Is Forward Facing Sonar KILLING Bass Tournaments? | The Truth Revealed

On this eye-opening episode of Fishing the DMV, we dive headfirst into one of the most controversial topics in the sport today—is Forward Facing Sonar (FFS) really to blame for the current issues in bass fishing tournaments?

I explore the conversation from all angles by breaking down recent articles, analyzing YouTube commentary, and—most importantly—digging into five years of tournament and sales data to examine the rise of FFS and its true impact on state-level bass circuits.

But that’s not all—we’re also connecting the dots on how technology and affordability are reshaping bass fishing access for younger anglers. Here’s a quick look at the numbers:

Truck Price Comparison (Base Models – F150 XL):

·       2018: ~$27,700 (Regular cab, 3.3L V6)

·       2025: $39,645–$41,000

Ranger Bass Boat Price Comparison:

·       2018 Ranger Z520 (fiberglass Comanche): ~$40,000–$50,000

·       2025 Ranger Z520R Cup-Equipped: $86,995 base ($87,870 w/ trailer & prep)

 Millennial & Gen Z Financial Pressure:

·       Homeownership rate (under 36): Dropped to 36.3% by end of 2024, the lowest since 2008.

·       Side hustle economy: Over 50% of Millennials & Gen Z report having at least one side hustle.
  Source: The Times – Article on economic shifts

Data Sources Referenced:

·       NMMA Statistics Portal

·       NMMA 5-Year Summary Article

 Whether you're a purist who wants FFS banned or an angler who believes in embracing the future, this episode pulls no punches and puts the debate in full context—with facts, not just feelings.

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