I say ban it in professional tournaments, maybe use it during pre fishing but not during the tournaments. You are one of the young guns that actually has the skills and experience to be a professional fisherman without having to use Livescope. That's why I follow you, Greg Hackney, G-Man and Brandon Lester.😁👍
Ok you say your one of the only young guys that have the skill to be a professional fisherman. He is because he knows how to use ffs he just said his last three tournaments every fish he caught he saw it on his screen. So learning ffs is part of being a professional if you want to be good and compete at that level you have to put in the time and work to get good at it.
@@JacobVinson-b9w what I was trying to imply was that he has the skills to actually catch fish without the use of forward-facing sonar. Kyle seems to have a unique understanding of fishing and the skill said to catch fish without LiveScope. I understand he needs to use it in the Northern lakes to be competitive but if he didn't have it he would still find a way to to be successful. I really think that it was taken away you wouldn't see so many rookies being so successful from the onset.
@@OpiemusHit the nail on the head! Without FFS the leaderboards would be entirely different...I don't believe that Fujita and Cifuentes win blue trophies.... These days if you want to compete at any level in bass tournaments you need FFS and a good grasp of how to effectively use it... As far as watching it live... Cover oriented fishing is the most entertaining along with any topwater fishing.... Congrats again on AOY!! In this day where everyone is talking FFS and how crucial it is to have on the professional level I think it's AWESOME that both you and Brandon(#1 & 2) would prefer to run a bank full of lay downs chucking a buzzbait or frog or pitching a jig or soft plastic 👍🏻
Kyle, you’re the future of this sport. The solution is not showing the screen, the solution is limiting the use of the technology. The tide is turning quickly. I love your passion.
I agree, most derby do not allow underwater camera's but the allow FFS?...which is way more effective. Respectfully, you kind of lose me at "we need to focus on the drama". Is turning pro bass fishing into an episode of Jersey Shore or Meet the Kardashians a good idea? Watching pro anglers be petty and unsportsmanlike (drama) is super off putting. I hope it's not just me. That said, I appreciate the video and you sharing your thoughts.
As someone who just learned how to use it well enough to cash some checks in local derbies, it probably should be for the sustainability of fisheries. Congrats man!
I'm also learning I got livescope to help find fish quick when I take my sons fishing. I have fished small local tournaments without it. I believe if you are fishing competition, you should be able to fish without it.i also believe it is going to hit the quality of the fisheries hard. Using forward sonar in competition is like race car drivers racing on autopilot lol
Forward facing sonar predominantly have to show the screen the fisherman is seeing on a split screen. You mentioned this. Congratulations and well deserved on AOY! Been watching from almost the beginning! Keep up the good work and enjoy your off season.
First, congrats on winning AOY. I fished some of the Bassmaster opens back in the 90s. We had downward sonar and topo maps. I even got an arial photo map of the Potomac River for that tournament. It was much more exciting to fish and watch back then. My suggestion is that FFS can be used in PRACTICE ONLY, then go back to what you found in practice to catch your fish.
As others have mentioned we (both my wife and I) have been watching your videos since before you qualified for the Elite series. Remember watching the video where you said you had a choice of two different pro series, and you chose the Elite series. It was exciting watching you hold the AOY trophy during Saturday's weigh-in. You have made exceptional progress going from a rookie to AOY in four (it is four, right) years. Oh, and one other thing, congratulations on the very special event happening later this year. Heard about it for the first time on Live Mix on Saturday.
I completely agree. I used to watch tournaments religiously. I fished club tournaments so I'm no pro. When I tune i, the minute I see a guy staring at a screen, I tune out. I've got better things to do with my time. I miss the days of frog tournaments in mats.
There’s a reason why you’re angler of the year! Didn’t complain and just adapted! There are differences between the southern and northern swing, boring or not, it’s angling! You are versatile and instead of complaining, you studied, adapted, and became great! Props man!!
Hey Kyle thanks for putting this out there. Congratulations on AOY, heck of an accomplishment. I appreciate your perspective on this. As a fan, I think FFS should be limited for the benefit of the sport from an education, entertainment, and sustainability perspective.
Congratulations to you and Hunter for the 2023 AOY ! When I met you and Hunter at your boat at Academy in Kennesaw I knew that you had what it takes to win the Classic . T.W.'s AOY is proof . I like your style of fishing on your TH-cam channel . I admit it is very difficult for me to sit and watch these tournaments that stay on the Forward facing fisherman . Forward facing is fascinating and I do plan to eventually by one . B.A.S.S. needs to let us see the screen while they use it . I can't learn how to use it if they don't show me . Tight lines to T.W. !
Legal in practice, banned during tourney , I think that could work, makes u efficient in practice , you’ll find the fish but in tourney it’s all 2D and bassin instinct , more power fishing catches for TV
I have offshore fished for 25 years. I can fish comfortably with a 5 inch black and white screen and 200khz transducer. Before LiveScope I caught 30 bass over 10lbs offshore. Since LiveScope I've caught 5 over 10lbs. Do I catch more fish with LiveScope some days yes some days not.
Spot on Kyle, thanks!!! for being as honest as you possibly can be. It’s definitely a double edge sword on both sides of the coin. At the end of the day it’s the fisheries that need to be taken care of and preserved for tomorrow.
Congratulations and well deserved! Enjoyed watching you and others for the past 4 years. One of your boat officials made a comment early this year, that you was one of the best fishermen he’s ever been with. I thought that comment was spot on! Bass and MLF will have to come up with a plan to make the smallmouth FFS fishing more interesting to watch. I love watching Ott fish, he is a great power fisherman to follow in MLF’s tournaments. It seems to me that Bass and MLF have a lot of decisions to make and work to do. Also let the hammer down and be consistent for violations in the future!!!
Visual stimulation is what got 90% of the people hooked on fishing whether it's a bobber a frog a popper or around cover and I'm 57 years old and that's what got me hooked was watching them hit your lower or pull down your bobber buddy congratulations on your win angler of the year you deserve it and Miss Hunter thank you for everything you do
CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!! I remember when you qualified for the elites its soooo awesome to see you win AOY especially after such a tough season last year. I watched your vids when you were still TheDuBfishing
It’s all part of continuous growing pains on all three ends; (anglers, sponsors and BASS) It’s just crazy how technology has brought us to these conversations. Way to go this year bud. Rooted for you all year.
So how do you handle the co-anglers at the opens level? They are screwed if a boater has FFS and that's what they choose to do that day. Lots of problems that need solutions in my opinion, not just boring coverage. And for those who say "co-anglers should just buy a boat and be boaters" - way to help introduce people to our sport...
@timg185 And when they see one fish on the screen to cast to do they flip a coin as to who gets to cast to it? It's pretty difficult to have a total stranger fish side by side with you on limited front deck space. I'd love to think people could do that, but I've fished with people that are super strict about casting zones and others that truly try to share space and water. I just know the reality is that probably wouldn't work. I wish it would, but I have doubts
@@sardisironworks never said it was without issues . But if both guys are casting to the same fish. Then they would have to work together. It’s the only option I see that would make it remotely fair for the co angler. If they are going to continue to allow FFS. There has been a lot of other situations that put co anglers at a disadvantage. That’s part of being a co angler . I preferred bass fishing before live scope. But I feel like co anglers need to plan for it. Use baits that cover a vast amount of water. If the boater is fishing for one fish on a flat . Then there will be others on the flat some where. Small swimbaits or top water would cover a lot of water and give you a chance to catch some fish. Live scope has taught us there are fish everywhere.
As someone who doesn't have ffs, and prefers to watch target casting or passive fishing, I really just want to watch the best anglers catch the best fish in the fishery. Why do we never hear people complain about watching deep cranking or dragging worms around out deep? Visually it's hardly more exciting than watching an angler use ffs but yet you only hear complaints on this one facet of off shore fishing. I'm a bank beater at heart, but I don't want to watch the best anglers smoke 2-3lbrs. Numbers are only fun if I'm the one on them. Congrats on the AOY!!
It is so boring to watch. Even if you want to see them catch smallmouth it is just a bunch of guys head down with a drop shot. You know what you are going to see before you even turn the TV on. Congratulations on AOY.
i appreciate cats like you that keep it a buck a high level angler that has his perspective and also can communicate on behalf of the viewer’s perspective this was an awesome listen great thought provoking conversation driving questions also!
Congratulations to you and Hunter on AOY. Been watching your YT channel from early on and watched you qualify for the Elites. Big fan of team Welcher! I agree, watching someone fish cover is far more interesting and entertaining than watching someone in open water make an occasion cast using FFS. Living in Florida, fishing cover is the deal. That’s how we fish most of the time and I luv it. I like the idea of allowing FFS for practice but not being allowed during the tournament. I don’t think they will ban it totally. Another great video. Keep up the good work and best of luck to you guys in whatever you do.
I'd like to see underwater footage at events so we can acutely see how the fish are responding to the baits are being used. Also I would like to see more drone footage as well. Congrats on AOY can't wait to see yall on Santee next year.
Absolutely I would like to see what the fishermen see on that FFS so we can all learn how they it's still pro fishing and each fisherman has their own style will be nice to have a screenshot of what's going on on the screen of the FFS and how the fish react to each person style I'm fishing and all of us can learn from that as well
Congrats on AOY. Huge accomplishment. This was probably the best video I’ve seen on the FFS issue. No whining, level headed and transparent. As an avid angler that doesn’t fish many tourneys: my favorite event was the Sabine this year. The variety of techniques and the grind tournaments are exciting. I didn’t turn off the smallmouth events because no matter how they are caught, seeing 6 pound brown fish is amazing!
I've been fishing bass tournaments for over 20ty years an what I've learned is people will always complain about something. Whether it's getting waypoints, lure, lake info, and putting out their own brush piles, so my stance is electronics is an equalizer. I love my FFS, it's exciting to use and to show my buddies where to cast to allow them to have a better time on the water. Any who, love your stance!
In any pro sport, the rules are always harder than the previous level. In college football you only need one foot in bounds, in the pros you need both down. Big difference! The NBA 3 point line is much further than the college and highschool. So I think it should be regulated personally, not quite sure how to do it to make everybody happy.
Hey Kyle Congrats on the AOY! I've never been much for controversy, so I always look for a compromise, to come up with a solution. Rather than an all out ban, it seems to me there would be some value, in building a strategy using FFS for practice, but not using it on derby day. In doing that ....sales for the electronic companies would not be affected, and the anglers would would have a choice whether or not to use it. I built my career back in the 80's -90's on being an offshore fisherman, so I would have loved to have had FFS, to learn quicker and be more effective in learning. With that said ....if I was to have a say in voting whether or not to use it on derby day, I would vote against it because I feel my raw skills are better than most as far as boat positioning etc. ....viewership only affects bassmaster, and will need to make their own decision as a business.. Since being disabled going on 20 years, I am addicted to LIVE as it's my only exposure to the sport .... I watch for the strategies that are employed. Would FFS be helpfull as an angler for practice and not in the tournament?
I'm neutral on forward facing sonar. I watch smallmouth tournaments if my favorite anglers are doing well. Otherwise, I do not care for smallmouth tournaments because I can not relate. I have never fished for smallmouth and probably will never. I'm a bank beater and that is what I relate to and enjoy watching. Congratulations again on your AOY. I have followed you from your start on the Elites. Very proud of what you have accomplished and everyone should watch out because you are just warming up.
1st- Congrats on winning 2023 Angler of the Year!!! 👊💪 2nd- I'm an avid fisherman fishing 12 months a year 2-3 local tours a week and i absolutely hate FFS It's taking the reading the conditions and overall natural instinct out of fishing 3rd- I absolutely love the sport of fishing and have watched every second of coverage over the past 30 years, however my consumption of tournament bass fishing has decreased the past 2 years and probably be less next year and that makes me really sad but i can't stand watching today's tournament coverage 4th- nothing better than watching Jason Christy throw a spinnerbait, Greg Hackney throw a squarebill, KVD throw a jerkbait, Kyle Welcher throw a frog and Bryan Thrift throw a buzzbait 5th- IMHO, FFS sucks and needs to go away from the Opens/BFL level up #banffs
People has been selling there boats bc of livescopers in local tourneys said it’s not fun anymore, Honestly it crossed my mind to sale out too lol. Love the honesty man!!
Dude. I’m from Summerville SC and my home pond is Santee Cooper. You nailed it, as a viewer the smallmouth tournaments are boring as hell now with the forward facing stuff. Just facts. I hate it and literally can’t watch it. I would love to know how the ratings were for the last 3 tournaments. I couldn’t watch? Brian in SC
Hey Kyle, thanks for the video. Had fun watching it. I think there needs to some lakes that you can use it and some you can’t. It can be used in practice but not in the event. Pretty simple
I feel it needs to be banned from ALL tournaments. It needs to be banned.. If the technology continues to advance you are going to see the same thing that happened in the 60's and 70's. We need to give the fish a fair chance.
Kyle you are now my favorite Angler ! I picked you as AOY winner ! I followed your channel and saw your passion and work ethic! Btw what is are equipment brands? Rods and reels ? It was soooo great to see you compete even with your mechanical issues! That solidified you as my favorite Angler ! Keep up the great work !
If we lived my your standard we all will driving the 1st Ford automobile 😊. Nothing stays the same, not even your looks, so either you keep up with changing and updated technology or be left behind crying you didn't change in time.
Your insight has been the best of all that have posted on this subject. Congrats on the AOY and the way you handled the adversity on your final day at St Lawrence. Truly, Stone Cold!
Congratulations to the little local AOY, you da man. As far as FFS being banned, it really doesn’t matter to me. I watch because I love bass fishing. I learn every time I go and every time I watch live or TH-cam. Bring back the A-rig, it’s just a lure.
Congrats Kyle on your AOY. What do you think about allowing ffs in practice, allowing ffs in the opens/Toyota, but not allowing it when you qualify as a pro? This would level the playing field and allow anglers of all levels to learn bass behavior in both deep and shallow water. But, when you make the “show”, all you get to use is rods, reels, lures, map, and a basic depth finder/temp unit.
The hard-core guy does watch to learn,,but it still sucks . Dude I'm ready for some more videos,,love em,,,why can't they just make a trail that doesn't allow ffs
Keith Poche has the most entertaining approach to fishing. My club fished about 1/3 of there tournaments on tidal water, Upper Bay, Delaware, Hudson River. FFS doesn’t seem to be much of a factor on Tidal water. I fished with someone that has it and knows how to use it once. It’s very effective and doesn’t really suit my style. As long as the LM get bigger than the SM I’ll take my chances with my Flipping Rod.
I can care less either way. It will be a tough call to ban it or not. It’s my opinion the majority of the people who are “professionals” and crying about it are the ones not wanting to put the time in to learn it. It’s also my opinion that the majority of the fans requesting it to be banned aren’t diehard BASS fans. The majority are trolls jumping in on whatever drama they can. The End Now for the real shit!! Congratulations to you both for AOY and the baby!!!!
You should put together an off-season Bass/Texas holdem fundraiser tournament I'd pull my boat from MN to Alabama for that!!! You'd be a great ambassador and congratulations on the AOY title😉
I’m with You! Between A Rock In A Hard Place! I really Love Seeing the Shallow Fishing. Those Keep Me Interested! I flip On and Off Live Scope Fishing, but Can’t Peel me off the screen when Hackney is Flipping, Frogging or Shallow Cranking! Again, Congratulations on Angler of The Year!
Best discussion on this ongoing debate. Good luck going forward. BTW, I just purchase all new units for my boat with FFS. I no longer fish tournament but will love the sport the rest of my life.
Your thoughts are 100% correct. In open water it is difficult to watch 2D and FFS fishing. So FFS is not the issue...it is open water fishing with no visual background.
I know your a former gambler, what a gutsy call to make this video & answer honestly after just winning Elite Series AOY & utilizing FFS to do so. I think it is brilliant! You hit on the right subject for this. Fan viewership = advertising $. Who are the electronic companies selling too….there’s only a few hundred legitimate Pro fisherman. Sales are aimed at the mass Fishing crowd. The focus should be on what the fans want to see! Congrats on your AOY. I can say that a lot of the young guys including some of this years winners would not even be in the Elites without FFS. You can hold your own either way you just proved it!
My husband and i want to start fishing some.local tournaments. We dont care for livescope nor will we have it on our boat. We only watched the weigh in at both small mouth tournaments when we usually watch as much as we can. Congratulations to your Angler of the Year! You are are of the few Elite anglers that actually fish all you can and it sure showed this year! Hey Hunter. It was great seeing you on stage sharing that amazing time in your lives. Can't wait until 2024!
Keep for practice and ban for tournament.....or......set limit on number of inches of screens for whole boat. Like total of 36 inches or 48 inches for whole boat
You nailed it. I'm the guy who watches because I want to learn more about LiveScope. I've had LiveScope for four years. I'm really good with offshore fishing. I'm also not closed minded to think I know it all. Even if I pickup one little bit of information, it's worth it for me. I would love to see the Anglers screen and see what they see. Thanks Kyle. Congratulations on AOY. I pulling for you in the Bassmaster Classic 2024.
To be frank, I think live coverage ratings have fallen off because there is too much if it. 3 leagues calling their anglers "pro" and all running live feed. When live first came out, I was a captive audience but now, not so much. The shallow water power fishing events are definitely easier to watch. Smallmouth events were hard to watch even before livescope . All the fish look similar and most are caught offhsore. That makes for a boring watch. Professional angling has become diluted at this point. I think 1 trail with 120 of the best anglers would be beneficial for the anglers in the long run. It will be interesting to see what the future holds. Congrats on AOY! Hard work! Keep working hard and make the most of your prime buddy! Hunter is your most loyal fan and companion. You guys are fun to watch. Good goes around. You and Hunter have great character.
Congrats on AOY bubba!! I remember commenting on an old video of yours some years back saying I see big things for you...and here you are!! F'ing awesome, son!
Congratulations ! On AOY. I would like to see Elite Angler not using it at all. Elite angkers should just that Elite ,top notch, show us how it's done. Kinda like having a pitching machine on the mound in a mayor league game. Or playing card with a card counter app. I would like to see Pros being pros. Just my thoughts
Seems like one of the best ways to make it interesting is the make the schedule diverse . Schedule tournaments on lakes where multiple tactics can be at play. I also think not having 3 straight events of nothing but FFS would help. P.S. make a video on breaking down when, where, and why you use a black and blue swimjig over others.
From a viewer prospective maybe they can change a live up a little bit and put the angler in a small window and cut away to something off the cuff like maybe pre tape the anglers having some off the water competitions. You know, just for a few minutes at a time throughout the day. I will say that after the day 2 and 3 cuts they have done a very good job with having the guys sitting at the mics and commentating and discussing the tournament, that has been enjoyable this year and I hope they continue doing it in the future.
Man it's a ton of fun seeing a fish throwing to it and watching the fish's reaction then feeling that thump... I'm down here in SW Louisiana and spend 90% of my time on either toledo bend and Sam rayburn and I do use livescope to catch fish but I use it the most just for finding brush piles and bait fish or to follow grass lines those things alone makes it a tool I don't think I could live without. Great video as always keepem coming brother!!!
Amen brother. I just subscribed to your channel because of your stance on this. I look forward to watching your content. I won't watch channels like Miliken Fishing because it's so incredibly boring to watch him fish. I won't watch the pros anymore either for the most part.
I totally agree with you brother! On all accounts. My favorite thing to watch and do as well is shallow water fishing with top water baits. And especially a buzzbait! I love watching your videos as well, keep em coming brother! Tight lines!!
I’m fascinated by the technology. I use it and will always watch no matter how you guys fish. There’s a lot to learn about fish and their habit just using FFS and not necessarily catching them.
Nailed it young man… need to incorporate the graph screens into the FFS tournament broadcasts to supplant the lack of visible cover. That would go a long way to increase the viewability of the live broadcast for the more casual viewers. One of the cameramen, I believe it was on Patrick Walter’s boat, did a pretty good job of shooting the screen as much as possible and I found that helpful. Great job and congratulations on an awesome season!
First off CONGRATULATIONS KDUB! It’s awesome to have one of of our local neighbors showing ‘em all how it’s done! ….I like limits… maybe 2 transducers and two total units. Or, heck Make a league/ tournament series with double the pay out and no ffs and let the pros choose which they want to fish.
Your perspective is spot on! Some sort of change is definitely much needed. I'm in a similar situation as you. I'm from Alabama and 15 minutes from the coosa river. Give me a swim jig and a frog any day lol.
Spot on Kyle. I’ll just add that another way to make it interesting is to have a camera on the actual FFS graph, so everyone can see what they are looking at. The classic did that well and I found it entertaining, being an ffs used. I’d imagine a beginner would find that more entertaining as well
Here is my way to raise viewership. Put a camera in every boat. Allow us as fans to pick any angler at any time to watch whatever angler we want to. Pick your favorite angler and watch them fail or win. Not only would this allow you to learn what works it would also allow us to learn what does not. Would be awesome to see Gman bail out of the boat and into the woods with a pack of dude wipes. On a serious note there are levels to all things. FFS takes fishing to the next level. That level seems to be more commercial instead of practical. Skill becomes less important than the machine of FFS.
Congrats kyle and hunter angler of the year and a family addition. Im older (57) love to fish the bank but i will do whatever tech to catch fish. Yes i like watching the topwater dock skipping events best. Livescope isnt much different then watching deep cranking or the old ball and change?? The advantage its gives anglers for sure like calm sunny days on a spawn bite? I enjoy it all. Learning more versatility. The goal is bigger or more fish ethically and ethics are personal and individual I guess. If it effects viewership then maybe make change. Like restrictor plates in nascar? I think most sports have restrictions on equipment. Well I said alot and really said nothing lol. I have no idea!
Congratulations on AOY. Been watching you from the beginning. I'll watch you on a small little local lake all day, but not on the northern the northern swing. Appreciate your insight and agree with you.
Okay, the ending for your video was AWSOME!!! " Sho did!! " And that big grin. Made me grin too. Soooo happy for you and Hunter. I knew from the first video I saw you in that you had something special. You guys keep it going. As far as FFS, it's here to stay I'm afraid so if you're in it to win it ya gotta have it. I would rather watch someone target fish down the bank. Just more exciting
FFS is just another tool that is part of the evolution of fishing... just like bass boats, motors, rods, reels, lures, trolling motor etc etc etc !!! CONGRATS to TEAM WELCHER for braving tough conditions and long run on day 1 at St Lawrence River which helped lead you to BASSMASTER ANGLER OF THE YEAR !!! Also, very proud of your composure after equipment problems and a significant loss of competition time... without that unfortunate experience, I think that you would have won the event !!! Potential new sponsors should take notice of your professionalism !!! I have been following your bass angler journey before you qualified for BASSMASTER ELITES and it was obvious that you are truly a TOP PRO BASSMASTER... your future is sure to bring you even greater rewards as a pro BASSMASTER !!! Best wishes to you and Hunter... TEAM WELCHER... and a WIN at the CLASSIC !!!
Tournament fishing has never been a spectator sport. There is WAY too much dead time in the course of a day, even a good day. The closest we have had is the MLF Cup Events (which did not translate into the BPT). Watching guys catching fish is entertaining, watching guys flip down a bank without catching anything is no more entertaining than them looking at their graph. What made the MLF cups entertaining is them pulling up to an unknown body of water with no practice and they're immediately in scramble mode. This is relatable to all of us. I think you mailed it when you said that if the viewer can see what the angler is seeing, then we have something to learn from. Congrats on your AOY!
As a consumer, I can’t keep up. I finally got side scan, then active target came out. Now I have active target and have occasional weekends on it and not proficient with it. Slow down the tech so the weekend fisherman can catch up. Add an extra variable to the schedule. Half the schedule will be ffs free. And decide by drawing the locations out of a hat .
Im a shallow water guy. I can still be relevant on my lakes (not dominate) most of the time staying shallow flipping, winding, and cranking. I fish Clarks Hill, and Murray all year. Im not a livescope hater but I don’t see me getting one anytime soon. Im not a fan of watching scope tournaments… at all. I did stay glued to the last tournament because I wanted to see you get that AOY. I know you would have got a century belt as well as probably win the event with a full day. I don’t think that it can be banned at this point but I don’t really watch small mouth events because its not relevant to me. With that said Im glad forward facing sonar is out there and everyone wants to use it because all the pockets and creeks are open for me to do my thing! Great year buddy!
Best take I have heard on the subject. I hate watching y'all fish with forward facing sonar. I have one and enjoy using it but watching someone else do it is just boring. I just hope someone is listing to you and takes what you are saying to heart. I had fun watching the Sabine event. I have not watched hardly any of the small mouth events. And like you said "That is just me!"
You’re right, being from Alabama myself. Ffs doesn’t bother me I’m simply watch to learn. I would much rather watch someone with a flipping stick also.
I watch bass to watch you fish. I cannot hit a major league home run, I can't dunk a basket ball, and I can run and catch a football . But son, I have watch you on Bass from your Elite beginnings . I have forward facing on my boat. You are a Athlete that I follow . The Gman ,Matt Backer ,Matt Stefan , Bradley Hallman and Dc are my guys to follow . You started me to watch pro fishing . You You You.!!!
Kyle congrats on AOY. I think what needs to be added to the mix is to have the output of the live screen on the boat bluetoothed into the camera broadcasting from the boat so that we the viewers can see what the anglers are looking at. Are you listening Humminbird, Garmin and Lowrance? I think that way it would be similar to building anticipation for the viewers to see if the angler is going to be able to get the fish to bite and also serve as a learning device for the viewers as to what the anglers are looking at and looking for
I think it’s good for spawning fish but most research shows putting them in your livewell doesn’t hurt the population. I don’t understand how that can be true but that’s what the biologist say
First off Man Congrats!! From watching your channel skipping docks on the tin boat; walking the banks and skipping culverts in TN; to qualifying for the Elites and winning AOY on the Elites, Congrats to you!! I'm on the side of learning so I feel if the electronic companies are willing to develop software and pay for advertisement on BASS to show the viewers what the Pros are doing, I believe it will help enhance viewership. Viewership on live i feel is based on two things: Entertainment and Education. I might be the only one that wants bad weather to always rear its head just to see anglers adapt to the conditions whether it be pre, current, post storms. I enjoy watching pros fish conditions in which the fish make drastic changes due to changes in environment. FFS tournaments are boring to watch but FFS don't make fish bite or jump into the livewells without fishing abilities. I believe the negativity on the Subject revolves more on individuals that havent used the technology first hand.
Go to Fork out in the timber with spinning rods....flippin into brush trees and you can see them.....they wont jump into the boat.....but its always easier to catch them after finding them....thats the key finding them
I want to see competition go back to traditional factors like, what to throw, where in the water channel, understanding, water way/flow, weather patterns, etc. etc.
Being old school I like watching guys fishing cover, I have live scope and it doesn’t make the fish bite. But it does keep you from fish where the fish aren’t
I have no problem with watching FFS tournaments. I enjoy my FFS, and it’s a must on my home lake (Lake Lanier). I actually try to watch what the Pros are doing to pick up on new tips.
I am with your opinion 100%. I have FFS on my boat and it’s fun to use but I think it’s boring to watch. I think it helped a little to see the screen like they did with gussy in the classic. I don’t know how much more I can learn from watching it if I’m not seeing the screen view though. I also think a camera showing the anglers face could help to see how they are reacting to the screen for entertainment value.
First of all, congratulations on Angler of the year! What an awesome accomplishment! Good to see a local guy succeed. Now, as far as FFS, I fish, that’s my only hobby, I can’t afford FFS, but I don’t mind watching people catching fish using it. Now, like you said, I can see where the casual viewer would see this and say, this is boring as hell. Power fishing is definitely the best for TV! Nothing better than a topwater bite! I used to fish those Tuesday nighters on Harding with a friend of mine. He lived minutes from the long bridge. We won several. I’ll have to come fish some more if you’re gonna be there! Enjoy all your videos! Hunter is a trooper. Good luck im the future
It’s definitely more entertaining to watch someone beat the bank, but I feel like even with ffs for the people that want to learn it’s hard to. You can’t watch the screen and see what they are seeing. Congrats on an impressive year
Congratulations on AOY Kyle & Hunter !! I followed the event on my phone while fishing for walleye with FFS on a body of water that has BIG fish and I love it !! You can see those fish but you don’t know if they’re walleye or not and just because you see them doesn’t mean your gonna catch them. But we never caught a fish under 26” and it was a blast setting the hook on a fish and for a moment it doesn’t move !! 👍👍👍 TeamWelcher is AWESOME !!
I just want them to "screen share" on live tv , so we can see your screen. I want to see what you do with the retrieve to make the fish bite. Its a great learning oppurtunity. Keep it! No need to ban it.
The way you explained this was so perfect. It's not stimulating at all... I'd rather watch average TH-camrs fish vs pro on FFS. Maybe just have separate tournaments for FFS.
I'm not a FFS hater and I know it'll probably never happen BUT I would LOVE to see some BASS tournaments on all the different types of lakes where every angler goes out with ONLY 2D and Mapping. That would be really cool and interesting.
I like watching it for the info and learning. I also heard guys are using up to 5 ffs, live scopes at one time on one boat. Needs to be limited to one maybe 2 live style scopes at a time on a boat. Pros have to use it for sponsorship and to keep people buying stuff. It's what keeps the industry growing.
Congrats on AOY, I am a huge fan. Good answers to the questions of watchability. I would like to know if you feel FFS will diminish the fisheries for the next generation?
I have forward facing and I use it. But I hated watching the final day of the st Lawrence. After 2 hours on Sunday I turned it off and just watched the weigh in. Next year I’m just going to watch the weigh in. Great finish and congratulations on AOY Kyle. You deserved it Boss 😁👍👍
I agree with your opinion about FFS, and appreciate your posting this. Tournament organizations can ban anything they want to. In some of Illinois major bass tournament waters, it’s illegal to fish docks and marinas. But it's an even playing field. In the local tournaments, not everyone can afford the cost of FFS, and don't have the time on the water to really learn it to the point it becomes a valuable tool. I like the idea of an even playing field, but that appears impossible to achieve at this point.
I think the manufacturers have invested so much money in this tech that it is not going anywhere. The split screen with the FFS would give the viewer an idea of what the angler is looking at and keep it more interesting.
Perfectly put. I use it so I'm not anti FFS but those FFS tournaments are unbearable to watch.
Unbearable!
use it for practice only......1 sonar only 2 graphs with one backup in the rod locker....needs to be pulled back!
I say ban it in professional tournaments, maybe use it during pre fishing but not during the tournaments. You are one of the young guns that actually has the skills and experience to be a professional fisherman without having to use Livescope. That's why I follow you, Greg Hackney, G-Man and Brandon Lester.😁👍
Ok you say your one of the only young guys that have the skill to be a professional fisherman. He is because he knows how to use ffs he just said his last three tournaments every fish he caught he saw it on his screen. So learning ffs is part of being a professional if you want to be good and compete at that level you have to put in the time and work to get good at it.
@@JacobVinson-b9w what I was trying to imply was that he has the skills to actually catch fish without the use of forward-facing sonar. Kyle seems to have a unique understanding of fishing and the skill said to catch fish without LiveScope. I understand he needs to use it in the Northern lakes to be competitive but if he didn't have it he would still find a way to to be successful. I really think that it was taken away you wouldn't see so many rookies being so successful from the onset.
@@OpiemusHit the nail on the head! Without FFS the leaderboards would be entirely different...I don't believe that Fujita and Cifuentes win blue trophies....
These days if you want to compete at any level in bass tournaments you need FFS and a good grasp of how to effectively use it...
As far as watching it live...
Cover oriented fishing is the most entertaining along with any topwater fishing....
Congrats again on AOY!! In this day where everyone is talking FFS and how crucial it is to have on the professional level I think it's AWESOME that both you and Brandon(#1 & 2) would prefer to run a bank full of lay downs chucking a buzzbait or frog or pitching a jig or soft plastic 👍🏻
Kyle, you’re the future of this sport. The solution is not showing the screen, the solution is limiting the use of the technology. The tide is turning quickly. I love your passion.
I agree, most derby do not allow underwater camera's but the allow FFS?...which is way more effective. Respectfully, you kind of lose me at "we need to focus on the drama". Is turning pro bass fishing into an episode of Jersey Shore or Meet the Kardashians a good idea? Watching pro anglers be petty and unsportsmanlike (drama) is super off putting. I hope it's not just me. That said, I appreciate the video and you sharing your thoughts.
use it for practice only......1 sonar only 2 graphs with one backup in the rod locker....needs to be pulled back!
As someone who just learned how to use it well enough to cash some checks in local derbies, it probably should be for the sustainability of fisheries. Congrats man!
Maybe so
I'm also learning I got livescope to help find fish quick when I take my sons fishing. I have fished small local tournaments without it. I believe if you are fishing competition, you should be able to fish without it.i also believe it is going to hit the quality of the fisheries hard. Using forward sonar in competition is like race car drivers racing on autopilot lol
I am not a fan of FFS but I agree in your situation you have no choice. Congrats on AOY, you earned it and it can never be taken away.
That’s right! Thank you!
Forward facing sonar predominantly have to show the screen the fisherman is seeing on a split screen. You mentioned this. Congratulations and well deserved on AOY! Been watching from almost the beginning! Keep up the good work and enjoy your off season.
Even us hardcore Bass anglers , it totally sucks watching
Brian in SC
Agreed
First, congrats on winning AOY. I fished some of the Bassmaster opens back in the 90s. We had downward sonar and topo maps. I even got an arial photo map of the Potomac River for that tournament. It was much more exciting to fish and watch back then. My suggestion is that FFS can be used in PRACTICE ONLY, then go back to what you found in practice to catch your fish.
As others have mentioned we (both my wife and I) have been watching your videos since before you qualified for the Elite series. Remember watching the video where you said you had a choice of two different pro series, and you chose the Elite series. It was exciting watching you hold the AOY trophy during Saturday's weigh-in. You have made exceptional progress going from a rookie to AOY in four (it is four, right) years. Oh, and one other thing, congratulations on the very special event happening later this year. Heard about it for the first time on Live Mix on Saturday.
I completely agree. I used to watch tournaments religiously. I fished club tournaments so I'm no pro. When I tune i, the minute I see a guy staring at a screen, I tune out. I've got better things to do with my time. I miss the days of frog tournaments in mats.
There’s a reason why you’re angler of the year! Didn’t complain and just adapted! There are differences between the southern and northern swing, boring or not, it’s angling! You are versatile and instead of complaining, you studied, adapted, and became great! Props man!!
Hey Kyle thanks for putting this out there. Congratulations on AOY, heck of an accomplishment. I appreciate your perspective on this. As a fan, I think FFS should be limited for the benefit of the sport from an education, entertainment, and sustainability perspective.
Congratulations to you and Hunter for the 2023 AOY ! When I met you and Hunter at your boat at Academy in Kennesaw I knew that you had what it takes to win the Classic . T.W.'s AOY is proof . I like your style of fishing on your TH-cam channel . I admit it is very difficult for me to sit and watch these tournaments that stay on the Forward facing fisherman . Forward facing is fascinating and I do plan to eventually by one . B.A.S.S. needs to let us see the screen while they use it . I can't learn how to use it if they don't show me . Tight lines to T.W. !
I agree for sure! Thank you!
Legal in practice, banned during tourney , I think that could work, makes u efficient in practice , you’ll find the fish but in tourney it’s all 2D and bassin instinct , more power fishing catches for TV
100%
I have offshore fished for 25 years. I can fish comfortably with a 5 inch black and white screen and 200khz transducer. Before LiveScope I caught 30 bass over 10lbs offshore. Since LiveScope I've caught 5 over 10lbs. Do I catch more fish with LiveScope some days yes some days not.
Spot on Kyle, thanks!!! for being as honest as you possibly can be. It’s definitely a double edge sword on both sides of the coin. At the end of the day it’s the fisheries that need to be taken care of and preserved for tomorrow.
Congratulations and well deserved! Enjoyed watching you and others for the past 4 years. One of your boat officials made a comment early this year, that you was one of the best fishermen he’s ever been with. I thought that comment was spot on! Bass and MLF will have to come up with a plan to make the smallmouth FFS fishing more interesting to watch. I love watching Ott fish, he is a great power fisherman to follow in MLF’s tournaments. It seems to me that Bass and MLF have a lot of decisions to make and work to do. Also let the hammer down and be consistent for violations in the future!!!
Thank you!
Visual stimulation is what got 90% of the people hooked on fishing whether it's a bobber a frog a popper or around cover and I'm 57 years old and that's what got me hooked was watching them hit your lower or pull down your bobber buddy congratulations on your win angler of the year you deserve it and Miss Hunter thank you for everything you do
I agree and thank you!
CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!! I remember when you qualified for the elites its soooo awesome to see you win AOY especially after such a tough season last year. I watched your vids when you were still TheDuBfishing
Awesome! That was a long time ago
It’s all part of continuous growing pains on all three ends; (anglers, sponsors and BASS) It’s just crazy how technology has brought us to these conversations. Way to go this year bud. Rooted for you all year.
Thank you I appreciate it
So how do you handle the co-anglers at the opens level? They are screwed if a boater has FFS and that's what they choose to do that day. Lots of problems that need solutions in my opinion, not just boring coverage. And for those who say "co-anglers should just buy a boat and be boaters" - way to help introduce people to our sport...
@@sardisironworksallow co anglers to fish on the front deck and cast to the front of the boat if the pro is using FFS .
@timg185 And when they see one fish on the screen to cast to do they flip a coin as to who gets to cast to it? It's pretty difficult to have a total stranger fish side by side with you on limited front deck space. I'd love to think people could do that, but I've fished with people that are super strict about casting zones and others that truly try to share space and water. I just know the reality is that probably wouldn't work. I wish it would, but I have doubts
@@sardisironworks never said it was without issues . But if both guys are casting to the same fish. Then they would have to work together. It’s the only option I see that would make it remotely fair for the co angler. If they are going to continue to allow FFS. There has been a lot of other situations that put co anglers at a disadvantage. That’s part of being a co angler . I preferred bass fishing before live scope. But I feel like co anglers need to plan for it. Use baits that cover a vast amount of water. If the boater is fishing for one fish on a flat . Then there will be others on the flat some where. Small swimbaits or top water would cover a lot of water and give you a chance to catch some fish. Live scope has taught us there are fish everywhere.
Yes - Ban It. It's Boring. Tackle Sales are down. I don't watch it on TV. Bass and Crappie are getting hammered. BAN IT !!!!
You are right
Well said, need changes to small mouth tournaments. Very boring watching pros with their heads down, looking at the graphs.
You must be the rookies he talks about. Lmao
As someone who doesn't have ffs, and prefers to watch target casting or passive fishing, I really just want to watch the best anglers catch the best fish in the fishery.
Why do we never hear people complain about watching deep cranking or dragging worms around out deep? Visually it's hardly more exciting than watching an angler use ffs but yet you only hear complaints on this one facet of off shore fishing.
I'm a bank beater at heart, but I don't want to watch the best anglers smoke 2-3lbrs. Numbers are only fun if I'm the one on them.
Congrats on the AOY!!
It is so boring to watch. Even if you want to see them catch smallmouth it is just a bunch of guys head down with a drop shot. You know what you are going to see before you even turn the TV on. Congratulations on AOY.
i appreciate cats like you that keep it a buck a high level angler that has his perspective and also can communicate on behalf of the viewer’s perspective this was an awesome listen
great thought provoking conversation driving questions also!
Congratulations, enjoyed watching the whole year. Loved the statement on your decision not to lay up. Thanks for putting your view on ffs out there.
Thank you!
Congratulations to you and Hunter on AOY. Been watching your YT channel from early on and watched you qualify for the Elites. Big fan of team Welcher! I agree, watching someone fish cover is far more interesting and entertaining than watching someone in open water make an occasion cast using FFS. Living in Florida, fishing cover is the deal. That’s how we fish most of the time and I luv it. I like the idea of allowing FFS for practice but not being allowed during the tournament. I don’t think they will ban it totally. Another great video. Keep up the good work and best of luck to you guys in whatever you do.
I'd like to see underwater footage at events so we can acutely see how the fish are responding to the baits are being used. Also I would like to see more drone footage as well. Congrats on AOY can't wait to see yall on Santee next year.
Thank you I appreciate it. Drone footage can be sick!
Absolutely I would like to see what the fishermen see on that FFS so we can all learn how they it's still pro fishing and each fisherman has their own style will be nice to have a screenshot of what's going on on the screen of the FFS and how the fish react to each person style I'm fishing and all of us can learn from that as well
Congrats on AOY. Huge accomplishment.
This was probably the best video I’ve seen on the FFS issue. No whining, level headed and transparent.
As an avid angler that doesn’t fish many tourneys: my favorite event was the Sabine this year. The variety of techniques and the grind tournaments are exciting. I didn’t turn off the smallmouth events because no matter how they are caught, seeing 6 pound brown fish is amazing!
I've been fishing bass tournaments for over 20ty years an what I've learned is people will always complain about something. Whether it's getting waypoints, lure, lake info, and putting out their own brush piles, so my stance is electronics is an equalizer. I love my FFS, it's exciting to use and to show my buddies where to cast to allow them to have a better time on the water. Any who, love your stance!
That’s right
In any pro sport, the rules are always harder than the previous level. In college football you only need one foot in bounds, in the pros you need both down. Big difference! The NBA 3 point line is much further than the college and highschool. So I think it should be regulated personally, not quite sure how to do it to make everybody happy.
Hey Kyle Congrats on the AOY! I've never been much for controversy, so I always look for a compromise, to come up with a solution. Rather than an all out ban, it seems to me there would be some value, in building a strategy using FFS for practice, but not using it on derby day. In doing that ....sales for the electronic companies would not be affected, and the anglers would would have a choice whether or not to use it. I built my career back in the 80's -90's on being an offshore fisherman, so I would have loved to have had FFS, to learn quicker and be more effective in learning. With that said ....if I was to have a say in voting whether or not to use it on derby day, I would vote against it because I feel my raw skills are better than most as far as boat positioning etc. ....viewership only affects bassmaster, and will need to make their own decision as a business.. Since being disabled going on 20 years, I am addicted to LIVE as it's my only exposure to the sport .... I watch for the strategies that are employed. Would FFS be helpfull as an angler for practice and not in the tournament?
I'm neutral on forward facing sonar. I watch smallmouth tournaments if my favorite anglers are doing well. Otherwise, I do not care for smallmouth tournaments because I can not relate. I have never fished for smallmouth and probably will never. I'm a bank beater and that is what I relate to and enjoy watching. Congratulations again on your AOY. I have followed you from your start on the Elites. Very proud of what you have accomplished and everyone should watch out because you are just warming up.
1st- Congrats on winning 2023 Angler of the Year!!! 👊💪
2nd- I'm an avid fisherman fishing 12 months a year 2-3 local tours a week and i absolutely hate FFS
It's taking the reading the conditions and overall natural instinct out of fishing
3rd- I absolutely love the sport of fishing and have watched every second of coverage over the past 30 years, however my consumption of tournament bass fishing has decreased the past 2 years and probably be less next year and that makes me really sad but i can't stand watching today's tournament coverage
4th- nothing better than watching Jason Christy throw a spinnerbait, Greg Hackney throw a squarebill, KVD throw a jerkbait, Kyle Welcher throw a frog and Bryan Thrift throw a buzzbait
5th- IMHO, FFS sucks and needs to go away from the Opens/BFL level up
#banffs
People has been selling there boats bc of livescopers in local tourneys said it’s not fun anymore, Honestly it crossed my mind to sale out too lol. Love the honesty man!!
Dude. I’m from Summerville SC and my home pond is Santee Cooper. You nailed it, as a viewer the smallmouth tournaments are boring as hell now with the forward facing stuff. Just facts. I hate it and literally can’t watch it. I would love to know how the ratings were for the last 3 tournaments. I couldn’t watch?
Brian in SC
The ratings have to be down
Hey Kyle, thanks for the video. Had fun watching it. I think there needs to some lakes that you can use it and some you can’t. It can be used in practice but not in the event. Pretty simple
I feel it needs to be banned from ALL tournaments. It needs to be banned.. If the technology continues to advance you are going to see the same thing that happened in the 60's and 70's. We need to give the fish a fair chance.
I agree
Kyle you are now my favorite Angler ! I picked you as AOY winner ! I followed your channel and saw your passion and work ethic! Btw what is are equipment brands? Rods and reels ? It was soooo great to see you compete even with your mechanical issues! That solidified you as my favorite Angler ! Keep up the great work !
What happened in the 60s n 70s?
Kind of lolike health insurance. Everyone has to have it...
If we lived my your standard we all will driving the 1st Ford automobile 😊. Nothing stays the same, not even your looks, so either you keep up with changing and updated technology or be left behind crying you didn't change in time.
Your insight has been the best of all that have posted on this subject.
Congrats on the AOY and the way you handled the adversity on your final day at St Lawrence.
Truly, Stone Cold!
Thank you!
Congratulations to the little local AOY, you da man. As far as FFS being banned, it really doesn’t matter to me. I watch because I love bass fishing. I learn every time I go and every time I watch live or TH-cam. Bring back the A-rig, it’s just a lure.
Congrats Kyle on your AOY. What do you think about allowing ffs in practice, allowing ffs in the opens/Toyota, but not allowing it when you qualify as a pro? This would level the playing field and allow anglers of all levels to learn bass behavior in both deep and shallow water. But, when you make the “show”, all you get to use is rods, reels, lures, map, and a basic depth finder/temp unit.
I would hate to use FFS in practice and not the tournament. I would rather not have it at all
The hard-core guy does watch to learn,,but it still sucks . Dude I'm ready for some more videos,,love em,,,why can't they just make a trail that doesn't allow ffs
Sign me up if they do
Dude, its called money. You put it together and line up the sponsors and we'll all come fish it
Keith Poche has the most entertaining approach to fishing. My club fished about 1/3 of there tournaments on tidal water, Upper Bay, Delaware, Hudson River. FFS doesn’t seem to be much of a factor on Tidal water. I fished with someone that has it and knows how to use it once. It’s very effective and doesn’t really suit my style. As long as the LM get bigger than the SM I’ll take my chances with my Flipping Rod.
I agree. I don’t know why it doesn’t play on tidal waters
I can care less either way. It will be a tough call to ban it or not. It’s my opinion the majority of the people who are “professionals” and crying about it are the ones not wanting to put the time in to learn it. It’s also my opinion that the majority of the fans requesting it to be banned aren’t diehard BASS fans. The majority are trolls jumping in on whatever drama they can. The End
Now for the real shit!! Congratulations to you both for AOY and the baby!!!!
Thank you I appreciate that!
You should put together an off-season Bass/Texas holdem fundraiser tournament I'd pull my boat from MN to Alabama for that!!! You'd be a great ambassador and congratulations on the AOY title😉
Ban it.
I’m with You! Between A Rock In A Hard Place! I really Love Seeing the Shallow Fishing. Those Keep Me Interested! I flip On and Off Live Scope Fishing, but Can’t Peel me off the screen when Hackney is Flipping, Frogging or Shallow Cranking! Again, Congratulations on Angler of The Year!
Ban it
Best discussion on this ongoing debate. Good luck going forward. BTW, I just purchase all new units for my boat with FFS. I no longer fish tournament but will love the sport the rest of my life.
Your thoughts are 100% correct. In open water it is difficult to watch 2D and FFS fishing. So FFS is not the issue...it is open water fishing with no visual background.
That’s how I feel
I know your a former gambler, what a gutsy call to make this video & answer honestly after just winning Elite Series AOY & utilizing FFS to do so. I think it is brilliant! You hit on the right subject for this. Fan viewership = advertising $. Who are the electronic companies selling too….there’s only a few hundred legitimate Pro fisherman. Sales are aimed at the mass Fishing crowd. The focus should be on what the fans want to see! Congrats on your AOY. I can say that a lot of the young guys including some of this years winners would not even be in the Elites without FFS. You can hold your own either way you just proved it!
Been watching y’all since almost the beginning. Congratulations on your first AOY! So happy for you and the Mrs.
Thank you!
My husband and i want to start fishing some.local tournaments. We dont care for livescope nor will we have it on our boat. We only watched the weigh in at both small mouth tournaments when we usually watch as much as we can. Congratulations to your Angler of the Year! You are are of the few Elite anglers that actually fish all you can and it sure showed this year! Hey Hunter. It was great seeing you on stage sharing that amazing time in your lives. Can't wait until 2024!
Keep for practice and ban for tournament.....or......set limit on number of inches of screens for whole boat. Like total of 36 inches or 48 inches for whole boat
Something had to happen
You nailed it. I'm the guy who watches because I want to learn more about LiveScope. I've had LiveScope for four years. I'm really good with offshore fishing. I'm also not closed minded to think I know it all. Even if I pickup one little bit of information, it's worth it for me. I would love to see the Anglers screen and see what they see. Thanks Kyle. Congratulations on AOY. I pulling for you in the Bassmaster Classic 2024.
To be frank, I think live coverage ratings have fallen off because there is too much if it. 3 leagues calling their anglers "pro" and all running live feed. When live first came out, I was a captive audience but now, not so much. The shallow water power fishing events are definitely easier to watch. Smallmouth events were hard to watch even before livescope . All the fish look similar and most are caught offhsore. That makes for a boring watch. Professional angling has become diluted at this point. I think 1 trail with 120 of the best anglers would be beneficial for the anglers in the long run. It will be interesting to see what the future holds. Congrats on AOY! Hard work! Keep working hard and make the most of your prime buddy! Hunter is your most loyal fan and companion. You guys are fun to watch. Good goes around. You and Hunter have great character.
Congrats on AOY bubba!! I remember commenting on an old video of yours some years back saying I see big things for you...and here you are!! F'ing awesome, son!
Congratulations ! On AOY.
I would like to see Elite Angler not using it at all. Elite angkers should just that Elite ,top notch, show us how it's done.
Kinda like having a pitching machine on the mound in a mayor league game. Or playing card with a card counter app.
I would like to see Pros being pros.
Just my thoughts
I agree.
Seems like one of the best ways to make it interesting is the make the schedule diverse . Schedule tournaments on lakes where multiple tactics can be at play. I also think not having 3 straight events of nothing but FFS would help. P.S. make a video on breaking down when, where, and why you use a black and blue swimjig over others.
From a viewer prospective maybe they can change a live up a little bit and put the angler in a small window and cut away to something off the cuff like maybe pre tape the anglers having some off the water competitions. You know, just for a few minutes at a time throughout the day. I will say that after the day 2 and 3 cuts they have done a very good job with having the guys sitting at the mics and commentating and discussing the tournament, that has been enjoyable this year and I hope they continue doing it in the future.
That is not going to change. The anglers and viewers like it
Man it's a ton of fun seeing a fish throwing to it and watching the fish's reaction then feeling that thump... I'm down here in SW Louisiana and spend 90% of my time on either toledo bend and Sam rayburn and I do use livescope to catch fish but I use it the most just for finding brush piles and bait fish or to follow grass lines those things alone makes it a tool I don't think I could live without. Great video as always keepem coming brother!!!
Congrats on AOY btw! Have been following along since you’re beginning!
I knew you would take care of business!! Congrats on AOY sir! Good seeing Hunter up on stage with ya! TEAM WELCHER
Amen brother. I just subscribed to your channel because of your stance on this. I look forward to watching your content. I won't watch channels like Miliken Fishing because it's so incredibly boring to watch him fish. I won't watch the pros anymore either for the most part.
Watching you horse in that 10lber down in Florida trumps any technology, congrats on being the best in the world in 2023!!
I agree
I totally agree with you brother! On all accounts. My favorite thing to watch and do as well is shallow water fishing with top water baits. And especially a buzzbait! I love watching your videos as well, keep em coming brother! Tight lines!!
Agree with you 100%! Congrats on a great year man 👊🏼
I’m fascinated by the technology. I use it and will always watch no matter how you guys fish. There’s a lot to learn about fish and their habit just using FFS and not necessarily catching them.
I’d love to see a visualization of the angler’s forward facing sonar screen on the live stream so you can watch them hook up in real time
That’s a must have!
Nailed it young man… need to incorporate the graph screens into the FFS tournament broadcasts to supplant the lack of visible cover. That would go a long way to increase the viewability of the live broadcast for the more casual viewers. One of the cameramen, I believe it was on Patrick Walter’s boat, did a pretty good job of shooting the screen as much as possible and I found that helpful.
Great job and congratulations on an awesome season!
Thank you
First off CONGRATULATIONS KDUB! It’s awesome to have one of of our local neighbors showing ‘em all how it’s done! ….I like limits… maybe 2 transducers and two total units. Or, heck Make a league/ tournament series with double the pay out and no ffs and let the pros choose which they want to fish.
Your perspective is spot on! Some sort of change is definitely much needed. I'm in a similar situation as you. I'm from Alabama and 15 minutes from the coosa river. Give me a swim jig and a frog any day lol.
Spot on Kyle. I’ll just add that another way to make it interesting is to have a camera on the actual FFS graph, so everyone can see what they are looking at. The classic did that well and I found it entertaining, being an ffs used. I’d imagine a beginner would find that more entertaining as well
Here is my way to raise viewership. Put a camera in every boat. Allow us as fans to pick any angler at any time to watch whatever angler we want to. Pick your favorite angler and watch them fail or win. Not only would this allow you to learn what works it would also allow us to learn what does not. Would be awesome to see Gman bail out of the boat and into the woods with a pack of dude wipes. On a serious note there are levels to all things. FFS takes fishing to the next level. That level seems to be more commercial instead of practical. Skill becomes less important than the machine of FFS.
I agree with smallmouth fishing on the Great Lakes has always been an electronic game weather it’s Flashers, 2D, 360 or FFS.
Congratulations on AOY!
Thank you
Congrats kyle and hunter angler of the year and a family addition. Im older (57) love to fish the bank but i will do whatever tech to catch fish. Yes i like watching the topwater dock skipping events best. Livescope isnt much different then watching deep cranking or the old ball and change?? The advantage its gives anglers for sure like calm sunny days on a spawn bite? I enjoy it all. Learning more versatility. The goal is bigger or more fish ethically and ethics are personal and individual I guess. If it effects viewership then maybe make change. Like restrictor plates in nascar? I think most sports have restrictions on equipment. Well I said alot and really said nothing lol. I have no idea!
I agree with that for sure. Deeper water slow fishing has always been boring
Congratulations on AOY. Been watching you from the beginning. I'll watch you on a small little local lake all day, but not on the northern the northern swing. Appreciate your insight and agree with you.
Okay, the ending for your video was AWSOME!!! " Sho did!! " And that big grin. Made me grin too. Soooo happy for you and Hunter. I knew from the first video I saw you in that you had something special. You guys keep it going. As far as FFS, it's here to stay I'm afraid so if you're in it to win it ya gotta have it. I would rather watch someone target fish down the bank. Just more exciting
FFS is just another tool that is part of the evolution of fishing... just like bass boats, motors, rods, reels, lures, trolling motor etc etc etc !!!
CONGRATS to TEAM WELCHER for braving tough conditions and long run on day 1 at St Lawrence River which helped lead you to BASSMASTER ANGLER OF THE YEAR !!!
Also, very proud of your composure after equipment problems and a significant loss of competition time... without that unfortunate experience, I think that you would have won the event !!! Potential new sponsors should take notice of your professionalism !!!
I have been following your bass angler journey before you qualified for BASSMASTER ELITES and it was obvious that you are truly a TOP PRO BASSMASTER... your future is sure to bring you even greater rewards as a pro BASSMASTER !!!
Best wishes to you and Hunter... TEAM WELCHER... and a WIN at the CLASSIC !!!
Thanks for the support always! I appreciate you
Tournament fishing has never been a spectator sport. There is WAY too much dead time in the course of a day, even a good day. The closest we have had is the MLF Cup Events (which did not translate into the BPT). Watching guys catching fish is entertaining, watching guys flip down a bank without catching anything is no more entertaining than them looking at their graph. What made the MLF cups entertaining is them pulling up to an unknown body of water with no practice and they're immediately in scramble mode. This is relatable to all of us. I think you mailed it when you said that if the viewer can see what the angler is seeing, then we have something to learn from. Congrats on your AOY!
As a consumer, I can’t keep up. I finally got side scan, then active target came out. Now I have active target and have occasional weekends on it and not proficient with it. Slow down the tech so the weekend fisherman can catch up. Add an extra variable to the schedule. Half the schedule will be ffs free. And decide by drawing the locations out of a hat .
That would be interesting
Im a shallow water guy. I can still be relevant on my lakes (not dominate) most of the time staying shallow flipping, winding, and cranking. I fish Clarks Hill, and Murray all year. Im not a livescope hater but I don’t see me getting one anytime soon. Im not a fan of watching scope tournaments… at all. I did stay glued to the last tournament because I wanted to see you get that AOY. I know you would have got a century belt as well as probably win the event with a full day. I don’t think that it can be banned at this point but I don’t really watch small mouth events because its not relevant to me. With that said Im glad forward facing sonar is out there and everyone wants to use it because all the pockets and creeks are open for me to do my thing! Great year buddy!
Thank you!
Congratulations on AOY! You had an Awesome season! Looking forward to watching you compete again next year.
Best take I have heard on the subject. I hate watching y'all fish with forward facing sonar. I have one and enjoy using it but watching someone else do it is just boring. I just hope someone is listing to you and takes what you are saying to heart. I had fun watching the Sabine event. I have not watched hardly any of the small mouth events. And like you said "That is just me!"
You’re right, being from Alabama myself. Ffs doesn’t bother me I’m simply watch to learn. I would much rather watch someone with a flipping stick also.
100%
I watch bass to watch you fish. I cannot hit a major league home run, I can't dunk a basket ball, and I can run and catch a football . But son, I have watch you on Bass from your Elite beginnings . I have forward facing on my boat. You are a Athlete that I follow . The Gman ,Matt Backer ,Matt Stefan , Bradley Hallman and Dc are my guys to follow . You started me to watch pro fishing . You You You.!!!
Kyle congrats on AOY. I think what needs to be added to the mix is to have the output of the live screen on the boat bluetoothed into the camera broadcasting from the boat so that we the viewers can see what the anglers are looking at. Are you listening Humminbird, Garmin and Lowrance? I think that way it would be similar to building anticipation for the viewers to see if the angler is going to be able to get the fish to bite and also serve as a learning device for the viewers as to what the anglers are looking at and looking for
Kyle congratulations on your aoy. I would like to hear your thoughts on catch weigh release especially fishing spawning fish
I think it’s good for spawning fish but most research shows putting them in your livewell doesn’t hurt the population. I don’t understand how that can be true but that’s what the biologist say
First off Man Congrats!! From watching your channel skipping docks on the tin boat; walking the banks and skipping culverts in TN; to qualifying for the Elites and winning AOY on the Elites, Congrats to you!! I'm on the side of learning so I feel if the electronic companies are willing to develop software and pay for advertisement on BASS to show the viewers what the Pros are doing, I believe it will help enhance viewership. Viewership on live i feel is based on two things: Entertainment and Education.
I might be the only one that wants bad weather to always rear its head just to see anglers adapt to the conditions whether it be pre, current, post storms. I enjoy watching pros fish conditions in which the fish make drastic changes due to changes in environment. FFS tournaments are boring to watch but FFS don't make fish bite or jump into the livewells without fishing abilities. I believe the negativity on the Subject revolves more on individuals that havent used the technology first hand.
Go to Fork out in the timber with spinning rods....flippin into brush trees and you can see them.....they wont jump into the boat.....but its always easier to catch them after finding them....thats the key finding them
I want to see competition go back to traditional factors like, what to throw, where in the water channel, understanding, water way/flow, weather patterns, etc. etc.
Being old school I like watching guys fishing cover, I have live scope and it doesn’t make the fish bite. But it does keep you from fish where the fish aren’t
I have no problem with watching FFS tournaments. I enjoy my FFS, and it’s a must on my home lake (Lake Lanier). I actually try to watch what the Pros are doing to pick up on new tips.
That’s how it should be
I am with your opinion 100%.
I have FFS on my boat and it’s fun to use but I think it’s boring to watch. I think it helped a little to see the screen like they did with gussy in the classic. I don’t know how much more I can learn from watching it if I’m not seeing the screen view though. I also think a camera showing the anglers face could help to see how they are reacting to the screen for entertainment value.
First of all, congratulations on Angler of the year! What an awesome accomplishment! Good to see a local guy succeed. Now, as far as FFS, I fish, that’s my only hobby, I can’t afford FFS, but I don’t mind watching people catching fish using it. Now, like you said, I can see where the casual viewer would see this and say, this is boring as hell. Power fishing is definitely the best for TV! Nothing better than a topwater bite! I used to fish those Tuesday nighters on Harding with a friend of mine. He lived minutes from the long bridge. We won several. I’ll have to come fish some more if you’re gonna be there! Enjoy all your videos! Hunter is a trooper. Good luck im the future
It’s definitely more entertaining to watch someone beat the bank, but I feel like even with ffs for the people that want to learn it’s hard to. You can’t watch the screen and see what they are seeing. Congrats on an impressive year
Thank you
Congratulations on AOY Kyle & Hunter !! I followed the event on my phone while fishing for walleye with FFS on a body of water that has BIG fish and I love it !! You can see those fish but you don’t know if they’re walleye or not and just because you see them doesn’t mean your gonna catch them. But we never caught a fish under 26” and it was a blast setting the hook on a fish and for a moment it doesn’t move !! 👍👍👍 TeamWelcher is AWESOME !!
Awesome and thank you!
I just want them to "screen share" on live tv , so we can see your screen. I want to see what you do with the retrieve to make the fish bite. Its a great learning oppurtunity. Keep it! No need to ban it.
The way you explained this was so perfect. It's not stimulating at all... I'd rather watch average TH-camrs fish vs pro on FFS. Maybe just have separate tournaments for FFS.
I'm not a FFS hater and I know it'll probably never happen BUT
I would LOVE to see some BASS tournaments on all the different types of lakes where every angler goes out with ONLY 2D and Mapping.
That would be really cool and interesting.
I like watching it for the info and learning. I also heard guys are using up to 5 ffs, live scopes at one time on one boat. Needs to be limited to one maybe 2 live style scopes at a time on a boat.
Pros have to use it for sponsorship and to keep people buying stuff. It's what keeps the industry growing.
Congrats on AOY, I am a huge fan. Good answers to the questions of watchability. I would like to know if you feel FFS will diminish the fisheries for the next generation?
It will not hurt the bass but it will hurt the crappie walleye and musky
I have forward facing and I use it. But I hated watching the final day of the st Lawrence. After 2 hours on Sunday I turned it off and just watched the weigh in. Next year I’m just going to watch the weigh in. Great finish and congratulations on AOY Kyle. You deserved it Boss 😁👍👍
I agree with your opinion about FFS, and appreciate your posting this. Tournament organizations can ban anything they want to. In some of Illinois major bass tournament waters, it’s illegal to fish docks and marinas. But it's an even playing field. In the local tournaments, not everyone can afford the cost of FFS, and don't have the time on the water to really learn it to the point it becomes a valuable tool. I like the idea of an even playing field, but that appears impossible to achieve at this point.
I think the manufacturers have invested so much money in this tech that it is not going anywhere. The split screen with the FFS would give the viewer an idea of what the angler is looking at and keep it more interesting.
Probably true