Brandon, seeing guys that have been absolute hammers for nearly 20 years consistently missing cuts the past two years has been really jarring, for me anyways. Hank Cherry, G Man for example. That's a two time Classic winner and two time AOY winner with 20 Classic qualifications. These dudes didn't all of sudden get amnesia and forget how to fish. My main concern is that the younger generation that learned to fish on FFS and not how to properly pattern bass, read water, casting proficiency (skipping docks for example) are being stunted in their fishing growth. Yes I know it takes lots of skill to get the most out of FFS. I agree with lots of your points, and enjoyed hearing you articulate them so well. I look forward to seeing you at Murray this year, I'm planning on coming to the weigh in. Its nice to have a younger voice speak up about placing limits on the tech versus chalking it up to "shut up boomer, the future is now old man."
Thank you for speaking up! I believe Livescope is a great tool for practice...that should be its place. It can be used to study fish behavior and how the fish are responding to different baits/presentations in practice, meaning you don't even need to catch as many in practice and can save them for the event itself. You can mark those areas, come back to them in the event, and use the intel gathered in practice to make adjustments and decisions on the fly without it. One tool shouldn't completely dominate the sport and steal away/devalue fish finding ability, versatility, and instinct. Livescope kills the wonder of the sport in competition, but has the potential to be a great learning and preparation tool if limited to practice only.
This is the best, clearest, and honest view on FFS I’ve heard anywhere. You state the issue along with solutions to deal with it. Maybe others will get this message out. Thanks.
I think we will start to see it being banned at the state level. I know around me, lakes that use to be good crappie lakes are being decimated by ffs users. Guys are getting their limits almost every time out and they are big crappies too. I know this probably won’t happen to the bass across the country because most people catch and release them. Everyone compares ffs to spot lighting deer but I think it more comparable to using a drone to deer hunt. Which is illegal now in 46 states. I think this will happen with ffs as well.
Is the Alabama rig still banned and this isn't??- Why don't they just let everyone fish with livebait??- The next thing Will be someone using an underwater drone to spot fish and mark the depth and structure they are holding at - Drop a jig down on them and start pulling it away and see if they follow- You can get a decent one for 900 - You could win a tournament with it - People might bitch - but hey its not illegal right??
I did not know you had a channel. I subscribed and look forward to your videos. I agree with you, this technology has shortened the learning curve and made tournaments very one dimensional. Best wishes for the season.
Well, I'm glad you found it and are here! I appreciate the comment and I definitely agree that the diversity of styles is dwindling in these tournaments.
The guys winning tournaments are not doing anything else. Chasing around fish that you found in the first place on FFS, then throwing 5 baits at them until they react on the FFS screen? This is what we're supposed to accept as todays "fishing"? It's not sporting. It doesn't align with ethical fair chase in any way. It's pretty pathetic that bought and paid for shill pros try to defend it because it's as dispicable as fishing with gill nets or long lines with 50 hooks or whatever else.
@brandoncobbfishing This video shows that you're a stand-up individual. Like you said, until this year, it's been hard to really decide how to feel about this subject. I feel like it's pretty obvious now that this isn't ethical or even really sustainable, and it's refreshing to see a relevant pro with some critical things to say about FFS.
I agree 100% for half the tournaments take all the sonar units off and limit trolling motors to a 80lb thrust no spot lock or GPS. And leave the power poles at home also. Agree 100% put on the limits. And make sure the northern tournaments are with the restrictions.
What's the problem? This is what my boat was till April last spring. I had no problem staying in the top ten. And u could only fish 6 hours per tournament in a 8hr Derby. The last boat out and the first boat in at noon.
FFS crosses the line! It’s the live interaction with the fish that’s unprofessional! It’ll continue to dominate. Even during the spawn not all fish spawn at once. On a 4 day derb it will dominate during the spawn! Live will be the same ol sh#t each and every tournament. Diversity in the sport will continue fade and get BORING in the professional ranks. It needs to be banned during the events PERIOD! Pre fishing is one thing, but this is way outa hand!
Very good points! My concern is both the sport and the conservation. I think fish need to be able to go out in the middle of no man's land and recover from pressure and feed without us bothering them. Also, in the crappie world, I think there's about to be a huge negative impact on fish numbers. I live near 3 incredible world famous crappie lakes and limit after limit is being caught day in and day out by masses of anglers. It will hurt the conservation of the sport in the long run!
Great video. I would love to see the Pro's stick to the heritage of the sport. Intuition and using charts. If FFS banned in tournaments I think B.A.S.S. takes a big step foreard. And ain't like Shaded Contour maps / 2D / Downscan / Side Scan banned. That's 500% more intel than grandpa had and he filled stingers.
Excellent job sir. Having seen this I believe you need to share your views with the higher ups in BASS. That's if you already haven't and I think I know your real thoughts on it but you can't say without hurting your sponsorship and some fans. Anyway don't back down my man keep this going because more people like me are depending on you and some others to preserve fishing as we were taught and worked hard to learn. Told you I had your back sometime ago and I meant it. Stay after this and be blessed going forward sir!
FFS has opened up a dimension that IS hurting the resource plain and simple. The fish that are being caught are the ones that should be safe to help keep the fisheries healthy and those fish are being exploited. Argue what you will but the facts are what they are. Most people are concerned that the tournament anglers should be banned from using them but it’s the recreational anglers usingFFS that are hurting the fisheries. We MUST take the steps to ensure our natural resources are being maintained at the highest levels possible.
Ffs is not fishing. When you’re not looking at the water to catch fish that’s not fishing. It’s literally become a game of ffs you have to figure out the new game. This is why older anglers are struggling they are not tech savvy. It will destroy the sport of fishing. These pros gets biased because of sponsorship or they are good with it. But fishing was about the unknown and the mystery and that’s been taken away. This is all coming from a guy who Owns one.
Yeah, I would have to agree, I don't know if the tech savvy thing is really the issue, I think it is more, that they just don't want to let go of the years devoted to learning fish and how to catch them.
It’s not your idea of fishing. But that doesn’t mean it’s not someone else’s . Most pros have been using electronics for a long time. I doubt they are not tech savvy . They just spent their entire life honing their skills without out it. So it’s hard to abandon what they have felt confident with all these years.
Just like it is not a young vs old thing, it is not who uses FFS or not, or even who uses it the best or wins the most tournaments. It is whether it is fair to the fish! No more, no less! People who use FFS are taking advantage others and our shared natural resources. FFS has only one use, self serving gratification. Pro anglers no longer have anything in common with average Joe.
I dont think it is not being tech savy. I think that my favorites like cobb and swindle is they just dont want to use it. This is the elites right? Why cant we see the best of the best use there knowledge and skills to get them instead of the screen giving you so much of a leg up. Cant watch now. Just google the leaderboard and keep it moving. Still pulling for ya cobb. Keep grinding
I agree 100% with what you are saying. Use FFS in half the tournaments and don’t use it in the others. I think it would make it more interesting for the traditional fisherman to watch. I also think it would even the playing field for all the fisherman.
So here in Texas i would have to say that it has truly helped our lakes. Since FFS came out more and more 13 pounders have been caught and sent to the SHAREALUNKER program. All those fry go into Texas lakes and the 13+ goes back to the lake where it was caught. Due to this program we have tons of lakes here in Texas that are producing really big fish now. As far as tournament fishing goes, they'll just have to figure out what will keep the fans happy and watching.
The money will not allow FFS to go away completely, but I love your suggestion of a split season. IMO, this would make the competion and competitors more rounded.
I am not sure, the companies that make FFS wouldn't see a drop in sales if they banned it I don't think because the technology is incredible. I don't think that consumers will stop buying it just because its banned or limited at the professional level.
I doubt the state is gonna do anything about it. Then take guns away and just use bows. It's too effective in killing animals. The argument is moot, people are just butt hurt some people are more effective at using technology.
Great perspective, best I've heard yet. Also the idea of splitting up the schedule is perfect!! I have been using FFS for the past year now and, after being skeptical of it, do like to use it. BUT I will say, it still doesn't guarantee that the fish will bite. I couldn't tell you how many times a fish will follow my bait and not bite. Maybe it's just me and how I'm working the bait. Also a huge plus for me is, using it for finding structure, ledges etc. I agree with you too about not having to rely on just using it to fish. I find myself concentrating on that screen way too much rather than just fishing. Thanks again for your input and best of luck to you this season.
It used to be a good ol boy sport. That’s why I loved to watch. Now it’s turning into Esports video gaming. The knowledge isn't in the physical sport itself anymore, it’s in the screen between the fisherman and the water. That’s where the knowledge matters now.
I like your perspective on it. I don't mind FFS really, but as a fan I definitely don't want to watch everyone throw the same 3 baits every tournament. Takes a lot of the creativity and diversity out of it, like you said. Also it kind of defeats the purpose of fishing, part of the fun of fishing is figuring out what the fish are doing and underwater x-ray vision that shows every fish swimming under the water kind of takes the mystery and surprise away. Its like if they let guys use robot suits in the NBA or AI goggles in nascar or special bats in the MLB. Other sports limit technology to measure what the competitors are capable of without making it too easy for them. There have to be limits on technology to keep it a competitive sport, they have rules and regulations for a reason and I think they need to crack down on FFS sooner rather than later.
Well said BC! I have ffs and like how much more efficient I can be with limited time on the water, and I have learned a ton about fish behavior and reactions to baits. Right or wrong, good or bad, we have gone from “fishing the lake” to “fishing the fish”.
I will not watch a FFS tournament. I’m also considering not doing any more Co-Angler tournaments because of it. It’s so boring sitting in the back of a boat in 30ft.
Very good take on this deal Man. I agree with you 100%. I don’t use it and honestly at the level I fish tournaments can’t justify spending that money on the equipment needed for it. Not to say I won’t ever have it. But right now…. I can’t justify it. But I’m not a pro trying to make a living off tournament fishing. Great ideas. Good luck to you the rest of the season!👊🏼
I witnessed the past 2 days at a local lake,that the crappie don't even have a chance to get to the spawning flats,8 boats in the mouth of the creek,all with live scope catching them as fast as they can,the crappie population is gone
When I go to the circus to see a magic show; I want the magician to do multiple tricks not just one same trick. So neither we banned or kept; we can’t just half-ass trying to please everyone, because we’ll end up please no one
I enjoy different baits, different techniques. Using patterns and past knowledge to fish. At the end of the day, i want to say " i figured them out today". Its me against the lake and the bass. Not how good i am with a sonar. I think your on the right track with FFS. Something has to change. Or 5 years from now, a jig won't be made anymore. No more spinnerbait. No more Carolina rigging. That's what I love. Some of these "pros" can't even flip a dock, or punch a mat. I hate it.
I personally think that is a perfect compromise for all sides. The lure manufacturers, the electronics companies, the technique specific anglers, etc., will all have a place at the table. Both types of fans will have their type of tournaments to watch as well. The FFS gurus will still be able to fish vertically using down imaging and 2D. People used that method a lot before and targeted specific fish.
With FFS, you've taken the skill level out of it. You are 100% correct, everyone is catching fish with FFS, it's boiling down to who is catching bigger bass but everyone is catching their fair share using it. I'm convinced that BASS has to take a stand and maybe have a split schedule maybe every other tournament it's not allowed. That would be eye opening 😮
One thing you said is true with out FFS some guys are going to find and catch them. And to me that’s the sport I grew up competing in. I actually think with FFS guys are going to be winning and never really understand what Bass Fishing is. I’m getting beat on small weekend tournaments from guys 2 years ago couldn’t bring 5 fish to weigh in! I’ve got one on the boat now but I feel like I’m cheating when I use it!
Brandon, I am another fellow Palmetto State angler, and therefore a huge fan of yours. I have listened to so many voices in this FFS debate and read so many comments, but honestly, this video is the most balanced I have seen yet. You are exactly right, this debate is not and should not be a generational debate. I am 50 and have been following competitive fishing for 30+ years, and even though I am not an FFS fan, it is not because I am older. I am not a fan for exactly the same reasons you mentioned, a) it forces tournament anglers to use it or become irrelevant, b) it forces a number of techniques and baits to the sidelines of competitive fishing, and c) it hinders the instinctual element of bass fishing. I have an 11 year old who wants to be the next Brandon Cobb, so we are fishing Jr Bassmaster events in SC. However, we are not using FFS for 2 reasons: 1) we can't afford it, 2) I want my son to learn how to be a versatile angler. And so far, we have had a great season without ever staring at a screen. But I can assure that there are 2nd-8th graders in our division using FFS already. Long story short, - if BASS refuses to limit FFS now, there will be entire generation of anglers who never throw a spinnerbait or a Zoom Uni toads. It is truly concerning as FFS is NOT, "just another tool." Last, 2 quick questions: 1) Of the 100+ elite series anglers, what percentage would share you view of FFS? (And by the way, the half season option your mentioned is creative, but I am in the "use only in practice" camp.) 2) Is there real pressure from FFS manufacturers playing a role in this debate in terms of professional anglers opinions of it?
Thats awesome and I appreciate the support. I don't really have an answer to your questions though... The first one is a good number that I think would agree with me. number 2 I am really not really sure on the pushback question.
WOW . . . . 'FINALLY' one of the Elites Speaks Up and is able articulate his position on this subject extremely well. You are very well spoken, and explained your point of view perfectly. You've set the bar high for a well presented Elite Anglers stance on ffs . . . I hope other follow in your path. Thank You Sir !
I appreciate your idea, and addressing your concerns without the nonsense and hysteria we see so much with ffs debates now. I think splitting the season with ffs is a little gimmicky (kind of an mlf concept lol). I’d prefer just some more thoughtful scheduling. Looking at the opens this year 2 of 3 were won with ffs not being a factor. Scheduling winter pattern Toledo bend of course it’s going to 100% be the deal you know. I can get behind equipment restrictions. 1 ffs transducer and 48” of total screens seems like a reasonable restriction.
The issue is it won't change the diversity unless it is not allowed. even if you limit it to one transducer it will still dominate the field in my opinion.
I think a lot could be done with scheduling to even the field. Tournaments venues like the Potomac River, LaCrosse, etc really limit the advantage, and I think having a good mix of venues would really help the variety. If you continue to schedule the way they are currently, it will always be dominant.
@@brandoncobbfishing As a tournament fisherman myself, I can totally understand that. I recently had a 3 day practice / 3 day derb that heavily used livescope and by the end of it I felt like my eyeballs were burning up lol. But as a viewer I enjoy seeing pros use livescope, and viewership trends show it isn't hurting the audience either. I prefer to see the elites fish with technology used around the country and would hate to see their tournament weights get dwarfed by locals. Good luck the rest of this year!
When everyone every bass boat has em ,every recreational bass fisherman has it on their boats do u think this is not going to hurt the fisheries even for the PROS
It's not hard to see it's wrecking the smallies, look how far ppl have to go in the lake now to catch 25 never had to go that far soon guys will be running to the Niagara River 180 miles to catch 25 pds, the dmallies are dieing literally by the thousands every yr
C-O-double B!! That is a brilliant idea. I really can’t believe some of the lure companies aren’t squeaking more! You can only sell so many jig heads and little minnows. Both sides get theirs and fans get the whole show. I hope you can sell this. I am buying for sure.
Brandon this is the best opinion and argument that I have heard. After watching it I personally oiled want it banned at the elite level of fishing - practice with it to locate areas but it should be turned off come tourney time. One top 10 at Toledo told Mercer he hooked and lost a potential 10#. He then followed it around for 20 minutes, let it settle down and then managed to catch it again. I think the same thing happened tourney 2 at Fork here tue eventual winner broke a fish off with a jerkbait and then stayed with that fish eventually catching it and retrieving the broke off bait. Nobody wants to admit it but wouldn’t this be analogous to me using a thermal imaging drone for deer hunting and chasing a big buck down until it was shot…!
It takes away what fishing is. It’s like shining a flashlight around and seeing fish in live action. Fishing is supposed to be a game of wit. Using what’s between your ears to figure them out. You shouldn’t be able to see a fishes response to your bait. Maybe bed fishing and I don’t do that either.
I appreciate you actually being straight up i wish more of the pros would do this. I love using it and i enjoy fishing without it, but i definitely agree that it's become to dominate
I definitely agree with you. I’m not against it but I would like to see who’s who in the Elite field. Fishing like this would be like knowing what your presents are before opening them. Just no surprise value.
I am 100% for FFS sonar and I can get behind an idea like this where it’s used every other tournament. A limit of 2 on your boat wouldn’t be a bad idea either. I say 2 for the guys that don’t use 360…. Thank you for not talking like Randy blowkit Cheers! Good luck the rest of the season.
I think the biggest problem with FFS is right now we don’t see a stopping point. The companies aren’t gonna stop making more advancement cause they’re making money. TAA can make a solid run with what they just did a no FFS tournament. But I feel like FFS is gonna end up ruining the sport. Ive ended up using it and it's pretty cool to see fish behavior but i cant sit over there and just stare at it constantly.
It’s disgusting to see all these pros back this crap. It’s all a jip. They’re all just saying this because BASS is collecting checks. This whole damn thing was watching and learning from experts. FFS is the opposite of professional.
Hey Brandon, just subbed. Personally I would like to see FFS banned from the tournaments. As a spectator, watching a guy standing with rod in hand and not making a cast till he sees a fish is kinda boring. Hunting and tracking fish in real time just takes away from the true meaning of fishing to me. Technology is great but I think it needs to be limited not only in tournaments but in general to protect the fish. Keep up the good work. Look forward to seeing more of your videos.
2 fish on FFS if you’re weighing 5. No swapping, once you put ‘em in the well they gotta get weighed. But tbf, if we’re already trying to figure out how we can restrict it. It should probably just go. It’s like saying oh, a new PED comes out and we have no way of testing for it. 2 years later after everyone and their mother got the stamina of a goat and fukn gorilla arms. We figure out how to test for it.. well you know, these guys shortened their lifespan by 10 years so let’s just keep it in the sport. All the talk trying to figure out how to compromise is a bunch of crap. It should be weekend warrior tech for the guys who don’t have the time and just wanna get some fish in the boat. Sooner or later, this tech could just get banned by the states who’s fisheries are getting crushed and they’re losing tourism money to friggin Iowa or something (not banned, yet maybe). Because they played a deal w the devil for a short term buck, now they got 20 years of conservation ahead of them that lands on the tax payer.
I'm 64 yrs old and just started tournament fishing again this season. The last event before was on the Redman Tournament Trail in 1997. I remember back when the same arguments were being made in the 80's and 90's with paper graphs and LCD's. I have FFS but I actually use 360 and side scan more. FFS is just another tool to use and you still have to get them to bite.
Please don't use got to get em to bite u got 8 hrs u throw at enough fish 5 are ging to bite. I think the ones that think ffs is hard have basic set ups and don't fish much, your set up isn't even close to the pros
I’m sick and tired of that line, “it’s just another tool”. So was the A rig and it got banned. FFS is much much worse ethically which is the reason they banned the A rig. That’s a BS line.
Moore's Law states that technology will exponentially grow. Right now FFS shows fish as blobs, in 3-5 years the technology will become more advanced and more affordable. I would assume eventually it will look close to ultra sound, where you could eventually see details on the fish, and if AI and machine learning is added it could assess the scans and even tell you species, size, weight and even probability of strike. People complain about this technology but these advancements were inevitable. Ever since sonar was used in fishing it opened the door for this. I'm sure eventually in the not so distant future you will be able to put glasses on that connect to your sonar on your boat and allow you to have augmented reality (a good example of this is how the F35 pilot can see through the airplane) Technology is made to make everything in our lives easier. FFS is no different, whether you hate it or love it there is one truth, fighting against technological progress is pointless.
@@brandoncobbfishing hey I wish everyone luck but just stating facts he couldn't even win a club tourney b4 ffs, he is doing what he has to but I'm also not dumb Def a product of ffs
I like your take on it I doubt that it will ever be banned, Limiting it is probably the best option. Although limitations on it probably won't change anything, As far as it being a dominating technique. I like the 50-50 schedule but I'll believe that when I see it. That kind of a schedule though would truly allow the rookies to prove who they are how good they can fish and win, and that they belong on the elites. It would also produce the most well rounded anglers in the AOY race Something that seems highly overlooked about this debate is the fact that bait manufacturers are going to take a hit if this becomes the dominant method across-the-board with pros and novice anglers alike. After all how many jig minnows drop shots and Neko Riggs does a fella need? Many plastic Baits and winding Baits will certainly be gone , not being as useful to win anymore. JMO🤔
I am an FFS fan. However I do agree with this position completely. I am a novice at best, and find the FFS interesting and still challenging. When I go watch the Elites it is interesting to see which angles fish more “traditionally” and which ones focus solely on FFS. I agree that this would give you the most well rounded field when it comes to the Classic and the AOY finalists. Also limit it to one one transducer rather than multiple. For the angles that want to switch between traditional FFS and Perspective, make it to where they have to manually switch the transducer position depending on if they are deep or shallow for the tournaments it is allowed in, or make it one or the other only, either way only one trolling motor mounted transducer.
Best take so far..but..if the sport is a sport for the fans..then allow practice with it and none during the tournament...There is a reason NFL teams have been busted for filming competitors practices...
With FFS in play, unless its a video on how to use FFS. There's coming a day to where everything our dads taught us, the variety of baits we have confidence in or anything we've learned from any instructional video on TH-cam will be completely irrelevant. FFS, Spinning rods, swimbaits and neck braces is all that us older guys will need if we plan on staying competitive.
I hear you. Maybe a transition period until all competitors are competitive with it. I don’t see it going away. I think this because of the dollars invested into it by the manufacturers. I don’t think it’s going to stop the new younger high school anglers coming down the pipeline. I see the pressure it puts on veteran anglers too. Really the question is how do organizations grow the sport to provide adequate income for anglers, even retirement. With that comment I think all the bass fishing companies who’ve benefited all these years should pay their fair share because these ffs aren’t cheap! Next is start charging spectators like other pro sports. Everyone is afraid to pull the trigger on this one but it’s time!
The best policy for a pro is to avoid the conversation. At this point it's like taking a public political position. You're guaranteed to alienate half your audience... If you're fishing competitively you use the techniques that can win- not the techniques you want to catch them with. I personally could care less if you're catching them with a frog or catching them scoping, I like the catching
FFS is a great learning tool. I have learned a bunch from just watching. I'm not a big fan of it's use in tournaments, but it is here, and I don't see it going away. Fish are going to adapt to it, learn to run from the noise. I agree, it needs to be better regulated. It is getting out of hand. I like the idea of only one transducer. The idea of limiting it to certain events may be the way to go. And I have heard for practice only. Maybe for practice and X number of tournaments it's ok and then for half of them you can't use it during the tournament. Aqua View was supposed to kill the tournaments, where does BASS draw the line on it's use? We will find out soon.
New subscriber here. I agree with the 50% of the time usage. In my opinion in just about every profession technology has really shortened the learning curve. I’m in my mid 50’s now and things that have taken be years and years to learn you can now watch a video on. This doesn’t mean just cause you learn something that you can apply it in the real world, so well I’m not a big fan of Forward facing sonar tournament. You still have to catch the fish. And you still have to go to areas where you think they’ll be . I definitely do not like watching Fordfacing sonar tournaments whatsoever though I find them extremely boring but that’s just me .
FFS,, is the same as spotlighting deer. Rude down the road, shine the light, and shoot at the deer. Same thing. All other sonar types, is like spot and stalk. Ride fown the road, see a buck across a prarie, park, get the wind right, and make your stalk. He may have ran off, but you won't know till you make the stalk. That what side imaging is. One way of hunting is legal, one is not. FFS is not fair chase. Back in the 80s, Alabama allowed spotlighting, as long as there was no gun. You could scout an area at night. If tournaments, only allow FFS during practice, it would be fine.
I agree with Brandon it would be awesome if they split the tournaments up to be able to use them only on some. Ffs is going to dominate in every tournament that it is used in but it also takes skill to be able to use one. Using ffs isn’t as easy as they make it out to be. About people saying on live that they don’t want to watch their backs, well since bass live has been around that’s mostly all it has been. Unless you have a guy throwing a frog or buzz bait it’s mostly the same. No different than watching an angler throw a Carolina rig all day. All in all I think they need to limit how many screens and transducers they have on their boats for sure.
I really like your split season idea. I also think a limit to screens and perhaps transducers is in order for the live sonar events. It’s getting ridiculous, if not hilarious with the number of units we’re seeing on boats these days 😂
Well said, you got people who bank bang and people who fish off shore naturally split it and let the chips fall where they may! Good video my guy! Good luck at the Classic I'm routing for you!
💯 agree man. Tournament directors can put all the lake names in a hat, draw out 3 lakes. Those three lakes are the “no ffs” lakes for that trail for that tournament season.
Meeting in the middle is a good start but that still leaves the products sportsmanship con's visible and active? Let's drop this issue into the lap of who owns it. It's pretty apparent that the fishing industry is head strong into digitally enhancing this sport for the almighty buck it will return. It's impossible to believe they didn't see the ethical and sportsmanship issues with this product? So before anyone starts calling each other's opinion "wrong", think about who started the argument? Neither of you. The Pro Sport Fishing circuit is doing itself a large injustice allowing FFS in competition. It's no longer a competition of know how and skill with FFS. It's a competition of who can afford the best Artificial Intelligence. If you're going to do that just put robots on the boats? Because FFS removes the human element and makes you a "Catcherman", not a "Fisherman". Hank Parker hit this topic with the right view. They don't allow technologically advanced golf balls or baseballs that can go 30 to 35% farther in those sports. It would ruin the base line of the sport's history. Fishing is an art of human skill, knowledge, & sportsmanship. Always has been and always will be if you want the title of "Fisherman". And to maintain any continuity or respect for past established sport fishing records, you can't introduce technology that voids the established records of human excellence and still call it the same sporting name. We enjoy a sport that notes and records equal advantage sportsmanship. Let's protect that ethical stand? This technology is taking away the last advantage fish had and we didn't. So if you want to be a "Catcherman" you need FFS.
I have mentioned my idea to help please everyone to a few elite guys and I may need to send BASS an email 🤣. But if B.A.S.S. doesn’t want to make no FFS tournaments then allow the fans to choose.. they can have their audience interact easily , post 4 lakes and let us vote on which lake we would like to see a tournament on with no FFS. If they don’t have the funding or investors to provide the typically payouts on other elites tournaments then set a number of anglers they will allow to fish and let the fans vote once again on which anglers they would like to see fish this no FFS tournament. Not only does this help with audience interaction it allows the anglers with a fan base use this as a tool when negotiating sponsor contracts.. if you’re not voted for the tournament then this shows the angler where they can improve. Some anglers don’t care much about building their brand which that is fine but some do and those anglers would have the ability to break out those flipping sticks and give everyone a show.. this could easily be a no entry fee tournament and make it only a few days long and let it pay out whatever their investors are willing to fork out.. 50k-100k. This is just my initial thought and this can easily be changed up to help build BASS, find new companies to sponsor their tournaments, help anglers build their brand etc…
I don't blame the pros, or even the new guys. They are doing what they have to do to be competitive. But as an angler and a fan, that is not fishing, it is like watching someone play a video game, watching someone stare at a screen for endless hours is not entertaining. I heard some guys complaining because their neck gets sore/stiff from staring down at a screen all day. I guarantee you some of these new guys would struggle to catch a single fish without FFS.
It’s proven, fishermen that use knowledge and skill can’t compete against FFS. Not to mention big brood stock are declining. DNR tournament big bass weight stats on my local lake after FFS increased from 8lbs to 12lbs. Now the stats have gone back down to 8lbs. My conclusion is most of the 10,11,12lb bass are gone because of FFS.
Just because you have one does not mean you’re going to catch more fish. It’s not as easy as it looks. One thing for sure it’s become boring to watch the sport.
This is on of the best takes on ffs that I have seen an I 100% agree. It’s a good compromise . In a few years they could reevaluate when we have more time with it.
If 50 or 60% of the Bass live offshore chasing Bait around as stated by the Texas Fish Commission, why would you not use FFS? That seems kind of silly to me.
The biggest concern I’d have is how to keep the cost down, the technology already exists to outperform the current units, if someone would be willing to pay for it. I could see a unit costing 10’s of thousands of dollars in the near future .
I think it could increase, but everyone was paying thousands of dollars for a flat screen TV ten years ago too. They can't price out the everyday consumer.
Love this opinion Brandon. Couldn’t agree more. I’m not for it or against it, but this is spot on. Keep catching them! Good luck the rest of the season.
Brandon, seeing guys that have been absolute hammers for nearly 20 years consistently missing cuts the past two years has been really jarring, for me anyways. Hank Cherry, G Man for example. That's a two time Classic winner and two time AOY winner with 20 Classic qualifications. These dudes didn't all of sudden get amnesia and forget how to fish. My main concern is that the younger generation that learned to fish on FFS and not how to properly pattern bass, read water, casting proficiency (skipping docks for example) are being stunted in their fishing growth. Yes I know it takes lots of skill to get the most out of FFS. I agree with lots of your points, and enjoyed hearing you articulate them so well. I look forward to seeing you at Murray this year, I'm planning on coming to the weigh in. Its nice to have a younger voice speak up about placing limits on the tech versus chalking it up to "shut up boomer, the future is now old man."
Thank you for speaking up! I believe Livescope is a great tool for practice...that should be its place. It can be used to study fish behavior and how the fish are responding to different baits/presentations in practice, meaning you don't even need to catch as many in practice and can save them for the event itself. You can mark those areas, come back to them in the event, and use the intel gathered in practice to make adjustments and decisions on the fly without it. One tool shouldn't completely dominate the sport and steal away/devalue fish finding ability, versatility, and instinct. Livescope kills the wonder of the sport in competition, but has the potential to be a great learning and preparation tool if limited to practice only.
I agree! thanks for watching!
This is the best, clearest, and honest view on FFS I’ve heard anywhere. You state the issue along with solutions to deal with it. Maybe others will get this message out. Thanks.
I appreciate that!
I think we will start to see it being banned at the state level. I know around me, lakes that use to be good crappie lakes are being decimated by ffs users. Guys are getting their limits almost every time out and they are big crappies too. I know this probably won’t happen to the bass across the country because most people catch and release them. Everyone compares ffs to spot lighting deer but I think it more comparable to using a drone to deer hunt. Which is illegal now in 46 states. I think this will happen with ffs as well.
I've used this analogy as well. I think it might take some time on the state stuff but I think it's a possibility.
Bass banned the Alabama rig because it was unethical. Watching fish in real time reacting to your lure is that unethical????
Yeah, it's a good question!
That’s been my argument all along.
It’s a money thing
Is the Alabama rig still banned and this isn't??- Why don't they just let everyone fish with livebait??- The next thing
Will be someone using an underwater drone to spot fish and mark the depth and structure they are holding at - Drop
a jig down on them and start pulling it away and see if they follow- You can get a decent one for 900 - You could win a tournament with it - People might bitch - but hey its not illegal right??
I did not know you had a channel. I subscribed and look forward to your videos. I agree with you, this technology has shortened the learning curve and made tournaments very one dimensional. Best wishes for the season.
Well, I'm glad you found it and are here! I appreciate the comment and I definitely agree that the diversity of styles is dwindling in these tournaments.
The guys winning tournaments are not doing anything else. Chasing around fish that you found in the first place on FFS, then throwing 5 baits at them until they react on the FFS screen? This is what we're supposed to accept as todays "fishing"? It's not sporting. It doesn't align with ethical fair chase in any way. It's pretty pathetic that bought and paid for shill pros try to defend it because it's as dispicable as fishing with gill nets or long lines with 50 hooks or whatever else.
I like the fair chase analogy!
@brandoncobbfishing This video shows that you're a stand-up individual. Like you said, until this year, it's been hard to really decide how to feel about this subject. I feel like it's pretty obvious now that this isn't ethical or even really sustainable, and it's refreshing to see a relevant pro with some critical things to say about FFS.
I agree 100% for half the tournaments take all the sonar units off and limit trolling motors to a 80lb thrust no spot lock or GPS. And leave the power poles at home also. Agree 100% put on the limits. And make sure the northern tournaments are with the restrictions.
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Really ? Why don’t you just make them fish off the bank ? Get real man !
What's the problem? This is what my boat was till April last spring. I had no problem staying in the top ten. And u could only fish 6 hours per tournament in a 8hr Derby. The last boat out and the first boat in at noon.
FFS crosses the line! It’s the live interaction with the fish that’s unprofessional! It’ll continue to dominate. Even during the spawn not all fish spawn at once. On a 4 day derb it will dominate during the spawn! Live will be the same ol sh#t each and every tournament. Diversity in the sport will continue fade and get BORING in the professional ranks. It needs to be banned during the events PERIOD! Pre fishing is one thing, but this is way outa hand!
This is a possibility for sure.
Very good points! My concern is both the sport and the conservation. I think fish need to be able to go out in the middle of no man's land and recover from pressure and feed without us bothering them. Also, in the crappie world, I think there's about to be a huge negative impact on fish numbers. I live near 3 incredible world famous crappie lakes and limit after limit is being caught day in and day out by masses of anglers. It will hurt the conservation of the sport in the long run!
Great video. I would love to see the Pro's stick to the heritage of the sport. Intuition and using charts. If FFS banned in tournaments I think B.A.S.S. takes a big step foreard. And ain't like Shaded Contour maps / 2D / Downscan / Side Scan banned. That's 500% more intel than grandpa had and he filled stingers.
It is way more than back in the day.
Excellent job sir. Having seen this I believe you need to share your views with the higher ups in BASS. That's if you already haven't and I think I know your real thoughts on it but you can't say without hurting your sponsorship and some fans. Anyway don't back down my man keep this going because more people like me are depending on you and some others to preserve fishing as we were taught and worked hard to learn. Told you I had your back sometime ago and I meant it. Stay after this and be blessed going forward sir!
Yes sir! Thanks so much!
FFS has opened up a dimension that IS hurting the resource plain and simple. The fish that are being caught are the ones that should be safe to help keep the fisheries healthy and those fish are being exploited. Argue what you will but the facts are what they are. Most people are concerned that the tournament anglers should be banned from using them but it’s the recreational anglers usingFFS that are hurting the fisheries. We MUST take the steps to ensure our natural resources are being maintained at the highest levels possible.
I am not a biologist, so I don't know, but your logic makes sense to me.
Ffs is not fishing. When you’re not looking at the water to catch fish that’s not fishing. It’s literally become a game of ffs you have to figure out the new game. This is why older anglers are struggling they are not tech savvy. It will destroy the sport of fishing. These pros gets biased because of sponsorship or they are good with it. But fishing was about the unknown and the mystery and that’s been taken away. This is all coming from a guy who Owns one.
Yeah, I would have to agree, I don't know if the tech savvy thing is really the issue, I think it is more, that they just don't want to let go of the years devoted to learning fish and how to catch them.
It’s not your idea of fishing. But that doesn’t mean it’s not someone else’s . Most pros have been using electronics for a long time. I doubt they are not tech savvy . They just spent their entire life honing their skills without out it. So it’s hard to abandon what they have felt confident with all these years.
Why do ppl compare ffs to other electronics ITS NOT EVEN CLOSE TO SIDE IMAGING OR MAPPING NOT EVEN IN THE SAME REALM
Like a pro on bass live said this is the Era of the less u know the better because u rely on ffs he is so spot on
💯 agree
Just like it is not a young vs old thing, it is not who uses FFS or not, or even who uses it the best or wins the most tournaments. It is whether it is fair to the fish! No more, no less! People who use FFS are taking advantage others and our shared natural resources. FFS has only one use, self serving gratification.
Pro anglers no longer have anything in common with average Joe.
Very level headed viewpoint. Thanks for your honesty. Good luck at Grand!!!
Thanks for watching!
I dont think it is not being tech savy. I think that my favorites like cobb and swindle is they just dont want to use it. This is the elites right? Why cant we see the best of the best use there knowledge and skills to get them instead of the screen giving you so much of a leg up. Cant watch now. Just google the leaderboard and keep it moving. Still pulling for ya cobb. Keep grinding
Thank you, man, I appreciate it.
I agree 100% with what you are saying. Use FFS in half the tournaments and don’t use it in the others. I think it would make it more interesting for the traditional fisherman to watch. I also think it would even the playing field for all the fisherman.
I think it's the best of both worlds option for sure!
So here in Texas i would have to say that it has truly helped our lakes. Since FFS came out more and more 13 pounders have been caught and sent to the SHAREALUNKER program. All those fry go into Texas lakes and the 13+ goes back to the lake where it was caught. Due to this program we have tons of lakes here in Texas that are producing really big fish now. As far as tournament fishing goes, they'll just have to figure out what will keep the fans happy and watching.
I can see that being the case with a program like this set up. I guess we will find out in a few years.
I agree ,it is either your version or creating two different circuits .one with FFS and one circuit without .I like watching both ways .
Thats why I think that if nothing else, this is the best option to get the best of both worlds.
Good idea
@@brandoncobbfishingthen it would really gauge what the viewers want to watch
The money will not allow FFS to go away completely, but I love your suggestion of a split season. IMO, this would make the competion and competitors more rounded.
I am not sure, the companies that make FFS wouldn't see a drop in sales if they banned it I don't think because the technology is incredible. I don't think that consumers will stop buying it just because its banned or limited at the professional level.
The money won't let it go away but the states will make it go away
I doubt the state is gonna do anything about it. Then take guns away and just use bows. It's too effective in killing animals. The argument is moot, people are just butt hurt some people are more effective at using technology.
Not fair chase
I agree
Great perspective, best I've heard yet. Also the idea of splitting up the schedule is perfect!! I have been using FFS for the past year now and, after being skeptical of it, do like to use it. BUT I will say, it still doesn't guarantee that the fish will bite. I couldn't tell you how many times a fish will follow my bait and not bite. Maybe it's just me and how I'm working the bait. Also a huge plus for me is, using it for finding structure, ledges etc. I agree with you too about not having to rely on just using it to fish. I find myself concentrating on that screen way too much rather than just fishing. Thanks again for your input and best of luck to you this season.
It used to be a good ol boy sport. That’s why I loved to watch. Now it’s turning into Esports video gaming. The knowledge isn't in the physical sport itself anymore, it’s in the screen between the fisherman and the water. That’s where the knowledge matters now.
I like your perspective on it. I don't mind FFS really, but as a fan I definitely don't want to watch everyone throw the same 3 baits every tournament. Takes a lot of the creativity and diversity out of it, like you said. Also it kind of defeats the purpose of fishing, part of the fun of fishing is figuring out what the fish are doing and underwater x-ray vision that shows every fish swimming under the water kind of takes the mystery and surprise away. Its like if they let guys use robot suits in the NBA or AI goggles in nascar or special bats in the MLB. Other sports limit technology to measure what the competitors are capable of without making it too easy for them. There have to be limits on technology to keep it a competitive sport, they have rules and regulations for a reason and I think they need to crack down on FFS sooner rather than later.
Yeah, I don't want to throw the same three baits for the rest of my career lol!
You hit in on the head! It definitely takes the different styles out of fishing. I love watching guy’s work with different tactics.
I appreciate that!
One of the most fair assessments I’ve heard of the situation in my opinion. And some good possible ideas for going forward. Good video
thanks!
Well said BC! I have ffs and like how much more efficient I can be with limited time on the water, and I have learned a ton about fish behavior and reactions to baits. Right or wrong, good or bad, we have gone from “fishing the lake” to “fishing the fish”.
I will not watch a FFS tournament. I’m also considering not doing any more Co-Angler tournaments because of it. It’s so boring sitting in the back of a boat in 30ft.
Yeah, that can't be fun.
Yea don't do co hurt their pocket books
Very good take on this deal Man. I agree with you 100%. I don’t use it and honestly at the level I fish tournaments can’t justify spending that money on the equipment needed for it. Not to say I won’t ever have it. But right now…. I can’t justify it. But I’m not a pro trying to make a living off tournament fishing. Great ideas. Good luck to you the rest of the season!👊🏼
Thanks!
I witnessed the past 2 days at a local lake,that the crappie don't even have a chance to get to the spawning flats,8 boats in the mouth of the creek,all with live scope catching them as fast as they can,the crappie population is gone
I can see it putting a dent in them
@@brandoncobbfishing every creek mouth had boats stacked
When I go to the circus to see a magic show; I want the magician to do multiple tricks not just one same trick. So neither we banned or kept; we can’t just half-ass trying to please everyone, because we’ll end up please no one
One of the best videos I've seen on FFS. Thank you for being a true fisherman and great advice. Good luck and God bless. LEGEND!!!
I enjoy different baits, different techniques. Using patterns and past knowledge to fish. At the end of the day, i want to say " i figured them out today". Its me against the lake and the bass. Not how good i am with a sonar. I think your on the right track with FFS. Something has to change. Or 5 years from now, a jig won't be made anymore. No more spinnerbait. No more Carolina rigging. That's what I love. Some of these "pros" can't even flip a dock, or punch a mat. I hate it.
Although I suck at FFS and would like to see it go, I doubt that will ever happen. I like your idea of limiting it.
we can dream
I personally think that is a perfect compromise for all sides. The lure manufacturers, the electronics companies, the technique specific anglers, etc., will all have a place at the table. Both types of fans will have their type of tournaments to watch as well. The FFS gurus will still be able to fish vertically using down imaging and 2D. People used that method a lot before and targeted specific fish.
With FFS, you've taken the skill level out of it. You are 100% correct, everyone is catching fish with FFS, it's boiling down to who is catching bigger bass but everyone is catching their fair share using it. I'm convinced that BASS has to take a stand and maybe have a split schedule maybe every other tournament it's not allowed. That would be eye opening 😮
One thing you said is true with out FFS some guys are going to find and catch them. And to me that’s the sport I grew up competing in. I actually think with FFS guys are going to be winning and never really understand what Bass Fishing is. I’m getting beat on small weekend tournaments from guys 2 years ago couldn’t bring 5 fish to weigh in! I’ve got one on the boat now but I feel like I’m cheating when I use it!
Brandon, I am another fellow Palmetto State angler, and therefore a huge fan of yours. I have listened to so many voices in this FFS debate and read so many comments, but honestly, this video is the most balanced I have seen yet. You are exactly right, this debate is not and should not be a generational debate. I am 50 and have been following competitive fishing for 30+ years, and even though I am not an FFS fan, it is not because I am older. I am not a fan for exactly the same reasons you mentioned, a) it forces tournament anglers to use it or become irrelevant, b) it forces a number of techniques and baits to the sidelines of competitive fishing, and c) it hinders the instinctual element of bass fishing.
I have an 11 year old who wants to be the next Brandon Cobb, so we are fishing Jr Bassmaster events in SC. However, we are not using FFS for 2 reasons: 1) we can't afford it, 2) I want my son to learn how to be a versatile angler. And so far, we have had a great season without ever staring at a screen. But I can assure that there are 2nd-8th graders in our division using FFS already. Long story short, - if BASS refuses to limit FFS now, there will be entire generation of anglers who never throw a spinnerbait or a Zoom Uni toads. It is truly concerning as FFS is NOT, "just another tool."
Last, 2 quick questions:
1) Of the 100+ elite series anglers, what percentage would share you view of FFS? (And by the way, the half season option your mentioned is creative, but I am in the "use only in practice" camp.)
2) Is there real pressure from FFS manufacturers playing a role in this debate in terms of professional anglers opinions of it?
Thats awesome and I appreciate the support.
I don't really have an answer to your questions though... The first one is a good number that I think would agree with me.
number 2 I am really not really sure on the pushback question.
WOW . . . . 'FINALLY' one of the Elites Speaks Up and is able articulate his position on this subject extremely well.
You are very well spoken, and explained your point of view perfectly.
You've set the bar high for a well presented Elite Anglers stance on ffs . . . I hope other follow in your path.
Thank You Sir !
Yeah, I hope so too. thank you for watching!
I appreciate your idea, and addressing your concerns without the nonsense and hysteria we see so much with ffs debates now.
I think splitting the season with ffs is a little gimmicky (kind of an mlf concept lol). I’d prefer just some more thoughtful scheduling. Looking at the opens this year 2 of 3 were won with ffs not being a factor. Scheduling winter pattern Toledo bend of course it’s going to 100% be the deal you know.
I can get behind equipment restrictions. 1 ffs transducer and 48” of total screens seems like a reasonable restriction.
The issue is it won't change the diversity unless it is not allowed. even if you limit it to one transducer it will still dominate the field in my opinion.
I think a lot could be done with scheduling to even the field. Tournaments venues like the Potomac River, LaCrosse, etc really limit the advantage, and I think having a good mix of venues would really help the variety. If you continue to schedule the way they are currently, it will always be dominant.
@@brandoncobbfishing As a tournament fisherman myself, I can totally understand that. I recently had a 3 day practice / 3 day derb that heavily used livescope and by the end of it I felt like my eyeballs were burning up lol.
But as a viewer I enjoy seeing pros use livescope, and viewership trends show it isn't hurting the audience either. I prefer to see the elites fish with technology used around the country and would hate to see their tournament weights get dwarfed by locals.
Good luck the rest of this year!
When everyone every bass boat has em ,every recreational bass fisherman has it on their boats do u think this is not going to hurt the fisheries even for the PROS
I do think that it could potentially harm fisheries in the next couple of years. but I'm not a biologist so I guess we will just have to wait and see.
It's not hard to see it's wrecking the smallies, look how far ppl have to go in the lake now to catch 25 never had to go that far soon guys will be running to the Niagara River 180 miles to catch 25 pds, the dmallies are dieing literally by the thousands every yr
@@brandoncobbfishing thanks
C-O-double B!! That is a brilliant idea. I really can’t believe some of the lure companies aren’t squeaking more! You can only sell so many jig heads and little minnows. Both sides get theirs and fans get the whole show. I hope you can sell this. I am buying for sure.
Brandon this is the best opinion and argument that I have heard. After watching it I personally oiled want it banned at the elite level of fishing - practice with it to locate areas but it should be turned off come tourney time. One top 10 at Toledo told Mercer he hooked and lost a potential 10#. He then followed it around for 20 minutes, let it settle down and then managed to catch it again. I think the same thing happened tourney 2 at Fork here tue eventual winner broke a fish off with a jerkbait and then stayed with that fish eventually catching it and retrieving the broke off bait. Nobody wants to admit it but wouldn’t this be analogous to me using a thermal imaging drone for deer hunting and chasing a big buck down until it was shot…!
It takes away what fishing is. It’s like shining a flashlight around and seeing fish in live action. Fishing is supposed to be a game of wit. Using what’s between your ears to figure them out. You shouldn’t be able to see a fishes response to your bait. Maybe bed fishing and I don’t do that either.
I love sight fishing so I can't say much there.
I appreciate you actually being straight up i wish more of the pros would do this. I love using it and i enjoy fishing without it, but i definitely agree that it's become to dominate
I definitely agree with you. I’m not against it but I would like to see who’s who in the Elite field. Fishing like this would be like knowing what your presents are before opening them. Just no surprise value.
Great take on FFS. I agree something has to be done for multiple reasons. It will be interesting to see what BASS does about it
I am 100% for FFS sonar and I can get behind an idea like this where it’s used every other tournament. A limit of 2 on your boat wouldn’t be a bad idea either. I say 2 for the guys that don’t use 360…. Thank you for not talking like Randy blowkit Cheers! Good luck the rest of the season.
There needs to be some limitations for sure.
I think the biggest problem with FFS is right now we don’t see a stopping point. The companies aren’t gonna stop making more advancement cause they’re making money. TAA can make a solid run with what they just did a no FFS tournament. But I feel like FFS is gonna end up ruining the sport. Ive ended up using it and it's pretty cool to see fish behavior but i cant sit over there and just stare at it constantly.
@brandoncobbfishing I only fish from the bank and have no clue how to use FFS or live scope . But I think your idea is much better than a ban.
It’s disgusting to see all these pros back this crap. It’s all a jip. They’re all just saying this because BASS is collecting checks. This whole damn thing was watching and learning from experts. FFS is the opposite of professional.
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Hey Brandon, just subbed. Personally I would like to see FFS banned from the tournaments. As a spectator, watching a guy standing with rod in hand and not making a cast till he sees a fish is kinda boring. Hunting and tracking fish in real time just takes away from the true meaning of fishing to me. Technology is great but I think it needs to be limited not only in tournaments but in general to protect the fish. Keep up the good work. Look forward to seeing more of your videos.
Thanks for subscribing! I think your probably correct but we will have to wait and see about fish populations.
That’s exactly how I look at it Brandon! Well said
I fully agree on the half and half. Seems like the best solution to me.
Thanks for watching.
It all boils down to what is your main purpose of going fishing.
2 fish on FFS if you’re weighing 5. No swapping, once you put ‘em in the well they gotta get weighed.
But tbf, if we’re already trying to figure out how we can restrict it. It should probably just go. It’s like saying oh, a new PED comes out and we have no way of testing for it. 2 years later after everyone and their mother got the stamina of a goat and fukn gorilla arms. We figure out how to test for it.. well you know, these guys shortened their lifespan by 10 years so let’s just keep it in the sport.
All the talk trying to figure out how to compromise is a bunch of crap. It should be weekend warrior tech for the guys who don’t have the time and just wanna get some fish in the boat. Sooner or later, this tech could just get banned by the states who’s fisheries are getting crushed and they’re losing tourism money to friggin Iowa or something (not banned, yet maybe). Because they played a deal w the devil for a short term buck, now they got 20 years of conservation ahead of them that lands on the tax payer.
I'm 64 yrs old and just started tournament fishing again this season. The last event before was on the Redman Tournament Trail in 1997.
I remember back when the same arguments were being made in the 80's and 90's with paper graphs and LCD's. I have FFS but I actually use 360 and side scan more. FFS is just another tool to use and you still have to get them to bite.
Yeah, but it's a tool that I think has gone too far. You can't go out with a drone to find deer and go hunt them.
True, but one thing is for sure, you no longer have to find them.
Please don't use got to get em to bite u got 8 hrs u throw at enough fish 5 are ging to bite. I think the ones that think ffs is hard have basic set ups and don't fish much, your set up isn't even close to the pros
@@brandoncobbfishingwait my thermal drone is illegal for hunting?
I’m sick and tired of that line, “it’s just another tool”. So was the A rig and it got banned. FFS is much much worse ethically which is the reason they banned the A rig. That’s a BS line.
Thank you for speaking up on this topic. I hope more pros speak up as well. Good Luck at Grand and the rest of the season!
Moore's Law states that technology will exponentially grow. Right now FFS shows fish as blobs, in 3-5 years the technology will become more advanced and more affordable. I would assume eventually it will look close to ultra sound, where you could eventually see details on the fish, and if AI and machine learning is added it could assess the scans and even tell you species, size, weight and even probability of strike.
People complain about this technology but these advancements were inevitable. Ever since sonar was used in fishing it opened the door for this. I'm sure eventually in the not so distant future you will be able to put glasses on that connect to your sonar on your boat and allow you to have augmented reality (a good example of this is how the F35 pilot can see through the airplane)
Technology is made to make everything in our lives easier. FFS is no different, whether you hate it or love it there is one truth, fighting against technological progress is pointless.
Them rookies are dog crap kyle patrick couldnt catch a fish or win a club toirney in ny before ffs now hes a pro lol
I won't talk down on anyone's success. If they make it to the pros, they worked hard and made it for a reason.
@@brandoncobbfishing hey I wish everyone luck but just stating facts he couldn't even win a club tourney b4 ffs, he is doing what he has to but I'm also not dumb Def a product of ffs
I like your take on it I doubt that it will ever be banned, Limiting it is probably the best option. Although limitations on it probably won't change anything, As far as it being a dominating technique. I like the 50-50 schedule but I'll believe that when I see it. That kind of a schedule though would truly allow the rookies to prove who they are how good they can fish and win, and that they belong on the elites. It would also produce the most well rounded anglers in the AOY race
Something that seems highly overlooked about this debate is the fact that bait manufacturers are going to take a hit if this becomes the dominant method across-the-board with pros and novice anglers alike. After all how many jig minnows drop shots and Neko Riggs does a fella need? Many plastic Baits and winding Baits will certainly be gone , not being as useful to win anymore. JMO🤔
I would think so too.
I am an FFS fan. However I do agree with this position completely. I am a novice at best, and find the FFS interesting and still challenging. When I go watch the Elites it is interesting to see which angles fish more “traditionally” and which ones focus solely on FFS. I agree that this would give you the most well rounded field when it comes to the Classic and the AOY finalists. Also limit it to one one transducer rather than multiple. For the angles that want to switch between traditional FFS and Perspective, make it to where they have to manually switch the transducer position depending on if they are deep or shallow for the tournaments it is allowed in, or make it one or the other only, either way only one trolling motor mounted transducer.
Something needs to happen.
U think FFS is challenging? 🤔 placing your lure in a fish's face thx to a screen & watching them eat it, isn't challenging....
I think it is okay on practice days but not on tournament days.
Sad to see bass fishing all jacked up. Didn’t even think it was possible to ruin something so pure
Best take so far..but..if the sport is a sport for the fans..then allow practice with it and none during the tournament...There is a reason NFL teams have been busted for filming competitors practices...
With FFS in play, unless its a video on how to use FFS. There's coming a day to where everything our dads taught us, the variety of baits we have confidence in or anything we've learned from any instructional video on TH-cam will be completely irrelevant. FFS, Spinning rods, swimbaits and neck braces is all that us older guys will need if we plan on staying competitive.
1st great take from a Pro! I hate FFS, but very good points and suggestions.
I hear you. Maybe a transition period until all competitors are competitive with it. I don’t see it going away. I think this because of the dollars invested into it by the manufacturers. I don’t think it’s going to stop the new younger high school anglers coming down the pipeline. I see the pressure it puts on veteran anglers too. Really the question is how do organizations grow the sport to provide adequate income for anglers, even retirement. With that comment I think all the bass fishing companies who’ve benefited all these years should pay their fair share because these ffs aren’t cheap! Next is start charging spectators like other pro sports. Everyone is afraid to pull the trigger on this one but it’s time!
possibly! Thanks for watching
If bass has 8 events then they should limit anglers to only be able to use it for 4 events....
The best policy for a pro is to avoid the conversation. At this point it's like taking a public political position. You're guaranteed to alienate half your audience... If you're fishing competitively you use the techniques that can win- not the techniques you want to catch them with. I personally could care less if you're catching them with a frog or catching them scoping, I like the catching
FFS is a great learning tool. I have learned a bunch from just watching. I'm not a big fan of it's use in tournaments, but it is here, and I don't see it going away. Fish are going to adapt to it, learn to run from the noise. I agree, it needs to be better regulated. It is getting out of hand. I like the idea of only one transducer. The idea of limiting it to certain events may be the way to go. And I have heard for practice only. Maybe for practice and X number of tournaments it's ok and then for half of them you can't use it during the tournament. Aqua View was supposed to kill the tournaments, where does BASS draw the line on it's use? We will find out soon.
Yeah, something is going to have to be said sooner than later I believe..
New subscriber here. I agree with the 50% of the time usage.
In my opinion in just about every profession technology has really shortened the learning curve.
I’m in my mid 50’s now and things that have taken be years and years to learn you can now watch a video on.
This doesn’t mean just cause you learn something that you can apply it in the real world, so well I’m not a big fan of Forward facing sonar tournament. You still have to catch the fish.
And you still have to go to areas where you think they’ll be .
I definitely do not like watching Fordfacing sonar tournaments whatsoever though I find them extremely boring but that’s just me .
Thanks for subscribing. I enjoy old school fishing, that's what I grew up on so I totally understand where you're coming from.
Great coverage and points made on the FFS topic. Keep on putting out the great content and good luck at the Classic!
Much appreciated!
Very good points and pretty much the way I see it. I wish it was regulated a bit more and fish 50% tournaments with it and 50% without it.
FFS,, is the same as spotlighting deer. Rude down the road, shine the light, and shoot at the deer. Same thing. All other sonar types, is like spot and stalk. Ride fown the road, see a buck across a prarie, park, get the wind right, and make your stalk. He may have ran off, but you won't know till you make the stalk. That what side imaging is. One way of hunting is legal, one is not. FFS is not fair chase.
Back in the 80s, Alabama allowed spotlighting, as long as there was no gun. You could scout an area at night. If tournaments, only allow FFS during practice, it would be fine.
I agree with Brandon it would be awesome if they split the tournaments up to be able to use them only on some. Ffs is going to dominate in every tournament that it is used in but it also takes skill to be able to use one. Using ffs isn’t as easy as they make it out to be. About people saying on live that they don’t want to watch their backs, well since bass live has been around that’s mostly all it has been. Unless you have a guy throwing a frog or buzz bait it’s mostly the same. No different than watching an angler throw a Carolina rig all day. All in all I think they need to limit how many screens and transducers they have on their boats for sure.
It does take skill I'm not denying that.
Thanks for your support!
I really like your split season idea. I also think a limit to screens and perhaps transducers is in order for the live sonar events. It’s getting ridiculous, if not hilarious with the number of units we’re seeing on boats these days 😂
Yeah 8-10 screens on a boat is excessive to say the least.
It doesn't matter what u limit if there is one ffs on the boat it' will all be rhe same it is now
Well said, you got people who bank bang and people who fish off shore naturally split it and let the chips fall where they may! Good video my guy! Good luck at the Classic I'm routing for you!
Thanks a lot man I appreciate it!
Maybe the best video yet on the whole subject
You sir hit it out of the park
💯 agree man. Tournament directors can put all the lake names in a hat, draw out 3 lakes. Those three lakes are the “no ffs” lakes for that trail for that tournament season.
Sounds good to me!
that is a firm middle of the road stand!
I lean heavy toward bad honestly
It's no different than spot lighting dear. Arig was ban because it was to easy to catch them this is no different. It needs to be ban
Yeah, that's a good comparison.
Meeting in the middle is a good start but that still leaves the products sportsmanship con's visible and active?
Let's drop this issue into the lap of who owns it. It's pretty apparent that the fishing industry is head strong into digitally enhancing this sport for the almighty buck it will return. It's impossible to believe they didn't see the ethical and sportsmanship issues with this product? So before anyone starts calling each other's opinion "wrong", think about who started the argument? Neither of you.
The Pro Sport Fishing circuit is doing itself a large injustice allowing FFS in competition. It's no longer a competition of know how and skill with FFS. It's a competition of who can afford the best Artificial Intelligence. If you're going to do that just put robots on the boats? Because FFS removes the human element and makes you a "Catcherman", not a "Fisherman".
Hank Parker hit this topic with the right view. They don't allow technologically advanced golf balls or baseballs that can go 30 to 35% farther in those sports. It would ruin the base line of the sport's history.
Fishing is an art of human skill, knowledge, & sportsmanship. Always has been and always will be if you want the title of "Fisherman". And to maintain any continuity or respect for past established sport fishing records, you can't introduce technology that voids the established records of human excellence and still call it the same sporting name. We enjoy a sport that notes and records equal advantage sportsmanship. Let's protect that ethical stand?
This technology is taking away the last advantage fish had and we didn't. So if you want to be a "Catcherman" you need FFS.
I have mentioned my idea to help please everyone to a few elite guys and I may need to send BASS an email 🤣. But if B.A.S.S. doesn’t want to make no FFS tournaments then allow the fans to choose.. they can have their audience interact easily , post 4 lakes and let us vote on which lake we would like to see a tournament on with no FFS. If they don’t have the funding or investors to provide the typically payouts on other elites tournaments then set a number of anglers they will allow to fish and let the fans vote once again on which anglers they would like to see fish this no FFS tournament. Not only does this help with audience interaction it allows the anglers with a fan base use this as a tool when negotiating sponsor contracts.. if you’re not voted for the tournament then this shows the angler where they can improve. Some anglers don’t care much about building their brand which that is fine but some do and those anglers would have the ability to break out those flipping sticks and give everyone a show.. this could easily be a no entry fee tournament and make it only a few days long and let it pay out whatever their investors are willing to fork out.. 50k-100k. This is just my initial thought and this can easily be changed up to help build BASS, find new companies to sponsor their tournaments, help anglers build their brand etc…
That is an interesting idea.
I don't blame the pros, or even the new guys. They are doing what they have to do to be competitive. But as an angler and a fan, that is not fishing, it is like watching someone play a video game, watching someone stare at a screen for endless hours is not entertaining. I heard some guys complaining because their neck gets sore/stiff from staring down at a screen all day. I guarantee you some of these new guys would struggle to catch a single fish without FFS.
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It’s proven, fishermen that use knowledge and skill can’t compete against FFS. Not to mention big brood stock are declining. DNR tournament big bass weight stats on my local lake after FFS increased from 8lbs to 12lbs. Now the stats have gone back down to 8lbs. My conclusion is most of the 10,11,12lb bass are gone because of FFS.
This may be one of the best videos I have seen on the subject. A compromise. 👍🏻
Glad you liked it!
Funny thing, many State records came before the fancy electronics . You can keep the fancy crap.
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Just because you have one does not mean you’re going to catch more fish. It’s not as easy as it looks. One thing for sure it’s become boring to watch the sport.
This is on of the best takes on ffs that I have seen an I 100% agree. It’s a good compromise . In a few years they could reevaluate when we have more time with it.
Thank you!
If 50 or 60% of the Bass live offshore chasing Bait around as stated by the Texas Fish Commission, why would you not use FFS? That seems kind of silly to me.
Shitcan it!
Instinctual fishing?.....that's out the window via 2024
Thanks for watching!
That’s the best idea in my opinion too!
Let's go back to fishing!
I simply agree with what you’re saying.
Thanks buddy
The biggest concern I’d have is how to keep the cost down, the technology already exists to outperform the current units, if someone would be willing to pay for it. I could see a unit costing 10’s of thousands of dollars in the near future .
I think it could increase, but everyone was paying thousands of dollars for a flat screen TV ten years ago too.
They can't price out the everyday consumer.
Love this opinion Brandon. Couldn’t agree more. I’m not for it or against it, but this is spot on. Keep catching them! Good luck the rest of the season.
Thank you