Here in 95% of Ontario, we are not allowed to target/fish for bass until the third and fourth week in June; to protect the fishery. It makes for a short season but worth the wait!
@@Demolitiondude a few months ago a guy caught an 8lb 4oz at a small lake that I fish a few times a month. It was a monster. I’ve been throwing giant worms and football jigs. I’ve caught a bunch of threes and couple really nice fish that were over 4lb but nothing over 5 yet
Way to go Randy. Your entire argument against the forward facing sonar is bullet proof. Your coment about taking the unknown or mystery out of bass fishing is spot on. It will kill the game. Keep up the good fight.
So logic has laws which must be followed for something to be logical. If the laws aren’t followed then it ceases to be logical and is illogical. His argument against livescope/FFS, if logical, can be applied to everything within fishing. Eliminating treble hooks and moving to single hooks on moving baits, barbed hooks, lures with more than one hook (see hard baits that the fish end up with hook points in their eyes), trolling motors, depth finders, outboards (gas and electric), boats, reels, rods, artificial lures (especially soft plastics), lures with tech inside such as weight transfer systems, dip nets (which have been scientifically shown to do more damage to fish than any of the above), tournaments, fishing pressure in general, putting a hook through a fish’s mouth, fishing in water deeper than 20’ and bringing the fish up at a pace faster than which it can naturally decompress, lures that allow fish to be caught at those depths; fishing pre, during and post spawn, etc, etc, etc. The same argument logically applies to it all. I’m not for or against FFS, I think we should be free to choose what we want do or don’t want to do, providing it isn’t hurting others. That said the argument is absolutely not bulletproof and is illogical and contradictory especially in light of the above listed things. Just because someone doesn’t want FFS, can’t afford it, can’t or doesn’t want to figure it out, etc, doesn’t follow that it should be banned. When desires and/or emotions replace logic, the argument just became illogical.
Randy you are exactly correct, I have been competitively bass fishing since 1974, and I use to watch and record all BASS and Elite series tournaments, but now I don't record or watch any of them because of live scoping. So boring and in my opinion that is not Fishing.
Whats interesting is Swindle just did a video on youtube asking fans what they thought about livescope as fans watching the tournaments. I commented that I thought it was boring and removed the enviromental skill from bass fishing. Things like reading the weather structure of banks docks ect. He waited a few days then his wife and him took the comments and opinions and figured out roughly 70 percent of fans think it is boring and do not like it. The question really is will the money the electronic companies make over power what the fans want.
He actually surprised me little with that video. He seemed a little conflicted about the forward facing sonar and wanted the fans opinions. I don't think any of your top five would ever ask the fans what they thought about forward facing sonar. I did reply to his video and gave my two cents.
AMEN RANDY, as a Co-Angler, it is tough to fish behind someone who video fishes, and being a subscriber, THANK YOU for speaking up, it’s truly appreciated!
@@SeeLifeBro The sport of Professional Bass Fishing is losing integrity, the love of the sport, respect, and honor, WE who are truly called must uphold the HIGHEST standards set before us by THOSE who paved the way for US, WE must remain TRUE and PURE to the set foundation, and NOT follow after trends that come and go, but stay the course and return Professional Bass Fishing back to the love for which ALL brought US to it.
@@chaunceydavis5290 the old ESPN days of watching Steve Kennedy break the record with a Huddleston, Aaron Martins winning with a drop shot on the CA Delta to KVD crushing everyone on a crankbait are seriously hard to beat. Times are changing for sure and I don't know what's going to happen with the sport. It's tough because there aren't the big non endemic sponsorships for the leagues like there used to be. Bassmaster and MLF are so reliant on any sponsorship dollars they can get which unfortunately means I don't think FFS is going anywhere anytime soon. Payouts are at some of the lowest points ever and I think the whole sport could be gone if something big doesn't change. I don't know what the answer is but I think if they ban FFS they are at risk of losing the leagues all together because the money just isn't there anymore but at the same time they don't ban it and you'll have a bunch of pissed off fans and still lose the leagues through lack of support. I'm praying for the sport we all love and hope people smarter than me can find a solution.🙏
Sounds like old guys who are stuck in their ways. Just because you have this tool it doesn't mean the fish are just going to jump into your boat. This is my first year using it and it has opened up the doors to how I break down a lake. Otherwise I was just beating the bank or blind casting all day. It really helps you investigate structure that you never would of known was there. Helps me fish more efficiently. What it doesn't do it make the fish bite.
that’s the issue. it makes fishermen so efficient that it takes a ton of the hypothesizing, experimenting, skill, and fishing sense that makes bass fishing so intriguing
Also learn what to look for i have striker 4 sonar simple downward on a 9.9 v bottom boat. And i can find fish on lakes that i have never fished. The maps are on my cell phone and i can break down the lake depending on time of year and water temp. Never stopped from finding humps out in open water. Old school learning. Instead of a boat searching a lake at 70+ miles an hour. Then cuts my spot off because i am catching fish😊
I didn't even watch the Smallmouth swing of BASS or MLF for this exact reason. Your comments at 8:50 in the video about impacting the thrill of the hunt, tradition, taking away the unkown, etc.... completely hits the mark for me. Glad to hear the pros are finally speaking up.
I became skeptical when Luke Palmer won the Elite Tournament on Santee Cooper by using FFS to see and catch spawners off the cypress trees in 4 foot of water. Sure everyone who fishes for bedding fish on Santee Cooper knows they are there, but when you can eliminate water with a display screen without even making a cast, it has to have an overall negative affect in the long run.
If eliminating water without casting causes a negative impact then side image needs to go also because it eliminates 50 times as much water as any other transducer
The tourney trails banning it might be a start, but I think states need to get involved and outlaw it being used on their lakes to truly protect the fisheries.
This. FFS has made guides out of people that some of them couldn't catch fish otherwise. On my local lakes, the absolute explosion of guide services definitely coincided with the rise of FFS. Now, they are pulling multiple limits multiple times daily throughout the entire season. Spotlighting fish. Not ethical. Not sustainable.
Awesome Randy! Here in Michigan we have a cash for bass circuit and last week at the ramp was a big blow up people pissed they cant compete with these livescope guys who are taking all the money. We have to continue to speak up and NOT fish series with livescope.
Right on Randy! It's a great tool for research and study...probably by fish biologist. Should have never been allowed in tournaments...don't worry when the cocky little snot-nosed kids can't use it, they won't know how to fish anymore. I've seen some sit for a couple hours on a spot targeting trophies, and winning tournaments. They don't even know what a search bait is anymore. Same as the idiots that put corn piles out all year, then shoot the pets they create, and call it hunting...Keep on telling the truth brother!
Randy, just watched a re-air today of the St. Lawrence tourney and when Chris Johnston was dropping down on several huge smallies he said "these fish have become so conditioned to what we're dropping on 'em..." shook his head, and then went on to say, "a few years ago I would have been able to catch a limit right here." You mentioned how livescope and the tons of electronics have an impact in several ways to the fishing and his comment brought it right home as that's basically his home water and is a hammer.
Sounds like a group of Good Ol Boys Banning together to get rid of the young kids because they can't keep up. I agree with you on protecting the fish I think the way mlf does it with catch and release is the way to go. If you look at viewership how much viewership dollars compared to electronics sales dollars are there? That difference is going to be the deciding point
I’ve been a avid bass/tournament angler for the last 25years. I started before color graphs we had a couple black and white 5” graphs on a boat. Mapping was the biggest game changer, being able to stay on points and see flats was a huge advantage. Then side scan came along what a deal that was we could see grass lines and structure up to 100’ feet away as we utilized mapping to stay in a good zone. We live in a world of technology and advancements, I see it everywhere at work, at restaurants, factories, self checkout is my least favorite and as an “old timer” it’s hard sometimes to get used . too. It’s the world we live in. I live in Northern Michigan some of the best smallmouth fishing around . I think it’s unfair for someone to say these “young guys “ are winning everything now, was it ok when you were winning everything? Is that the problem guys are not adapting as fast as others or maybe your just stuck in your old ways. It cracks me up to here about guys in tournaments are just catching them in the abyss, might be a couple anglers catching them suspended over a 100’ of water but I dare say most are on that 30’ range which guess what. They been doing it since dropshotting was invented with 2D anglers are not wasting casts now and are efficient. No matter what happens pro anglers are going to weigh in a 5 fish limit does not matter we’re they come from. There is not always rough water so that is a mute point, if you caught them from a bush on the bank and took them across tough water it would have same effect has nothing to do with FFS. As an “old guy” using FFS for smallmouth primarily I can tell you that not every fish you see bites, you throw to way more that don’t bite that actually do. Is it fun to watch? It’s fishing in the world I live in so I use it for educational purposes and it’s relevant. My guess is It’s not going to ruin the bass population, why because not as many people eat them. There wouldn’t be a crappie or walleye left in this world. Bass population isn’t going anywhere if anything shallow water anglers should be happy, I know I am , it opened the bank up. Problem is people on the bank are getting their teeth kicked in, that’s why people have a problem with FFS. If you weren’t losing to guys with FFS you wouldn’t give a S$%T and that’s fact! My advice get better with FFS or get left behind. How many anglers got Senkos on their boat? Should we ban them because they work so good?🤣 This may be harsh but anyone trying to stay in the big leagues or make it there better get comfortable with it. Best of luck!
I saw Matt Herren in an interview, and he looked defeated. The older guys are disgusted with the new technology. I think that's why KVD hung it up. The 2 major tours are dominated by the guys under 30 yrs old. They need to start a tour with nothing more than 2d sonar! I still say it allows them to see fish well enough to snag them. I stopped fishing the local weekly buddy tournys due to 10 to 15 guys using ffs. I'm not spending 5 grand to win $400...ridiculous.
So when the pro is saying the fish is right there...come on take it. Then sweeps upwards and catches the Bass.They aren't all hooked in the mouth! If you can see the fish that clearly then every fish should be hooked inside the mouth. And yes I have not and will not use it. I stopped watching because its boring. I don't care if its allowed cause it doesn't affect my fishing one bit.I feel sorry for the pro's who are being pushed out of the sport. 5 rookies won an Elite tourny and a rookie won AOY in MLF. Coincidence?@@horbie5039
Old heads need to adapt to new tech whether they like it or not If this is the case, eliminate all electronics and see who really are the best fishermen
Randy, as an avid fisherman and conservationist for many, many years, I agree 100% with your assessment of the negative aspects of forward facing sonar technology. There is simply nothing positive to be gained or achieved from supporting the promotion and advancement of this kind of technology, except for scientific purposes. To do so does nothing more than detract from the reasons why most of us love to fish and be on the water. No question that this technology has the potential to negatively impact our shared fishery resources. Accordingly, I have dropped my membership in the BASS organization, stopped watching BASS and MLF programming, and have told them why. The dollars spent on this kind of technology would go a long ways if otherwise spent on causes to help make our fisheries and surrounding environments better. Thanks for taking the lead on this important matter!
Live scope should be banned to the general public. Should only be used by a marine biologist. I could see it’s use in that area to study fish population. It will take the fish populations to go almost extinct, before anything is done and huge fines for people using them. As you said, it’s like spot lighting a deer at night. Or watching someone play a video game. Any bone head can do that. Takes zero skill to catch fish with live scope.
I agree with Randy on this issue. This is one of the reasons I discontinued my Bassmaster magazine subscription. Too much focus on products rather than fishing but at the end of the day this is what pays the bills for the organizations. Membership loss equals decrease revenue which will ultimately drive this conversation......
Thank you for bringing this up, we only use this technology to help recover vehicles, boats and other objects, definitely will be following to see where this will go.
I guess I would like to see some hard evidence and numbers as far as studies go. There have been a lot of fish caught from 20+ feet over the years and I’m having a hard time understanding that most of those fish are going to die due to being caught at those depths. FFS is definitely a game changer…I’m not disputing that. I’m just not sure how you rectify the situation after the technology has been in use for as long as it has…360, side scan, down scan as well as regular sonar have changed the game over the past few decades. Ban those as well? I’m not sure you can undo what’s been done.
Here is Randy making up facts to back up his position. He has no data that any fish are being harmed in tournaments, and is instead using a straw man argument attempting to equate Barotrauma with FFS, because of open water fishing. Where are the studies showing those fish “are gonna later die”? If he is truly concerned about the fisheries, he should be instead be against the use of live wells and tournament weigh-ins. While he is at it, all sight-fishing has to be banned, because it is far more video game fishing than using technology. Bathyscopes have to banned as well, since in clear water, you can see and catch the deepest fish. If he wants to handicap anglers to even the field for veteran fisherman, then stick to that argument. However, tell that to all of the factory workers who had their jobs replaced because what they used to know and do, but then could be replaced with machinery and automated manufacturing. He hypocritically says get rid of FFS, but you can still make better side imaging, down imaging, gps, mapping, and on and on and on. Not saying that FFS use shouldn’t be scrutinized for other reasons, but attempting to shock I’ll-informed followers with anecdotal statements of fishery decimation is irresponsible and should be called out.
Money. That's the reason it'll never be banned. I agree it sucks to watch. Unless they mirror there image onto our screen then people don't seem to mind so much. But money is why.
I can honestly say FFS may not belong in tournaments. I absolutely love it as a weekend warrior because it dramatically increases my efficiency on the water in locating off shore fish or just flat out not fishing dead water. Also another solution would be to stop bringing bass in to weigh in’s. Measure and weigh on the water and quickly release.
Randy, I agree with you - 100%. As a local who has fished the St Lawrence River from a Ranger for all my life, it is not sporting or professionally respectable (my opinion) to stand over and dropshot a bait onto smallmouth using the LiveScope. Use your experience and acquired skills, gentlemen. Read the body of water, the conditions, the weather, etc. Let's maintain our love and passion as a "sport". Don't minimize it into a video game. It's much, much better than that.
i have been so glad to hear the pros vocalize their displeasure with FFS. i just hope it isn’t too late to make a change. it better change soon before the younger generation’s influences gains any more traction
Spot on Randy!!! It’s a no brainer what’s going to happen to our fisheries with FFS over time and at the end of the day that’s what’s important. The DNR has their hands tied and can’t respond quick enough so fishermen will have to push lake by lake to protect these awesome fisheries before they’re devastated. All species!!! Not just bass
I admire you Randy. The fact that you have stood your ground and have remained committed to your cause regardless of all the crap you have had to and still have to put up with is impressive regardless of one’s position on the matter.
My guess is that to combat the “boring viewing” argument, televised tournaments will attempt to engage viewers more by showing them just what their favorite fisherman is looking at on their ffs screen.
Man its nice to hear this!! Ive always felt this way about FFS, it takes the pain stakingly earned skill and knowledge out of fishing!! I like the analogy about video game fishing..that sums it up perfectly, its gotten out of hand, thank you for this!!!
Watching videos about how to fish takes the skill out of learning how to do it yourself as well. If you have to watch Randy or anyone else To learn how to fish or where to find fish then you are breaking your very own saying about taking the skill to learn.
And it's going to get worse! I recently fished a tournament with a nice 19 year old guy with a new $90000. Bassboat all set up for live scope. He had only been bass fishing 1 year said all he does is idle around and find brush piles and thats all he fishes! Told me all he'd be doing is dropshotting brushpiles all day. Sure enough that's what he did! It places a big disadvantage on a co-angler...
Old school Careers are being threatened, yes, but Technology is allowing the sport to grow and allowing everyday fishermen to have success when they otherwise would have given up or not participated.
What ppl from the south dont understand that never been to ontario is how ez it is to catch them fish it literally takes no skill at all. I fish ontario alot and its ez trust me
We’re 5 years into ffs and the only 2 studies I’ve found to date on ffs fishery impact (Arkansas, Kansas) suggest that it’s minimal. Specific to the topic of fishery impact, I’m keeping an open mind and actively researching studies in progress. Im hoping we can hear more about this from a scientific perspective.
Randy says his people tell him it’s destroying the fisheries. Randy also says 80% don’t want it and the other 20% that do villainize him. Randy has the facts and data to support all of this 😂 And for Randy’s supporters I want to let you know I have some oceanfront properties in Arizona I want to sell you very cheap!
Older fellow’s view. It is discouraging trying to compete even on a friendly basis with the Live Scope guys. I’m not the best angler on the planet but have been able to hold my own until the newer electronics changed the playing field. Not to mention the cost of acquiring the newer units. Thanks, Randy, for this update!
I’m basically new to fishing. I’m not involved in any tournaments so the competition aspect doesn’t directly impact me. I have enjoyed learning how to catch more fish with technology limited to that in the rods, reels, lures and hooks. Of course I use also watching videos of others to learn. I’m older so the “art” of fishing is of more interest to me than the technology of fishing. There is nothing better than figuring out where they are at and how to get them on the hook. That seems to be lost with these technologies. I’m also very concerned about the fishery impact. Our number one priority should always be protecting and sustaining those resources so they are available to future generations. That priority should be observed in all of our activities of life and most certainly while fishing.
Sir Randall you have a strong voice and truly believe in your views it has to come to a end for any kind of future in the fishing world, it's as simple as that.
Forget the forward facing sonar we all should worry about these excessive tournaments from club to school and the pros killing the bass even the delayed mortality ones also. To all the hotshots out there mishandling the bass you don’t even deserve to fish the same waters as I do.
The complaint is less about the technology but more about performance/results and needing to find an excuse. After this last Elite you have seen stalwarts and known commodities of the sport miss the Classic & some not even requalifying to come back to the Elites
I'm not a bass fisherman, I only crappie fish. I use Mega Live and 360 to locate structure and see if it's holding fish. Once I find an area holding fish, I yurn it off. I don't want to sit there and stare at a screen, it takes the surprise and anticipation out of it. I agree 100% with getting rid of it in tournaments. I personally have seen a decline in size and numbers because all the big spawning fish are being targeted and caught out.
This is a very interesting take. I was just reading about the results from the St Lawrence this morning. Having been in the fishing game for 40 years, I am very conflicted. I've used down facing sonar in ice fishing for Decades. And I adopted the panoptix technology as soon as I was able to. But tournaments with forward facing sonar, are a completely different deal. And it's not interesting at all to watch. I definitely don't agree with Randy all the time. But I greatly appreciate his honesty here.
Change is inevitable Randy either adapt or be left behind! Your top fisherman such as Rick Clun KVD wheeler will still win with or without livescope it’s a god given talent you either have it or you don’t and you can’t tell me these pro fisherman haven’t been jerking fish out of deep water before livescope and how many fish were killed before live wells in bass fishing how does Ben Milliken have one of the most watched fishing RUclips channels if people aren’t interested in livescope your intent may be true but facts really don’t care about feelings
Ray Scott had the foresight to propose and enforce his concept of "catch and release" without which bass tournaments would have been banned for ecological reasons. We are facing a similar ecological problem with forward facing sonar.
All Randy has said here is, IMO, 100% Accurate. Thank You Randy for getting on this. Our Fisheries are at Stake here & this could eliminate that huge problem. I see it where I mostly fish, and yes, it has changed in a very short timeline.
I agree with you Randy. It takes the sport out of fishing. It's ridiculous that someone can think its sustainable or right. Using these electronics is no different than someone baiting deer with feed and shooting it. Livescope and FFS will decimate the fish population.
The Tournament organizations could easily take charge of this situation with live scope if they wanted too, but the money from sponsors is too important to them. This short term benefit way of thinking may destroy the sport if we are not careful, or what might eventually happening is Federal, and or state governments, will ban sonar entirely. I personally don’t want that to happen. We don’t want non-anglers regulating our sport! Most of us have experienced stupid laws Enforced by people who don’t no anything about fishing. If anglers don’t properly regulate tournament fishing, I’m afraid someone else will. For now I would like to see more Diverse fisheries being visited by Tournament organizations, more shallow water fisheries where sonar is less important. Also I would like to see live scope limited to practice only, and no sticking Fish in practice. Thanks Randy for your experience, strength, and hope! Tight lines!
If you want to ban live scope you need to take out side image and 360 as well. Can’t just pick on FFS. You can locate a school or special bottom features and place a wag point it and get within casting range spot lock right there.
I fully agree with you Randy! Stay up on that soapbox and keep yelling. I've been keying on bass for the last ten years and it's so fun learning a new method and catching nice bass by purely what I've learned from you and other pros and not electronics. Thanks.
I agree 100% with you Randy. I grew up watching all the OG guys and absolutely loved it. I don’t watch much live anymore bc that’s all it is is live scope. And I have spent my whole life on the water trying to perfect many techniques. And now all of us club guys can’t even compete bc of the little 18-23 year olds with daddy’s money. They don’t understand anything about fishing just that robo worm. And it’s aggravating as hell to be beat by a kid that don’t know a Colorado blade from a willow leaf.
Great video Randy! I believe that's why they call it FISHING and not catching. FFS/Livescope really do pose a threat on all levels and aspects of the fishing game. A big part for me is learning and getting proficient at the different lakes and weather patterns. Hopefully there is a compromise and as long as corporate monies don't interfere too much, I think good days are ahead! Great job and keep crushing!
Finally, things are starting to change! You are being vindicated Randy. You have been saying this for I while now and I agree 100%. It isn't fishing, we should probably put the word "angling" in quotes when referring to live scoping. Thank you for speaking the truth about fish mortality! You are kidding yourself if you think fizzing those deep water wish live to any significant degree. Throwing a fish in a live well all day after being pulled up from depth and then slamming across the lake only to hold it up and weigh it isn't compatible with catch and release. You're right, it all comes down to balls, do the right thing.
Smallmouth tourneys have always been boring. Prior to FFS it was just guys doing the same thing with 2D or DI units. Same with ledge fishing. Those types of tourneys have always been boring to watch IMO. Shallow water largemouth is way more fun to watch.
I DO NOT care to watch smallmouth tournaments in general much but now I don't care at all because its only LCD screens coming into play in deep water...Its so much more exciting to watch power-fishing structure and cover thats how bass fishing was invented. Fighting fish in shallow water is so much harder too.
I could buy one of these forward facing sonar units. I refuse. It takes all the fun out of learning the pattern fish are on. That is half the fun of fishing! At least for most people.
@@BlobRob787 why is it that everyone who doesn’t own one and never used one the ones against it? I use FFS to be able to see what’s out in front of the boat, structure, weed lines, etc. not to locate individual fish. Having traditional bow mounted sonar is a complete waste of money unless you spend your time vertical jigging for some reason . What’s directly below the boat is irrelevant, I want to see what is 100’ in front of me where I’m going to be casting!
Watching advertising during the tournament was part of it but now I won’t wait I just switch off an watch the highlights,keep it up it’s giving me more time to other things like golfing or whatever
All this talk about ffs ruining our fisheries. But the fact is the escalation of tournament. Fishing has been ruining our fisheries for many a years. And their needs to be some form of restrictions and limits placed on tournament fishing!!!!
Absolutely agree. When I was a kid I loved watching bass fishing tournaments. Now, not so much. I'm still an avid bass fisherman but the sport is tainted. I absolutely agree that they should ban livescope and those stupid things they look down to snipe out deep fish. Protect our fisheries. How many times did KVD haul in a nice bag without it?
It’s sort of an oxymoron for the average angler (i.e weekend angler like myself) to be against FFS. It has sped up the learning curve sooo much for the average joe. Being able to see how fish orient to structure, react to baits, etc is amazing. The same weekend anglers that are against FFS if banned would probably say “I can’t compete against billy bob he’s on the water 5 days a week, how can you compete with that?” Just saying FFS benefits the average angler the most, so why would they complain 🤔
They would complain because FFS is killing fisheries , you said Joe weekend angler doesn't release fish , I'm watching it happen and I'm just a weekend angler
Recently, I had a bass boater nearly collide with my boat while I was anchor down, eating lunch. I watched him trolling half a mile an hour from over 100 yards away, just staring straight down at his screens. He never looked up until he was a few feet away from my boat, and I yelled at him.
Randy... Good job .. Thanks for being such a DIE HARD on this subject.. I have also stopped watching the SKEETER TOURNAMENTs because of the terrible handling of the bass ... Flipping them on the carpet.. The Frye Guy
I'm with you on this issue. A lot of the fun of fishing is figuring out the lake, learning the ecosystem, etc. and livescope takes it all away. Why even call it a sport when so much of the skill and technique is being taken away?
Keep on doing what your doing concerning the forward facing sonar and live scope. This will destroy fishing if it nor stopped. Thanks for standing up for those of us who believe This shouldn't be allowed in tournaments or anywhere. State laws should prohibit the us of it in our states to preserve the sport of fishing.
FFS will be the end of sport bass fishing. It is effective shallow or deep. Fish have no where to hide. You won't need to fish a place unless you see fish on the screen. It takes all of the guess work and preparation out of fishing. I am older and can no longer have the enjoyment of the unknowns while tournament fishing anymore. Ban it NOW before its too late. Keep up the fight Randy! States need to BAN FFS!
Congratulations Mr. Blaukat and thank you for being a leader in "fighting the good fight "! I've been watching Intuitive Angling for the past 2 years. So I know that you were one of the most vocal people speaking out against what I call the "desecration" of our sport. Some fish shouldn't be caught. Else where would the "tall tails" come from, that would inspire our children? The magic of fishing is comraderie, nature, and mystery. Learning how to read the water. Not to pontificate, but Iam glad to see that your determination has led to some positive results. Don't stop now. Sustainably depends on your good word and all our respect for conservation. Wish that Conservative politicians would remember where their name/ title came from!
You know what I think of when I hear the pro ffs crowd? It’s the everybody gets a trophy crowd because they want to skip the learning process in bass fishing. They want to go straight to the win which a lot of us think it should have a asterisk beside it. FFS is not good for the Bass anglers ,fans or tournament organizers. To skip all the skills it takes to become a good angler is just wrong and nobody can compare it to 360 or si di or 2d with a straight face. Ffs is too good at finding bass in open water and should be outlawed Not just in tournaments but in the country . Just my two cents.
Agree… the BASS and MLF better act sooner than later… once a viewer leaves it will be tough to get them back… I have stopped watching BASS, I still watch BPT… but not when FFS is the dominant tool being used… I’ll go watch grass grow
The Evolution of Pro Bass fishing is complete. Complements of every Pro angler past & present who has used electronics in a Pro Tournament. I've have changed my opinion on this topic slightly. Thinking about it from the evolution in electronics standpoint. The early fish finders, you can see the fish on the screen, then came structure scan, you see the fish on the screen. I will assume with FFS you can see the fish on the screen. I don't know a lot about electronics but, it seems each electronics generation your seeing the fish on the screen. That being said, I don't see what all the fuss is about. Every generation, you Pro's have accepted the new tech, along with all the sponsorships and money. Only now it's a problem because you can't keep up with the younger generation that understands the technology better then the old timers. It's a new generation of Pro Anglers that have accepted and have embraced the new Tech for better or for worse. It's not going away, in fact it will evolve once again and be better then ever.
You made some really good points. I think one of the problems is that the line between FFS and other electronics hasn’t been clearly defined. What is it exactly that makes FFS so different compared to side imaging, mega down imaging, 360, etc? Otherwise it sounds like a fight against progress/technology advancements in general, which is obviously a losing argument. I think a more clear distinction of what sets FFS apart from everything else is what needs to be summarized to get any real traction. Most decision makers at the local/state level have no clue what any of this technology is and won’t understand how/where to draw a line. In full transparency I’m a tournament angler and I have livescope but I primarily fish tidal rivers so it hasn’t been a huge issue. It’s almost like the Potomac and James rivers are the last hold outs. If this stuff was banned I’d gladly pull it off my TM. Every other sport has limitations in place to preserve the integrity of the game. Bass fishing is no doubt in a tricky spot at the moment.
I say keep the forward facing sonar and ban the weigh in style tournaments and go to the live time tracker style. Better for the fish in my opinion when there are that many anglers.
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Let's also talk about fishing during the spawn as well. Should be catch and release for everyone until the spawn is done.
AMEN!
He’s done a couple good videos on that, agree 100% with ya
@@Digglerdirk79-l4y nah, filets separate, take the roe and mix with scrambled eggs and toast in the morning! You can thank me later
Here in 95% of Ontario, we are not allowed to target/fish for bass until the third and fourth week in June; to protect the fishery. It makes for a short season but worth the wait!
Yes,leave the fish alone when spawning,it’s that easy.
Thanks for keeping up with livescope. I quit watching fishing on TV. We don't use them at our tournaments even though some do. 🙄
Thank you Roy that’s very kind of you. I really appreciate it man!
Hopefully things will work out.
Side note. Caught my new pb. 3.04 lb on a spinnerbait.
3 pounders are a lot of fun to catch. Here’s to both of us getting a 5 pounder soon, fall is coming!
Supposedly there's a six pounder at the pond I fished at.
@@Demolitiondude a few months ago a guy caught an 8lb 4oz at a small lake that I fish a few times a month. It was a monster. I’ve been throwing giant worms and football jigs. I’ve caught a bunch of threes and couple really nice fish that were over 4lb but nothing over 5 yet
@@DoctorSess got my river 2 sea glidebait tied on one of my combos.
Caught a 4.65 smallie on a drop pulling the wacky worm down the drop off. No FFS!
Way to go Randy. Your entire argument against the forward facing sonar is bullet proof. Your coment about taking the unknown or mystery out of bass fishing is spot on. It will kill the game. Keep up the good fight.
So logic has laws which must be followed for something to be logical. If the laws aren’t followed then it ceases to be logical and is illogical. His argument against livescope/FFS, if logical, can be applied to everything within fishing. Eliminating treble hooks and moving to single hooks on moving baits, barbed hooks, lures with more than one hook (see hard baits that the fish end up with hook points in their eyes), trolling motors, depth finders, outboards (gas and electric), boats, reels, rods, artificial lures (especially soft plastics), lures with tech inside such as weight transfer systems, dip nets (which have been scientifically shown to do more damage to fish than any of the above), tournaments, fishing pressure in general, putting a hook through a fish’s mouth, fishing in water deeper than 20’ and bringing the fish up at a pace faster than which it can naturally decompress, lures that allow fish to be caught at those depths; fishing pre, during and post spawn, etc, etc, etc. The same argument logically applies to it all. I’m not for or against FFS, I think we should be free to choose what we want do or don’t want to do, providing it isn’t hurting others. That said the argument is absolutely not bulletproof and is illogical and contradictory especially in light of the above listed things. Just because someone doesn’t want FFS, can’t afford it, can’t or doesn’t want to figure it out, etc, doesn’t follow that it should be banned. When desires and/or emotions replace logic, the argument just became illogical.
That’s so true. The excitement of throwing something at a spot for the hell of it and getting blown up is part of what makes fishing so fun.
Randy you are exactly correct, I have been competitively bass fishing since 1974, and I use to watch and record all BASS and Elite series tournaments, but now I don't record or watch any of them because of live scoping. So boring and in my opinion that is not Fishing.
Well said. I'm new to bass fishing. It's the craft of it that draws me in. Forward facing sonar seems ridiculously over the top and desperate to me.
Thank you Tony I appreciate that!
Whats interesting is Swindle just did a video on youtube asking fans what they thought about livescope as fans watching the tournaments. I commented that I thought it was boring and removed the enviromental skill from bass fishing. Things like reading the weather structure of banks docks ect. He waited a few days then his wife and him took the comments and opinions and figured out roughly 70 percent of fans think it is boring and do not like it. The question really is will the money the electronic companies make over power what the fans want.
I saw that too, and I responded. He posted a video yesterday about the results. It was almost 80/20 against.
And the irony of that is not long ago he was whining about Randy talking down on FFS lol... and now look.
80/20 keyboard Facebook warriors*
Randy was right and these longtime pros like swindle are waking up to the fact
He actually surprised me little with that video. He seemed a little conflicted about the forward facing sonar and wanted the fans opinions. I don't think any of your top five would ever ask the fans what they thought about forward facing sonar. I did reply to his video and gave my two cents.
AMEN RANDY, as a Co-Angler, it is tough to fish behind someone who video fishes, and being a subscriber, THANK YOU for speaking up, it’s truly appreciated!
I saw some co anglers are now bringing their own Livescope setup on the back of the boat. 😂
@@SeeLifeBro The sport of Professional Bass Fishing is losing integrity, the love of the sport, respect, and honor, WE who are truly called must uphold the HIGHEST standards set before us by THOSE who paved the way for US, WE must remain TRUE and PURE to the set foundation, and NOT follow after trends that come and go, but stay the course and return Professional Bass Fishing back to the love for which ALL brought US to it.
@@chaunceydavis5290 the old ESPN days of watching Steve Kennedy break the record with a Huddleston, Aaron Martins winning with a drop shot on the CA Delta to KVD crushing everyone on a crankbait are seriously hard to beat. Times are changing for sure and I don't know what's going to happen with the sport. It's tough because there aren't the big non endemic sponsorships for the leagues like there used to be. Bassmaster and MLF are so reliant on any sponsorship dollars they can get which unfortunately means I don't think FFS is going anywhere anytime soon. Payouts are at some of the lowest points ever and I think the whole sport could be gone if something big doesn't change. I don't know what the answer is but I think if they ban FFS they are at risk of losing the leagues all together because the money just isn't there anymore but at the same time they don't ban it and you'll have a bunch of pissed off fans and still lose the leagues through lack of support. I'm praying for the sport we all love and hope people smarter than me can find a solution.🙏
Sounds like old guys who are stuck in their ways. Just because you have this tool it doesn't mean the fish are just going to jump into your boat. This is my first year using it and it has opened up the doors to how I break down a lake. Otherwise I was just beating the bank or blind casting all day. It really helps you investigate structure that you never would of known was there. Helps me fish more efficiently. What it doesn't do it make the fish bite.
that’s the issue. it makes fishermen so efficient that it takes a ton of the hypothesizing, experimenting, skill, and fishing sense that makes bass fishing so intriguing
Also learn what to look for i have striker 4 sonar simple downward on a 9.9 v bottom boat. And i can find fish on lakes that i have never fished. The maps are on my cell phone and i can break down the lake depending on time of year and water temp. Never stopped from finding humps out in open water. Old school learning. Instead of a boat searching a lake at 70+ miles an hour. Then cuts my spot off because i am catching fish😊
I didn't even watch the Smallmouth swing of BASS or MLF for this exact reason. Your comments at 8:50 in the video about impacting the thrill of the hunt, tradition, taking away the unkown, etc.... completely hits the mark for me. Glad to hear the pros are finally speaking up.
same hate watching SM events now
I became skeptical when Luke Palmer won the Elite Tournament on Santee Cooper by using FFS to see and catch spawners off the cypress trees in 4 foot of water. Sure everyone who fishes for bedding fish on Santee Cooper knows they are there, but when you can eliminate water with a display screen without even making a cast, it has to have an overall negative affect in the long run.
If eliminating water without casting causes a negative impact then side image needs to go also because it eliminates 50 times as much water as any other transducer
The tourney trails banning it might be a start, but I think states need to get involved and outlaw it being used on their lakes to truly protect the fisheries.
This. FFS has made guides out of people that some of them couldn't catch fish otherwise. On my local lakes, the absolute explosion of guide services definitely coincided with the rise of FFS. Now, they are pulling multiple limits multiple times daily throughout the entire season. Spotlighting fish. Not ethical. Not sustainable.
Yep, this too.
I agree 100 percent. The rise of “guides” that use FFS is 10 fold on Lake Lanier(Ga).
If I want to fish open water wandering around aimlessly I’ll do more sandbass fishing
Agree 100% but as long as electronics companies have lobbyists in the pockets of lawmakers we aren't soon to see that.
Awesome Randy! Here in Michigan we have a cash for bass circuit and last week at the ramp was a big blow up people pissed they cant compete with these livescope guys who are taking all the money. We have to continue to speak up and NOT fish series with livescope.
agreed. too much technology cheapens and dilutes the talent and skills of those in the tournament. a joke.
Randy keep doing what you’re doing till you win ! Thank you for what you’re doing ! I’ll keep watching !
Right on Randy! It's a great tool for research and study...probably by fish biologist. Should have never been allowed in tournaments...don't worry when the cocky little snot-nosed kids can't use it, they won't know how to fish anymore. I've seen some sit for a couple hours on a spot targeting trophies, and winning tournaments. They don't even know what a search bait is anymore. Same as the idiots that put corn piles out all year, then shoot the pets they create, and call it hunting...Keep on telling the truth brother!
Thumbs up Randy, great work and effort to keep this on the front burner. I am all in
I had no idea FFS made the fish bite, I need to go get one.
Randy, just watched a re-air today of the St. Lawrence tourney and when Chris Johnston was dropping down on several huge smallies he said "these fish have become so conditioned to what we're dropping on 'em..." shook his head, and then went on to say, "a few years ago I would have been able to catch a limit right here." You mentioned how livescope and the tons of electronics have an impact in several ways to the fishing and his comment brought it right home as that's basically his home water and is a hammer.
Sounds like a group of Good Ol Boys Banning together to get rid of the young kids because they can't keep up. I agree with you on protecting the fish I think the way mlf does it with catch and release is the way to go. If you look at viewership how much viewership dollars compared to electronics sales dollars are there? That difference is going to be the deciding point
7:59 U could absolutely tell a lot of those St. L fish were already half dead. I will not support this tournament
I’ve been a avid bass/tournament angler for the last 25years. I started before color graphs we had a couple black and white 5” graphs on a boat. Mapping was the biggest game changer, being able to stay on points and see flats was a huge advantage. Then side scan came along what a deal that was we could see grass lines and structure up to 100’ feet away as we utilized mapping to stay in a good zone. We live in a world of technology and advancements, I see it everywhere at work, at restaurants, factories, self checkout is my least favorite and as an “old timer” it’s hard sometimes to get used . too. It’s the world we live in. I live in Northern Michigan some of the best smallmouth fishing around .
I think it’s unfair for someone to say these “young guys “ are winning everything now, was it ok when you were winning everything? Is that the problem guys are not adapting as fast as others or maybe your just stuck in your old ways. It cracks me up to here about guys in tournaments are just catching them in the abyss, might be a couple anglers catching them suspended over a 100’ of water but I dare say most are on that 30’ range which guess what. They been doing it since dropshotting was invented with 2D anglers are not wasting casts now and are efficient.
No matter what happens pro anglers are going to weigh in a 5 fish limit does not matter we’re they come from. There is not always rough water so that is a mute point, if you caught them from a bush on the bank and took them across tough water it would have same effect has nothing to do with FFS.
As an “old guy” using FFS for smallmouth primarily I can tell you that not every fish you see bites, you throw to way more that don’t bite that actually do.
Is it fun to watch? It’s fishing in the world I live in so I use it for educational purposes and it’s relevant. My guess is It’s not going to ruin the bass population, why because not as many people eat them. There wouldn’t be a crappie or walleye left in this world.
Bass population isn’t going anywhere if anything shallow water anglers should be happy, I know I am , it opened the bank up. Problem is people on the bank are getting their teeth kicked in, that’s why people have a problem with FFS. If you weren’t losing to guys with FFS you wouldn’t give a S$%T and that’s fact!
My advice get better with FFS or get left behind.
How many anglers got Senkos on their boat? Should we ban them because they work so good?🤣
This may be harsh but anyone trying to stay in the big leagues or make it there better get comfortable with it.
Best of luck!
Well said…
I saw Matt Herren in an interview, and he looked defeated. The older guys are disgusted with the new technology. I think that's why KVD hung it up. The 2 major tours are dominated by the guys under 30 yrs old. They need to start a tour with nothing more than 2d sonar! I still say it allows them to see fish well enough to snag them. I stopped fishing the local weekly buddy tournys due to 10 to 15 guys using ffs. I'm not spending 5 grand to win $400...ridiculous.
It cost $1700 for active target and an elite fs 7 unit. Cost are still going down. Quit saying its expensive. $1700 total
@@motorcycleislife8296
It’s wrong why don’t you stay home play your video games
If you think you can snag fish with ff sonar, you’ve never uses it.
Okay, I'm not spending 2 grand to win $400 Is that better? hahaha@@motorcycleislife8296
So when the pro is saying the fish is right there...come on take it. Then sweeps upwards and catches the Bass.They aren't all hooked in the mouth! If you can see the fish that clearly then every fish should be hooked inside the mouth. And yes I have not and will not use it. I stopped watching because its boring. I don't care if its allowed cause it doesn't affect my fishing one bit.I feel sorry for the pro's who are being pushed out of the sport. 5 rookies won an Elite tourny and a rookie won AOY in MLF. Coincidence?@@horbie5039
Old heads need to adapt to new tech whether they like it or not
If this is the case, eliminate all electronics and see who really are the best fishermen
I could go along with getting rid of all except mapping.
Randy, as an avid fisherman and conservationist for many, many years, I agree 100% with your assessment of the negative aspects of forward facing sonar technology. There is simply nothing positive to be gained or achieved from supporting the promotion and advancement of this kind of technology, except for scientific purposes. To do so does nothing more than detract from the reasons why most of us love to fish and be on the water. No question that this technology has the potential to negatively impact our shared fishery resources. Accordingly, I have dropped my membership in the BASS organization, stopped watching BASS and MLF programming, and have told them why. The dollars spent on this kind of technology would go a long ways if otherwise spent on causes to help make our fisheries and surrounding environments better. Thanks for taking the lead on this important matter!
Live scope should be banned to the general public. Should only be used by a marine biologist. I could see it’s use in that area to study fish population. It will take the fish populations to go almost extinct, before anything is done and huge fines for people using them. As you said, it’s like spot lighting a deer at night. Or watching someone play a video game. Any bone head can do that. Takes zero skill to catch fish with live scope.
I agree with Randy on this issue. This is one of the reasons I discontinued my Bassmaster magazine subscription. Too much focus on products rather than fishing but at the end of the day this is what pays the bills for the organizations. Membership loss equals decrease revenue which will ultimately drive this conversation......
Agree 100%. The only thing livescope should be used for is marine biology and search and rescue
Thank you for bringing this up, we only use this technology to help recover vehicles, boats and other objects, definitely will be following to see where this will go.
I guess I would like to see some hard evidence and numbers as far as studies go. There have been a lot of fish caught from 20+ feet over the years and I’m having a hard time understanding that most of those fish are going to die due to being caught at those depths. FFS is definitely a game changer…I’m not disputing that. I’m just not sure how you rectify the situation after the technology has been in use for as long as it has…360, side scan, down scan as well as regular sonar have changed the game over the past few decades. Ban those as well? I’m not sure you can undo what’s been done.
Here is Randy making up facts to back up his position. He has no data that any fish are being harmed in tournaments, and is instead using a straw man argument attempting to equate Barotrauma with FFS, because of open water fishing. Where are the studies showing those fish “are gonna later die”? If he is truly concerned about the fisheries, he should be instead be against the use of live wells and tournament weigh-ins.
While he is at it, all sight-fishing has to be banned, because it is far more video game fishing than using technology. Bathyscopes have to banned as well, since in clear water, you can see and catch the deepest fish.
If he wants to handicap anglers to even the field for veteran fisherman, then stick to that argument. However, tell that to all of the factory workers who had their jobs replaced because what they used to know and do, but then could be replaced with machinery and automated manufacturing.
He hypocritically says get rid of FFS, but you can still make better side imaging, down imaging, gps, mapping, and on and on and on. Not saying that FFS use shouldn’t be scrutinized for other reasons, but attempting to shock I’ll-informed followers with anecdotal statements of fishery decimation is irresponsible and should be called out.
Money. That's the reason it'll never be banned. I agree it sucks to watch. Unless they mirror there image onto our screen then people don't seem to mind so much. But money is why.
I agree 100% if livescope is going to be used by Pros it should be for practice only, but I really think they should get rid of it all together. 😁👍
Cry on ...just cause you have livescope don't mean the fish are bitting
I can honestly say FFS may not belong in tournaments. I absolutely love it as a weekend warrior because it dramatically increases my efficiency on the water in locating off shore fish or just flat out not fishing dead water.
Also another solution would be to stop bringing bass in to weigh in’s. Measure and weigh on the water and quickly release.
Randy, I agree with you - 100%. As a local who has fished the St Lawrence River from a Ranger for all my life, it is not sporting or professionally respectable (my opinion) to stand over and dropshot a bait onto smallmouth using the LiveScope. Use your experience and acquired skills, gentlemen. Read the body of water, the conditions, the weather, etc. Let's maintain our love and passion as a "sport". Don't minimize it into a video game. It's much, much better than that.
Our fisheries are pressured enough with invasive species and temperature issues without decimating them further with tech.
i have been so glad to hear the pros vocalize their displeasure with FFS. i just hope it isn’t too late to make a change. it better change soon before the younger generation’s influences gains any more traction
Please post the survey where u got the 80% disapproval rate for FFS.
Spot on Randy!!! It’s a no brainer what’s going to happen to our fisheries with FFS over time and at the end of the day that’s what’s important. The DNR has their hands tied and can’t respond quick enough so fishermen will have to push lake by lake to protect these awesome fisheries before they’re devastated. All species!!! Not just bass
Livescoping in fishing is basically the AI in art world. They might as well just go in with nets at this point
I admire you Randy. The fact that you have stood your ground and have remained committed to your cause regardless of all the crap you have had to and still have to put up with is impressive regardless of one’s position on the matter.
My guess is that to combat the “boring viewing” argument, televised tournaments will attempt to engage viewers more by showing them just what their favorite fisherman is looking at on their ffs screen.
Man its nice to hear this!! Ive always felt this way about FFS, it takes the pain stakingly earned skill and knowledge out of fishing!! I like the analogy about video game fishing..that sums it up perfectly, its gotten out of hand, thank you for this!!!
Watching videos about how to fish takes the skill out of learning how to do it yourself as well. If you have to watch Randy or anyone else To learn how to fish or where to find fish then you are breaking your very own saying about taking the skill to learn.
FFS killed participation of co-anglers in BFL tournaments. Sitting in the back of the boat watching your "pro" stare at the screen. Not for me!
And it's going to get worse! I recently fished a tournament with a nice 19 year old guy with a new $90000. Bassboat all set up for live scope. He had only been bass fishing 1 year said all he does is idle around and find brush piles and thats all he fishes! Told me all he'd be doing is dropshotting brushpiles all day. Sure enough that's what he did! It places a big disadvantage on a co-angler...
The co-angler thing has not been talked about. I’d hate to draw a livescoper as a coangler.
Old school Careers are being threatened, yes, but Technology is allowing the sport to grow and allowing everyday fishermen to have success when they otherwise would have given up or not participated.
Great video Randy!!!! I agree with you 100%!!!! Hopefully things will get stopped before the damage is done, Stay Safe & God Bless!!!
What ppl from the south dont understand that never been to ontario is how ez it is to catch them fish it literally takes no skill at all. I fish ontario alot and its ez trust me
We’re 5 years into ffs and the only 2 studies I’ve found to date on ffs fishery impact (Arkansas, Kansas) suggest that it’s minimal. Specific to the topic of fishery impact, I’m keeping an open mind and actively researching studies in progress. Im hoping we can hear more about this from a scientific perspective.
Randy says his people tell him it’s destroying the fisheries. Randy also says 80% don’t want it and the other 20% that do villainize him.
Randy has the facts and data to support all of this 😂
And for Randy’s supporters I want to let you know I have some oceanfront properties in Arizona I want to sell you very cheap!
Older fellow’s view. It is discouraging trying to compete even on a friendly basis with the Live Scope guys. I’m not the best angler on the planet but have been able to hold my own until the newer electronics changed the playing field. Not to mention the cost of acquiring the newer units.
Thanks, Randy, for this update!
If you think electronics are expensive, have you looked at the cost of new bass boats?
I’m basically new to fishing. I’m not involved in any tournaments so the competition aspect doesn’t directly impact me. I have enjoyed learning how to catch more fish with technology limited to that in the rods, reels, lures and hooks. Of course I use also watching videos of others to learn. I’m older so the “art” of fishing is of more interest to me than the technology of fishing. There is nothing better than figuring out where they are at and how to get them on the hook. That seems to be lost with these technologies.
I’m also very concerned about the fishery impact. Our number one priority should always be protecting and sustaining those resources so they are available to future generations. That priority should be observed in all of our activities of life and most certainly while fishing.
Sir Randall you have a strong voice and truly believe in your views it has to come to a end for any kind of future in the fishing world, it's as simple as that.
When somebody like Josh Jones, who was literally a frigg’n crappie fisherman, has caught 70+ double digit bass - thats all you need to know.
Forget the forward facing sonar we all should worry about these excessive tournaments from club to school and the pros killing the bass even the delayed mortality ones also. To all the hotshots out there mishandling the bass you don’t even deserve to fish the same waters as I do.
The complaint is less about the technology but more about performance/results and needing to find an excuse. After this last Elite you have seen stalwarts and known commodities of the sport miss the Classic & some not even requalifying to come back to the Elites
I'm not a bass fisherman, I only crappie fish. I use Mega Live and 360 to locate structure and see if it's holding fish. Once I find an area holding fish, I yurn it off. I don't want to sit there and stare at a screen, it takes the surprise and anticipation out of it. I agree 100% with getting rid of it in tournaments. I personally have seen a decline in size and numbers because all the big spawning fish are being targeted and caught out.
This is a very interesting take. I was just reading about the results from the St Lawrence this morning. Having been in the fishing game for 40 years, I am very conflicted. I've used down facing sonar in ice fishing for Decades. And I adopted the panoptix technology as soon as I was able to. But tournaments with forward facing sonar, are a completely different deal. And it's not interesting at all to watch. I definitely don't agree with Randy all the time. But I greatly appreciate his honesty here.
Respect.Not to mention the elements man has to adjust. Good stuff man. God Bless all who brought this to me today.
Good. Now if they would only ban tournament fishing all together we might actually do some good for the fishery.
Change is inevitable Randy either adapt or be left behind! Your top fisherman such as Rick Clun KVD wheeler will still win with or without livescope it’s a god given talent you either have it or you don’t and you can’t tell me these pro fisherman haven’t been jerking fish out of deep water before livescope and how many fish were killed before live wells in bass fishing how does Ben Milliken have one of the most watched fishing RUclips channels if people aren’t interested in livescope your intent may be true but facts really don’t care about feelings
Ray Scott had the foresight to propose and enforce his concept of "catch and release" without which bass tournaments would have been banned for ecological reasons. We are facing a similar ecological problem with forward facing sonar.
As soon as they ban it, I’m gonna start watching fishing tournaments. It’ll be like good old times again.
All Randy has said here is, IMO, 100% Accurate. Thank You Randy for getting on this. Our Fisheries are at Stake here & this could eliminate that huge problem. I see it where I mostly fish, and yes, it has changed in a very short timeline.
I agree take it away and then you will see who are the true skilled fishermen. See if they can read the weather, water, what the fish is telling them.
Randy, I’ve been watching you for a while and you absolutely kicked ass on this video I can’t believe how good it is and thank you
Thx Dave
I agree with you Randy. It takes the sport out of fishing. It's ridiculous that someone can think its sustainable or right. Using these electronics is no different than someone baiting deer with feed and shooting it. Livescope and FFS will decimate the fish population.
The Tournament organizations could easily take charge of this situation with live scope if they wanted too, but the money from sponsors is too important to them. This short term benefit way of thinking may destroy the sport if we are not careful, or what might eventually happening is Federal, and or state governments, will ban sonar entirely. I personally don’t want that to happen.
We don’t want non-anglers regulating our sport! Most of us have experienced stupid laws Enforced by people who don’t no anything about fishing.
If anglers don’t properly regulate tournament fishing, I’m afraid someone else will.
For now I would like to see more Diverse fisheries being visited by Tournament organizations, more shallow water fisheries where sonar is less important. Also I would like to see live scope limited to practice only, and no sticking Fish in practice.
Thanks Randy for your experience, strength, and hope! Tight lines!
You nailed it! keeping our fisheries healthy should be every responsible bass fisherman’s number one priority.
If you want to ban live scope you need to take out side image and 360 as well. Can’t just pick on FFS. You can locate a school or special bottom features and place a wag point it and get within casting range spot lock right there.
This years Bassmassters classic shattered viewership records. Where are the numbers that show ratings tanking?
I think FFS is great. I love it! I use it all the time. I hope it stays.
I put on a clinic with your old school jig today! 60 fish before 2 7 keeps best 6lbs. Thank Randy!!
I fully agree with you Randy! Stay up on that soapbox and keep yelling. I've been keying on bass for the last ten years and it's so fun learning a new method and catching nice bass by purely what I've learned from you and other pros and not electronics. Thanks.
All true! Would be great to see tournament organizations take heed.
I agree 100% with you Randy. I grew up watching all the OG guys and absolutely loved it. I don’t watch much live anymore bc that’s all it is is live scope. And I have spent my whole life on the water trying to perfect many techniques. And now all of us club guys can’t even compete bc of the little 18-23 year olds with daddy’s money. They don’t understand anything about fishing just that robo worm. And it’s aggravating as hell to be beat by a kid that don’t know a Colorado blade from a willow leaf.
Great video Randy! I believe that's why they call it FISHING and not catching. FFS/Livescope really do pose a threat on all levels and aspects of the fishing game. A big part for me is learning and getting proficient at the different lakes and weather patterns. Hopefully there is a compromise and as long as corporate monies don't interfere too much, I think good days are ahead!
Great job and keep crushing!
Finally, things are starting to change! You are being vindicated Randy. You have been saying this for I while now and I agree 100%. It isn't fishing, we should probably put the word "angling" in quotes when referring to live scoping. Thank you for speaking the truth about fish mortality! You are kidding yourself if you think fizzing those deep water wish live to any significant degree. Throwing a fish in a live well all day after being pulled up from depth and then slamming across the lake only to hold it up and weigh it isn't compatible with catch and release. You're right, it all comes down to balls, do the right thing.
Smallmouth tourneys have always been boring. Prior to FFS it was just guys doing the same thing with 2D or DI units. Same with ledge fishing. Those types of tourneys have always been boring to watch IMO. Shallow water largemouth is way more fun to watch.
I DO NOT care to watch smallmouth tournaments in general much but now I don't care at all because its only LCD screens coming into play in deep water...Its so much more exciting to watch power-fishing structure and cover thats how bass fishing was invented. Fighting fish in shallow water is so much harder too.
The reason it’s been an uphill battle is because most bass fisherman are NOT against it. Annual sales of units easily confirms this
I could buy one of these forward facing sonar units. I refuse. It takes all the fun out of learning the pattern fish are on. That is half the fun of fishing! At least for most people.
@@BlobRob787 why is it that everyone who doesn’t own one and never used one the ones against it? I use FFS to be able to see what’s out in front of the boat, structure, weed lines, etc. not to locate individual fish. Having traditional bow mounted sonar is a complete waste of money unless you spend your time vertical jigging for some reason . What’s directly below the boat is irrelevant, I want to see what is 100’ in front of me where I’m going to be casting!
Watching advertising during the tournament was part of it but now I won’t wait I just switch off an watch the highlights,keep it up it’s giving me more time to other things like golfing or whatever
All this talk about ffs ruining our fisheries. But the fact is the escalation of tournament. Fishing has been ruining our fisheries for many a years. And their needs to be some form of restrictions and limits placed on tournament fishing!!!!
Absolutely agree. When I was a kid I loved watching bass fishing tournaments. Now, not so much. I'm still an avid bass fisherman but the sport is tainted. I absolutely agree that they should ban livescope and those stupid things they look down to snipe out deep fish. Protect our fisheries. How many times did KVD haul in a nice bag without it?
It’s sort of an oxymoron for the average angler (i.e weekend angler like myself) to be against FFS. It has sped up the learning curve sooo much for the average joe. Being able to see how fish orient to structure, react to baits, etc is amazing. The same weekend anglers that are against FFS if banned would probably say “I can’t compete against billy bob he’s on the water 5 days a week, how can you compete with that?” Just saying FFS benefits the average angler the most, so why would they complain 🤔
They would complain because FFS is killing fisheries , you said Joe weekend angler doesn't release fish , I'm watching it happen and I'm just a weekend angler
Recently, I had a bass boater nearly collide with my boat while I was anchor down, eating lunch. I watched him trolling half a mile an hour from over 100 yards away, just staring straight down at his screens. He never looked up until he was a few feet away from my boat, and I yelled at him.
Randy... Good job .. Thanks for being such a DIE HARD on this subject.. I have also stopped watching the SKEETER TOURNAMENTs because of the terrible handling of the bass ... Flipping them on the carpet.. The Frye Guy
I remember everybody giving you so much hell about your stance on FFS. My how times have changed.
We disagree on a lot of things but you are spot on with this. Keep pushing the issue and lobby your cohorts. Good work!
At some point the Game Commission may step in if they start seeing negative effects on fisheries
I'm with you on this issue. A lot of the fun of fishing is figuring out the lake, learning the ecosystem, etc. and livescope takes it all away. Why even call it a sport when so much of the skill and technique is being taken away?
Thanks!
Thank you Dane, that’s very kind of you!
THANKS RANDY KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK
Keep on doing what your doing concerning the forward facing sonar and live scope. This will destroy fishing if it nor stopped. Thanks for standing up for those of us who believe This shouldn't be allowed in tournaments or anywhere. State laws should prohibit the us of it in our states to preserve the sport of fishing.
FFS will be the end of sport bass fishing. It is effective shallow or deep. Fish have no where to hide. You won't need to fish a place unless you see fish on the screen. It takes all of the guess work and preparation out of fishing. I am older and can no longer have the enjoyment of the unknowns while tournament fishing anymore. Ban it NOW before its too late. Keep up the fight Randy!
States need to BAN FFS!
Congratulations Mr. Blaukat and thank you for being a leader in "fighting the good fight "! I've been watching Intuitive Angling for the past 2 years. So I know that you were one of the most vocal people speaking out against what I call the "desecration" of our sport. Some fish shouldn't be caught. Else where would the "tall tails" come from, that would inspire our children? The magic of fishing is comraderie, nature, and mystery. Learning how to read the water. Not to pontificate, but Iam glad to see that your determination has led to some positive results. Don't stop now. Sustainably depends on your good word and all our respect for conservation. Wish that Conservative politicians would remember where their name/ title came from!
I tollally agree with you Randy. I am totally against forward facings untils. It's down right cheating. No skills to catch bass😡
You know what I think of when I hear the pro ffs crowd? It’s the everybody gets a trophy crowd because they want to skip the learning process in bass fishing. They want to go straight to the win which a lot of us think it should have a asterisk beside it. FFS is not good for the Bass anglers ,fans or tournament organizers.
To skip all the skills it takes to become a good angler is just wrong and nobody can compare it to 360 or si di or 2d with a straight face. Ffs is too good at finding bass in open water and should be outlawed
Not just in tournaments but in the country .
Just my two cents.
This is great news for the sport of fishing. I haven't watched a tournament since ffs became the defacto method of winning.
Agree… the BASS and MLF better act sooner than later… once a viewer leaves it will be tough to get them back… I have stopped watching BASS, I still watch BPT… but not when FFS is the dominant tool being used… I’ll go watch grass grow
The Evolution of Pro Bass fishing is complete. Complements of every Pro angler past & present who has used electronics in a Pro Tournament. I've have changed my opinion on this topic slightly. Thinking about it from the evolution in electronics standpoint. The early fish finders, you can see the fish on the screen, then came structure scan, you see the fish on the screen.
I will assume with FFS you can see the fish on the screen. I don't know a lot about electronics but, it seems each electronics generation your seeing the fish on the screen. That being said, I don't see what all the fuss is about.
Every generation, you Pro's have accepted the new tech, along with all the sponsorships and money. Only now it's a problem because you can't keep up with the younger generation that understands the technology better then the old timers. It's a new generation of Pro Anglers that have accepted and have embraced the new Tech for better or for worse. It's not going away, in fact it will evolve once again and be better then ever.
Amen well said!!
Thank you for sticking up for people who dont use livescope i subscribed look foward to watching more of your videos
You made some really good points. I think one of the problems is that the line between FFS and other electronics hasn’t been clearly defined. What is it exactly that makes FFS so different compared to side imaging, mega down imaging, 360, etc? Otherwise it sounds like a fight against progress/technology advancements in general, which is obviously a losing argument. I think a more clear distinction of what sets FFS apart from everything else is what needs to be summarized to get any real traction. Most decision makers at the local/state level have no clue what any of this technology is and won’t understand how/where to draw a line. In full transparency I’m a tournament angler and I have livescope but I primarily fish tidal rivers so it hasn’t been a huge issue. It’s almost like the Potomac and James rivers are the last hold outs. If this stuff was banned I’d gladly pull it off my TM. Every other sport has limitations in place to preserve the integrity of the game. Bass fishing is no doubt in a tricky spot at the moment.
I say keep the forward facing sonar and ban the weigh in style tournaments and go to the live time tracker style. Better for the fish in my opinion when there are that many anglers.