.
@@jefflovinfishin621 nope no electronics fish finders show fish as arches eliminate that too while you're at it cheater
Be sure to get rid of those graphite rods and anti-backlash reels. Oh, don't forget to remove the trolling motor and drop that V6 on the back in favor of a 10 or so HP outboard, maybe even just a paddle?
@@txman201 I'm 47 been catching bass, since I was 12 at from shore . Only had a small old town kayak and a canoe till this year . No electronics ever till now . Got an old town kayak with Garmin and livescope . These toddlers bitching about who has what is just commi mentality. Live and let live
My extra costs for fishing are a couple slices of Casey’s bacon breakfast pizza and a crispy Coke Zero. And yes the occasional Snickers bar.
Go get em tomorrow Jwheels! Looking forward to watching Thursday, hope all the guys do well. 👊🏼
Having all the data you can get is great. Fishing is what you do for a living. In Top Fuel Drag Racing it costs what you have in your whole boat just to compete for a weekend and that doesnt include the car, parts and rigs to haul it all. We have data recording as well to help us be fast. Just some perspective on different sports.
Sponsors cover most of that.
FFS is the "bridge too far" for professional (Elite, BPT, AAA) bass fishing. I am fortunate enough to be able to afford whatever I want to purchase, but I think it destroys the tradition of fishing.
I'm totally agree. In a couple more years the anglers that have just purchased FFS during the recent sales that are in that honeymoon phase will eventually feel the same way after they get bored looking at the screens. My breaking point was running 2 ffs transducers, so I'd rather spend my time with friends or family or actually making money at work staring at a screen.
Every form of technology in fishing over the years has been "a bridge to far" for someone. The tradition of fishing is different for everyone.
@@jamesw5836 It has already destroyed my home lake that is over 18k acres. This year the chamber of commerce has recruited even more tournaments during the most terrible time for fish survival rates and now everybody has FFS with the Pros showing them how to use it on MLF and BASS. At what point do we stop whoring out our kids and fisheries to grow the sport? My neighbor that worked his entire life to retire from his crap town and live on this lake now can't even catch a couple fish with his son that can only visit him 2x a year. I'm embarrassed that I have been part of the problem, but I didn't understand it until recently.
I agree James. Pros are making a living out of fishing so they have to stay competitive. If they ban it completely from pro tournaments is the only way it will happen but they don’t want to kill the cash cows.
@@BassHead1322 If they ban it there will be no more pro fishing. I would assume the electronics folks are major sponsors. I don't understand why folks can't just let it go but the SI argument went on for a few years also. When SI came out I was installing them under sponsored guys consoles so that Lowrance wouldn't see them used on TV and drop the angler .... lol
The expense argument is valid in some cases but the guy drinking beer and smoking doesn't need to start the "I can't afford it" argument with me :-). I also have the guys wanting an estimate that are so deep into 25 years of boat debt they can't afford it .... 😎
Jacob 😊 ❤ Thanks for all this advice !,,! All of us need to be that honest with each other and help us to learn all of this stuff!!
Loved the info, DO NOT LIKE the fact that FFS is ruining fishing!! even in the local jackpot tournaments!! if u DON'T have FFS, u have no chance of winning. Personally this tech FORCED me out of high School fishing. I LOVED taking/teaching what I knew about bass fishing to the next generation, but couldn't afford all this tech and my kids were at a definite disadvantage!! VERY SAD to this stuff forcing this sport to be SO EXPENSIVE that average/middle class folks can't compete. VERY, VERY, SAD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Kinda feels like that's the point
Exactly the cancer of elitistism which has this country in a death grip..
Guys used to use a trolling motor on the transom. They came out with a bow mount. If you didn’t have it, you couldn’t compete. Damn trolling motors ruined bass fishing.
@@jsfishing4374 Seriously!!?? I guess you hid in your basement during the eclipse??
@@jamesw5836 no way, I enjoyed the eclipse along with everyone else, but it definitely didn't cost me a arm and a leg
I'm going to be honest with you Jacob . I would rather watch you hands down fish with your inner intuition . It shows your true talent . FFS not so much . Tight lines !
Can’t ask hm. To do that when the whole field does .i get it but today To compete u do kinda need most “months” in that level ..not all lakes and some Guys still get it done. Can agree fishing was funner to watch but to me the outdoors and getting close with wildlife is forreal and this was said before I just heard Jacob said “can’t compete “..sadly it’s true in ways ..I think he could and few others still like Hackney..and few others that can fish shallow and deep and intuition..Ott..but he’s got it
What professional sport doesn’t use the best technology to better their chances of winning? Most sports have actual cheaters.
Robcatchem do you use or have you used FFS? Personally im watching tournament fishing more because of the newest technologies.
@@scottgeitgey488
My comment is totally based on Jacob's natural talent . If you take a moment and listen to the angler and all he has learned over the years it's much more in depth . My owning a ffs has nothing to do with my comment . My suspension is I'm a good bit older than you and I watched the first Bassmasters on TV meaning I have watched a lot of tournaments over the years . I will date myself back to Gaddabout Gaddis .
Might as well be playing a video game no thanks that's why I fly fish this is not Fishing sorry
I appreciate the detailed explanation as I had been wondering why the heck Pro Anglers had them at the back of the transom. It makes perfect sense after your explanation about maximizing the time idling vice trolling. Good luck at the Hollar, I'm hoping one of the Ding Squad brings home the trophy.
Jacob speaking from your heart and I appreciate it and I’m sure everyone else loves it ❤👍
Love your channel man! I appreciate the honesty and transparency.
Appreciate your thoughtfulness J-Dub. Yours is one of the more balanced and reasoned voices that articulates the big picture from multiple angles. Godspeed. Good luck at Dale Hollow!
Love how transparent you try to be. Keep doing you brotha! Always smiling when a video drops. PS let’s get a shop tour!
Really interesting how fast the level of sophistication has advanced. Impressive use of the technology! When I see videos like this it makes me want to add FFS to my kayak but dealing with the extra wiring and having an arm hanging down keep putting me off. Maybe this year for my birthday :)
I started following you was back. You bring more to us than most realize. I folllow Ben Milliken as well. I appreaciate you guys showing the reality of bass fishing and the family life the both of you share. Keep it real, even if Ben's got a little on the content rated side. I remember way back when you fished againts us in a local tourney, and you were help seth davis find fish. I pulled for you in the bassfest, and the classic in K-ville. My wife which is in heaven now, pulled for Ott because she was a vol fan. You did finish 2nd. Keep it real, and you correct, no need to have all that to compete. I do it for fun and a few local derbies. Electronics is my hobby, and have met many of my friends in the Chattanooga area, offering what knowledge I have to give.
Geat video. Thanks for taking the time. Being a weekend warrior, I will have to stay away from live target. My next purchase is for topo graphs that can be seen on my electronics to help find new places within the lakes I fish. Any suggestions would be helpful . Thanks again.
Thank you for being honest with us the every day angler . It means a lot that you share your experience and knowledge with us on what works for us and what works for you. It is crazy how much the industry has changed and how many people think that FFS is the fix to catching fish on a regular basis. Me and my son enjoy the video content and try to put it to use on Chickamauga. Keep up the great work.
True - a set of good fishing skillz and water knowledge + sidescan on a good screen ❤
Hey Jacob the fans want you to go back to a cane pole and a bobber, no boat, just fish under a bridge, use an old truck with no power steering or ac and a leaky oil pan. But I'm sure someone would complain about how unprofessional a bobber is. Bring back 1967. SMDH
I recently got the Lowrance S3100 module and new Lowrance 4-1 transducer and I will say that having fish reveal on side scan has helped me out tremendously. It def came with a much lower price tag than buying a "Pro" unit and two active target set ups. I do appreciate Jacob's explanation of his position on FFS and you can tell this video meant something to him. Look at what golfers spend on indoor simulators, baseball pitchers spend on similar tech....It's his profession and if the rules allow it, more power to him. Keep on rippin lips J-dub!!
whats the 4n1 transducer???
@@alvarorojas3651 it supports higher frequencies like (83/200kHz) and 455/700/1000/1200 kHz
You have em both in forward and not perspective? Also, can you reverse the image for the left side so the screens are showing it from the boat out (similar to side view)?
JW. Big fan here. A bit off topic but I would like your advice on whether to get FFS or a spot lock motor. I came into enough money to get one or the other but not both. I only fish Parksville lake for spots. I don’t fish tournaments. I have a reliable Minkota edge with a helix 7 with lake master card and an original 360.
I'm not j wheeler, but I can tell you from my experience the spot lock trolling is a must. I bought a livescope first, and only recently bought an ultrex. I can tell you with 100% honesty, that I would give up my livecope before I would my ultrex. On windy days you'll really see what it can do
I’m not JW either, but I have both a Lowrance Ghost and Active Target. I’d also give up FFS before my Ghost.
Also you can’t use spot lock and FFS at the same time unless you have a separate mount for the FFS transducer.
I’ve had good luck on Parksville trolling for the suspended, roaming bass.
It depends on where you are fishing. If you are in deeper water lakes, spot lock wins. If you are in Florida here we rarely fish deeper than 7’ and have power poles, ffs wins.
I like pre FFS when fishing was fishing. I totally get that you have your keep up with tech and regulations to compete though. Not y’all’s fault
is it weird if I only got back into pro fishing because of ffs?
Pre FFS -💯
Pre FFS?
So Aaron Martens staring at his side imaging all day and dominating was the good old days?
@Steve13lb12oz ppl didnt get to see them utilizing electronics as much so now that they do they are pissed
@@Steve13lb12oz sorry you're right. I didnt realize while using side imaging u could sit there and follow a single fish around and keep throwing on their head until they bite. And be able to be like oh he didnt want it fished fast let me throw back on his head and move it slow and see if he will bite that.
Thanks for the honesty. This is why you are one on my favorites.
I make my living in IT, so I love the electronics aspect of modern fishing. One of the guys at Toledo Bend on the Elite opener this year was wearing augmented reality glasses with his FFS. It won't be long until someone ties in full virtual reality glasses to their FFS and uses the motion sensors to move their targetlock to point where they are looking. If anyone at Johnson Outdoors is reading this I would love to be in the alpha testing for it.
... Secret ??? Been out there in play for 2-3 years .....Boats rigged with 6-8 12" monitors mounted on their boats ,, $30k-$50k for electronics alone ... Tournaments have gotten to be a video game instead of an anglers skills competition ..
Just use dynamite. It's way cheaper. Kidding but jeez. I personally think that the top pro tournament organizations should restrict the anglers to using using 2D sonar / side imaging. That would make it much more competitive and also help preserve the integrity of the "sport".
Thanks for your info on this video. But when you have a chance to work into a video or podcast I’d sure like to hear some discussion on a couple of questions about FFS. What % of the time do you find suspended fish? Do you mainly just try to target suspended fish? If not……I’m fishing a lake that has a ton of cover, too many stunted crappie and a lot of bait fish, at the times bass are not up suspended there almost impossible to find. In a case like this do you just try to draw them out in order to get them to show themselves? Thanks for your time and Best of Luck!
I believe a large portion of fishing viewership involves the viewer picturing themselves being able to replicate what the pro fisherman is doing on the screen. FFS has distanced itself from the majority of those viewing. I think this will cause a backlash in popularity.
Silly question. Can i take my fish finder that mounted in the rear and mount it on the front to get the same effect as foward facing
I have felt this way all these years I’ve been following you & DC . I dream of holding a trophy, I don’t want the money. But what y’all run, I have zero chance, it’s a dream crusher.. 🔥🛎️🔥
I think the uproar isn’t as much about the back of the boat set up, it’s the tech upfront.
This is a great informative video. I never had an issue with seeing things on side imaging. However I did have a problem with targeting the things I saw on side imaging.
For example I see a rock pile on my right side. How do I then mark that exact rock pile and effectively target that exact rock pile? Never figured it out.
Side note I never owned a bass boat my fishing buddy did and I don’t think he ever knew how to do it either. I believe he would get close but not 100% right on target.
you move your cursor over to the rock pile and then mark a way point
Well explained, excellent analysis and good reflexion on it. Good video. Food for thought…
$110,000 to catch a 3 lb fish, makes perfect sense to me. Good grief.
How about averaging $35K a tournament with it, does it make sense now??
$1million to drive a care around in a circle.
Trying to explain true Economics to most Folks is impossible.
Most Folks can’t get their personal perspective out of the way enough to understand real numbers.
It is actually amusing to see some Folks literally not see their own bias!
More than that if you have it fully loaded with electronics, lithiums, etc. Ridiculous
You can literally make a comment like that about any sport or hobby.
Thanks Jacob i felt this came from your heart brother. I pray and wish i could afford one unit lol but i still go to the lake and catch bass so you are right we don't have to have it ro go catch some biggens. Awesome video
Lowrance needs a software update for an option to flip the orientation of a livescope display. That way when you want to run a transducer on each side of the transom you can flip the orientation on the left side. That way the right side on the display is at the transducer, and the left side of the display is looking left to the boat. That would be very beneficial.
What gopro chest mount setup do you use? I’m tired of having to wear my gopro chesty mount.
Great video JW. If you are going to fish for a living you have to have all the electronics you can get. If you are a weekend angler you can get by with a single unit something affordable.
Jacob, in a future video could you go in-depth on side imageing. I think it would be sooo helpful. Thank you
I've had a few guys ask about this and my first question is "How much time have you spent learning your console unit and your live sonar on the bow?" If they have no clue as to how any of it works I recommend spending time with someone for training before moving on. I feel like they would be better off spending the money on training instead of on more tech they are never going to learn.
There is some excellent content in this video. Thanks for putting it together.
While your idling couldn't you just drop the trolling motor down and use the remote and have the FFS display come to the console? Seems like you could pan around with the front trolling motor from the console without having to buy two for the back. Plus there wouldn't be interference to the side imaging.
Absolutely but you stand the chance of breaking your trolling motor if you hit something
@@WheelerFishing pretty sure that would spin your TM prop off too. Had it happen to me fishing at night once. Forgot to pull up the TM and moved spots, very slowly, checked the TM and the prop was gone.
Deploy trolling motor from console, pan around and keep idling forward without ever leaving the console. Plus your seeing stuff before the boat goes over them.
@@DonLStueve You cant deploy an ultrex from the console. Auto deploy TMs cant have livescope/active target ducers on them because of the way they deploy
@@chadlafave1465 Yes you can I have minn Kota ulltera auto deploy with lvs 34 ,corn field crappie makes bracket for it.
Wheeeeeeeler , I got these new jack flipping hooks , do a video on rigging soft plastics please
I saw peeps have the hook bar at the top or ...
Have you found that lower frequencies on on side have less interference?
Great comments. I appreciate your insight and honesty.
Who would have thought that bass fishing would become More expensive than joining an elite country club!
If you have active target on your trolling motor, why not put your trolling motor in the water, point it to the right and idle? View it on your console graph.
Do u run that in Panoramic mode so u can have live side imaging, then over lapping with side imaging that would be 3d , 2d side imaging
you could cut glass with them things
Great video Jacob, Thanks for helping us consumers out. Good luck on Dale Hollow 😊
There will never be a multi-day tournament won without LiveScope ever again.
Great Insight from the Top Professional. Thanks for the knowledge.
So I need a NASA system to catch a fish? Are the fish really getting that smart? They must be schooling all day and night now!😂
Hmm I didn't hear him say that at all RANDY
@@spencershenley6833 you keep your mouth shut, Garmin!
@@spencershenley6833randy is right though.
It’s like hiking and you encounter a hungry Grizzly. You’re not competing with the bear, you’re competing against the other hikers to survive.
JW isn’t competing against how much the fish knows.
@@Steve13lb12oz if im hiking anywhere I might meet a Grizzly, I have both a 45 cal revolver and a .45 cal pistol, at the very least. And I spend a fair amount of time in places like that.
My man. Favorite angler by far. Strait up fish catcher boys!
Jacob, I am friends with Adrian and I got to practice with you for a few day at Lake Eire now a long time ago. Again thank you for that, and it was a few days I will never forget. However, I have a question for you about your HDS Pro unit. Do you have your ping synchronization wires connected?or I guess a easier way to ask this is, do you connect the blue wire to the yellow wire from the AT2 plug to the power plug of the HDS Pro unit or are you just connecting the two yellow wires on both the AT2 plug and the HDS Pro power plug. Thanks in advance , Vince
I'm still trying to figure out side imaging. Now I don't have to get the live target saved me money 😊
Let’s allow FFS in tournaments where all the fishing is well off shore like the Great Lakes. On lakes like Fork where there is every type of cover don’t allow it. People want to see anglers using a wide variety of techniques and pick apart the cover on lakes like that.
Good job Jacob. i wish it would come down in pricing so more people could use it. I have it and even with my 40 yrs of experience in Bass fishing i will say one can still get skunked using FFS. It is not the end all to be all. It is just another product that provides some information when fishing.
If u get skunked using FFS, might want to take up golf
thats a good one lol@@andybales7318
Right now the only people competing have all this stuff. The financial side of getting into professional fishing is ridiculous
How much does it cost to get into NASCAR?
Cuddose for sharing this! 👍. Appreciate you
LOL, why in the world would someone like Mr.Wheeler need FFS? Dude! You’re a national champion and with all respect I don’t see the whole point in the absolute need at your level! I fish bass out of my kayak , have tried to surround myself with all the right equipment and gear but I suck at fishing! If anybody needs this technology it’s someone like me!😂Again with all respect you are the GOAT!
Thanks for the video Jacob in my opinion it's the best one you've done thanks again and good luck at Dale Hollow
Jacob, love your channel. Could you interview the Japanese like Taku Ito, and Fujita. Also other FFS hammers like Robertson and Milikin. We Wannabees want the best, cash means nothing. I am working on a program that will look at all your graphs at one time and immediately notify where the fish are and switch to that monitor. Take care.
Looks like Center Hill Lake...
Great honest video ! Thank you for sharing your thoughts!!
Being a golfer and a bass fisherman, I sort of equate FFS to having a range finder. It helps me zero in on the pin and see how far I am away, which helps me choose the correct club, but it sure as hell doesn't mean that I'm going to suck one back to within 3ft every iron shot I hit. I have FFS and it's not as easy as it looks. Does it help, absolutely, but the tech still doesn't make it "easy". I only dream I could be as talented as Tiger Woods and Jacob Wheeler lol
Exactly. My FFS Unit didn’t come with an auto feature that makes the fish bite.
How much do you think the fish hear the transducer noise??? Do you think it can spoke the fish??
Honestly, your setup is the next evolution of Side imaging. A manufacture that incorporates the FFS tech as part of side imaging, incorporating a vertical and horizontal view within the transducer utilizing AI technology, will create a game changing device...and the next big controversy.
Good video explaining the reality of the use and frequency of use of FFS. I'm a 70-year-old multi species fisherman and remember at 5 years old when I started bass fishing there were no electric motors, no sonar, and backlash control was called a thumb. I remember old guys saying electric motors, sonar, high tech reels and line and lures were each going to ruin bass fishing and destroy our fisheries. One thing I've learned after 70 years is advancements in technology and most products is a non-stoppable force. I take advantage and enjoy all these advancements. I think the nay sayers on FFS are experiencing over reaction Monday.
I compare ffs to deer hunting with a spotlight and a truck.. no sport in either.
Only if you're trying to shoot them blindfolded. It's not the same stop trying to say it is. I bet you use food plots feeders. You have to make them eat a bait, you're not shooting them. Just because you can see what's below doesn't mean you can catch them. Such a dumb comparison. Typical response to someone who doesn't have a clue about FFS.
Go back to whiner Blaukat’s page. You are as clueless as he is.
Tell us more about your great experience as a spotlighter for deer.
We can tell you've never used FFS. Having it on your boat doesn't automatically give you the data to use it. Just like buying a smoker doesn't make you an immediate pitmaster.
A better comparison would be the use of cell cams during hunting season, IMO
Great explanation!
Thanks this video really helps with what I want to do
Thanks for sharing. It is too expensive for me and my family at this time.
Well that's America for you .
Is that life jacket only legal when worn? Do you have to keep regular jackets on the the boat to have enough?
Yes, it only counts when worn. And in some instances its not legal if its in auto mode, like in kayaks I think.
PRO SECRET REVEALED!
“Every tournament I have ever won has been off of Forward Facing Sonar.”
🙄
Just hurry and get to the part where the “fisherman” with the most drones in a swarm wins from locating, marking, recording and catching all the fish.
every tournament I have won was before FFS ! Now I just don't fish tournaments. I don't have $200,000 for a bass boat , electictronics ,new P/U to pull it and all the rods ,reels and thousands of lures which are coming out weekly to buy !!! This has got out of hand .I used to think golf was for the rich but it want hold a light to Bass fishing and fishing in general.
So why not have the Active Target 2 transducers set up on the back so you can get 180 view? Then you don't have to have the screen split on the 16, it would just be one screen.
You better make the knockout round. Lol I’m driving up Saturday to follow you around it’s 2 hours from my house. We got second last weekend in our “fishers of men” team tournament. I never powered the two units on the bow of my boat. All bed fishes and it was a freaking blast. Had 15.07 and got beat by 4 smallies weighing 19.19. They locked through to the river and had 30 minutes to fish. 🤦
FOM Tennessee central division.
Good information !Thanks for sharing!
Great vid and you are an awesome bass pro. We are reaching a point where guys come from Japan which has limited water so one would expect them not to do well in the diverse water eco systems we have in the states. The reason they do well right out of the gate is that they do understand technology and how to maximize it. What would happen if we restricted everyone to one unit and one transducer in the front and one in the cockpit? I’ll tell you that it won’t be the teenagers finishing near or at the top. I’m not for banning ffs or traditional sonar but let’s go to one and one.
My thing on this whole argument on whether you need forward facing to compete these days is this. If you take 10 guys that are good with forward facing and take the same 10 guys and don't give them forward facing and they fish 10 tournaments against eachother, you can't tell me that the 10 guys with forward facing wouldn't do better on average if not all the time. Than you have the problem of people that can afford to spend that kind of money and the ones that can't. Than you have guys that are not as good of fisherman beating guys that are better only because they have the sonar.
That's why most are not trying or can't afford to get started in fishing tournaments , I gave it up for the cost was to high to be competitive
Well said and put. Absolutely agree Weidas Marine is the best!
Thanks for good information. Good Luck
Show the screens as you describe what you are seeing.
Good video!!!
I'm one of the crybabies who hate FFS, I love fishing and I love to watch you fish Jacob using your talent and your knowledge. Watching FFS fishing is boring I don't even watch tournaments using it anymore
Well said Jacob!! Great video!
Absolutely terrible for the future of fishing. Insane technology that needs to be reined in.
Must be a bit chilly there this morning.
Head lights or on
I love and own forward facing sonor, I don’t agree with live transducer all around the boat it’s a joke , put 1 on the front and roll with it !
is FFS good for fishing boat docks?
Yes
Thank you Mr. Wheeler.
You presented an authentic discussion.
Bottom line; another tool.
Thanks for the throw down.
There’s a reason why Major League Baseball players have to use wooden bats… Professional fishing has gotten out of control. $30,000 electronics setup just to catch a fish. It’s unrealistic and no longer fun to watch.
You can get livescope for less than $1500. You also can buy polarized sunglasses that show bass in realtime under the water for less than $20.00 . You do not need $30,000 in electronics.
It’s not entertaining to me at all to watch a professional fisherman use $30k+ worth of electronics to catch fish.
@@jsstuff1431 Guess there is always Greg Hackney and John Cox then. Personally, I like watching both, livescope and bank flippers. Livescope can be fun to watch as you can see the bass react to or reject baits that you would not otherwise see.
Wheels... take it another step. What type of plug-in charging system are you using to charge all of those batteries ?
Lots of people want ffs band from bass fishing. J. t. Kenny just put out a video on this . What do you really think? Good luck at dale hollow
I think some regulation could be a great idea but it can still be a lot. Say 60" of total screen and 4 total transducers. Maybe a limit on total weight of batteries also. I think there are plenty of efficient setups that could be made within regulation. I think all the added weight and lack of visibility is unsafe beyond that. I don't really care about the money like everyone says. The pros should have all the best I'll get what I want and what I can afford.
I’m really trying to understand why this needs to be regulated? It’s a tool . Just like 2d and down/side imaging before it. Please provide factual data that shows FFS is detrimental to anything outside of the entertainment value of professional fishing.
@@ThatBassFishingDude No I think they should have it. I think it’s cool. I just don’t think 5 FFS transducers should be allowed on one boat.
I’ve always enjoyed fishing spots hoping to find them. FFS just takes the hunt and turns it into a game of eye spy. Could afford a boat load but just have no interest in having it