Walleye, perch and steelhead fishing in Lake Erie from Chautauqua County access sites has never been better than it is right now. Anglers are catching walleye limits from Barcelona, Dunkirk and Sunset Bay in 75 to 85 feet of water depth.
Photo courtesy of Tom Miranda
Folks that fish start with a simple rod and reel, hoping to catch a bluegill or crappie.
Then comes black bass, a bigger fish with more size and a more significant challenge. Young and old anglers can easily fool bass into striking using an artificial lure. In fact, one requirement for the Boy Scout fishing merit badge is to catch a fish on an artificial lure. Most of the time, that fish is a bass for the young scouts. It was for me about seven decades ago. Then, as time passes, little kids become big kids and catching bigger bass with better and bigger lures becomes a fun-loving, stress-relieving habit for some. I admit to being one of those. Bass fishing tournaments come next.
The Bassmaster Elite Series and the Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic have evolved into the pinnacle of competitive bass fishing. The B.A.S.S. organization, in line with its commitment to excellence, has introduced new equipment standards that are directly related to the revolutionary sonar technology. This technology, which simplifies fishing to the point where anglers can watch their TV screens instead of pondering how to catch the next fish, is set to significantly impact the 2025 bass fishing tournament schedule, ushering in a new era of competitive bass fishing.
The latest and greatest craze in bass fishing, and for every species, is the new Forward-Facing Sonar. This revolutionary technology makes finding fish a thrilling and simple task, allowing anglers to view the fish from a small TV screen in the boat as the lure is cast and descends. You can watch as the fish moves toward the lure or the other way. It’s an exciting way to learn fish habits and determine the best lures for the day, whether big or small, dark or bright.
After extensive committee debate and consideration, Chase Anderson, B.A.S.S. CEO, approved the following standardization practices. First, the number of live sonar transducers (for FFS) will be regulated to one and must be mounted to the trolling motor at the bow of the boat. Until now, Elite Series and Classic competitors could have unlimited live transducers mounted on their boats in any location. B.A.S.S. will also provide a list of acceptable live transducers from all major electronics manufacturers. Equipment not on this list is banned from usage in the Elite Series and Classic competition. This equipment list will be vetted and updated annually. Next was a limit to a total of 55 inches of screen, including bow and dash head units. The trend of adding more and bigger head units to boats became a safety concern. The bigger screens were thought to create blind spots, impacting the safe piloting of boats. Next, Elite Series and Classic competitors may now have only one electric motor mounted to their boats. There has been a rise in the use of electric motors mounted to shallow water anchors, which makes the enforcement of current rules (like long-lining and trolling) very difficult. Last, B.A.S.S. will focus on a more diverse Elite Series schedule, creating a wide variety of fishing styles demanded for success. While live sonar technology (FFS) will remain a consistent tool used at the highest level of competitive bass fishing, experience and a deep-seated understanding of fish behavior, movement and patterns continue to be crucial for success moving forward on the fishing circuits, ensuring the preservation of traditional fishing skills in the new competitive landscape.
Fancy bass fishing tournaments are growing in number with more efficient gear for anglers and boats. The largest bass fishing group in the world has introduced new rules with limits.
Photo courtesy of Forrest Fisher
“The use of live sonar at the Elite level has sparked tremendous debate,” Anderson said. “Our technology committee spent a tremendous amount of time reviewing post-event surveys, comparing equipment on Elite boats to success rates and considering both fan engagement and bass community feedback related to the use of new technology. As the leading tournament organization in sportfishing, our goal was to ensure a level playing field that both embraces the value of hard work and experience on the water as well as new technologies that will continue to improve angler success. B.A.S.S. has always been and will continue to be, dedicated to teaching our members, fans and the bass fishing community how to catch more and bigger bass. Educating anglers on the fundamentals of fishing and new technology aligns with this principle. B.A.S.S. is, and always has been, the keeper of the culture of our sport. We believe these new standards will ensure that both the present and future competitive landscape of the Elite Series will remain above reproach. We remain committed to being the leaders in our industry and making decisions that we believe are in the best interest of our sport.”
The new standards go into effect with the start of the 2025 Elite Series season. B.A.S.S. encompasses Bassmaster tournament leagues, events and media platforms, is the worldwide authority on bass fishing. B.A.S.S. is considered the keeper of the culture of the bass fishing sport, providing cutting-edge content on bass fishing whenever, wherever and however bass fishing fans want to use it. Headquartered in Birmingham, Ala., the 500,000-member organization’s fully integrated media platforms include the industry’s leading magazines (Bassmaster and B.A.S.S. Times), website (Bassmaster.com), TV show, radio show, social media programs and events. For more than 50 years, B.A.S.S. has been dedicated to access, conservation and youth fishing, and they couldn’t do it without the support and participation of anglers around the country who are an integral part of the bass fishing community. I think we can rest assured that B.A.S.S. values our angler role in the sport.
Gotta love the outdoors.
CALENDAR
Sept. 25 & 27: NYS Hunter Ed Course, 5:30-10 p.m. Free. Northern Chautauqua Conservation Club, Info: 716-366-3397.
Sept. 28: NYS Bowhunter Ed Course, 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Free. Northern Chautauqua Conservation Club, Info: 716-366-3397.
Sept. 28: National Hunting and Fishing Day celebration
Sept. 28: Free Fishing Day in NYS; residents and non-residents.
Sept. 28: Hanover Fish & Game, three-bird fall fun shoot, Registration 8 a.m., Shooting begins 9 a.m.; 780 Overhiser Road, Forestville. Open to public.
Sept. 28-29: Western Zone youth waterfowl hunt, junior hunters 12-15 years old, must be w/mentor; visit https://dec.ny.gov.
Oct. 1: Special Early Big Game Season (archery) begins in the Southern Zone of New York state.
Oct. 1: New York State Small Game Season Opens for cottontail rabbit, ruffed grouse and coyote.
Oct. 1: Zoar Valley Public Education (logging plan), 6:30 p.m., Crane Branch Library, 633 Elmwood Ave., Buffalo; 716-903-5524.
Oct. 1: Final Day to apply for deer management permits. Leftovers available Nov. 1 at clerk’s office.