When I was a kid, we watched videos of KVD cracking a tube or fishing a jerk bait. I could afford those lures cutting grass. Now we’re showing people that the only thing that works is live scope and a jig head minnow. They need a $4k trolling motor, $5k in graphs, $2k in live scope and you better power that with overly priced lithium batteries. Oh and by the way, this boat costs more than your house. People want to learn from pro’s so that they can duplicate those techniques on their home body of water. Unfortunately they’ve been priced out of it. So what’s the point in watching something that’s unobtainable for the masses? I can afford the equipment but to me, I’ll catch less fish without live and utilize the money to raise my kids instead.
If you are a little resourceful you can use some pvc pipe and buy a used setup for like 700 dollars. I don’t look at nascar and think why Don’t I have a 100k motor like they do
@@devinwillis7787 they don’t need it either (they’re pros) if there’s limitations on equipment. Like most other sports. It’s gotten ridiculous what they spend to stay ahead of their competitors. These rookies without electronics sponsors really get hit in the pocketbook.
Im not going to argue with what they did at the NPFL , or what BASS did ! I like both decision's ......... 10 bucks say's MLF will screw it up somehow ! 🤣
It should be only one transducer in front. Not just one FFS transducer. That way you pick your poison. FFS or 360 or 2D. I’m sure everyone would be running FFS. I truly wish they’d do away with FFS. Fishing shouldn’t be about watching how fish react on a screen. Put the mystery back into fishing.
I think the 360 and one FFS is fine and all that is needed. This is no different for when NASCAR limited the sets of tires teams could have some years back because multi-car teams had 8-10 sets each team and the single car team had four for the weekend. Balance is needed because unlike sports teams, but like NASCAR, the pro fishing leagues travel together and fish against each other each event, just like NASCAR, so balance is needed to keep success leveled at the skill versus the technology and financial backing level.
You are one of the only anglers I’ve seen that has a balanced, thoughtful view on FFS. I appreciate your thoughts on the matter. I hope you have a great 2025.
Very good, maybe next year’s Live coverage won’t be so boring. Like the limitations on screen size, it was getting out of control. Also like the elimination of additional trolling motors on the Power Poles. It will interesting to look back next summer after the 2025 season and see how each tournament trail fairs with their new rules. I watched Luke Dunkin’s podcast with NPFL and their reasoning for their rule changes. The organizations have to set the rules that support their business and keeps its profitable, thus would expect further rule tweaks following the 2025 season. Now to see what MLF does!
I think the NBT screens are incredible. I hate that they won’t allow one extra inch. I guess ‘’give them an inch, and they’ll take a mile’’ applies here.
@Fishing_with_Fincher oh definitely drinks Uncle Randy's kool-aid.....so many grown men throwing tantrums and crying on social media.....they need to take up another sport....maybe Frisbee golf.....so they can complain about all the different disks used and how it's not fair😂😂
Great video and explanations! I agree this is a common sense compromise. Let's see if MLF does anything to differentiate itself. Watching a FFS broadcast isn't much less boring than flipping or numerous other techniques!
They should mix it 100%. Have half to ban live, half where its allowed. That’s the fairest compromise they could do imo. FFS fisherman get to watch 4 tournaments they love, old school fisherman get to watch what they like, everyone wins. Sponsors are happy. I just don’t understand what’s holding them back from doing something like that
John, I think B.A.S.S. pulled off the Great Compromise without Compromising... The NPFL announcement being first was no coincidence. This allows both leagues to continue to grow, share anglers, and give both the Nays & Yays fans something to follow. 🍺🎣 What's MLF and bring back the A-rig... 🤣
I cancelled my BASS subscription along time ago. I thought BSS didn’t give enough information in the page and a half. They were given. I don’t want to watch a person looking at their screen all day targeting certain fish. There’s no skill in finding big fish and harassing them into biting. good luck in future events. But today I unsubscribe until FFS is eliminated from Pro bass fishing.
@@TheFishdoctor1952 I don't remember saying anything to the sort. I just stated my opinion. Agree or disagree doesn't matter. Believe what you want to and allow me the same. John was very polite and I wished him well. What else do You want?
John…great video! I agree with you. I think BASS could also mix it up, like maybe only allow the FFS during practice and day 3 & 4 of the tournaments, or even only on day 4. It would require anglers to use more traditional techniques, but allow the FFS still be used.
Can you imagine what golf would be like with your concept. Wood shafts on rounds 1 and 3. Irons only on rounds 2 and 4. It ain't broke. No real need to fix it. There is another (minor) league for the haters of FFS.
@@TheFishdoctor1952 I can! If you want to compare golf…the pro’s have a ton of technology restrictions on what they can use…balls that compensate, golf carts, etc…that amateurs are free to use. Another difference between golf and fishing, is there’s multiple techniques being used simultaneously on the playing field. What FFS has done placed more anglers doing fewer techniques. I don’t believe in banning it, because weekend fishermen who want to buy and learn to use it want to see the pros use it. However, restricting it would force anglers to be more versatile. It would also incentivize even more to get past the cut to use it.
Agree. Too many people up in arms over this technology. It’s really no different from other innovations like shallow water anchors, spot lock, sidescan, etc.
No limitations.Is my preference. I sold my 360 for 2nd FFS, I’m just getting a handle using it. I can’t afford to flip flop back and forth. I bass fish to catch as many and as big as I can. No one talks about the day where they flipped 50 lay downs 50 docks and and caught 3 fish with no FFS it’s all about numbers and size always has been. Anything that aids in that is a good thing
I think BASS hit it out the park with the new rules and regulations and I can't wait for the new season to kick off. Great video as always keepem coming brother!!!
55" doesnt make sense. It should be total square inches.. One 22" screen is the same as (4) 11" screens. Does an Ipad count as a screen when used for Google Earth?
It’s definitely better than nothing. A first step hopefully. But as I see it, this is pretty inconsequential in making the product more entertaining to watch on TV.
I love bass fishing but for the most part it’s like your a wedding night, a big build up and a short amount of excitement that ends with a nap. Want entertainment? Watch a good football game.
Sorry! Most of us that are invested in FFS are getting our info from the army of ‘non pro’ TH-cam guys. This is not about the info you guys share with us common folk. We love following you guys, but we have other opportunities to get info. Focus on making the tournament playing field level. Putting some limitations is a good idea. I’m opposed to banning the technology in its entirety……
I am glad they did something about this. Can you imagine what the future will look like for FFS if they didnt? for example, They will have live cameras and or baits that can track fishes ect...
I like it, it feels like it was the obvious choice for them at least in my eyes. Like you said, it stops the arms race to see who can fit the most screens on their boat and there wasn’t a decision that would make everyone happy (and when is there honestly?) I am very curious to see what kind of schedule they roll out for you guys next year! Good Luck! 👊
I agree to the limitations right now. I hope that B.A.S.S. leaves room for making any changes to their limitations they have set. I would also hope that B.A.S.S. compares last years total fish weigh-ins to this years total weigh-ins. Just to see if the limitations were actually needed. F.Y.I....I just got back home from fishing a hot summer tournament. I used your D-Bombs for the first time pitching and had a very nice finish. Maybe next tournament I will win it. I finished in 90 degree water temperature and they were smoking that D-Bomb.
I like the idea of having the wild card events, and I think what a lot (not all) of people's issues with it is when they turn on the TV and see quite a number of anglers just staring down at their screen and it's just boring.
I agree with BASS on this latest rule. But for more viewership, the viewers would like to look at the live scope in action. We would like to see exactly what you are seeing when using it. I hope to see you again on Lake Fork, Texas .
Manufacturers should figure a simple way to broadcast what the angler sees on their screen for the viewers to see. It would dispel myth about easy fishing and be more entertaining to watch.
Nice open minded approach John, I liked your idea a few months ago about limited use. It simply isn't entertaining anymore for me to watch someone watch a basses reaction and then catch them. There's tons of methods for us to learn how to improve on YT these days, what I've loved about watching the best of the best is simply you guys figuring it out and adjusting approach based on instinct, intuition, experience and and and. Agreed it makes those unfamiliar with a specific body of water more efficient but that's just making it simpler to catch fish and less reliant on the aforementioned skill set. Watching Scott Martin catch those bass earlier in the year off beds on Okeechobee Open through use of his FFS was incredible, but what does that look like when everyone is doing that in dirtier lakes in the spring up north. Davey might need a glass ball for that. :) Again, really appreciate your reasonable point of view as well as the fact that you roll with the changes and stay positive.
I like it, I think they had to do something and a not too extreme in either direction is a good happy medium and shows that they are listening to the audience. I do however think it should be reevaluated on a yearly basis. As far as the opens go, I think they should make at least the game day rules the same but I wouldn’t be mad if they were able to still have some of the things that have been limited during practice, I mean it could essentially be the last opportunity they have to practice that way if they have a good year.
But that’s what made bass fishing a sport, being able to hunt them down on your own on bodies of water you fished or not fished before. It was all about learning the body of water, the species that was in there the food base for the game fish, seasonal patterns with trail and error. FFS takes away any chance the fish have to survive and recover from fishing pressure and the weather. Nowadays bass fishing has gotten to the point where it’s all about the money and not the survival of the fish.
You still see the back of the angler either way. Livescope screen needs be shown and anglers talk when on live. Its anglers fault for not talking to the people watching when on live.
With the B.A.S.S. decision on FFS I will not be renewing my B.A.S.S. membership. Or watch any boring FFS B.A.S.S. events on TV or TH-cam. Pro bass fishing tournaments were fun to compete in and watch long before any FFS was available. Thats when bass fishing no-how and the fundamentals of finding fish worked without FFS. Just my opinion and choice and we all have our own opinions on this.
I have a great example of another perspective BASS is completely missing if they truly want to capture new viewers. My neighbor saw me in the boat garage and asked me what my live sonar transducer was on the troliing motor. I told him it was a live sonar transducer that allowed me to scan and see fish in real time. He immediately said "wow that's cheating isn't it?" His other comment was "that kinda takes the sport outta fishing doesn't it?" Not saying it should be banned for rec use, but if BASS or any of the other Orgs truly want to get pro bass fishing more mainstream then they have to remove these perceptions!
7:10 Your line of thinking is flawed. Bass fishing should be challenging. That is the fun part is finding out the fish and then catching them. Fair chase. You equate total number of fish caught to total amount of fun had. I disagree. If this was the case everyone would be fishing 100% of the time for bluegills. You think that without FFS people fish less and dont spend as much time in boats? What? You also say that FFS results in more lure sales? This is only true for jig heads and minnow style soft plastics. Which, I understand, you make. I get it. But ask Strike King how many lures FFS sells...
Agreed. He has a ton of holes in his logic. I think most of us know protecting your career position and pushing products to do so is what attempting to justify. Just be honest with the viewers. I have FFS, it works probably too well. I'd rather not see it in professional fishing. But hey, money right?
I'm glad they limited it because the amount of money it cost was getting out of hand but I am so glad that they did not ban it because I have a 15 year year-old in high school and a 12-year-old in middle school and they both play football and wrestling and I help out with their teams and I know their teammates very well and before forward facing sonar all of these children just did not have an interest in fishing like I did as a child but with forward facing sonar kids watch fishing and participate in fishing and their Christmas and birthday list every year is nothing but signature series rods and baits. Because they are taught in school on screens and all of their communication is through screens having Forward facing sonar makes the sport so appealing to them. And this has been all they have been talking about lately and now they are all planning on watching BASS exclusively. My 12-year-old explained that watching a guy go down a bank catching a fish every 30 to 45 minutes is extremely boring but seeing someone like Jacob Wheeler get on a school and catch a fish every cast is exciting and makes him want to do the same. On a bad day when the bite was tough my kids would get bored after a couple hours which is understandable but if you give them the trolling motor and my Live Scope they will spend eight hours chasing fish and do not want to go home at the end of the day Because they know the fish are there and it's up to them to figure out how to make them bite and that interaction keeps them entertained even when they are not catching anything just knowing the fish are there gives them hope. Anyone that thinks that forward facing sonar means you throw the bait in front of the fish and it bites has never used forward facing sonar a trick I use on Lake Hartwell currently is to pinpoint where the fish are on a point with my Live Scope and then turn it off Because they are so sensitive to electronics on this lake that they will not bite if I have it facing towards them. One of the pros on the NPFL taught me that so my kids could catch more spotted bass.
I think it's a good move for many reasons. Us ham and eggers are watching you guys to pick up on things. I'm learning. New techniques, new baits, tips, tricks, and so on. The way most of the pros' boats are rigged today is way way out of our budgets. Soooo a lot of the "how to" factor doesn't apply anymore. Also, I'm sure several of the pros are not happy about spending so much money to keep up with the trends. BASS did the right thing. Keep educating the kids and people to get into the sport or hobby. It doesn't require 5 graphs, 3 trolling motors and a 100k boat to do this.
I think they should have allowed 2 max transducer, now you basically will have to go with 360 and a ffs unit, I would prefer the 2 lives one in scout and one in forward facing and lowrance AT2 have the option for more views where they stitch them together, makes AT2 a bit less appealing but not a huge difference between scout and 360 in my opinion. I am also assuming our organisation will just follow the limitations
Does this set of rules eliminate having a back up trolling motor in the second rod locker? I know in the past guys have carried back up motors not sure if they still do.
Limit each boat to two spinning reel and rods and two bait casters and rods per boat. Limit each boat to only 10 lbs of fishing tackle. Make each person wear a patch over one eye and you cannot use a scale to weigh your fish for culling purposes. Limit each boat to only 20 gallons of gas so they aren't running all over the lake with the big outboards. This will make them have to run smaller outboards and smaller boats. See how all of the sponsors like these changes. Don't allow sun glasses that allow anglers to see in the water to see bedding fish. Don't allow braided line or flourocarbon line. Don't allow lithium batteries.
As a viewer of bass live and what not I’m miss the days of flipping a jig or cranking which has been replaced with staring at a screen. It is what it is I still watch. I also fished the nwt “walleye” team championship at Erie this year. You ain’t got a shot without the live scope. plays a way bigger role on the walleye side it’s all neat to me. You have the Randy Blaukats and Ben Millikens and then guys in the middle as you seem to be and Kyle welcher.
I've been on the fence about buying FFS because I am afraid of two things; one it greatly reduces the deductive reasoning and anticipation of maybe being right (as opposed to actually immediately seeing if my deducing was right), and I'm also concerned that once I learn to catch fish that way, there would be no turning back. Once you own a $1000 rod/reel combo you can't go back to a two piece rod and a Zebco 202. That being said, BASS and MLF have several big problems that are effecting their viewership, the biggest of which is someone interested in learning how to fish better can get much better, quicker, and precise education watching TH-cam channels...like John's. Another big problem in live coverage from BASS and MLF is a large percentage of what you see is anglers fishing with FFS. If you don't have FFS that teaches nothing, even if you do, you're not really learning how to use FFS better, like how to set your unit and how to interpret what you're seeing on the screen. And I hate to bring it up but the split diluted the favorite name anglers and most of the big names went to an unpopular format, which was the nail in the coffin for me. Add to that the ridiculous percentage of advertising on LIVE, especially from BASS, for such a small PAYOUT of education, that drops viewership, which drives sponsors to TH-cam videos. With the ridiculous amount of costs involved in professional tournament fishing, the extra competition for sponsorship has made anglers more and more desperate to win and many are skirting in the gray areas which reduces the integrity of the sport. Speaking for myself and many of my fellow club members (most of us are 50 plus years old) we rarely follow national tournaments anymore unless it's on a lake we actually fish to see specific areas fish are being caught. It's far easier to look up a specific technique or lake on TH-cam and watch a twenty minute video dedicated to what we want to learn. I don't know what the solution is but professional tournament fishing has some serious issues going forward.
Do you think the single transducer rule will help push companies to build more tech into a single transducer similar to what Lowrance did with the new eagle?
We all have opinions and are entitled to have them! So you feel that you guys, the so called pros, need to show the general public how to scope??? Anyone that has watched scope vids knows there’s only so much you can explain, but time on the water is where it’s at. Hell I’m a fan of trolling over FFS, bring on the camera drones, push poles, drag my boat over a sand bar, ect. FFS is allowed because of sponsorship $$$. No brainer. Why not bring back the A rig. Hell I can go on for hours!
Before fishing the major tournaments, I read Bassmaster magazine and watched the pro tournaments on TV to learn how you can catch bass. The only thing that’s changed is the addition of some good TH-cam content but it’s not all good. So how do people learn how to catch bass if not from those methods?
I just wish someday that Bassmaster would think about the co-angler when the Pro goes offshore and stays there all day!!! Co-anglers have money on the line too!!!
You do know that there were co anglers in the Top 100 (Elites). The pros cried about co's catching their fish. The co's are basically in the boat for one main reason. To keep the cheating to a minimum for the pros.
I just don't understand why now ffs is so bad, but when it first came out, everybody was talking about how cool it was and a game changer. Now it's not...🤣🤦🏾♂️
I think it's amazing that they are limiting things so that it doesn't evolve into guys having like 10 transducers on the boat with 8 screens and on and on. There has to be some of the pure fishing part of the equation left or they may as well just let ya shock the water and net them lol All jokes aside, an 18yr old kid should be able to get him an 18ft bass boat and go compete in local events and BFL's and Bass Nation events and still have a shot at accomplishing something. The more this sport moves towards needing to have $250,000 in a truck, boat, equipment, and entry fee's for one season the less and less it's going to appeal to people.
John I'm new to fishing. I been catching a lot fish on crankbait. I saw one of your old video on TH-cam saying you love crankbait. Can you show us how to crank from beginner to a competent crankbait fishing?
Top level tournaments teach you to go fish during the peak of each lake and catch fish, which does nothing when it comes to teaching proper bass fishing techniques. How about zero practice, that shows the cream of the crop. The Old Pro's didn't need live scope when going to new waters you used a map like Hoy Spot or whatever.
So 15 spinning rods on the front deck and every tourney won on FFS. You should include the number of FFS fish you catch each tournament review videos...Using your analogy that fishing techniques are learned watching the pros, they only need three baits and never learn a jig or spinner bait. You also don't need to design anymore hard baits they are no longer selling
So you are saying the young guys without live scope can still catch them? Then why do they need it if they can still catch them. Limiting is a start. But they need to go half the season with it and half without it. Classic absolutely no ffs. I might start watching bass again. Good topic John.
I think you are wrong the young anglers will not be the same without FFS. You can say what you want but what you said about the Mercury is completely different it does not help you catch fish it just runs the boat. All FFS does is makes it easier to find fish. To me that’s not fishing you just want to go catching.
Needs to be banned in my opinion. Trolling around in open water and being able to see fish live and putting the bait on there head doesn’t take much skill
So….long lining is a problem….too much advantage…unfair, takes away from the “sport” of bass fishing. But 55” of screens and live imaging of where and how fishing are swimming, following your lure etc ….that’s ok…that’s being a true “sportsman” Really the logic is crazy. Hell not too many years ago having a 55” tv in your living room was nice. Now if you don’t have it one your damn boat you’re not legit. There is no logic. BASS Is a sellout to the sponsors. I like your content John but you said it yourself. This isn’t about health of fisheries. It’s about people not getting butthurt that they dropped 6k -10k on electronics to look like a pro. Somehow you equate horsepower restrictions as a similar concept.
When I was a kid, we watched videos of KVD cracking a tube or fishing a jerk bait. I could afford those lures cutting grass.
Now we’re showing people that the only thing that works is live scope and a jig head minnow. They need a $4k trolling motor, $5k in graphs, $2k in live scope and you better power that with overly priced lithium batteries. Oh and by the way, this boat costs more than your house.
People want to learn from pro’s so that they can duplicate those techniques on their home body of water. Unfortunately they’ve been priced out of it. So what’s the point in watching something that’s unobtainable for the masses?
I can afford the equipment but to me, I’ll catch less fish without live and utilize the money to raise my kids instead.
If you are a little resourceful you can use some pvc pipe and buy a used setup for like 700 dollars. I don’t look at nascar and think why Don’t I have a 100k motor like they do
Totally agree.
@@devinwillis7787 you’re also not on a racetrack. He’s on public water.
@@jamesbarron1202 I’m not sure what your point is. You don’t have to have the same equipment as the guys who do it for a living
@@devinwillis7787 they don’t need it either (they’re pros) if there’s limitations on equipment. Like most other sports. It’s gotten ridiculous what they spend to stay ahead of their competitors. These rookies without electronics sponsors really get hit in the pocketbook.
Im not going to argue with what they did at the NPFL , or what BASS did ! I like both decision's ......... 10 bucks say's MLF will screw it up somehow ! 🤣
MLF has gone to only allowing FFS in one period of the anglers choice. Going to be very interesting to see how it shakes.
It should be only one transducer in front. Not just one FFS transducer. That way you pick your poison. FFS or 360 or 2D. I’m sure everyone would be running FFS. I truly wish they’d do away with FFS. Fishing shouldn’t be about watching how fish react on a screen. Put the mystery back into fishing.
The NPFL is made for you No need to ban anything. There is something for everyone.
@@TheFishdoctor1952 is it even televised? I have regular free antenna TV. Bassmasters is the only thing I’ve seen televised.
I think the 360 and one FFS is fine and all that is needed. This is no different for when NASCAR limited the sets of tires teams could have some years back because multi-car teams had 8-10 sets each team and the single car team had four for the weekend. Balance is needed because unlike sports teams, but like NASCAR, the pro fishing leagues travel together and fish against each other each event, just like NASCAR, so balance is needed to keep success leveled at the skill versus the technology and financial backing level.
You are one of the only anglers I’ve seen that has a balanced, thoughtful view on FFS. I appreciate your thoughts on the matter. I hope you have a great 2025.
I agree with your view John. Limit its's use but not ban it.
👊🏼
Yup someone with common sense...common sense is a lost art..
Very good, maybe next year’s Live coverage won’t be so boring. Like the limitations on screen size, it was getting out of control. Also like the elimination of additional trolling motors on the Power Poles.
It will interesting to look back next summer after the 2025 season and see how each tournament trail fairs with their new rules.
I watched Luke Dunkin’s podcast with NPFL and their reasoning for their rule changes. The organizations have to set the rules that support their business and keeps its profitable, thus would expect further rule tweaks following the 2025 season. Now to see what MLF does!
BS!
I think u are trying to convince yourself that FFS is fishing but it’s scoping how the best win with it. It’s not fishing, it’s spotlighting.
I think the NBT screens are incredible. I hate that they won’t allow one extra inch. I guess ‘’give them an inch, and they’ll take a mile’’ applies here.
Useless ruling to politically satisfy sponsors, manufacturers and whiny fisherman who can't fish without ffs. Gutless decision by BASS and Pathetic!
You obviously don't know how sponsors spend their money, but hey, they should just ponder to the likes of you 😂😂😂😂
Lemme guess…Blaukat viewer?
@Fishing_with_Fincher oh definitely drinks Uncle Randy's kool-aid.....so many grown men throwing tantrums and crying on social media.....they need to take up another sport....maybe Frisbee golf.....so they can complain about all the different disks used and how it's not fair😂😂
Boom. John and these ‘elites’ just don’t get it
I could go either way. I just love to Bass Fish
Bless you 😊
john, you’re making too much sense! I agree with you 100%.
Thank you for having some sense about it. Great perspective
Thx
Great video and explanations! I agree this is a common sense compromise. Let's see if MLF does anything to differentiate itself. Watching a FFS broadcast isn't much less boring than flipping or numerous other techniques!
I agree with you. Hope you kick ass next year man.
Well put John and once again you have managed to give a great perspective on a very touchy topic. Keep the videos coming sir.
I agree with their ruling. I think it is a good compromise.
I think BASS did a good job with this without instituting a ban. Looking forward to seeing the more diverse schedule.
Straight up common sense analyzation ...Good job john..
They should mix it 100%. Have half to ban live, half where its allowed. That’s the fairest compromise they could do imo. FFS fisherman get to watch 4 tournaments they love, old school fisherman get to watch what they like, everyone wins. Sponsors are happy. I just don’t understand what’s holding them back from doing something like that
The only person it doesn’t matter to is John Cox, he never needed no electronics and he still cashed some checks, he is just awesome John Crews
John, I think B.A.S.S. pulled off the Great Compromise without Compromising... The NPFL announcement being first was no coincidence. This allows both leagues to continue to grow, share anglers, and give both the Nays & Yays fans something to follow. 🍺🎣
What's MLF and bring back the A-rig... 🤣
Sounds like a good plan in my eyes...
Always followed and enjoyed you sir…but we disagree.
No problem with that. Thanks 👊🏼
I cancelled my BASS subscription along time ago. I thought BSS didn’t give enough information in the page and a half. They were given. I don’t want to watch a person looking at their screen all day targeting certain fish. There’s no skill in finding big fish and harassing them into biting. good luck in future events. But today I unsubscribe until FFS is eliminated from Pro bass fishing.
Check out NPFL. They banned it.
Don't be a Randy
So what you are saying Ken, someone is holding a gun to your head to watch?
@@TheFishdoctor1952 I don't remember saying anything to the sort. I just stated my opinion. Agree or disagree doesn't matter. Believe what you want to and allow me the same. John was very polite and I wished him well. What else do You want?
@@PunchFishing Wow, that the best you could do?
John…great video! I agree with you.
I think BASS could also mix it up, like maybe only allow the FFS during practice and day 3 & 4 of the tournaments, or even only on day 4. It would require anglers to use more traditional techniques, but allow the FFS still be used.
Can you imagine what golf would be like with your concept. Wood shafts on rounds 1 and 3. Irons only on rounds 2 and 4. It ain't broke. No real need to fix it. There is another (minor) league for the haters of FFS.
@@TheFishdoctor1952 I can! If you want to compare golf…the pro’s have a ton of technology restrictions on what they can use…balls that compensate, golf carts, etc…that amateurs are free to use.
Another difference between golf and fishing, is there’s multiple techniques being used simultaneously on the playing field. What FFS has done placed more anglers doing fewer techniques. I don’t believe in banning it, because weekend fishermen who want to buy and learn to use it want to see the pros use it. However, restricting it would force anglers to be more versatile. It would also incentivize even more to get past the cut to use it.
So glad they didn’t give in to the keyboard warriors that weren’t actually watching anyway
Agree. Too many people up in arms over this technology. It’s really no different from other innovations like shallow water anchors, spot lock, sidescan, etc.
Thanks for the insights John🤓 You living the dream🤗 Let's get ready for the 2025 season!!!👍
Hey look dude. Randy Blaukat is watching you
😂
😂
😂
And randy blockhead still won't be able to win or even compete!!
Great work John keep the information and content coming brother thanks
No limitations.Is my preference. I sold my 360 for 2nd FFS, I’m just getting a handle using it. I can’t afford to flip flop back and forth. I bass fish to catch as many and as big as I can. No one talks about the day where they flipped 50 lay downs 50 docks and and caught 3 fish with no FFS it’s all about numbers and size always has been. Anything that aids in that is a good thing
I think BASS hit it out the park with the new rules and regulations and I can't wait for the new season to kick off. Great video as always keepem coming brother!!!
55" doesnt make sense. It should be total square inches.. One 22" screen is the same as (4) 11" screens. Does an Ipad count as a screen when used for Google Earth?
That is some interesting math
It’s definitely better than nothing. A first step hopefully. But as I see it, this is pretty inconsequential in making the product more entertaining to watch on TV.
I love bass fishing but for the most part it’s like your a wedding night, a big build up and a short amount of excitement that ends with a nap. Want entertainment? Watch a good football game.
It's a safe decision from a business perspective. Good or not will yet be determined.
Sorry! Most of us that are invested in FFS are getting our info from the army of ‘non pro’ TH-cam guys. This is not about the info you guys share with us common folk. We love following you guys, but we have other opportunities to get info. Focus on making the tournament playing field level. Putting some limitations is a good idea. I’m opposed to banning the technology in its entirety……
I am glad they did something about this. Can you imagine what the future will look like for FFS if they didnt? for example, They will have live cameras and or baits that can track fishes ect...
I like it, it feels like it was the obvious choice for them at least in my eyes. Like you said, it stops the arms race to see who can fit the most screens on their boat and there wasn’t a decision that would make everyone happy (and when is there honestly?) I am very curious to see what kind of schedule they roll out for you guys next year!
Good Luck! 👊
I agree to the limitations right now. I hope that B.A.S.S. leaves room for making any changes to their limitations they have set. I would also hope that B.A.S.S. compares last years total fish weigh-ins to this years total weigh-ins. Just to see if the limitations were actually needed. F.Y.I....I just got back home from fishing a hot summer tournament. I used your D-Bombs for the first time pitching and had a very nice finish. Maybe next tournament I will win it. I finished in 90 degree water temperature and they were smoking that D-Bomb.
I like the idea of having the wild card events, and I think what a lot (not all) of people's issues with it is when they turn on the TV and see quite a number of anglers just staring down at their screen and it's just boring.
I agree with the screen limit. But really don't see what any of this will change
I agree with BASS on this latest rule. But for more viewership, the viewers would like to look at the live scope in action. We would like to see exactly what you are seeing when using it. I hope to see you again on Lake Fork, Texas .
Manufacturers should figure a simple way to broadcast what the angler sees on their screen for the viewers to see. It would dispel myth about easy fishing and be more entertaining to watch.
All you have to do is watch BASS live.
Nice open minded approach John, I liked your idea a few months ago about limited use. It simply isn't entertaining anymore for me to watch someone watch a basses reaction and then catch them. There's tons of methods for us to learn how to improve on YT these days, what I've loved about watching the best of the best is simply you guys figuring it out and adjusting approach based on instinct, intuition, experience and and and. Agreed it makes those unfamiliar with a specific body of water more efficient but that's just making it simpler to catch fish and less reliant on the aforementioned skill set. Watching Scott Martin catch those bass earlier in the year off beds on Okeechobee Open through use of his FFS was incredible, but what does that look like when everyone is doing that in dirtier lakes in the spring up north. Davey might need a glass ball for that. :) Again, really appreciate your reasonable point of view as well as the fact that you roll with the changes and stay positive.
I like it, I think they had to do something and a not too extreme in either direction is a good happy medium and shows that they are listening to the audience. I do however think it should be reevaluated on a yearly basis. As far as the opens go, I think they should make at least the game day rules the same but I wouldn’t be mad if they were able to still have some of the things that have been limited during practice, I mean it could essentially be the last opportunity they have to practice that way if they have a good year.
Should be banned for guiding services that keep fish such as crappie. limits daily year around, ridiculous.
But that’s what made bass fishing a sport, being able to hunt them down on your own on bodies of water you fished or not fished before. It was all about learning the body of water, the species that was in there the food base for the game fish, seasonal patterns with trail and error. FFS takes away any chance the fish have to survive and recover from fishing pressure and the weather. Nowadays bass fishing has gotten to the point where it’s all about the money and not the survival of the fish.
You still see the back of the angler either way. Livescope screen needs be shown and anglers talk when on live. Its anglers fault for not talking to the people watching when on live.
With the B.A.S.S. decision on FFS I will not be renewing my B.A.S.S. membership. Or watch any boring FFS B.A.S.S. events on TV or TH-cam. Pro bass fishing tournaments were fun to compete in and watch long before any FFS was available. Thats when bass fishing no-how and the fundamentals of finding fish worked without FFS. Just my opinion and choice and we all have our own opinions on this.
I still think it would be awesome to do a hybrid schedule. Personally, I'm not for a ban of any kind in life.
This idea is getting more popular
@@JohnCrews From none tournament fishermen. Would you be for that type of format?
I have a great example of another perspective BASS is completely missing if they truly want to capture new viewers. My neighbor saw me in the boat garage and asked me what my live sonar transducer was on the troliing motor. I told him it was a live sonar transducer that allowed me to scan and see fish in real time. He immediately said "wow that's cheating isn't it?" His other comment was "that kinda takes the sport outta fishing doesn't it?" Not saying it should be banned for rec use, but if BASS or any of the other Orgs truly want to get pro bass fishing more mainstream then they have to remove these perceptions!
Agree on all points, John. I was checking out the "MOVE." What is the shat length you're using? Is the pedal tension adjustable?
I would add to the changes to allow the use of ffs only the first day and not allow its use the rest of the tournament.
7:10 Your line of thinking is flawed. Bass fishing should be challenging. That is the fun part is finding out the fish and then catching them. Fair chase. You equate total number of fish caught to total amount of fun had. I disagree. If this was the case everyone would be fishing 100% of the time for bluegills. You think that without FFS people fish less and dont spend as much time in boats? What? You also say that FFS results in more lure sales? This is only true for jig heads and minnow style soft plastics. Which, I understand, you make. I get it. But ask Strike King how many lures FFS sells...
Agreed. He has a ton of holes in his logic. I think most of us know protecting your career position and pushing products to do so is what attempting to justify. Just be honest with the viewers. I have FFS, it works probably too well. I'd rather not see it in professional fishing. But hey, money right?
I'm glad they limited it because the amount of money it cost was getting out of hand but I am so glad that they did not ban it because I have a 15 year year-old in high school and a 12-year-old in middle school and they both play football and wrestling and I help out with their teams and I know their teammates very well and before forward facing sonar all of these children just did not have an interest in fishing like I did as a child but with forward facing sonar kids watch fishing and participate in fishing and their Christmas and birthday list every year is nothing but signature series rods and baits. Because they are taught in school on screens and all of their communication is through screens having Forward facing sonar makes the sport so appealing to them. And this has been all they have been talking about lately and now they are all planning on watching BASS exclusively. My 12-year-old explained that watching a guy go down a bank catching a fish every 30 to 45 minutes is extremely boring but seeing someone like Jacob Wheeler get on a school and catch a fish every cast is exciting and makes him want to do the same. On a bad day when the bite was tough my kids would get bored after a couple hours which is understandable but if you give them the trolling motor and my Live Scope they will spend eight hours chasing fish and do not want to go home at the end of the day Because they know the fish are there and it's up to them to figure out how to make them bite and that interaction keeps them entertained even when they are not catching anything just knowing the fish are there gives them hope. Anyone that thinks that forward facing sonar means you throw the bait in front of the fish and it bites has never used forward facing sonar a trick I use on Lake Hartwell currently is to pinpoint where the fish are on a point with my Live Scope and then turn it off Because they are so sensitive to electronics on this lake that they will not bite if I have it facing towards them. One of the pros on the NPFL taught me that so my kids could catch more spotted bass.
I think it's a good move for many reasons. Us ham and eggers are watching you guys to pick up on things. I'm learning. New techniques, new baits, tips, tricks, and so on. The way most of the pros' boats are rigged today is way way out of our budgets. Soooo a lot of the "how to" factor doesn't apply anymore.
Also, I'm sure several of the pros are not happy about spending so much money to keep up with the trends.
BASS did the right thing. Keep educating the kids and people to get into the sport or hobby. It doesn't require 5 graphs, 3 trolling motors and a 100k boat to do this.
Bass is not interested in educating anyone. Their only interest is $$$$$$!
I caught my PB 7.0lb smallmouth with 2D. Now I'm just hoping ffs will help me catch an 8!
The States will have the final say. It is being studied by many states !
Awesome Video Cousin Keep Catching Fish
I think they should have allowed 2 max transducer, now you basically will have to go with 360 and a ffs unit, I would prefer the 2 lives one in scout and one in forward facing and lowrance AT2 have the option for more views where they stitch them together, makes AT2 a bit less appealing but not a huge difference between scout and 360 in my opinion. I am also assuming our organisation will just follow the limitations
Does this set of rules eliminate having a back up trolling motor in the second rod locker? I know in the past guys have carried back up motors not sure if they still do.
Right on.
Limit each boat to two spinning reel and rods and two bait casters and rods per boat. Limit each boat to only 10 lbs of fishing tackle. Make each person wear a patch over one eye and you cannot use a scale to weigh your fish for culling purposes. Limit each boat to only 20 gallons of gas so they aren't running all over the lake with the big outboards. This will make them have to run smaller outboards and smaller boats. See how all of the sponsors like these changes. Don't allow sun glasses that allow anglers to see in the water to see bedding fish. Don't allow braided line or flourocarbon line. Don't allow lithium batteries.
As a viewer of bass live and what not I’m miss the days of flipping a jig or cranking which has been replaced with staring at a screen. It is what it is I still watch. I also fished the nwt “walleye” team championship at Erie this year. You ain’t got a shot without the live scope. plays a way bigger role on the walleye side it’s all neat to me. You have the Randy Blaukats and Ben Millikens and then guys in the middle as you seem to be and Kyle welcher.
I've been on the fence about buying FFS because I am afraid of two things; one it greatly reduces the deductive reasoning and anticipation of maybe being right (as opposed to actually immediately seeing if my deducing was right), and I'm also concerned that once I learn to catch fish that way, there would be no turning back. Once you own a $1000 rod/reel combo you can't go back to a two piece rod and a Zebco 202. That being said, BASS and MLF have several big problems that are effecting their viewership, the biggest of which is someone interested in learning how to fish better can get much better, quicker, and precise education watching TH-cam channels...like John's. Another big problem in live coverage from BASS and MLF is a large percentage of what you see is anglers fishing with FFS. If you don't have FFS that teaches nothing, even if you do, you're not really learning how to use FFS better, like how to set your unit and how to interpret what you're seeing on the screen. And I hate to bring it up but the split diluted the favorite name anglers and most of the big names went to an unpopular format, which was the nail in the coffin for me. Add to that the ridiculous percentage of advertising on LIVE, especially from BASS, for such a small PAYOUT of education, that drops viewership, which drives sponsors to TH-cam videos. With the ridiculous amount of costs involved in professional tournament fishing, the extra competition for sponsorship has made anglers more and more desperate to win and many are skirting in the gray areas which reduces the integrity of the sport. Speaking for myself and many of my fellow club members (most of us are 50 plus years old) we rarely follow national tournaments anymore unless it's on a lake we actually fish to see specific areas fish are being caught. It's far easier to look up a specific technique or lake on TH-cam and watch a twenty minute video dedicated to what we want to learn. I don't know what the solution is but professional tournament fishing has some serious issues going forward.
Do you think the single transducer rule will help push companies to build more tech into a single transducer similar to what Lowrance did with the new eagle?
I wonder when that $10,000 super mega transducer for forward facing will hit the market🤷🏻♂️🤷🏻♂️🤷🏻♂️
For real
The military has had this technology for over 2 decades. Cost was the factor for the general public.
How about just 3 graphs... total inches of screen doesn't move me.
I think 2 12’s are plenty lol
We all have opinions and are entitled to have them! So you feel that you guys, the so called pros, need to show the general public how to scope??? Anyone that has watched scope vids knows there’s only so much you can explain, but time on the water is where it’s at. Hell I’m a fan of trolling over FFS, bring on the camera drones, push poles, drag my boat over a sand bar, ect. FFS is allowed because of sponsorship $$$. No brainer. Why not bring back the A rig. Hell I can go on for hours!
Before fishing the major tournaments, I read Bassmaster magazine and watched the pro tournaments on TV to learn how you can catch bass. The only thing that’s changed is the addition of some good TH-cam content but it’s not all good. So how do people learn how to catch bass if not from those methods?
I just wish someday that Bassmaster would think about the co-angler when the Pro goes offshore and stays there all day!!! Co-anglers have money on the line too!!!
You do know that there were co anglers in the Top 100 (Elites). The pros cried about co's catching their fish. The co's are basically in the boat for one main reason. To keep the cheating to a minimum for the pros.
They have to make a good balance it is a good start
I just don't understand why now ffs is so bad, but when it first came out, everybody was talking about how cool it was and a game changer. Now it's not...🤣🤦🏾♂️
Some people just can’t look forward. Same as electric cars, if some had their way we would still be riding horses.
I think it's amazing that they are limiting things so that it doesn't evolve into guys having like 10 transducers on the boat with 8 screens and on and on. There has to be some of the pure fishing part of the equation left or they may as well just let ya shock the water and net them lol All jokes aside, an 18yr old kid should be able to get him an 18ft bass boat and go compete in local events and BFL's and Bass Nation events and still have a shot at accomplishing something. The more this sport moves towards needing to have $250,000 in a truck, boat, equipment, and entry fee's for one season the less and less it's going to appeal to people.
Totally agree very .well said
John I'm new to fishing. I been catching a lot fish on crankbait. I saw one of your old video on TH-cam saying you love crankbait. Can you show us how to crank from beginner to a competent crankbait fishing?
What BASS did wasn't squat! Ray Scott rolled over in his grave, again.
No fisherman here.keep it moving
Well said Johnny
Hey John did Chris Zaldain design the Magdraft?
No but he helped make it popular.
Wouldn't 360 be considered a second transducer mounted to the trolling motor?
It’s not a live transducer. You have a 2d and side scan one built into the trolling motor
....95% of tournaments will still be won with FFS.
Will no longer watch BASS , ray scott would be very disappointed!
Wow! BASSMASTER did Nothing! grow a pair JOHN!
Thanks
Top level tournaments teach you to go fish during the peak of each lake and catch fish, which does nothing when it comes to teaching proper bass fishing techniques.
How about zero practice, that shows the cream of the crop.
The Old Pro's didn't need live scope when going to new waters you used a map like Hoy Spot or whatever.
Doesn’t matter ain’t watching bass anymore
So 15 spinning rods on the front deck and every tourney won on FFS. You should include the number of FFS fish you catch each tournament review videos...Using your analogy that fishing techniques are learned watching the pros, they only need three baits and never learn a jig or spinner bait. You also don't need to design anymore hard baits they are no longer selling
Jerk bait sales are higher than ever. Tyler Williams made the classic as a rookie fishing only a jig. Not really sure what you’re talking about
So you are saying the young guys without live scope can still catch them? Then why do they need it if they can still catch them. Limiting is a start. But they need to go half the season with it and half without it. Classic absolutely no ffs. I might start watching bass again. Good topic John.
Why would they want it banned if they enjoy using it? I don’t see why the young guys wanting to keep live is indicative of their skill without it.
I think you are wrong the young anglers will not be the same without FFS. You can say what you want but what you said about the Mercury is completely different it does not help you catch fish it just runs the boat. All FFS does is makes it easier to find fish. To me that’s not fishing you just want to go catching.
I love fishing regardless but it change anything
i disagree should be ban this new rule will not change anything
Ban it. just fish old-school it’s more exciting
What boat are you gonna run next year and why?
Did they ban the ffs transducers on the back of the boat that some of the pros are using
Needs to be banned in my opinion. Trolling around in open water and being able to see fish live and putting the bait on there head doesn’t take much skill
Then watch the NPFL.
I agree
So….long lining is a problem….too much advantage…unfair, takes away from the “sport” of bass fishing. But 55” of screens and live imaging of where and how fishing are swimming, following your lure etc ….that’s ok…that’s being a true “sportsman”
Really the logic is crazy. Hell not too many years ago having a 55” tv in your living room was nice. Now if you don’t have it one your damn boat you’re not legit.
There is no logic. BASS Is a sellout to the sponsors.
I like your content John but you said it yourself. This isn’t about health of fisheries. It’s about people not getting butthurt that they dropped 6k -10k on electronics to look like a pro.
Somehow you equate horsepower restrictions as a similar concept.
Think this is fair for all.
Can not use the LVS 62 in 25. Just the 32 and 34.