BIRMINGHAM — In an effort to get ahead of advances in fishing technology, the Bass Anglers Sportsman Society has created equipment standards for its angling competitors.
Like other sporting events, Bassmaster Elite Series and the Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Jockey Outdoors have felt the impact of technology – good and bad.
Among the technological changes are the use of live sonar and the number of electric motors mounted on the boats.
The new standardization practices are the result of the B.A.S.S. technology committee’s year-long collection of data, review of tournament results, consultations with conservation partners, discussions with industry leaders and communications with the Elite Series competitors throughout the 2024 season.
Once the 2025 Elite Series schedule was finalized this week, B.A.S.S. CEO Chase Anderson approved the committee’s decision on the practices.
“The use of live sonar at the Elite level has sparked tremendous debate,” said Chase Anderson. “Our technology committee spent a tremendous amount of time reviewing post-event surveys, comparing equipment on Elite boats to success rates and considering both fan engagement and bass community feedback related to the use of new technology.
“As the leading tournament organization in sportfishing, our goal was to ensure a level playing field that both embraces the value of hard work and experience on the water as well as new technologies that will continue to improve angler success.”
First, the number of live sonar transducers will be regulated to one and it must be mounted to the trolling motor at the bow of the boat.
“Until now, Elite Series and Classic competitors could have an unlimited number of live transducers mounted on their boats in any location,” the organization said in a news release. “B.A.S.S. will also provide a list of acceptable live transducers from all major electronics manufacturers. Equipment not on this list is banned from usage in Elite Series and Classic competition. This equipment list will be vetted and updated annually.”
Elite Series and Classic competitors will be limited to a total of 55 inches of screen, including bow and dash head units, B.A.S.S. said. The trend to add more and bigger head units to boats is becoming a safety concern, as the bigger screens may create blind spots impacting the safe piloting of boats.
The third change is limiting Elite Series and Classic competitors to one electric motor mounted to their boats. There has been a rise in the use of electric motors mounted to shallow water anchors, which makes the enforcement of current rules (like long-lining and trolling) very difficult, the release said.
The organization is also diversifying the Elite Series schedule, creating a wide variety of fishing styles demanded for success.
“While live sonar technology will remain a consistent tool used at the very highest level of competitive bass fishing, experience and a deep-seeded understanding of fish behavior, movement and patterns will also be needed for success moving forward on the fisheries scheduled,” B.A.S.S. said.
The standardization practices will go into effect at the start of the 2025 Elite Series season. The B.A.S.S. technology committee will continue to monitor the impacts of new technology on bass fishing’s biggest stage.
“B.A.S.S. has always been, and will continue to be, dedicated to teaching our members, fans and the bass fishing community how to catch more and bigger bass,” Anderson said. “Educating anglers on both the fundamentals of fishing as well as new technology aligns with this principle. B.A.S.S. is, and always has been, the keeper of the culture of our sport. We believe these new standards will ensure that both the present and future competitive landscape of the Elite Series will remain above reproach.
“We remain committed to being the leaders in our industry and making decisions that we believe are in the best interest of our sport.”
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