Single most powerful conversation on FFS yet.....seriously! JJ's opinion is gold here, and Trait ask the tough questions, and JJ honestly answered. I still want it, but this was an eye opener. Thanks!
Mind blown🤯 I never thought I’d hear Josh say these things. He’s a stand up honest guy. I think it’s detrimental to our trophy class bass genetics. Too many people mishandle them or mount them. Huge bass that otherwise would never be caught and live to pass on their genetics.
He's talked about it multiple times on interviews he's one of the only guys that uses the tech but doesn't sugar coat his ideas to benefit just him the end. He thinks of the larger picture or the future of the sport.
I agree that the matter of "fishing pressure" is less that there are more people on the water and more that it has created opportunities for mismanagement. People with a lot of money who started fishing just in the last few years are basically getting to skip all of the learning that used to be necessary to "get good" and part of this learning process is responsible fish handling and conservation.
There's a big difference between a pro fisherman and a influencer. I don't subscribe to any influencers. Gen Z does. I don't find any enjoyment watching someone catch a bass on a block of wood or a rubber chicken and then yell and scream about it. Fishing currently has 2 very different worlds right now.
Fishing is a game to me. My fav aspect of it is figuring out the fish at a particular time and establishing a good pattern...looking at the weather, time of year, trying out different lures and presentations, working different types of structure, etc. FFS just sucks a lot of the fun out of it for me and doesn't really help improve my skills as a fisherman. I feel like I'm better than I otherwise would be bc I figured out how to catch fish on a nasty winter day when most would say you don't have any business being out there.
I don't have FFS, was working a row of docks. Noticed a guy coming from the other side scanning and half a$$ flipping at docks. He gets to the dock I'm working, scans it says there is nothing under there. I said ok and kept flipping ever post, as he spot locks at the end and puts his rod down and starts b.s. with me. Good conversation, then i catch a 5lber towards the front 3 post. He says have a good day and takes off as soon as i caught the fish. These dudes ain't fishing
I live on the coast and we fish for seabass in similar manners as you would catch deep water smallmouth. We use descending devices rather than fizzing so there is no trauma other than barotrauma. It’s just a 4 oz weight and a clip that you hook to the fish to descend it to the bottom and you jerk it lose and reel the weight in.
Its one thing for someone like chris zaldain to teach us about a technique and if its something that resonates with us we can get into it cheaply by just buying the bait or moderately by purchasing a rod specifically for that technique. But even if pros begin to teach us about what they are doing on forward facing sonar there is a $1000 investment in a transducer followed by a $1000 investment in a screen followed by a $1000 investment in a lithium battery to run it. Its unreasonable to think that all the BASS or MLF fans are going to resonate with that technique enough to make that kind of investment and if tournament after tournament is won on it what it really says to your viewers is if you arent doing this you are wasting your time with the sport because you can spend your time but you will never have this level of success. I think technology is great but FFS itself is essentially propping a few companies up at the detriment as a whole to our sport. Thank you guys for these podcasts and your time.
Excellent conversation. Weighing out the pro's and con's, thinking about current changes and the future. Talking about how we got here. Really enjoyed this one. I don't know Josh Jones but it sounds like he would do extremely well in todays pro circuits by being an excellent FFS fishermen. FFS has been used in Maine Tournament Bass fishing since the late 1990's and the few that had it back then dominated.
As someone in my 40s who has bass fished all his life and went on a crappie guide trip using forward facing sonar….I absolutely hated the experience. It completely eliminated the anticipation, surprise, and everything else that we love about recreational fishing. The technology has also put “pro fishing” out of reach for 95% or more of people. Bass fishing at a competitive level is now a rich man sport…. Even on local level. I appreciate Josh’s introspection even if he is a forward facing sonar addict. The wildlife protection agencies do need to step up on this in general. It might not be next year or 3 years from now, but eventually with machine learning and artificial intelligence the screen will tell the fishermen the exact species and exact or close to exact weight of every fish found on forward facing sonar. The screen pros will be completely neutered by machine learning and the fisheries will be absolutely devastated. The technology combined with machine learning is probably not far off from a “fisherman” being able to spend the entire practice session from graphing the entire lake at 60mph and having the “graph” tell him or her exactly where to fish, when you fish, and how big of fish are on that spot. No need to ever pick up a pole until tournament morning
Very interesting conversation. As Josh knows well, the crappie fishing industry is going through this same dilemma. We may be ahead of the bass industry in terms of how negatively it is affecting our tournament trails. No one has all the answers but it’s going to take tough conversations like this to figure it out.
I’m ready to hear what Josh had to say! I just put a pause on life/barbering to go back to college and pursue a career in the fishing industry. Always a great listen. It shows that you guys truly have your finger on the pulse of it all.
I think Josh is has a great idea of 50/50. As far as watching the clubs I don’t. I watch a few utube channels channels like this one. If I can’t learn something I’m on to the next one. Thanks to the three of you.
For conservation purposes they need to start cycling in more bodies of water instead of all the tournament trails fishing the same waters. Spread the tournament trail through the nation to allow more fans to interact and gain generational fans and viewership.
Thank you for this honest discussion! From Elites on down to Recreational, everything stated in this conversation points to FFS being bad for both the sport and conservation. Any reluctance to ban it is based on selfish reasons.
Says what scientific data? I could see guys that don’t have FFS having selfish reasons. Start bringing real scientific data to the table if you want to be taken seriously.
@@SpoonierMilkWhy Does Somebody like you, that is Ignorant To The Conservation Of Our Resources, maybe, just maybe thats what everyone is worried about, it's Not Jealousy Or Money
It would be cool to actually see what Jones thinks about this off camera . He’s giving enough hints in this podcast that it should be banned but I think he’s being respectful for his sponsors . Livescope takes the skill out of fishing , Jones literally came from the crappie world with little to no bass fishing experience and has caught more double digits than any other person . Ban live scope , ban 5 fish limits , and maybe incorporate some night tournaments to protect fish more . 3 fish limits , no spawn tournaments , winter spring fall and call it a day. It’s sad the veterans aren’t competing anymore because a 20 year old can read a screen better
Why don't the veterans go out and learn it? That's their job to keep up with anything that helps them win tournys. Sounds like laziness to me. Most veterans get the technology for free or reduced price. Learn it and earn their way back to the top.
@@jaywagner13 I have FFS and I love it. I studied my tail off on using it and have gotten decent at using it. I'm 57 years old. But my sons have used it a year after I got it and can smoke me. Younger people start out using technology early in life and it comes easier to them. When I started out, we didn't even have computers, must less I Phones, I pads and such. I have GPS in my tractors on the farm and use it every day, but my kids are way better at it than me. As you get older it is harder to learn new skills. Young guys definitely have a advantage of a fresh, more open mind. I'm not complaining about the FFS, because I love it. But I agree with Josh, 4 with it, 4 without. What I would really love to see is a system to weigh fish on the boat and immediately release the fish. And NO TOURNAMENTS DURING SUMMER PERIOD. But I know I'm wasting my breathe trying to tell the tournament trails. Good fishing.
I couldn’t sit down and watch straight through when this first dropped. This is a bold conversation to have right now. But probably the most important and necessary one for the future of our love. Every discussion I have about this I always get a response like it’s no different from scopes on high powered rifles. My response is always yes and I get a couple months all year long and a bag limit of one with that rifle strapped on. I honestly don’t care as much about what the effects on the pro tour are anymore after I have had ffs a while myself. I’m worried we’ve opened a box that can’t be closed. The first month I had it it was obvious what it could be in tournaments. The first event I had it me and my partner won by double digits and continued that regularly the next couple months. Few others had it… And that was me just being able to see fish in real time in front of me that I located with down imaging. I think those pelagic fish are eventually going to adjust and get harder to target and competition will come back around. When I first used it crappie fishing is when I thought it was dangerous. I can decimate entire schools with it and when more and more guys get it, when prices drop some. Guys here are already installing it on kayaks and pond prowlers and stuff now. I’m scared to death we are heading to extreme seasons and creel limits or mostly privatized lakes. I don’t want only a couple months to fish.
This is the best conversation around FFS I have seen. Really like Josh's idea about half the tournaments not using it and half using it. I dont use it myself, and i have the resources to but i just choose not to put it on my boat. I equate it to deer hunting. Would it be much easier for me to go kill a 160"+ deer using a rifle? Of course. But i choose to bow hunt because its the challenge of the hunt that is alluring to me. Same with fishing. I think there are a lot more people out there with the same mindset that would love to see the pro anglers show off some old school fishing skill, not looking at a screen 99% of the time. Great pod!
Filming everything is fairly simple with a GoPro and YOLOtek pole in the light sockets, just set it up to “loop” film and cycle the recording after each catch. Great podcast really enjoyed it!!
Great conversation! So much good conversation, Keep in mind, you start trying to ban this then how far will it go? You might as well ban youtube fishing channels, apps, google maps, side scan, 360 ect. There are so many more resources now than the older days. You are either growing or you are dying, you have to be able to keep learning. That is what makes fishing fun!
How do you feel about allowing it in practice but not on tournament days? I guess it’s still a ban that way but you can find the fish and figure out how to catch them before the derby and use a more intuitive approach when it counts. Just a thought.
Absolutely the best Pod cast ever on this topic. 100% agree with everything you guys discussed and your honest opinions. The evolution in technology is never ending in the society we live in. I too have no issues with the use of Scopes etc. for fishing, but I do feel it's taking away from tournament fishing. I'm an Engineer and make my living by advancing technology, but also tournament fish and I'm the old schooler. I get my satisfaction putting the puzzles together, and I do still compete with the new school and do okay, but I also know which events I will be fishing for a top 10, instead of a Win. I will not oppose the guys that chose to use it, but I chose to stay true to the 40 years of knowledge I've learned. Much respect for Josh and his overview. Lets hope it doesn't deteriorate our fisheries. I've seen the affects of wonderful lakes that were over produced, and how many years it took those lakes to recover.
Great stuff Randy. I agree with everything you say. This crushes any thoughts of me buying a boat and competing in Florida. I hooked up with a neighbor back in 2016, he fished a ton of tournaments, along with other 50+ friends all throughout Florida. I love going out to okeechobee and as a chandler fishing MLF, and ABA I have done well. At 58 I figured it is time to buy a boat and join as a boater. Certainly I can can afford new, but would rather start used at 25k for used 20ft. 225, 0r 250Hp, compete and learn Kissimmee, toho. And maybe even up to Harris chain. Yet WHY would I at this age dump 60k, then another 30k, plus truck to compete ? I won't, and thus will miss out on being a boater. All because of FFS. GIVE me a level playing field, I am in... of course I could play the video game, yet realize how bad it is for all. Then we add in ABA removing co-anglers. That in turn either forces me out, or to go all in and get FFS just to fish. Too much risk for such a small reward
Great discussion! It is nice to hear intelligent, articulate people discuss topics. I know the state agencies have FFS on their radar, but it will take significant time and investment for them to compile the data that they need to make an actual management decision. In Texas, most lakes are on a rotation of electrofishing, gill netting, and creel surveys. Each of those can be months apart and one survey does not make a management decision. It takes several to show a pattern, along with consideration for economic and cultural impacts around that community. I HIGHLY doubt that any state fisheries managers are considering the ban on a specific technique that doesn't overtly violate a fair chase scenario. FFS certainly still provides for fair chase, at least in bass fishing. I think the first place any management decision will be made is with respect to crappie bag and length limits, but that may even be years away. As for the tournament trails, I like the idea of an on/off style trail. No need to eliminate the tech from the sport, but let's have some traditional style events, too.
Wow, I wish SoCal was that invested in their fisheries. The biologist told me that hadn't surveyed our local lake since 2015 and probably wouldn't do it again for another 3 yrs. Said it takes up to 2 weeks of shock-n-net at night plus he doesn't have the staff.
So as a kid that just graduated high school, won events and done well throughout the last 2 years, I’ve beat guys 20-30 years older than me in local trails without using it, I have active target, but I use it to locate the structure to throw at, grass lines ect. I love to fish dirt shallow and that’s how I’ve done well, I’ve also won events off shore without using it and just using 2d.
Guys are going to catch the biggest bass in lakes and started destroying the resource .bass fishing is getting hurt because of it. That's not an opinion that's a fact.
It's not attainable.1987 fully loaded new boat was 15k, today that be 37k. See the issue? Same with the truck to pull it. The cost is outrageous. So society interest swings to attainable enjoyment. Now a 2013 boat sells for 40k plus and still needs 10k in electronics. How many 30 year olds got that kind of money? Get Younger than that it's daddies money. College, highschool, etc. If this wasn't FB. I could show you the relation between viewership and money in one graph. Btw I am a tournament director for a large Mr and Mrs bass club here in Texas and we talk and it's amazing to talk to these folks and then go talk to pros and see the disconnect from blue collar workers to someone selling a brand, an organization, and a million dollar earner. They say what gets them paid. Why did viewership rates fall off after 2009?? 2008 housing crisis and prices soared. Now that same is happening and is removing the rest.
Don't take this the wrong way, but you don't. Unless you have financial support it's not possible. How do you afford the boat, truck, entry fees,, lodging, food, baits, fuel and the thousands of dollars in gear. Someone who has earned enough money on their own by age 25 to afford all of that, probably shouldn't quit their job.
It has to go. Whether it gets banned in tournaments or not states are taking action from a conservation standpoint. Decimates smaller lakes. Even if they lower the bag limit ppl may still got catch 3-5 DDs on a 500 acre lake
As a resident at OH ivie it scares me to see what the future holds for a great fishery. Im old school and am trying to learn how to use the technology but Joshs candor in the reality of its potential detriment is worrisome.
I don't know the guy. Like a lot of others, I only see the facebook razzing. After watching this podcast I will forever have a different opinion of him and I have nothing but respect for the dude. Great conversation! Great questions!
A local guide primarily targeting walleye uses Humminbird so he spots a school, hits spot lock, and then lowers a camera down to see the species and size and how active the fish are. Then sets up his charter with jigs if it is a school of active walleye.
I’m guessing in a lake? The reason I ask is because I have used a few of the camera systems just playing around in lakes and rivers to check out structure I’d seen on sonar and see what all it was. They are almost impossible to do anything useful with in a river. You will just be sitting there getting dizzy watching the camera spin around and around back and forth, and only really able to see anything in the split second that it stops spinning one way and starts the other.
One of my favorite episodes so far. Trait is a national treasure…Trait is HER or whatever the kids say these days. Wish I could have met the two of you while you were in Springfield recently.
Welcher didn’t even have it on his boat for some tournaments. Cobb doesn’t use it near as much as most anglers either. Welcher is the guy with it or without it. But the fact remains that half the top ten in AOY wouldn’t even be in the elite series without it.
I have a lot of respect for Josh and having the courage to speak openly about a controversial subject. Bottom line is we need to put conserving and protecting the resource above an electronics company making a dollar. If the resource becomes decimated or goes away you have just destroyed a ton of jobs and a national pastime. At some point a line has to be drawn and fair chase has to come back into the picture. Thank you Chris and Trait for an awesome pod cast.
Probably end up like the redfish tournaments, digital weigh in in the boat and release immediately. No livewells no fish bags or tanks. As far as the rec guys probably end up with a closed season for keeping them
FINALLY!! All these other podcasts are bashing not limiting FFS and everyone is having someone on the podcast that uses it and takes advantage of it. So obviously it is biased lol. Finally a podcast beside Randy that actually is on the other side. Maybe if we saw both sides of the story people will have different opinions… thank you.
I watch a lot of Bass fishing videos even though I'm from Europe. Just touching on what Josh was talking about that 70% of Bass die in summer tournaments. The one thing we do in tournaments that is different from you guys in the States is, we measure the length of the fish rather than weigh them now. Everyone gets given a tournament made measuring mat, and has to provide photographic evidence of the fish on the mat, and then also report it in via their phone, and fill in a log book. That way no fish are kept in wells/out of the water for as long as is needed.
Judging from comments, I don't think people realize how cutting edge this podcast really is. A true peak behind the curtain of not only the highest level of Tournament bass fishing but the entire fishing industry as a whole. As a fishing power couple, y'all are risking a lot. It's riveting! I applaud you both and will continue to support your sponsors and channel. 🫡
The FFS debate in the tournament world is very interesting. As a very casual viewer of the tournaments, I think it would be really exciting if the use of FFS was limited to either a time limit for each day or for certain "windows" throughout the day. For example, each angler can use FFS for the last two hours of the day. This was the technology is still utilized, but it has to be used even more strategically because of the time constraint.
great video.. Sad to hear stuff like this, and I agree it's going to hurt our lakes in the long run and conservation will step in. I don't do tournaments anymore, the care for fish is ridiculous.
Here's the thing. A guy with 25 years of learning everything a bass does, and what it takes to catch them, verses, a kid that's great at video games and daddy bought a ffs to fish with. Now, that seasoned angler also has ffs, and he knows he has to use it to keep up. But he's in a derby, using ffs, and all of a sudden, the wind picks up out of the east. His experience is telling him to get to a point, and start cranking. That kid, just keeps picking them off, one by one. A seasoned angler fishing in the classic, can't shut off years of experience, to stay with ffs. He can't. That's why it's so one sided now. Think about Jason Christie, on Grand lake. He can slay them with a spinner bait there. Is he gonna go home with a loss, and say to his wife, "I stuck with the ffs, and a jerk bait." She's gonna say "you mean, you didn't throw that spinnerbait around cover?" He will never be able to turn off years of knowledge. On the same note, that kid with ffs, has no other knowledge, not as much as a seasoned guy. So he won't be in the tournament without ffs. That is why it has to be regulated. Period.
For these tournaments, with 2 day qualifying rounds, let the Anglers use it for 1 of the 2 days ( their choice or trail selects a the day it's allowed) Day 3 only last 3 hours Day 4 only last 2 or 3 hours Classic not allowed
Great show! Putting ice in the livewell during the summer guarantees dead fish 🎣 in 3 days. It is destroying fisheries. Also forward facing is killing catfishing.
Since the experts have said that so many fish die due to being put into the live wells, what's stopping all pro tournaments from changing to the catch-weigh-release formate like MLF?
I haven’t heard that statistic from a biologist myself and I have a few friends who are in the field. Not saying he’s wrong but it was my first time hearing the stat
What a good one. A lot of good view points here. I never thought about how it affects lure sales in a bad way for certain companies . I love my scope but I don’t video game fish 24/7. I use it for searching and bottom contour. Once I see what area I’m interested in, I start fan casting . I get major neck aches from just staring at the screen and miss out on the nature around me. But I’m interested to see what happens on the tour level.
as much as this topic has been talked about, this is one of the best videos about it. Interesting thoughts, i figured Josh would be all about no ban no matter what. Really if a tournament organization would listen. There is a room for a circuit with Zero Live Scope, Zero Live Wells (catch weigh release), all the SAME BOAT (20 feet fiberglass, 250HP) SAME electronics, 10 Rods, 10 3700 PLANO WITH all the same tackle. You put everyone in the water with that equipment only. Sort of like the old Bassmaster Classic. MLF Cups tried similar and i guess it doesnt make enough money. B.A.S.S. anglers make their money from seperate Sponsor $$$$ this being said, all these things will NEVER HAPPEN
Great topic. I don't tournament fish but I watch it on my computer. It is boring looking at the Pros back. I think it is okay in practice but on tournament days, no FFS is allowed. What do you think of my idea?
I think his idea of 4 snd 4 is the best idea but id take it a step further and split each tourney up 2 days and 2 days and on 3 day tourneys you draw out of a hat to determine if it will be ffs dominant or vice versa
A banger…. This episode was right on ! A hot topic with one of the best people to comment on it. Would be great to follow this video up with Milliken and Randy…two people with very opposite views on this subject…
They can keep the politics to themselves. You can be the moderator and makes sure the topic stays within the realm of FFS and sustainability🤝@@Zaldaingerous
@@ZaldaingerousRandy is almost impossible to have a conversation with about this, stray casts and Jamie Bruce just had him on and that guy is delusional and he’s just as insane live as he is in his videos
Never in my life have I watched or even thought about watching an hour long podcast until the bilge. And I’ve done it about 10 times. And they have all been the bilge. 🤷♂️ just sayin.
In PA we have trout stamps, while I don’t fish trout I still buy the stamp. We need a bass stamp, I would certainly pay for it to help the state get stocking bass and forage to help offset the technology.
Let’s make it more normal to do catch and release right away for tournaments. Whether it’s total length photographed on a bump board or an official weighing the fish after it is caught.
I agree with this. Ban it for ALL tournaments, allow it for practice. Also, go to 💯 MLF style weighing except for on the final day of the tournament where you can have an actual final day weigh in
I would love to have power hours within each tournament drawn randomly where the ffs gets shut off for a full 3 or 4 hours in each tournament. Personally I think anglers will evolve to fish well with intuition and sonar. I still think some people doing well with ffs they have some understanding where to find fish based on species and season. They understand the foundation of things, but i think we are going to be surprised with results doing away with it. Ffs has exposed things that stubborn anglers could not adapt to before and just making people more well rounded.
@43 mins, our local lakes, I think it's 9 city-mamaged, and the only stocking done are catfish and trout. Bass and bluegill are considered self populating. 1 is closed due to HAB, 2 are drawn down due to possible dam failures and leaking. Fish management is not part of their interest even though at my closest lake, water users are the ONLY ones paying a fee to use; paved path users, picnics, and such have no fees.
Sounds like different states need to change their bass fishing seasons around and exclude summer. In PA, tons of smallies die in the summer and then tournaments aren't even allowed in the late fall and early spring. I think it's because of water levels, though
I agree with the power hour(s) concept because of all of the variables in fishing. Especially timing geez… talk about testing ability and patience it could be hit or miss unless you’re Josh jones 🥶 lol
I have a new found respect for Mr. Jones.... he defined both sides of the arguement for FFS, and like mosthave said... there eventually will be consequences for the constant use of this technology down the road for our fisheries
Great podcast as usual. I like the idea of using forward facing technology in only half of the events. However, I like it with a strategic twist. Allow the anglers to pick which four they want to use it in. You'll end up with some guys using it and some not on every body of water. This way you can showcase both approaches to fishing each lake on Bassmaster live. I also think the smallmouth tournaments are boring to watch regardless. Require a 3 small 2 large mix bag.
I've only seen Josh on social media but I gained a lot of respect for him today. Just seems like an honest guy.
Agreed
Single most powerful conversation on FFS yet.....seriously! JJ's opinion is gold here, and Trait ask the tough questions, and JJ honestly answered. I still want it, but this was an eye opener. Thanks!
Mind blown🤯 I never thought I’d hear Josh say these things. He’s a stand up honest guy. I think it’s detrimental to our trophy class bass genetics. Too many people mishandle them or mount them. Huge bass that otherwise would never be caught and live to pass on their genetics.
He's talked about it multiple times on interviews he's one of the only guys that uses the tech but doesn't sugar coat his ideas to benefit just him the end. He thinks of the larger picture or the future of the sport.
I agree that the matter of "fishing pressure" is less that there are more people on the water and more that it has created opportunities for mismanagement. People with a lot of money who started fishing just in the last few years are basically getting to skip all of the learning that used to be necessary to "get good" and part of this learning process is responsible fish handling and conservation.
Thanks Josh for telling the truth. Refreshing to have a person be straight up. Thanks man. Truth is there up to the tournaments what to do
Shout out to Trait!!!!!! She crushed this episode. Some of the best questions and follow up questions I've ever heard. Mad props!
There's a big difference between a pro fisherman and a influencer. I don't subscribe to any influencers. Gen Z does. I don't find any enjoyment watching someone catch a bass on a block of wood or a rubber chicken and then yell and scream about it. Fishing currently has 2 very different worlds right now.
😂
Fantastic show as always ! Really enjoyed hearing Josh speaking straight up about his feeling on Forward Facing .
Fishing is a game to me. My fav aspect of it is figuring out the fish at a particular time and establishing a good pattern...looking at the weather, time of year, trying out different lures and presentations, working different types of structure, etc. FFS just sucks a lot of the fun out of it for me and doesn't really help improve my skills as a fisherman. I feel like I'm better than I otherwise would be bc I figured out how to catch fish on a nasty winter day when most would say you don't have any business being out there.
I don't have FFS, was working a row of docks. Noticed a guy coming from the other side scanning and half a$$ flipping at docks. He gets to the dock I'm working, scans it says there is nothing under there. I said ok and kept flipping ever post, as he spot locks at the end and puts his rod down and starts b.s. with me. Good conversation, then i catch a 5lber towards the front 3 post. He says have a good day and takes off as soon as i caught the fish. These dudes ain't fishing
You can miss fish they get on the bottom very hard to see he just missed it I've done it everybody I'm sure has at some point
@@slabbusterrtr7690or maybe he was trying to get him off that dock because he knew it was there………
@@slabbusterrtr7690that or he wanted him to leave so he could catch them 😅
I live on the coast and we fish for seabass in similar manners as you would catch deep water smallmouth. We use descending devices rather than fizzing so there is no trauma other than barotrauma. It’s just a 4 oz weight and a clip that you hook to the fish to descend it to the bottom and you jerk it lose and reel the weight in.
Its one thing for someone like chris zaldain to teach us about a technique and if its something that resonates with us we can get into it cheaply by just buying the bait or moderately by purchasing a rod specifically for that technique. But even if pros begin to teach us about what they are doing on forward facing sonar there is a $1000 investment in a transducer followed by a $1000 investment in a screen followed by a $1000 investment in a lithium battery to run it. Its unreasonable to think that all the BASS or MLF fans are going to resonate with that technique enough to make that kind of investment and if tournament after tournament is won on it what it really says to your viewers is if you arent doing this you are wasting your time with the sport because you can spend your time but you will never have this level of success. I think technology is great but FFS itself is essentially propping a few companies up at the detriment as a whole to our sport.
Thank you guys for these podcasts and your time.
Thanks guys for having these conversations. They are informative to the audience of fishing. We, the community, benefit from them.
Excellent conversation. Weighing out the pro's and con's, thinking about current changes and the future. Talking about how we got here. Really enjoyed this one. I don't know Josh Jones but it sounds like he would do extremely well in todays pro circuits by being an excellent FFS fishermen. FFS has been used in Maine Tournament Bass fishing since the late 1990's and the few that had it back then dominated.
As someone in my 40s who has bass fished all his life and went on a crappie guide trip using forward facing sonar….I absolutely hated the experience.
It completely eliminated the anticipation, surprise, and everything else that we love about recreational fishing.
The technology has also put “pro fishing” out of reach for 95% or more of people. Bass fishing at a competitive level is now a rich man sport…. Even on local level.
I appreciate Josh’s introspection even if he is a forward facing sonar addict.
The wildlife protection agencies do need to step up on this in general. It might not be next year or 3 years from now, but eventually with machine learning and artificial intelligence the screen will tell the fishermen the exact species and exact or close to exact weight of every fish found on forward facing sonar.
The screen pros will be completely neutered by machine learning and the fisheries will be absolutely devastated.
The technology combined with machine learning is probably not far off from a “fisherman” being able to spend the entire practice session from graphing the entire lake at 60mph and having the “graph” tell him or her exactly where to fish, when you fish, and how big of fish are on that spot. No need to ever pick up a pole until tournament morning
Thats fuckin greasy… oh thatd be so sad for the sport
Very interesting conversation. As Josh knows well, the crappie fishing industry is going through this same dilemma. We may be ahead of the bass industry in terms of how negatively it is affecting our tournament trails. No one has all the answers but it’s going to take tough conversations like this to figure it out.
I’m ready to hear what Josh had to say! I just put a pause on life/barbering to go back to college and pursue a career in the fishing industry. Always a great listen. It shows that you guys truly have your finger on the pulse of it all.
I think Josh is has a great idea of 50/50. As far as watching the clubs I don’t. I watch a few utube channels channels like this one. If I can’t learn something I’m on to the next one. Thanks to the three of you.
Awesome pod cast have a lot of respect for Josh Jones now. First time I have ever heard him speak. Calling it like it is.
For conservation purposes they need to start cycling in more bodies of water instead of all the tournament trails fishing the same waters. Spread the tournament trail through the nation to allow more fans to interact and gain generational fans and viewership.
Agree
No please don't, I like my lakes to be productive.
Thank you for this honest discussion! From Elites on down to Recreational, everything stated in this conversation points to FFS being bad for both the sport and conservation. Any reluctance to ban it is based on selfish reasons.
Sounds like you're poor
@@SpoonierMilk
Sounds like your a little bi&@“
Says what scientific data? I could see guys that don’t have FFS having selfish reasons.
Start bringing real scientific data to the table if you want to be taken seriously.
@@SpoonierMilkWhy Does Somebody like you, that is Ignorant To The Conservation Of Our Resources, maybe, just maybe thats what everyone is worried about, it's Not Jealousy Or Money
Finally someone who uses it to their advantage telling the truth!
It would be cool to actually see what Jones thinks about this off camera . He’s giving enough hints in this podcast that it should be banned but I think he’s being respectful for his sponsors . Livescope takes the skill out of fishing , Jones literally came from the crappie world with little to no bass fishing experience and has caught more double digits than any other person . Ban live scope , ban 5 fish limits , and maybe incorporate some night tournaments to protect fish more . 3 fish limits , no spawn tournaments , winter spring fall and call it a day. It’s sad the veterans aren’t competing anymore because a 20 year old can read a screen better
Why don't the veterans go out and learn it? That's their job to keep up with anything that helps them win tournys. Sounds like laziness to me. Most veterans get the technology for free or reduced price. Learn it and earn their way back to the top.
@@jaywagner13 I have FFS and I love it. I studied my tail off on using it and have gotten decent at using it. I'm 57 years old. But my sons have used it a year after I got it and can smoke me. Younger people start out using technology early in life and it comes easier to them. When I started out, we didn't even have computers, must less I Phones, I pads and such. I have GPS in my tractors on the farm and use it every day, but my kids are way better at it than me. As you get older it is harder to learn new skills. Young guys definitely have a advantage of a fresh, more open mind. I'm not complaining about the FFS, because I love it. But I agree with Josh, 4 with it, 4 without. What I would really love to see is a system to weigh fish on the boat and immediately release the fish. And NO TOURNAMENTS DURING SUMMER PERIOD. But I know I'm wasting my breathe trying to tell the tournament trails. Good fishing.
I couldn’t sit down and watch straight through when this first dropped. This is a bold conversation to have right now. But probably the most important and necessary one for the future of our love. Every discussion I have about this I always get a response like it’s no different from scopes on high powered rifles. My response is always yes and I get a couple months all year long and a bag limit of one with that rifle strapped on. I honestly don’t care as much about what the effects on the pro tour are anymore after I have had ffs a while myself. I’m worried we’ve opened a box that can’t be closed. The first month I had it it was obvious what it could be in tournaments. The first event I had it me and my partner won by double digits and continued that regularly the next couple months. Few others had it… And that was me just being able to see fish in real time in front of me that I located with down imaging. I think those pelagic fish are eventually going to adjust and get harder to target and competition will come back around. When I first used it crappie fishing is when I thought it was dangerous. I can decimate entire schools with it and when more and more guys get it, when prices drop some. Guys here are already installing it on kayaks and pond prowlers and stuff now. I’m scared to death we are heading to extreme seasons and creel limits or mostly privatized lakes. I don’t want only a couple months to fish.
This is the best conversation around FFS I have seen. Really like Josh's idea about half the tournaments not using it and half using it. I dont use it myself, and i have the resources to but i just choose not to put it on my boat. I equate it to deer hunting. Would it be much easier for me to go kill a 160"+ deer using a rifle? Of course. But i choose to bow hunt because its the challenge of the hunt that is alluring to me. Same with fishing. I think there are a lot more people out there with the same mindset that would love to see the pro anglers show off some old school fishing skill, not looking at a screen 99% of the time. Great pod!
Filming everything is fairly simple with a GoPro and YOLOtek pole in the light sockets, just set it up to “loop” film and cycle the recording after each catch. Great podcast really enjoyed it!!
Great conversation! So much good conversation, Keep in mind, you start trying to ban this then how far will it go? You might as well ban youtube fishing channels, apps, google maps, side scan, 360 ect. There are so many more resources now than the older days. You are either growing or you are dying, you have to be able to keep learning. That is what makes fishing fun!
Well said!
I like the 4 tournaments that it can not be used. Scott Martin does a good job talking about what he is fishing.
How do you feel about allowing it in practice but not on tournament days? I guess it’s still a ban that way but you can find the fish and figure out how to catch them before the derby and use a more intuitive approach when it counts. Just a thought.
Best podcast in the fishing game!!
Absolutely the best Pod cast ever on this topic. 100% agree with everything you guys discussed and your honest opinions. The evolution in technology is never ending in the society we live in. I too have no issues with the use of Scopes etc. for fishing, but I do feel it's taking away from tournament fishing. I'm an Engineer and make my living by advancing technology, but also tournament fish and I'm the old schooler. I get my satisfaction putting the puzzles together, and I do still compete with the new school and do okay, but I also know which events I will be fishing for a top 10, instead of a Win. I will not oppose the guys that chose to use it, but I chose to stay true to the 40 years of knowledge I've learned. Much respect for Josh and his overview. Lets hope it doesn't deteriorate our fisheries. I've seen the affects of wonderful lakes that were over produced, and how many years it took those lakes to recover.
Great stuff Randy. I agree with everything you say. This crushes any thoughts of me buying a boat and competing in Florida.
I hooked up with a neighbor back in 2016, he fished a ton of tournaments, along with other 50+ friends all throughout Florida.
I love going out to okeechobee and as a chandler fishing MLF, and ABA I have done well.
At 58 I figured it is time to buy a boat and join as a boater.
Certainly I can can afford new, but would rather start used at 25k for used 20ft. 225, 0r 250Hp, compete and learn Kissimmee, toho. And maybe even up to Harris chain.
Yet WHY would I at this age dump 60k, then another 30k, plus truck to compete ?
I won't, and thus will miss out on being a boater. All because of FFS. GIVE me a level playing field, I am in... of course I could play the video game, yet realize how bad it is for all.
Then we add in ABA removing co-anglers.
That in turn either forces me out, or to go all in and get FFS just to fish. Too much risk for such a small reward
Love how honest he is even with himself even with the wrong he does and how he goes about stuff “I will still use it and love it”
I hate ffs but man Josh seems like stand up way in presenting his opinions. He’s got my respect.
Great discussion! It is nice to hear intelligent, articulate people discuss topics. I know the state agencies have FFS on their radar, but it will take significant time and investment for them to compile the data that they need to make an actual management decision. In Texas, most lakes are on a rotation of electrofishing, gill netting, and creel surveys. Each of those can be months apart and one survey does not make a management decision. It takes several to show a pattern, along with consideration for economic and cultural impacts around that community. I HIGHLY doubt that any state fisheries managers are considering the ban on a specific technique that doesn't overtly violate a fair chase scenario. FFS certainly still provides for fair chase, at least in bass fishing. I think the first place any management decision will be made is with respect to crappie bag and length limits, but that may even be years away. As for the tournament trails, I like the idea of an on/off style trail. No need to eliminate the tech from the sport, but let's have some traditional style events, too.
Wow, I wish SoCal was that invested in their fisheries. The biologist told me that hadn't surveyed our local lake since 2015 and probably wouldn't do it again for another 3 yrs. Said it takes up to 2 weeks of shock-n-net at night plus he doesn't have the staff.
So as a kid that just graduated high school, won events and done well throughout the last 2 years, I’ve beat guys 20-30 years older than me in local trails without using it, I have active target, but I use it to locate the structure to throw at, grass lines ect. I love to fish dirt shallow and that’s how I’ve done well, I’ve also won events off shore without using it and just using 2d.
Guys are going to catch the biggest bass in lakes and started destroying the resource .bass fishing is getting hurt because of it. That's not an opinion that's a fact.
How are 25 year old kids able to afford a $90,000 bass boat , entry fees, a diesel truck and expensive tackle?
@@beavisbrowne3497100%
It's not attainable.1987 fully loaded new boat was 15k, today that be 37k. See the issue? Same with the truck to pull it. The cost is outrageous. So society interest swings to attainable enjoyment. Now a 2013 boat sells for 40k plus and still needs 10k in electronics. How many 30 year olds got that kind of money? Get Younger than that it's daddies money. College, highschool, etc. If this wasn't FB. I could show you the relation between viewership and money in one graph. Btw I am a tournament director for a large Mr and Mrs bass club here in Texas and we talk and it's amazing to talk to these folks and then go talk to pros and see the disconnect from blue collar workers to someone selling a brand, an organization, and a million dollar earner. They say what gets them paid. Why did viewership rates fall off after 2009?? 2008 housing crisis and prices soared. Now that same is happening and is removing the rest.
Parents or debt
Don't take this the wrong way, but you don't. Unless you have financial support it's not possible. How do you afford the boat, truck, entry fees,, lodging, food, baits, fuel and the thousands of dollars in gear. Someone who has earned enough money on their own by age 25 to afford all of that, probably shouldn't quit their job.
@@clintralls7810 people live with a massive amount of debt.
It has to go. Whether it gets banned in tournaments or not states are taking action from a conservation standpoint. Decimates smaller lakes. Even if they lower the bag limit ppl may still got catch 3-5 DDs on a 500 acre lake
As a resident at OH ivie it scares me to see what the future holds for a great fishery. Im old school and am trying to learn how to use the technology but Joshs candor in the reality of its potential detriment is worrisome.
Josh is blessed that he can call it like it is and leave his ego out of it.
Great show. Excellent talking points.
Very well done.
What a great, honest discussion. Good job guys.
I don't know the guy. Like a lot of others, I only see the facebook razzing. After watching this podcast I will forever have a different opinion of him and I have nothing but respect for the dude. Great conversation! Great questions!
Can't wait to see more of Chris's shop/garage. Trait is the female version of the Shawn Ryan show. #1 podcast
musky fishing up north is also taking a hit with ffs, it’s easier than ever to catch a musky now and they are very fragile fish
A local guide primarily targeting walleye uses Humminbird so he spots a school, hits spot lock, and then lowers a camera down to see the species and size and how active the fish are. Then sets up his charter with jigs if it is a school of active walleye.
I’m guessing in a lake? The reason I ask is because I have used a few of the camera systems just playing around in lakes and rivers to check out structure I’d seen on sonar and see what all it was. They are almost impossible to do anything useful with in a river. You will just be sitting there getting dizzy watching the camera spin around and around back and forth, and only really able to see anything in the split second that it stops spinning one way and starts the other.
Really enjoy these with Josh!
One of my favorite episodes so far. Trait is a national treasure…Trait is HER or whatever the kids say these days. Wish I could have met the two of you while you were in Springfield recently.
Welcher didn’t even have it on his boat for some tournaments. Cobb doesn’t use it near as much as most anglers either. Welcher is the guy with it or without it. But the fact remains that half the top ten in AOY wouldn’t even be in the elite series without it.
I'm glad I watched this show. I started not to, assuming I might know the content. But, really glad I did. Fantastic show to all of you!
Use FFS during practice days to help locate fish, but require the competitors disable FFS during competition days.
The mustache energy in this video is overwhelming.
I have a lot of respect for Josh and having the courage to speak openly about a controversial subject. Bottom line is we need to put conserving and protecting the resource above an electronics company making a dollar. If the resource becomes decimated or goes away you have just destroyed a ton of jobs and a national pastime. At some point a line has to be drawn and fair chase has to come back into the picture. Thank you Chris and Trait for an awesome pod cast.
Probably end up like the redfish tournaments, digital weigh in in the boat and release immediately. No livewells no fish bags or tanks.
As far as the rec guys probably end up with a closed season for keeping them
Josh Jones for bass mediator maby bassmaster will hire him after watching the podcast for his views and get it figured out respect his honesty.
FINALLY!! All these other podcasts are bashing not limiting FFS and everyone is having someone on the podcast that uses it and takes advantage of it. So obviously it is biased lol. Finally a podcast beside Randy that actually is on the other side. Maybe if we saw both sides of the story people will have different opinions… thank you.
I watch a lot of Bass fishing videos even though I'm from Europe. Just touching on what Josh was talking about that 70% of Bass die in summer tournaments. The one thing we do in tournaments that is different from you guys in the States is, we measure the length of the fish rather than weigh them now. Everyone gets given a tournament made measuring mat, and has to provide photographic evidence of the fish on the mat, and then also report it in via their phone, and fill in a log book. That way no fish are kept in wells/out of the water for as long as is needed.
If not banning it completely then something like josh said i agree 100%
nothing is better than the mystery an chase of fishing
Started to follow your channel just because of this interview and comments! congrats!
Judging from comments, I don't think people realize how cutting edge this podcast really is. A true peak behind the curtain of not only the highest level of Tournament bass fishing but the entire fishing industry as a whole. As a fishing power couple, y'all are risking a lot. It's riveting! I applaud you both and will continue to support your sponsors and channel. 🫡
Awesome podcast, great job asking the tough questions. Has really got me thinking about this issue. Your podcast is excellent, keep up the great work!
The FFS debate in the tournament world is very interesting. As a very casual viewer of the tournaments, I think it would be really exciting if the use of FFS was limited to either a time limit for each day or for certain "windows" throughout the day. For example, each angler can use FFS for the last two hours of the day. This was the technology is still utilized, but it has to be used even more strategically because of the time constraint.
great video.. Sad to hear stuff like this, and I agree it's going to hurt our lakes in the long run and conservation will step in. I don't do tournaments anymore, the care for fish is ridiculous.
Here's the thing. A guy with 25 years of learning everything a bass does, and what it takes to catch them, verses, a kid that's great at video games and daddy bought a ffs to fish with. Now, that seasoned angler also has ffs, and he knows he has to use it to keep up. But he's in a derby, using ffs, and all of a sudden, the wind picks up out of the east. His experience is telling him to get to a point, and start cranking. That kid, just keeps picking them off, one by one. A seasoned angler fishing in the classic, can't shut off years of experience, to stay with ffs. He can't. That's why it's so one sided now. Think about Jason Christie, on Grand lake. He can slay them with a spinner bait there. Is he gonna go home with a loss, and say to his wife, "I stuck with the ffs, and a jerk bait." She's gonna say "you mean, you didn't throw that spinnerbait around cover?" He will never be able to turn off years of knowledge. On the same note, that kid with ffs, has no other knowledge, not as much as a seasoned guy. So he won't be in the tournament without ffs. That is why it has to be regulated. Period.
Great show yall! I agree with Josh 100%.
couldn’t agree more with josh on his perspective on ffs in the tournament world
The Best Podcast that I have watched in a long long time.
For these tournaments, with 2 day qualifying rounds, let the Anglers use it for 1 of the 2 days ( their choice or trail selects a the day it's allowed)
Day 3 only last 3 hours
Day 4 only last 2 or 3 hours
Classic not allowed
Our team / night summer tournaments in San Diego are 3 fish limits and just 6 hour events when the water is warmer
Great show! Putting ice in the livewell during the summer guarantees dead fish 🎣 in 3 days. It is destroying fisheries. Also forward facing is killing catfishing.
Since the experts have said that so many fish die due to being put into the live wells, what's stopping all pro tournaments from changing to the catch-weigh-release formate like MLF?
I haven’t heard that statistic from a biologist myself and I have a few friends who are in the field. Not saying he’s wrong but it was my first time hearing the stat
What a good one. A lot of good view points here. I never thought about how it affects lure sales in a bad way for certain companies . I love my scope but I don’t video game fish 24/7. I use it for searching and bottom contour. Once I see what area I’m interested in, I start fan casting . I get major neck aches from just staring at the screen and miss out on the nature around me. But I’m interested to see what happens on the tour level.
Great show. Love the honesty. Big fan of all three of y’all.
as much as this topic has been talked about, this is one of the best videos about it. Interesting thoughts, i figured Josh would be all about no ban no matter what. Really if a tournament organization would listen. There is a room for a circuit with Zero Live Scope, Zero Live Wells (catch weigh release), all the SAME BOAT (20 feet fiberglass, 250HP) SAME electronics, 10 Rods, 10 3700 PLANO WITH all the same tackle. You put everyone in the water with that equipment only. Sort of like the old Bassmaster Classic. MLF Cups tried similar and i guess it doesnt make enough money. B.A.S.S. anglers make their money from seperate Sponsor $$$$ this being said, all these things will NEVER HAPPEN
Awesome!! Thanks for sharing your thoughts!! Stay Safe & God Bless!!
This year, Brandon cobb literally didn't turn on his livescope until lake stclair. He was leading going into st clair ,FYI
I find this hard to believe, the best tool on his boat sitting unused while 100's of thousands are on the line. Don't believe everything you hear.
Great topic. I don't tournament fish but I watch it on my computer. It is boring looking at the Pros back. I think it is okay in practice but on tournament days, no FFS is allowed. What do you think of my idea?
I think his idea of 4 snd 4 is the best idea but id take it a step further and split each tourney up 2 days and 2 days and on 3 day tourneys you draw out of a hat to determine if it will be ffs dominant or vice versa
A banger…. This episode was right on ! A hot topic with one of the best people to comment on it. Would be great to follow this video up with Milliken and Randy…two people with very opposite views on this subject…
I would love to see both of those guys sit down together on this show 😂. Bring the gloves
If you need electronics you suck at bass fishing!!!!!!!!!
We will be in the Ozarks in early November and try and get Randy. Him and Trait butt heads mega politically, so it could be a very spicy episode 🤣
They can keep the politics to themselves. You can be the moderator and makes sure the topic stays within the realm of FFS and sustainability🤝@@Zaldaingerous
@@ZaldaingerousRandy is almost impossible to have a conversation with about this, stray casts and Jamie Bruce just had him on and that guy is delusional and he’s just as insane live as he is in his videos
Trait was asking all the right questions, she’s excellent at getting to the nitty gritty.
Never in my life have I watched or even thought about watching an hour long podcast until the bilge. And I’ve done it about 10 times. And they have all been the bilge. 🤷♂️ just sayin.
In PA we have trout stamps, while I don’t fish trout I still buy the stamp. We need a bass stamp, I would certainly pay for it to help the state get stocking bass and forage to help offset the technology.
Let’s make it more normal to do catch and release right away for tournaments. Whether it’s total length photographed on a bump board or an official weighing the fish after it is caught.
An idea, what if it’s only allowed during practice and then taken away during actual tournaments?
I agree with this. Ban it for ALL tournaments, allow it for practice.
Also, go to 💯 MLF style weighing except for on the final day of the tournament where you can have an actual final day weigh in
I would love to have power hours within each tournament drawn randomly where the ffs gets shut off for a full 3 or 4 hours in each tournament. Personally I think anglers will evolve to fish well with intuition and sonar. I still think some people doing well with ffs they have some understanding where to find fish based on species and season. They understand the foundation of things, but i think we are going to be surprised with results doing away with it. Ffs has exposed things that stubborn anglers could not adapt to before and just making people more well rounded.
I also think they should take it off the production live period!
As a north Texan I would definitely go to a fishing seminar take my money now.
@43 mins, our local lakes, I think it's 9 city-mamaged, and the only stocking done are catfish and trout. Bass and bluegill are considered self populating. 1 is closed due to HAB, 2 are drawn down due to possible dam failures and leaking. Fish management is not part of their interest even though at my closest lake, water users are the ONLY ones paying a fee to use; paved path users, picnics, and such have no fees.
Just keepin it real that is all that is required. Real talk
Sounds like different states need to change their bass fishing seasons around and exclude summer. In PA, tons of smallies die in the summer and then tournaments aren't even allowed in the late fall and early spring. I think it's because of water levels, though
Totally agree with the no summer Fishing Tournament in the south
bingo
Tournament fishing with Live Scope is slowly killing our fisheries....FACTS
😂 Show us the data
Spawn and summer tournaments hurt fishing the most
Remember the old paper graffs you could watch the fish eat your bait.
I agree with the power hour(s) concept because of all of the variables in fishing. Especially timing geez… talk about testing ability and patience it could be hit or miss unless you’re Josh jones 🥶 lol
I have a new found respect for Mr. Jones.... he defined both sides of the arguement for FFS, and like mosthave said... there eventually will be consequences for the constant use of this technology down the road for our fisheries
ICE fishing with FFS is ridiculous has major impact on smaller bodies of water
Outstanding podcast
What is the BFD about being able to freely use it throughout practice but not on days of competition
Why is that so hard to comprehend
Maybe the best fishing podcast I have watched!
Great podcast as usual. I like the idea of using forward facing technology in only half of the events. However, I like it with a strategic twist. Allow the anglers to pick which four they want to use it in. You'll end up with some guys using it and some not on every body of water. This way you can showcase both approaches to fishing each lake on Bassmaster live. I also think the smallmouth tournaments are boring to watch regardless. Require a 3 small 2 large mix bag.
I would think the individual States could band the FFS
Puting time in and the mystery of that next cast something special about that. I can only hope livescope gets outlawed.
Great job at explaining, Josh.