Here's where the forward-facing sonar war actually stands, with no spin: the National Professional Fishing League banned it outright — practice and competition. Major League Fishing limits it to one of three daily periods with two transducers max. And B.A.S.S., after capping Elite boats at 55 screen inches in 2025, announced that for 2026 forward-facing sonar would be allowed at no more than five of nine regular-season events.
Then they picked which five with coin flips. On a live reveal show. Which drew over 50,000 live viewers — for coin flips.
Two summers ago an Outdoor Life analysis argued FFS would never be restricted because the sonar companies fund the sport. Garmin, Lowrance, Humminbird — they write the checks, so the screens stay. That prediction is now dead. Every major tour restricted the technology its own sponsors sell. Whatever you think of the rules, that's the fans moving a league against the money. That almost never happens in any sport.
The part nobody's saying out loud: B.A.S.S. didn't just regulate the controversy, they monetized it. Fan polls on which lakes should ban it. A committee surveying the top 10 after every event. A coin-flip show. The argument IS the product now.
Which is either cynical or brilliant, depending on your camp — and that's exactly the question this week's debate is asking.