I’m thankful that B.A.S.S. divided the 2026 Progressive Bassmaster Elite Series schedule into five events that allow forward-facing sonar (FFS) and four that do not. They never could have pleased everyone, but given the current climate regarding the use of FFS, I believe they’ve found a reasonable middle ground.
There’s no doubt the biggest controversy in tournament fishing today is over how FFS has changed our sport. Yes, it is easier to locate and catch bass using FFS. However, I can tell you from my own experience it is definitely not easy to master.
Over the past few years, we’ve seen bright, young anglers perfect finesse techniques like fishing the jighead minnow and the fuzzy dice in conjunction with FFS. These snipers put just as much effort into finding and catching bass with this new technology as veteran pros do with old-school instinctive tactics.
Although I have a very strong opinion regarding FFS, I prefer to keep it to myself. I don’t want to add fuel to the uproar we see on social media about whether FFS should be banned or embraced.
As with American politics, there are extreme views on both sides of the FFS debate. That’s why I’m pleased that B.A.S.S. has compromised and given both sides some of what they want.
If you failed to view the recent coin flip by Mark Zona and Tommy Sanders on Bassmaster.com, it was intense. They went down the 2026 Elite Series schedule and, one by one, flipped a coin to determine whether FFS would be allowed.
Looking back at the 2025 Bassmaster Angler of the Year final standings, it’s top heavy with young FFS wizards. I believe you will see the same names on top of the AOY list in 2026 despite having FFS banned from nearly half of the tournaments.
Many of those FFS “kids” are as good at throwing big swimbaits as I am. They’re also just as proficient as veteran pros at flipping jigs, deep cranking and other old-school tactics.
I predict a few of them will stumble in non-FFS tournaments. I also believe many of them will continue to dominate even when they’re deprived of their favorite tool.
Next year’s diverse schedule of FFS and non-FFS events will clearly demonstrate to pros and fans alike who is the best overall angler in 2026.
The 2026 Elite schedule will surely be one of the most intriguing in the history of B.A.S.S. Will we see more events won with 360 imaging? Will 2D sonar dominate? Will we see more shallow water aces at the top of the leaderboard?
Only time will tell. One thing is certain: Fans will have plenty to watch and plenty of pros to root for at each tournament, regardless of where they stand on the FFS issue.
Whether you are pro FFS or con, our common bond is we all love bass fishing. Never forget this. Fevered comments on social media only serve to tear us apart. We’re much stronger and better when we stick together.
Long live B.A.S.S. and bass tournament fishing.
