Three well-known professional bass fishing circuits are taking steps to either regulate or ban the use of forward facing sonar, which arrived on the scene around 2017.

Major League Fishing was the last of the trio to announce rules changes for 2025. MLF checked in Sept. 6 with its new regulations that, among other changes, limits the use of forward facing sonar to one of three periods on the Bass Pro Tour.

The first circuit addressing the oft-controversial new marine electronics was the National Professional Fishing League. NFPL also imposed the harshest policy by banning the real-time imaging units that have taken the sport by storm.

NFPLers cannot use it in practice or competition, NFPL officials announced Sept. 2. They cited sleepless nights and countless hours of discussion before arriving at their decision to ban FFS.

They noted the complex issue is compounded by emotional responses from many bass anglers. The NPFL said it removed as much of the emotion as possible during the decision-making process.

NPFL also noted serious policy and business ramifications associated with any stance on the new technology and agreed there’s no way to make every stakeholder happy.

“This decision will be met with some approval and some criticism, but we’re confident that this is the right decision at the right time for the sport and for the NPFL,” Brad Fuller, NPFL president, summarized at the end of his post on thenationalprofessionalfishingleague.com.

The Bass Anglers Sportsman Society was next with its decision to step up and do something about “video game fishing,” as I have called it since its inception. B.A.S.S. reviewed tournament results, consulted with industry leaders and contacted Bassmaster Elite Series pros multiple times before announcing the creation of equipment standards Sept. 4 for the 2025 Bassmaster Elite Series season.

Basically, the number of live sonar transducers will be reduced to one and it must be mounted to the trolling motor at the bow of the boat. Also, Elite Series and Classic competitors will be limited to a total of 55 inches of screen, including bow and dash head units. Elite Series and Classic competitors can have only one electric motor mounted to their boat, thus eliminating the recently introduced electric motors mounted to shallow water anchors.

B.A.S.S. CEO Chase Anderson said in a prepared statement, “The use of live sonar at the Elite level has sparked a tremendous debate. 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.”

MLF said boats involved in all of its circuits will be limited to two forward facing sonar transducers in any competition, plus no bow-mounted screen can extend vertically more than 18 inches higher than the front deck at its highest point when the boat is on plane.

Targeting its Bass Pro Tour, MLF ruled competitors will be allowed to use FFS (or 360-degree sonar) for only one of three periods each day. Anglers must declare their use of the technologies before the start of the period they choose.

In Tackle Warehouse Invitationals, qualifying periods will be evenly split with FFS and 360-degree sonar allowed on Day 1 and prohibited on Day 2. Those who advance to the Championship Round can use the technologies on Day 3.

I give a wholehearted thumbs up to the three circuits, particularly the NPFL, for their response to the issue.

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New Iberia’s Ducks Unlimited Chapter officials have been busy getting ready for the annual fundraising banquet.

They met Sept. 5 to continue preparations for the New Iberia Bucks for Ducks event scheduled to be held Oct. 24 at the Isle of Iberia RV Resort. Items for raffles, as well as live and silent auctions, are on tap as always to go with a tasty supper and good companionship.

New Iberia DU Chapter Chairman Jason P. Foster, who’s in his 12th year at the helm of one of the most successful chapter’s in the state, and several veteran banquet committee members are hopeful the upcoming event surpasses last year’s turnout of more than 125 outdoorsmen and outdoorswomen. The event raised more than $65,000.

The local chapter urges past and prospective members to get their tickets now.

GENERAL ADMISSION

Green Wing (Youth 17 and under) — $25. Event ticket and one-year GW membership.

General membership — $60. Event ticket and one-year DU membership.

SPONSORSHIP LEVELS

Bronze — $350. Ticket includes a DU Bronze Sponsorship and a guest with one sponsor gift and program advertisement.

Silver Sponsor Table — $650. Ticket includes seating for eight, a DU Bronze Sponsorship, table and program advertisement.

Gold Sponsor Gun Table – $1,000. Ticket includes seating for eight, a DU Bronze Sponsorship and choice of firearm, table and program advertisement.

Platinum Corp. Underwriter– $2,500. Seating for eight with one Bronze Sponsorship, seven adult memberships, choice of firearm, platinum sponsor gift, premium advertisement (event banner, program front page, table, website event page).

For more information on the banquet call Foster at 356-4977.

DON SHOOPMAN is outdoors editor of The Daily Iberian.