JB134 Loc: Montana

Ouch, tough room. It’s just a tool, nothing else. But appears to be the red line in the sand in this room. Tight lines

hueey Loc: Lake Fork Tx

7 anglers starting this morning with over 90# of total weight and many in the 80# range
It’s exciting to watch them search the structure for fish
It’s even better to watch them in person.
Lots of people on the lake following them.

Grizzly 17 Loc: South central Pa

I'm just curious JB.
I watch the pros ride around find a school lock down n watch the screen.

I have a DI on mine n never watch it.
I glance at it to check depth to determine which crankbait to use.

I'm so use to fishing shallow a depthfinder doesn't help me much.
Grandson played with mine n figured out features I didn't know was on it 😅😅

It's all good brother.
It's just like the debates between spinning baitcasters n flyrods.

It's all about doing what you like 👍😊

hueey Loc: Lake Fork Tx

Ya I agree. One thing not mentioned here is these guys are fishing for a living. It’s their job. Use the tools to do the job.
I agree for the non-pro we r fishing for fun but even the simple depth sounders mentioned above help locate fish thus enhancing the catch possibility.
Not trying to ruffle any feathers. JMHO

plumbob Loc: New Windsor Maryland

I don't think any feathers are being ruffled these days hueey.

It's been really nice exchanging opinions and thoughts without contention.

It feels like days of old when many of us first started on this site.

Matt S. Loc: East Lansing Michigan

Totally agree. You take the electronics away from these people, we could compete in these tournaments. These tournaments are not fishing.

JB134 Loc: Montana

I find it ironic that for decades, the 2-D sonars found there way onto boats, with little argument that it wasn’t fair… that all those arch’s across the screen depicting fish below wasn’t really fishing. Then along comes some technical advances that display a similar mark on the screen, just out in front of the screen in real time is somehow cheating nature. Dont like it… fine… not for everyone… dont use it. But for all those that seem to have a negative opinion about its usage, I challenge them to hop on a boat and use it. It’s not easy and the learning curve takes time on the water. Again, only a tool. Kinda like that shiny little cell phone that everyone now carries in their pocket. Just a tool.

Grizzly 17 Loc: South central Pa

Matt I've watched interviews with pros n most are in favor of banning it from tournaments
B .A. S.S. is making too much money n the younger don't want to put in the time to get like the ones that built Bass.

This topic came up in the past.
One former member said I was jealous because I didn't have one.
Couldn't understand I DON’T WANT ONE.
As I already stated I don't use my finder to find fish.
That's just how I fish n I enjoy it.

I'll say it again if it fits your budget n you enjoy it do it.

Like a debate from the past about zebco vs G- LOOMS ST CROIX n other high $ gear.
To each his own.
Like others I'll never agree with tournament use but nobody in the business could care less 😅😅

Now go fishing use whatever you want n have fun. 👍👍

bapabear Loc: Blaine, Washington

Recreational fishing and tournament fishing is as different as going for a sightseeing ride that my teen grandkids can do, and professional auto racing. One is a recreation relaxing pursuit with personal well being or a good meal as the measure of success. The other is a sport competition and often a business in pursuit of money and fame. Like all professional sports, they are the catalyst for equipment advancements. In fishing, that includes rod,reels, line, boats and fish finders. Also like all sports, most armatures try to mimic the pros within their budget capabilities. I can not say for sure, but I would bet most bass fishing armatures would have every piece of electronics available if it were in their budget, including many who say it is unfair. Let's face it all of our fishfinders, regardless of quality or complexity are an offshoot of the pro's.
The real issue regarding tournament fishing is care of the fish. What difference does it make if a tournament releases 100 pounds of fish or 5000 pounds of fish because of electronics if nearly all live and return to, or create new beds. IF THERE IS A HIGH MORTALITY THEN THERE IS A PROBLEM. I do know the fishing in my area is better due to tournament fishermen and their efforts to improve fishing areas and laws.
I am not aware of how good or bad the catch and release of large bass effect the biomass. I do know however, that tournament fishing has lead to much greater catch success and equipment improvement in my recreational fishing. Note: Just to say where I am coming from, I fished only one bass tournament. It was at lake Shasta, CA. I ended up in the money, but found little pleasure in the structured activity. I say this so that I am not accused of defending my activities. I also love my three way sounder. It gets me closer to those days when I was a kid and wished I could see into the water. That was pre graft days.

Bcmech1 Loc: Clinton Wisconsin

I still have an old eagle fish finder from the 80s. I haven't even turned it on in 25 years. I would rather just rely on my wits and experience. That said, I have fish to eat pretty much whenever I want.

saw1 Loc: nor cal Windsor

I hear that Bruce.
When I get my new boat I'm not worried bout what ever kind of FF they have on it. Or even if it has one at all.

danieltrapper Loc: colorado

Keep it real ! Just go out and try your best , don't need to catch every fish out there. I like to just relax and hope for the bite. IF it comes great if not you are still outdoors, just enjoy .

Matt S. Loc: East Lansing Michigan

👍

Scudrnr Loc: Hancock, Wisconsin

I absolutely agree with you.

Papabear65 Loc: Salem oregon

As my daddy always said "look around, it's not about the catching. It's all about the going, spending time away from the everyday world with family and friends"