B.A.S.S., the iconic and long-standing Bass Anglers Sportsman Society, has announced that beginning in 2026, forward-facing sonar (FFS), aka live sonar, will only be permitted in up to five of its nine regular-season Bassmaster Elite Series events. Which events allow the technology will be determined randomly, according to B.A.S.S. The remaining events will prohibit FFS use entirely, including during official practice.
Restrictions implemented for 2025 — limiting anglers to one live sonar transducer and a maximum of 55 total screen inches — will remain in place. The 2026 Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Under Armour will allow FFS, since all qualifiers earned their spot under the 2025 rules.
Live sonar depicts fish and bait in real-time on-screen in video-like imagery that is reminiscent of medical ultrasound technology. It is used largely in fresh water, but is also growing in popularity among saltwater anglers.
This decision follows two years of careful evaluation, says a news release from B.A.S.S. In 2025, B.A.S.S. scheduled a diverse set of fisheries to naturally limit FFS dominance, and winners in nearly half of the season’s events relied primarily on traditional tactics. However, live sonar still influenced outcomes across the board.
“Many stakeholders within the bass fishing community, including fans and B.A.S.S. members, continued to voice concerns about live sonar use and its influence on competition. Elite Series anglers, through the Angler Board of Professionals (ABP), also asked for more limitations for the 2026 season,” B.A.S.S. stated.
“To address this feedback and preserve competitive balance, B.A.S.S. will blend tradition with technology: a hybrid schedule that both highlights innovation in bass fishing technology and ensures that traditional techniques remain central to success,” the organization said.
B.A.S.S. will reveal which tournaments will allow FFS during a live show on September 4 at 10 a.m. Central Time on Bassmaster.com. Hosts Tommy Sanders, Mark Zona and Davy Hite will learn the results in real time alongside fans. Events will be paired according to the schedule, with a coin flip deciding which one allows live sonar and which will not. The St. Lawrence River, the final stop of the season, will receive its own coin flip, meaning as many as five events could end up being non-FFS tournaments.
“Bassmaster competition has a long history of being the proving ground for new technology that enhances the sport,” said B.A.S.S. CEO Chase Anderson. “While innovation should remain part of bass fishing, no single technology should define it. Listening to anglers, members and fans, we believe this balanced approach keeps competition diverse, entertaining and true to the culture of our sport.”
“B.A.S.S. was intentional last year in scheduling diverse fisheries to balance FFS use,” said Davy Hite, former Bassmaster Classic champion and Elite Series pro. “But the technology still impacted the results in nearly every event. This new rule is exactly what the majority of the ABP voted for — it creates amazing opportunities for fans to watch different skills shine, and it ensures our next Angler of the Year will be the most versatile angler on the planet. Whoever wins in 2026 will have to excel both with and without live sonar.”
B.A.S.S. said that it remains committed to fair competition, protecting the heritage of bass fishing and creating thrilling moments for fans around the globe.
