New MLF rules embrace forward-facing and 360-degree sonar while protecting traditional tournament fishing

BENTON, Ky. (Sept 6, 2024) – Major League Fishing (MLF) announced Friday updates to its 2025 rules that will allow tournament anglers to utilize the powerful fish-catching tools of forward-facing and 360-degree sonar technology while preserving traditional fishing techniques enjoyed by millions of anglers and fans.

Starting in 2025, all boats, across all MLF circuits, will be limited to two forward-facing or 360-degree sonar transducers in any combination. Additionally, no bow-mounted screen may extend vertically more than 18 inches off the surface of the front deck at its highest point when the boat is on plane, and no screen mounted at the console may extend vertically more than 16 inches off the top of the steering column where it protrudes from the console.

Pros competing on the 2025 Bass Pro Tour will be allowed to use forward-facing and 360-degree sonar for only one of three periods each day. Anglers will declare their use of the technologies before the start of the period of their choice, and fans watching on MLFNOW! will see an indicator on SCORETRACKER^® next to each angler’s name showing who is actively using the technologies, has used them or still has them available. This rule applies to all seven regular-season Bass Pro Tour stages and REDCREST 2025. There will be no restrictions in the General Tire Heavy Hitters or General Tire Team Series, where anglers compete out of similarly equipped, league-provided boats that level the playing field. Use of forward-facing and 360-degree sonar will be permitted during practice.

In the Tackle Warehouse Invitationals, qualifying days will be evenly split with forward-facing and 360-degree sonar allowed on Day 1 and prohibited on Day 2. Anglers who advance to the Championship Round will be allowed to use the technologies on Day 3. Forward-facing and 360-degree transducers must be covered with a high-visibility cap provided by MLF that prohibits sonar transmission during times when use is not allowed. No restrictions will apply to practice.

Toyota Series, Phoenix Bass Fishing League (BFL) and Abu Garcia College Fishing anglers will be allowed to use forward-facing and 360-degree sonar during practice and all competition days.

In order to create a more level playing field for up-and-coming student anglers and reinforce the learning of traditional bass-fishing techniques, use of forward-facing and 360-degree sonar will not be allowed in Abu Garcia High School Fishing competition. Its use will not, however, be restricted during practice.

“Forward-facing sonar is the most effective bass-fishing technology that I’ve seen introduced in my lifetime,” said Boyd Duckett, President and CEO of Major League Fishing. “It’s a powerful tool that provides an opportunity to access and catch fish that we’ve never been able to efficiently target before. However, its effectiveness is leading to a more uniform approach in tournaments. For the sport to remain engaging to fans, participants or sponsors, it’s important that anglers can still compete using a diverse range of techniques.”

MLF research shows that television and livestream viewers prefer watching tournaments where a variety of techniques are in play. Additionally, surveys of Tackle Warehouse Invitationals, Toyota Series and Phoenix Bass Fishing League anglers, both those who fished in 2024 and those who fished in 2023 but did not fish in 2024, show that a substantial majority, across all levels and divisions, support limiting screen size and transducers to rein in the technology. Anglers were evenly split, however, when asked if the technology should be banned or allowed to continue unrestricted. A slight majority of boaters preferred unrestricted use while co-anglers preferred an outright ban.

“We have numerous audiences that we’re trying to please, and while we realize that not everyone is going to agree with our rule changes, we believe the solutions we have created will satisfy the majority of our stakeholders,” Duckett said. “We did our due diligence from analyzing viewership trends and consulting with sponsors to surveying our anglers, who account for the sport’s largest participation base, and we believe we’ve reached the best possible solution to a polarizing issue – a compromise that merges this powerful technology with traditional bass fishing. Going forward, it will add to our game, not materially change it.”

MLF is uniquely situated to govern intra-day usage of forward-facing and 360-degree sonar at the sport’s highest level with its period structure and an official in every Bass Pro Tour boat. The league is also positioned to enforce day-by-day usage at the Tackle Warehouse Invitationals through POV cameras and a new, easy to install transducer cover under development that will temporarily prohibit sonar transmission. Covers will be provided to participating anglers at no charge.  

“We’re setting a path, just like every other professional sports league, that allows us to manage and appropriately incorporate technological advancements as they’re created,” Duckett said. “We want to ensure that our sport remains multi-dimensional so that we can continue delivering the best possible product for our fans, anglers and sponsors.”

For complete details and updated information on Major League Fishing visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For regular updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow MLF’s social media outlets at Facebook, X,  Instagram and  YouTube.