Livescope/Forward-Facing Sonar Survey

[rsimms]

SURVEY FOR FISHERMEN - Please answer three simple questions in this survey regarding Forward-Facing Sonar (such as Livescope or other similar brands). It should take you less than one minute. Thank you!! https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/QWNMSVV Of course I will share final results when the survey ends.

I've been asked why I'm doing this.

Answer: My journalistic curiosity.

I am Editor of www.CrappieNOW.com Magazine. I have inquired to numerous influential and knowledgeable sources as to the overall market penetration of Forward-Facing Sonar. Do 5% of all anglers have FFS or 50%? It seems NO ONE knows - at least no one I've contacted, including some heavy-hitter fishing equipment manufacturing representatives. Everyone wants to write about FFS these days, but with no information regarding market penetration, I am concerned that we could potentially be alienating many, or even most, of our readers who don't have it. This survey is NOT scientifically valid - and it will never be represented as such - but if we can get a significant number of responses, it will provide better information than anyone else has been able to provide so far. And help me have a better grasp of how many of our readers might be interested, or not. Of course market penetration will definitely increase in the coming years. I'm just trying to get a snapshot of where it stands now... at least folks in my social media network.

 

[trbr81]

done

 

[rsimms]

SURVEY RESULTS - Regarding the survey I posted last week asking how many people have Forward-Facing Sonar (FFS, such as Garmin Livescope or similar Humminbird or Lowrance brands), the survey has now been closed.

Albeit TOTALLY unscientific, I am absolutely astounded at the results! Basically HALF of all respondents indicate they do have forward-facing sonar.

I never imagined the percentage would be anywhere near that high. Perhaps folks were more inclined to answer if they do have FFS? But no matter what - even if it is off by a significant margin - it is clear to me that there are LOTS more people using FFS now than I ever would have imagined!

FYI, of the people who "Commented" on the reasons they do not have FFS (53 comments), a large percentage indicated they have concerns about the technology impacting the resource.

EXAMPLES OF RESPONSES (from people who say they don't own FFS)::
• It is depleting a renewable resource at a rapid pace
• Should be outlawed
• They're a crutch for lazy fishermen. I can't imagine a duller way to fish.
• Not willing to lose knowledge it has taken me a lifetime to acquire.
• Unfair
• Will eventually lead to too many fish being removed from lakes. State agencies will need to reevaluate the number of fish that can be taken out
• Too much technology in the sport already.
• I think they are unfair for sport fishing.
• It's not fishing, it's spotlighting
• Taking the "fishing" out of fishing
• I think they negatively impact the fish harvest.
• I think it's a detriment technology. Two reasons, most resources are struggling and this highly effective tool will only damage it further. Second issue is the angler. The technology is dumbing down anglers. I've fished for a living for almost 50 years. I've watched a steady decline in anglers that truly understand all the elements and those that are successful almost solely through tech. We are losing our skill sets. I blame tech for that. I've seen the full arc of electronics and use modern electronics in my business. This just crosses an ethical line for me. To each his own though.

 

[Gator]

I appreciate the survey and I too am surprised at the high percentage of folks using FFS.

 

[Fshn Cpa]

Interesting that One of the major tournament circuits is limiting the use of FFS. Can't remember if it is BASS or Major League fishing, but the use of FFS will be limited to one day of the tournament.

 

[rsimms]

Interesting that One of the major tournament circuits is limiting the use of FFS. Can't remember if it is BASS or Major League fishing, but the use of FFS will be limited to one day of the tournament.

Actually three national circuits have placed restrictions on forward-facing sonar, but in varying fashions.

Two major bass fishing circuits ban or restrict 'live sonar' technology

After months or years of consideration and debate, two major bass fishing tournament circuits - the National Professional Fishing League and B.A.S.S. - have eit

www.newschannel9.com

MLF announces forward-facing sonar rules for 2025

Last week two major bass fishing tournament circuits announced new regulations regarding forward-facing sonar (FFS), new advanced fish-finding technology consid

www.newschannel9.com

 

[finbully]

It's normal for some folks to be unaccepting of technology improvements. The Captain who taught me how to work once said "electronics are the worst thing that ever happened to fishing". This was over 50 years ago when flashers were the bomb for electronics. There's been naysayers for each improvement in our electronics and this will not end as some are set in their ways while others can't wait for the next improvement. Just normal human behavior.

If BASS and MLF want to ban FFS, it opens an opportunity for a new pro league just like LIV took many of the PGA golfers into the new league. Someone can make bank on the BASS and MLF bans!