I always fall back to this. When i explain FFS to other sports fans that dont follow bass fishing, no matter what age,races or gender the thing i always hear" isn't that cheating " that sums it up for me.
I had thought one time about buying a forward looking sonar but I ran into a couple guys that had one, one of ‘em loved it, the other said he found himself constantly looking at the scope and not really fishing. I realized if I had one, I’d be the latter. I’d rather not take the challenge and mystique out of it.
You're a good man, Randy! I wish there were more people like you speaking out. These tournament directors are compromised. We need a new professional league run by some of the greats in the sport. All of the OGs need to get together and save the sport before it's too late.
I’m 55 years old and I still remember the day s when I was young of going to bull shoals lake and fishing any cove I could walk to. I slung plastic worms and top water all year long not knowing any better and the simplicity of bass fishing is what I fell in love with. Everything we know about the nuances of bass fishing or fishing in general have been exploited in the form of greed. It’s such a shame that these so called fishermen will never understand the importance and value in just being on the water and never knowing what was going to bite.
The problem is that tournament fishing changed a hobby into a profession. I remember an interview a few decades ago where professional fishermen were asked if they enjoyed fishing as a hobby now that they are professionals and every one of them said the pressure of being a professional fisherman destroyed the hobby of fishing for them. Some of these anglers have Ego's the size of the lake they fish and winning at all costs and by any means is their mantra so if ffs gives them the advantage they are going to use it. I love fishing but dont tournament fish because I have seen what a tournament does to a lake. Pulling 50 or more fish from all over the lake and releasing them all at the weigh in spot at the same time puts the whole lake in shock. It takes a long time for the fish to get back to and settle in their territory. I am a decent fisherman and catch the fish I target. One example of what I am talking about is maybe ten years ago I went to Wanita Lake by the Finger lakes in NYS that I fished several times a year and did well catching 4 lb bass consistently. But this time it was two weeks after a major tournament and the whole lake was in shock. Nothing was biting not even the bluegill which were suspended in small groups out in the middle of the lake. Another problem with ffs is that people who keep the fish to eat are going to zero in on the fish and clean out lakes. No one is going to care until there are consistently no fish being caught during a tournament for several years in a row and by then it will be too late. I I have experienced these things and this technology is only going to make it worse. This is my opinion determined by what I have experienced over the years.
Thank you for standing up for the true spirit of the sport and being an advocate at the forefront of ANTI forward-facing sonar!!! FFS truly does undermine what bass fishing is all about. I would rather watch a bass blow-up on my buzzbait than spend another waking second staring at a screen. Thank you for advocating the fact that FFS is horrible for the fisheries from a conservation and sustainability standpoint. FFS reminds me of the putter that Rodney Dangerfield has in CaddyShack (that makes the putt for him every time lol). Keep fighting the good fight -we got your back!
As a weekend fisherman, multi-species, with a 10 year old son that loves fishing- I much appreciate the danger proposition here. I will use very cautiously to not ruin the suspense of fishing that I love. I have always said that fishing is just like gambling, every cast is like pulling the lever on a slot machine. I don't want to lose that suspense factor.
Sir Randall i understand you on all your views you are one honest individual trying to protect the sport and the environment keep on keeping on with your voice thank you for fighting the good fight
My 15 yr old daughter said she won't fish if I get and use FFS. I've been resisting getting it anyway. Like you said, the excitement comes from getting a bite from a spot that you don't know if a fish is there or not.
My buddy and I have a bass boat with 0 technology on it. And we still go out there and kick ASS! I don't know how to explain this but when you become one with nature, she seems to guide you were there at. At the end of the day, it's a hell a lot more satisfying feeling !
So we should get rid of 250 horse motors and go back to 12 foot row boats? Cane poles with 10lb mono? I don’t have forward facing sonar and most likely never will. That being said you make it sound like no fish stands a chance at survival and that every lake will be fished out. Perspective mode may show fish up shallow, it does it show you what type of fish it is? It sounds like you’re more angry about the efficiency of it than anything else. The technology seems to be allowing anglers to work smarter and not harder. No one is being forced to use it. Do they use it because they feel they can’t compete without it, probably so. That being said, if you don’t adapt, you get left behind. There will always be innovation and advances in the sport. You don’t fish with it and that’s your prerogative. But, hating on those that do is pretty silly. Especially when you’re so condescending about it. Claiming that the people who are against it are the adults in the room is fairly childish.
I heard clunn say in an interview that with this technology, an angler can make 200 cast a day and achieve what it took him 2000 cast a day to achieve, and he was all for it,that broke my heart I just don't under stand why these guys don't understand what they are doing to the sport it's a real shame!
I heard that too, on Mercer or Stray Casts with Pat Renwick. He's had cataract surgery and has a 22" screen now. I'm going to wait a year and see if his thoughts will have changed after this season.
Because he knows it's a tool, nothing more. Not the "end of fishing, the exponential terrorist threat to bass fishing. So I respect Rick Clunn to understand the fact it's a tool. Not like the tool that Randy has become.
Best "rant" by randy! Loved to hear you lay it out how it's getting to be. It's like hunting with a thermographic camera on a drone. Just unhealthy and not fair to the sport of fishing in general!
Had live scope on my boat. Sold it. Now I fish with guys without it, and I can tell you, fishing has become fun again. Almost forgot how much fun it is. With live scope it's like your always stressed to get the fish you see to bite. Jmo.
I'm 63, and while I somewhat agree with you, I'll say this...Technology will continue to improve as it always has. In my day I've seen it go from a anchor rope with knots every foot to flashers, paper graphs, LCR's, mapping, poles, spotlock. It's just the evolution of things. What does it do to the fishing long term? It remains to be seen. Nature's creatures are pretty resilient. May or may not be as bad as some think.
Randy it makes me so happy to see you continually push to get ffs banned I’m a young tournament angler 16 years old and I want to go pro some day and I don’t want to have to use livescope to do it. Please keep fighting I’m with you man.
I completely agree it should never be allowed to be used in a tournament. Personally like you I enjoy the unknown and enjoy the part of fishing of finding the fish because of my own skills or in my case luck…lol. So I would never buy Livescope, however I do understand why weekend warriors who might only get to fish once or twice a month would want to buy one.
You're 100% correct, in that tournament organizers are going to have to be the ones to stop this. I feel sorry for some of the tournament participants who are opposed to this technology, but are forced to use it to compete.....
if they are opposed to it they wouldnt use it. no one is forcing you to put it on the boat. if you dont need ffs to fish then you can catch them just like the ones with it
Mr. RANDY, I completely agree with your views. I'm relatively young(45) but it's taken me my whole life to learn what I know and to use a device to do what should take years to figure out just ain't right. It's like doing a crossword puzzle with the answers...what fun is that?
Randy you're going the right direction with your efforts I hope you can make a difference it would be a better situation than what we got your thoughts about no tournaments in the spawn of course no spotlighting would definitely be a first step and probably enough to keep everything at least good enough to perpetuate our support
Not to mention this could be extremely bad for our fisheries. Some people are assholes and now that this tech is available said assholes could 100% use this tech and end up killing a bunch of fish. I completely agree with you, for me fishing is about using my senses to detect where fish might be, intuition, and overall just be in tune with nature and “thinking like a fish”. Using a buttload of tech just ruins that. Part of fishing is to get into nature and away from the craziness of regular life. Adding screens just ruins it, in my opinion.
Us old fellers don't need it. And that's what bothers them. Apparently if you have a different opinion people get butthurt and think you're an asshole. They don't like you because your honest. Keep grinding brother ❤ my Ole Stratos still runs Gen 1s. Gives me depth temperature and the occasional arch. You can still find fish offshore without livescope. We done it for years. I've been fishing tournaments since the mid 80s blasting mid summer mamas on deep cranks.
Ever since FFS came out I always thought it was a bridge too far. The ability to see structure with side and down imaging was such an amazing innovation, but there was still the element of suprise with it. You could see structure and you could learn how to develop patterns based off the structure. That was great. The fact that now, all you need to do is aim a sonar around the boat and individually pick off fish, really takes the suprise and the special feeling out of fishing entirely. Ive heard both sides of the arguement, and i personally come down on NOT being for this technology. KVD has explained it very well. For tournament anglers especially, whether Kayak or boat, the buy in now isnt just a nice boat, its $30,000 in electronics. It will destroy small local derbies for people who just want to have some fun, because there will always be the one guy that shows up with all thr FFS gear and he has such an advantage over the everyday angler who cant afford such tools. To me, thats not good for the sport at all.
You're not nuts. I'm with you. I hadn't heard of perspective mode until last week. It kinda made my heart sink. I'm in a kayak, and I'm happy to have the bass boats out offshore, leaving me the hell alone. I didn't realize there was some shallow water setting. Not knowing that a bite is coming is one of the best things about getting a bite for me. Can't be great for baitcaster sales either. Like you always say, it's up to the tournament organizations.
Do you have the same disdain for the tournament angler that goes down the bank in clear enough water to see if there's a bass under a lay down or not and cast to it?
No. The bank angler still has to put in effort and time walking and looking. Checking every spot. Bigger point it’s free to walk and look. FFS cost a lot for the common person.
Theres a solid portion of anglers that dont want livescope to be legal in tourneys, but we have to have it to be able to compete with guys. I fall into that category. After get absolutely steamrolled in big bass power hour on chickamauga 2 weekends ago (a tourney that pays $1000 to biggest bass submitted every hour- and also has an overall winner with most inches overall every fish over 14 inches counts) After getting smacked around in that tourney where two 10lb class 24+ inch bass were sniped by livescope and every single hourly winner used livescope yo catch their bass, i finally caved in and bought it. That perspective mode changed the game where now even us shallow anglers are at an extreme disadvantage. Mine gets here wednesday. Spent about $3000 for livescope, new graph that runs it, and lithium battery for it.
Great points about using it in shallow water as well as in tournaments. I agree it should be limited in those aspects. However, for recreational fishing, we should feel free to use what we want and can afford. I learn a lot about fish behavior, certain lure presentations and actions that I would never understand without active target. Like I said, I agree with most of what you said. Good for you Randy, most pros won't say what you did. But just like your freedom to speak your mind, so should the freedom of the recreational angler.
I'm with you Randy.Please don't give up the good fight. Thank you for all you do for the true sport of fishing.I am 76 and bass fished my whole life.I see the decline in numbers and quality sport fish here in Missouri.especially over the last 3 or 4 years since ffs sonar
Bass fished from an early age. Ponds. Now 56 from a boat. I love bass fishing and totally understand your point. The Bass Master Classic a whole new deal now.
Originally it was just tournaments, but he wants it banned completely from public use now. He said the only people that should use it is fish and wildlife departments etc. for use as a study tool.
Its big boys playing video games. Takes the fun out of it. Every other sport has limitations on performance enhancing tools. Bass fishing should also. This is an unstopable tech.
Randy I’m running 3 livescopes off of my boat and I plan on running 2 more off the transom in both directions. I want to see absolutely everything I don’t want any fish hiding from me 😮💨😮💨
Well stated Randy. I agree with you 90%. I'm an all-around recreational angler and love the pursuit of the unknown. We float the Mississippi up here in Minnesota for top water smallmouth. Our technique is simple? Throw the bait along the shoreline and often times a fish will blow up on it. Very exciting. I recently got a Garmin Livescope exclusively for icefishing. I will not use it on open water for the reasons you give. Being 70 years old, if this will help me drill a few less holes and catch (and release most) crappies, I'll be satisfied with that.
@christopher9076 Clear water is something nature creates. It's not man made technology. Live Scope and FFS are essentially commercial fishing great now being used by supposed sportfishermen. It's just not sporting.
FORWARD FACING SONAR JOKE My neighbor Clem had been hinting for weeks he wanted to go bass fishing out of a real bass boat begging me to take him . I finally relented and took him out last weekend and set him up with some easy to fish lures out of the back of the boat . He got bored with that pretty quick and asked if he could fish up front and catch fish off the big TV sets up front like I was doing . I said "OK come on up "and I handed him the rod I was using with a strolling rig tied on . I gave him a quick lesson explaining it was called "Forward Facing Sonar" and showed him how to cast to the fish's location and retrieve the lure up to the bass watching the fish's behavior to entice a strike . He caught on right away and had a limit in no time . Clem was very impressed and said he was getting one of those newfangled FFS boxes for his dented up John boat . I ran into Clem a couple of weeks later and asked him if he got a new FFS unit for his boat yet . He said after pricing them he said he couldn't afford one but assured me he had found something that was way cheaper and just as easy to catch bass , "He said come on over I'll show you what I found ." I was a little confused as we approached what turned out to be a 55 gallon blue plastic barrel filled with water on the side of his garage that contained a couple of 5 lb bass . Clem said "OK now watch this careful ." "I just drop this lure in like this and since I can see the bass perfectly clear I swim the lure up to the fish and just move it around in his face and when I see him bite it I got em ." Laughing I said to Clem "that ain't fishing that's as easy as fishin in a Barr.....".(Clem interrupted me before I could finish my sentence) " I KNOW , I KNOW ! " he gleefully said "It's as easy as Forward Facing Sonar"
I watch everyday on your videos. I have defended your point to alot of people. I have sent many comments and questions. Not once have your responded to me. For that reason as a weekend angler, your voice has convinced me more than ever to buy it. I got it now and will use it. Your videos against it, actually made me want it more as a guy that works 70 hrs a week and goes fishing when he can. I still believe in basic fishing. I pay for the extra content on your site. Again , since you never responded to any of my questions, you actually have led me to want it as a tool. Works both ways. Respond to your daily viewers that love you . I am all in on learning my forward facing now. Will use it everyday when I learn it. Kinda surprised me that you never respond to anything I ask or post. No matter what I like you and respect your opinion. Friends either way. But I did buy all the new electronics and plan to use them to show my grandkids fish on the screen and catch. I’m a catch and release guy unless fish fry coming up. So I am not looking to strip a lake
For what it's worth Randy is only on UA-cam to make money, he's said it many times. I don't have any issue with that, but the fact that you are willing to pay him to be a member, and he hasn't answered any of your questions is sad and pretty lame IMO.
I agree. and again I like Randy. Not looking to bash him. I just wish I would get a response from time to time. I know he cannot read and respond to everyone. It is what it is, the technology is there. People are going to buy it. Like I mentioned , for me just a fun tool. I am going to release 90 percent of my catch. As long as the money is there, companies will continue to sell. It a futile battle to resist it in my opinion. I am good with going old school if everyone else does. But since that is not going to happen , I may as well use it. Kinda like I want the border closed, I cannot control that either. I wish I could pay ten percent flat tax. I wish no one else would move to Auburn Alabama and our traffic be horrible and roads congested . Wish a 180k house did not now cost 400k here. But I can bitch or I can just roll with it and enjoy my own life best I can. I choose enjoy and keep to myself. @@christopher9076
I was never a huge fan of ffs last fall and it was equipped with the updated version of garmin's livescope. I did only get to use the boat five times before it had to be winterized. I'd be lying if I said I definitely wasn't curious to try it out. My thoughts were I could sell it and recoup some of my money. But I definitely want to play with it a couple of times and see what it's all about
Hey Randy There’s a lot of things about bass fishing that I don’t understand, which is how it should be. I also understand that no mater what technology you employ not all fish in a school or singularly will be caught by it. Lure choices and presentations still play a part in one’s success. That said I wholeheartedly believe there needs to be limitations/rules in all sports. I’m sure football, car racing and virtually every other sport has lines that can’t be crossed without penalty . I remember when aquaview cameras first came out, the very first thing tournament organizers did was to make them illegal for use during a tournament. Practice use was fine and that’s where it stopped. I believe this is one of those no brainer types of decisions. FFS actually has much greater field of view and accuracy in determining fish attitudes than an underwater camera, and which one is illegal for use in a tournament. I totally understand the appeal to technology but I also appreciate the purist’s side of angling. Fishing a bass on a bed should be as close to this new found tool as should be acceptable.
I’ll be getting FFS soon. I’m 52 years old and have tournament fished for 30years. I have no interest in trolling around in open water looking for single fish and throwing a bait down their throat. I can’t wait to use it to find shallow and medium depth cover, however. I know how to fish brushpiles and laydowns, but I should be able to find them in hours or days…..not years. I’m sure I will eventually use it to throw at an individual fish, but I’m really mostly excited to be able to use it to find structure and cover, as well as learn some about fish behavior. I really do see your point, but I plan on using it as a tool to make me a better fisherman, not watch a bunch of fish eat my bait on a screen.
Randy , if I understand the pro rules ( MLF) If a local person starts giving the tournament angler tips, the angler is required to nicely tell the local that he can not take the locals advice because it is cheating. Same thing forward facing sonar does for the angler and one up by showing exactly where the fish are.. Big Money at work !
A Power Pole device is more for convenience. A 2D sonar will show the structure or cover. It’s up to the angler to decipher the reading on the device. I use my Lowrance 2330 flasher much more than my Graph. But I do have two graphs on my boat. Just set on 2D. The side imaging is rarely on as I flip the bank 90% of the time. I just enjoy flipping.
Something to think about if everyone that has a fishing license have live scope there would be very few 10:38 fish for you to have a tournaments to fish
Our lakes can't withstand this kind of pressure long term and that in my opinion is main problem. Who is responsible for taking care of the wildlife and making and enforcing laws to make sure future generations have the same opportunities we have? Whoever that is has been complacent. Thank you Randy for what you do.
I’m going to say 80 percent, potentially more, of bass fisherman do not keep the bass they catch, so how does it hurt bass populations? How many fish are caught on Sam Rayburn in a single week..and it continues to churn out some of the best fishing in the country. Going out to the lake and catching 50 bass in a day off of FFS and throwing them all back….hasn’t hurt the population at all. Randy is the most negative fisherman on UA-cam…and it works for him. He has gained a good following with playing to his crowd l, but, it has gotten old.
@@Fishing_with_Fincher Is he negative or telling the public the truth? Randy has been fishing longer than you've been alive probably double. Personally, I'd be embarrassed but it's 2024. You're spouting off numbers without facts. The only facts we have is 75% to 85% of the fishermen are against it so that leaves you in the 15 to 25 percent. If the public was educated on what's going on and we had a public vote I'd bet 95% or more would vote to outlaw ffs, because its unethical. Meaning Cheating. We're just throwing around numbers so I might be off 1 or 2 percent either way. Now to your what does it hurt. Fish die from being caught all the time, especially the ones put in livewells all day, swim bladder full of air, hooked deep, hooked around gills, stressed, kept, etc.... The fact is excessive fishing pressure decreases fish population in return leads to poor fishing, which all of us are witnessing right now. We need laws against said technology to protect our fisheries not just for us but future generations and I think that's what Randy is doing.
Randy, I’m curious to hear your thoughts on the Humminbird mega 360. I would use it to see the structure to fish. I do hear guys say that you can see fish on it sometimes but honestly I’m not that good with my electronics.
Randy, I post almost 100% informational videos on tips and techniques on my channel. I actually had a comment that said I was wasting my time doing them. It is very sad. But, it actually makes me go harder than ever explaining how to (actually) know how to fish. Good job on your channel!
youre not wasting your time. there is still an audience out there that loves it. However, we have had a generation of people that have killed everything that they touch because they want the benefits of everything without the work. They want technology that gives them instant rewards instead of taking the time to develop. there are many people that may use FFS but they still want to know how to fish. Gotta have a foundadation
I'm a big swimbait angler. I throw giant swimbaits exclusively. I'm searching for a memory. I'm a trophy hunter so to speak. But if I knew before I cast that there was a dd out there on the point,structure,etc and I caught it, its tainted.
This way of fishing for bass using FFS reminds me a bit of what we call 'canned hunting' for lion in South Africa, where measures are taken to absolutely ensure that the target animal can and will be killed with ease. It takes away all the challenge and need for hunting skills; and eliminates the concept of a fair chase/hunt. But as with many good things in the world , once money gets involved, things are bound to become a circus....
In my view most people are lazy. They don't want to put in the work that is required to be successful. Destroy bass fisheries rather than put in the hard work is typical of most young people today. It is sad that no one will stand up to the big sonar companies. Fisheries are being destroyed as we speak. Keep fighting Randy! This fight will be your legacy!
Randy you need to check out the TAA / Touring Anglers Association tournament series that is starting. First event is on Lanier in April. $300k first place prize. No livescope or 360.
Ok randy ive been fishing tournaments since i was 13 by myself or with my 16 year old friend. Im 38. Just got 4 screens on my fxr 21 with scope. About 5% of my fish come when i see the bite happen so far. If i only scope i have very limited success. I think the best fisherman in the future will need to find a balance between traditional skills and utilizing tech.
Live Scope reminds me of Robo spinning wing duck decoys when they came out in the early 90's. Lots of duck hunters said it will ruin the sport. Guys that were bad callers and decoy setters were shooting most of the ducks. I learned my lesson and got a few. Now i know I need to get Live Scope.
I like when a bass hits my spinner bait and he’s just as surprised as I am. Most the times we both come to that realization at the same time.
Lol same
I always fall back to this. When i explain FFS to other sports fans that dont follow bass fishing, no matter what age,races or gender the thing i always hear" isn't that cheating " that sums it up for me.
I had thought one time about buying a forward looking sonar but I ran into a couple guys that had one, one of ‘em loved it, the other said he found himself constantly looking at the scope and not really fishing. I realized if I had one, I’d be the latter. I’d rather not take the challenge and mystique out of it.
Thanks Randy. Here is a little money to help you keep taking on how livescope is bad for trounments. 😁👍
Thank you very much, Roy! That’s very generous of you!
Really?
You're a good man, Randy! I wish there were more people like you speaking out. These tournament directors are compromised. We need a new professional league run by some of the greats in the sport. All of the OGs need to get together and save the sport before it's too late.
I made a song about the FFS debate. ua-cam.com/video/M6Cd9dlBrxE/v-deo.htmlsi=9c3Hp36QlzmjC08z
Nailed it. “Removing the element of the unknown”. I appreciate your ability to verbalize this.
I’m 55 years old and I still remember the day s when I was young of going to bull shoals lake and fishing any cove I could walk to. I slung plastic worms and top water all year long not knowing any better and the simplicity of bass fishing is what I fell in love with. Everything we know about the nuances of bass fishing or fishing in general have been exploited in the form of greed. It’s such a shame that these so called fishermen will never understand the importance and value in just being on the water and never knowing what was going to bite.
Truth
The problem is that tournament fishing changed a hobby into a profession. I remember an interview a few decades ago where professional fishermen were asked if they enjoyed fishing as a hobby now that they are professionals and every one of them said the pressure of being a professional fisherman destroyed the hobby of fishing for them. Some of these anglers have Ego's the size of the lake they fish and winning at all costs and by any means is their mantra so if ffs gives them the advantage they are going to use it. I love fishing but dont tournament fish because I have seen what a tournament does to a lake. Pulling 50 or more fish from all over the lake and releasing them all at the weigh in spot at the same time puts the whole lake in shock. It takes a long time for the fish to get back to and settle in their territory.
I am a decent fisherman and catch the fish I target. One example of what I am talking about is maybe ten years ago I went to Wanita Lake by the Finger lakes in NYS that I fished several times a year and did well catching 4 lb bass consistently. But this time it was two weeks after a major tournament and the whole lake was in shock. Nothing was biting not even the bluegill which were suspended in small groups out in the middle of the lake.
Another problem with ffs is that people who keep the fish to eat are going to zero in on the fish and clean out lakes. No one is going to care until there are consistently no fish being caught during a tournament for several years in a row and by then it will be too late.
I I have experienced these things and this technology is only going to make it worse. This is my opinion determined by what I have experienced over the years.
I’ve decided to implement the crank up telephone method. That way I get a good look at em’ 😅
Probably allow it now in the tournaments if it has Lowrence ,Garmin, Hummingbird , Etc on it .
💯OLD SCHOOL ROCKS💯
Way to go Randy ! Keep banging that drum ! I’m with you and so many of us are with you !
Man, you don’t know how much I appreciate that!
I made a song about the FFS debate. ua-cam.com/video/M6Cd9dlBrxE/v-deo.htmlsi=9c3Hp36QlzmjC08z
Thank you for standing up for the true spirit of the sport and being an advocate at the forefront of ANTI forward-facing sonar!!! FFS truly does undermine what bass fishing is all about. I would rather watch a bass blow-up on my buzzbait than spend another waking second staring at a screen. Thank you for advocating the fact that FFS is horrible for the fisheries from a conservation and sustainability standpoint. FFS reminds me of the putter that Rodney Dangerfield has in CaddyShack (that makes the putt for him every time lol). Keep fighting the good fight -we got your back!
Randy speaking the truth! Hold tight Randy, lot of us are with you 💯%
It’s not going to change anything. Technology continually evolves and improves.
So what’s different from
Sight fishing? Please explain 🧐
There is NO difference these anti FFS would rape a spawning flat and put 5 giant females in their livewells and transport them 2 miles, real ethical.
As a weekend fisherman, multi-species, with a 10 year old son that loves fishing- I much appreciate the danger proposition here. I will use very cautiously to not ruin the suspense of fishing that I love. I have always said that fishing is just like gambling, every cast is like pulling the lever on a slot machine. I don't want to lose that suspense factor.
Best comment. Just because it's legal doesn't mean it's right.
👍💪
What's next... Tony Stark glasses telling the wearer exactly where & how to catch them!?
Sir Randall i understand you on all your views you are one honest individual trying to protect the sport and the environment keep on keeping on with your voice thank you for fighting the good fight
I don't have forward facing sonar. It doesn't seem to keep me from catching fish at all.
My 15 yr old daughter said she won't fish if I get and use FFS. I've been resisting getting it anyway. Like you said, the excitement comes from getting a bite from a spot that you don't know if a fish is there or not.
👍
My buddy and I have a bass boat with 0 technology on it. And we still go out there and kick ASS! I don't know how to explain this but when you become one with nature, she seems to guide you were there at. At the end of the day, it's a hell a lot more satisfying feeling !
So we should get rid of 250 horse motors and go back to 12 foot row boats? Cane poles with 10lb mono? I don’t have forward facing sonar and most likely never will. That being said you make it sound like no fish stands a chance at survival and that every lake will be fished out. Perspective mode may show fish up shallow, it does it show you what type of fish it is? It sounds like you’re more angry about the efficiency of it than anything else. The technology seems to be allowing anglers to work smarter and not harder. No one is being forced to use it. Do they use it because they feel they can’t compete without it, probably so. That being said, if you don’t adapt, you get left behind. There will always be innovation and advances in the sport. You don’t fish with it and that’s your prerogative. But, hating on those that do is pretty silly. Especially when you’re so condescending about it. Claiming that the people who are against it are the adults in the room is fairly childish.
I want to figure out how to use it from shore.
I heard clunn say in an interview that with this technology, an angler can make 200 cast a day and achieve what it took him 2000 cast a day to achieve, and he was all for it,that broke my heart I just don't under stand why these guys don't understand what they are doing to the sport it's a real shame!
I heard that too, on Mercer or Stray Casts with Pat Renwick. He's had cataract surgery and has a 22" screen now. I'm going to wait a year and see if his thoughts will have changed after this season.
Because he knows it's a tool, nothing more. Not the "end of fishing, the exponential terrorist threat to bass fishing. So I respect Rick Clunn to understand the fact it's a tool. Not like the tool that Randy has become.
The urge to name call is a sign of low IQ...just sayin.@@fisherman7275
Love this Randy. I will never ever use livescope. When I go fishing Its about being in the outdoors and watching nature. Keep pushing this
Best "rant" by randy! Loved to hear you lay it out how it's getting to be. It's like hunting with a thermographic camera on a drone. Just unhealthy and not fair to the sport of fishing in general!
You are correct. Please keep up the good fight. Forward facing sonar is not fishing. It is a video game.
I have ffs on my new boat and I can't figure forward facing out and have no clue how to put it into perspective mode .
get with a guide and allow somoene to show you the ins and outs.
100 % agree.
There's no need to apologize about presenting the truth brother
Livescope can’t see bass deep inside tules. Is it only a matter of time before that goes away too?
Yes, I agree. We destroy everything we touch.
Had live scope on my boat. Sold it. Now I fish with guys without it, and I can tell you, fishing has become fun again. Almost forgot how much fun it is. With live scope it's like your always stressed to get the fish you see to bite. Jmo.
I'm 63, and while I somewhat agree with you, I'll say this...Technology will continue to improve as it always has. In my day I've seen it go from a anchor rope with knots every foot to flashers, paper graphs, LCR's, mapping, poles, spotlock. It's just the evolution of things. What does it do to the fishing long term? It remains to be seen. Nature's creatures are pretty resilient. May or may not be as bad as some think.
Randy it makes me so happy to see you continually push to get ffs banned I’m a young tournament angler 16 years old and I want to go pro some day and I don’t want to have to use livescope to do it. Please keep fighting I’m with you man.
I completely agree it should never be allowed to be used in a tournament. Personally like you I enjoy the unknown and enjoy the part of fishing of finding the fish because of my own skills or in my case luck…lol. So I would never buy Livescope, however I do understand why weekend warriors who might only get to fish once or twice a month would want to buy one.
You're 100% correct, in that tournament organizers are going to have to be the ones to stop this. I feel sorry for some of the tournament participants who are opposed to this technology, but are forced to use it to compete.....
if they are opposed to it they wouldnt use it. no one is forcing you to put it on the boat. if you dont need ffs to fish then you can catch them just like the ones with it
@@michaelbroussard7404 exactly no one is forcing anyone to bolt it to there boat .....of u don't want it don't buy it.....
Every bit of technology will be improved upon. I can’t imagine how much farther it will go. It’s just sad to an old bass fisherman like me.
Mr. RANDY, I completely agree with your views. I'm relatively young(45) but it's taken me my whole life to learn what I know and to use a device to do what should take years to figure out just ain't right. It's like doing a crossword puzzle with the answers...what fun is that?
Randy you're going the right direction with your efforts I hope you can make a difference it would be a better situation than what we got your thoughts about no tournaments in the spawn of course no spotlighting would definitely be a first step and probably enough to keep everything at least good enough to perpetuate our support
YES! AMEN!
With ya all the way Randy👍I’m a 65 year old and know many anglers at different ages who feel the same way!!
Not to mention this could be extremely bad for our fisheries. Some people are assholes and now that this tech is available said assholes could 100% use this tech and end up killing a bunch of fish. I completely agree with you, for me fishing is about using my senses to detect where fish might be, intuition, and overall just be in tune with nature and “thinking like a fish”. Using a buttload of tech just ruins that. Part of fishing is to get into nature and away from the craziness of regular life. Adding screens just ruins it, in my opinion.
100 % with you.Keep talking
Spot on video.
Your exactly right FFS is destroying bass fishing well all fishing far as that goes thanks Randy keep the video's coming.
Us old fellers don't need it. And that's what bothers them. Apparently if you have a different opinion people get butthurt and think you're an asshole. They don't like you because your honest. Keep grinding brother ❤ my Ole Stratos still runs Gen 1s. Gives me depth temperature and the occasional arch. You can still find fish offshore without livescope. We done it for years. I've been fishing tournaments since the mid 80s blasting mid summer mamas on deep cranks.
Ever since FFS came out I always thought it was a bridge too far. The ability to see structure with side and down imaging was such an amazing innovation, but there was still the element of suprise with it. You could see structure and you could learn how to develop patterns based off the structure. That was great.
The fact that now, all you need to do is aim a sonar around the boat and individually pick off fish, really takes the suprise and the special feeling out of fishing entirely. Ive heard both sides of the arguement, and i personally come down on NOT being for this technology. KVD has explained it very well. For tournament anglers especially, whether Kayak or boat, the buy in now isnt just a nice boat, its $30,000 in electronics. It will destroy small local derbies for people who just want to have some fun, because there will always be the one guy that shows up with all thr FFS gear and he has such an advantage over the everyday angler who cant afford such tools. To me, thats not good for the sport at all.
You're not nuts. I'm with you. I hadn't heard of perspective mode until last week. It kinda made my heart sink. I'm in a kayak, and I'm happy to have the bass boats out offshore, leaving me the hell alone. I didn't realize there was some shallow water setting. Not knowing that a bite is coming is one of the best things about getting a bite for me. Can't be great for baitcaster sales either. Like you always say, it's up to the tournament organizations.
I made a song about the FFS debate. ua-cam.com/video/M6Cd9dlBrxE/v-deo.htmlsi=9c3Hp36QlzmjC08z
100% agree. These kids now have no clue how to fish without it
Do you have the same disdain for the tournament angler that goes down the bank in clear enough water to see if there's a bass under a lay down or not and cast to it?
great question,but he wont engage bcuz it doesnt fit his agenda.
@@ronniephelps1671 He'd be hypocritical if he said no.
No. The bank angler still has to put in effort and time walking and looking. Checking every spot. Bigger point it’s free to walk and look. FFS cost a lot for the common person.
It effectively prices ppl out of fishing especially if you wanna try tournament fishing.
@@ronniephelps1671 Where is the "agenda"? It's common sense, technology is making people dumb, lazy and incompetent.
Theres a solid portion of anglers that dont want livescope to be legal in tourneys, but we have to have it to be able to compete with guys.
I fall into that category. After get absolutely steamrolled in big bass power hour on chickamauga 2 weekends ago (a tourney that pays $1000 to biggest bass submitted every hour- and also has an overall winner with most inches overall every fish over 14 inches counts)
After getting smacked around in that tourney where two 10lb class 24+ inch bass were sniped by livescope and every single hourly winner used livescope yo catch their bass, i finally caved in and bought it. That perspective mode changed the game where now even us shallow anglers are at an extreme disadvantage. Mine gets here wednesday. Spent about $3000 for livescope, new graph that runs it, and lithium battery for it.
I agree 100%. Great video, Randy. Thanks!
Great points about using it in shallow water as well as in tournaments. I agree it should be limited in those aspects. However, for recreational fishing, we should feel free to use what we want and can afford. I learn a lot about fish behavior, certain lure presentations and actions that I would never understand without active target. Like I said, I agree with most of what you said. Good for you Randy, most pros won't say what you did. But just like your freedom to speak your mind, so should the freedom of the recreational angler.
I'm with you Randy.Please don't give up the good fight. Thank you for all you do for the true sport of fishing.I am 76 and bass fished my whole life.I see the decline in numbers and quality sport fish here in Missouri.especially over the last 3 or 4 years since ffs sonar
Why won't elite series, etc regulate it? It will take time for localities to regulate.
Nothing like putting a lure in a brush pile and seeing the brush shake and just waiting to see the size of bass that you get what a great feeling
Now THAT's what I'm talking about. Or, seeing that boil near a top water when the sun is rising....
I will stop calling them professionals
is that true though? i mean if the average person had FFS and competed against a pro, would they win?
@@LeonStjames 🤷♂️
Ultimately, it is going to be up to the professional anglers to take a stance against ffs.
The tournament organizations will not do it.
Bass fished from an early age. Ponds. Now 56 from a boat. I love bass fishing and totally understand your point. The Bass Master Classic a whole new deal now.
It’s pretty simple. The people building the units are the industry. Without the sponsors there would be no tournaments.
Wouldn't it be wonderful if we didn't have tournaments people could actually go out and enjoy the day enjoy the day take fish within reason
Are you wanting it gone from tournament fishing or just completely gone in general?
Originally it was just tournaments, but he wants it banned completely from public use now. He said the only people that should use it is fish and wildlife departments etc. for use as a study tool.
The majority of people are with you in this fight, dont let the guys who can't live without their cheater box convince you otherwise.
Keep it up Randy. You said it all. There is nothing I can add.
I agree with you Randy! Everyday your argument gets less and less crazy and more apparent.
Its big boys playing video games. Takes the fun out of it. Every other sport has limitations on performance enhancing tools. Bass fishing should also. This is an unstopable tech.
Randy I’m running 3 livescopes off of my boat and I plan on running 2 more off the transom in both directions. I want to see absolutely everything I don’t want any fish hiding from me 😮💨😮💨
I’m so ready for the livescope sunglasses.
Well stated Randy. I agree with you 90%. I'm an all-around recreational angler and love the pursuit of the unknown. We float the Mississippi up here in Minnesota for top water smallmouth. Our technique is simple? Throw the bait along the shoreline and often times a fish will blow up on it. Very exciting. I recently got a Garmin Livescope exclusively for icefishing. I will not use it on open water for the reasons you give. Being 70 years old, if this will help me drill a few less holes and catch (and release most) crappies, I'll be satisfied with that.
I have been using drones and ocean sized casting reels to reach backwater areas the scopers can’t access. Been crushing them !
What drone do you recommend. I fish drinking water lakes no boats swimming or wading. I would welcome your help thank you.
Isn’t using a drone cheating?
Why don't you just use dinomite
It's not Fair Chase. Plain and simple.
Exactly
Is fishing in clear enough water to see the bass and the lure fair chase?
@christopher9076 Clear water is something nature creates. It's not man made technology. Live Scope and FFS are essentially commercial fishing great now being used by supposed sportfishermen. It's just not sporting.
@@christopher9076
Is providing artificial light and harvesting a deer fair chase?
Are DI SI power poles, giant outboards, live bait, etc fair chase? Let the rationalization begin.
Great video man keep it up!
Very well said Randy!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Co anglers are bringing they're own portable units with them in the opens. There was at least one guy at Okeechobee that had it. Thoughts?
FORWARD FACING SONAR JOKE
My neighbor Clem had been hinting for weeks he wanted to go bass fishing out of a real bass boat begging me to take him . I finally relented and took him out last weekend and set him up with some easy to fish lures out of the back of the boat . He got bored with that pretty quick and asked if he could fish up front and catch fish off the big TV sets up front like I was doing . I said "OK come on up "and I handed him the rod I was using with a strolling rig tied on . I gave him a quick lesson explaining it was called "Forward Facing Sonar" and showed him how to cast to the fish's location and retrieve the lure up to the bass watching the fish's behavior to entice a strike . He caught on right away and had a limit in no time . Clem was very impressed and said he was getting one of those newfangled FFS boxes for his dented up John boat .
I ran into Clem a couple of weeks later and asked him if he got a new FFS unit for his boat yet . He said after pricing them he said he couldn't afford one but assured me he had found something that was way cheaper and just as easy to catch bass , "He said come on over I'll show you what I found ."
I was a little confused as we approached what turned out to be a 55 gallon blue plastic barrel filled with water on the side of his garage that contained a couple of 5 lb bass .
Clem said "OK now watch this careful ." "I just drop this lure in like this and since I can see the bass perfectly clear I swim the lure up to the fish and just move it around in his face and when I see him bite it I got em ." Laughing I said to Clem "that ain't fishing that's as easy as fishin in a Barr.....".(Clem interrupted me before I could finish my sentence) " I KNOW , I KNOW ! " he gleefully said "It's as easy as Forward Facing Sonar"
I watch everyday on your videos. I have defended your point to alot of people. I have sent many comments and questions. Not once have your responded to me. For that reason as a weekend angler, your voice has convinced me more than ever to buy it. I got it now and will use it. Your videos against it, actually made me want it more as a guy that works 70 hrs a week and goes fishing when he can. I still believe in basic fishing. I pay for the extra content on your site. Again , since you never responded to any of my questions, you actually have led me to want it as a tool. Works both ways. Respond to your daily viewers that love you . I am all in on learning my forward facing now. Will use it everyday when I learn it. Kinda surprised me that you never respond to anything I ask or post. No matter what I like you and respect your opinion. Friends either way. But I did buy all the new electronics and plan to use them to show my grandkids fish on the screen and catch. I’m a catch and release guy unless fish fry coming up. So I am not looking to strip a lake
For what it's worth Randy is only on UA-cam to make money, he's said it many times. I don't have any issue with that, but the fact that you are willing to pay him to be a member, and he hasn't answered any of your questions is sad and pretty lame IMO.
I agree. and again I like Randy. Not looking to bash him. I just wish I would get a response from time to time. I know he cannot read and respond to everyone. It is what it is, the technology is there. People are going to buy it. Like I mentioned , for me just a fun tool. I am going to release 90 percent of my catch. As long as the money is there, companies will continue to sell. It a futile battle to resist it in my opinion. I am good with going old school if everyone else does. But since that is not going to happen , I may as well use it. Kinda like I want the border closed, I cannot control that either. I wish I could pay ten percent flat tax. I wish no one else would move to Auburn Alabama and our traffic be horrible and roads congested . Wish a 180k house did not now cost 400k here. But I can bitch or I can just roll with it and enjoy my own life best I can. I choose enjoy and keep to myself. @@christopher9076
You know I'm with you brother!
I was never a huge fan of ffs last fall and it was equipped with the updated version of garmin's livescope. I did only get to use the boat five times before it had to be winterized. I'd be lying if I said I definitely wasn't curious to try it out. My thoughts were I could sell it and recoup some of my money. But I definitely want to play with it a couple of times and see what it's all about
Hey Randy
There’s a lot of things about bass fishing that I don’t understand, which is how it should be. I also understand that no mater what technology you employ not all fish in a school or singularly will be caught by it. Lure choices and presentations still play a part in one’s success. That said I wholeheartedly believe there needs to be limitations/rules in all sports. I’m sure football, car racing and virtually every other sport has lines that can’t be crossed without penalty . I remember when aquaview cameras first came out, the very first thing tournament organizers did was to make them illegal for use during a tournament. Practice use was fine and that’s where it stopped. I believe this is one of those no brainer types of decisions. FFS actually has much greater field of view and accuracy in determining fish attitudes than an underwater camera, and which one is illegal for use in a tournament. I totally understand the appeal to technology but I also appreciate the purist’s side of angling. Fishing a bass on a bed should be as close to this new found tool as should be acceptable.
I’ll be getting FFS soon. I’m 52 years old and have tournament fished for 30years. I have no interest in trolling around in open water looking for single fish and throwing a bait down their throat. I can’t wait to use it to find shallow and medium depth cover, however. I know how to fish brushpiles and laydowns, but I should be able to find them in hours or days…..not years. I’m sure I will eventually use it to throw at an individual fish, but I’m really mostly excited to be able to use it to find structure and cover, as well as learn some about fish behavior.
I really do see your point, but I plan on using it as a tool to make me a better fisherman, not watch a bunch of fish eat my bait on a screen.
Randy , if I understand the pro rules ( MLF) If a local person starts giving the tournament angler tips, the angler is required to nicely tell the local that he can not take the locals advice because it is cheating. Same thing forward facing sonar does for the angler and one up by showing exactly where the fish are.. Big Money at work !
A Power Pole device is more for convenience.
A 2D sonar will show the structure or cover.
It’s up to the angler to decipher the reading on the device.
I use my Lowrance 2330 flasher much more than my Graph.
But I do have two graphs on my boat.
Just set on 2D.
The side imaging is rarely on as I flip the bank 90% of the time.
I just enjoy flipping.
Very well said brother
Something to think about if everyone that has a fishing license have live scope there would be very few 10:38 fish for you to have a tournaments to fish
Everyone with a license doesn't even have a boat...
Yes I do know that but something to think about anyway
Once Pandora's Box has been opened it's impossible to lock it back up.
I am with you! This tech is the worst thing to happen to bass fishing.
The worst thing that happened to bass fishing was 100 boat derbys every freaking weekend for some idiot trying to win $500
Thanks.
Our lakes can't withstand this kind of pressure long term and that in my opinion is main problem. Who is responsible for taking care of the wildlife and making and enforcing laws to make sure future generations have the same opportunities we have? Whoever that is has been complacent. Thank you Randy for what you do.
You really don't know? It's state game and fish departments, along with the feds in some instances.
We are
@johnmiller5987 it use the be the conservation departments but our tax dollars go out without representation just Ike the rest
I’m going to say 80 percent, potentially more, of bass fisherman do not keep the bass they catch, so how does it hurt bass populations? How many fish are caught on Sam Rayburn in a single week..and it continues to churn out some of the best fishing in the country. Going out to the lake and catching 50 bass in a day off of FFS and throwing them all back….hasn’t hurt the population at all. Randy is the most negative fisherman on UA-cam…and it works for him. He has gained a good following with playing to his crowd l, but, it has gotten old.
@@Fishing_with_Fincher Is he negative or telling the public the truth? Randy has been fishing longer than you've been alive probably double. Personally, I'd be embarrassed but it's 2024. You're spouting off numbers without facts. The only facts we have is 75% to 85% of the fishermen are against it so that leaves you in the 15 to 25 percent. If the public was educated on what's going on and we had a public vote I'd bet 95% or more would vote to outlaw ffs, because its unethical. Meaning Cheating. We're just throwing around numbers so I might be off 1 or 2 percent either way. Now to your what does it hurt. Fish die from being caught all the time, especially the ones put in livewells all day, swim bladder full of air, hooked deep, hooked around gills, stressed, kept, etc.... The fact is excessive fishing pressure decreases fish population in return leads to poor fishing, which all of us are witnessing right now. We need laws against said technology to protect our fisheries not just for us but future generations and I think that's what Randy is doing.
I’ve reached a point where I no longer speak to other fishermen that have FFS equipment on their boat.
Randy, I’m curious to hear your thoughts on the Humminbird mega 360. I would use it to see the structure to fish. I do hear guys say that you can see fish on it sometimes but honestly I’m not that good with my electronics.
I just started fishing last year and now I feel like I came in too late to the game of traditional fishing
Randy, I post almost 100% informational videos on tips and techniques on my channel. I actually had a comment that said I was wasting my time doing them. It is very sad. But, it actually makes me go harder than ever explaining how to (actually) know how to fish. Good job on your channel!
youre not wasting your time. there is still an audience out there that loves it. However, we have had a generation of people that have killed everything that they touch because they want the benefits of everything without the work. They want technology that gives them instant rewards instead of taking the time to develop. there are many people that may use FFS but they still want to know how to fish. Gotta have a foundadation
@@LeonStjames thank you.
I'm a big swimbait angler. I throw giant swimbaits exclusively. I'm searching for a memory. I'm a trophy hunter so to speak. But if I knew before I cast that there was a dd out there on the point,structure,etc and I caught it, its tainted.
It’s like playing golf and being able to guide your golf ball where you want it to go. What’s the fun in that?
This way of fishing for bass using FFS reminds me a bit of what we call 'canned hunting' for lion in South Africa, where measures are taken to absolutely ensure that the target animal can and will be killed with ease. It takes away all the challenge and need for hunting skills; and eliminates the concept of a fair chase/hunt. But as with many good things in the world , once money gets involved, things are bound to become a circus....
How about allow it in practice but not tournament. Do you think that will happen Randy?
I've suggested that. But it went in one ear and out the other because so many spotlighters would blank on tournament day without their crutch
Alcohol and tobacco is legal because...freedom. Sugar is by far the most egregious offender in terms of Healthcare costs.
In my view most people are lazy. They don't want to put in the work that is required to be successful. Destroy bass fisheries rather than put in the hard work is typical of most young people today. It is sad that no one will stand up to the big sonar companies. Fisheries are being destroyed as we speak.
Keep fighting Randy! This fight will be your legacy!
👍💪
Randy you need to check out the TAA / Touring Anglers Association tournament series that is starting. First event is on Lanier in April. $300k first place prize. No livescope or 360.
Iam 65 an i get what your saying 👍👍👍
💪
Ok randy ive been fishing tournaments since i was 13 by myself or with my 16 year old friend. Im 38.
Just got 4 screens on my fxr 21 with scope.
About 5% of my fish come when i see the bite happen so far. If i only scope i have very limited success.
I think the best fisherman in the future will need to find a balance between traditional skills and utilizing tech.
Live Scope reminds me of Robo spinning wing duck decoys when they came out in the early 90's. Lots of duck hunters said it will ruin the sport. Guys that were bad callers and decoy setters were shooting most of the ducks. I learned my lesson and got a few. Now i know I need to get Live Scope.