How Major League Fishing’s Forward-Facing Sonar Rules Are Reshaping the Sport

The world of competitive bass fishing is evolving, and nowhere is that more evident than with the latest changes to forward-facing sonar (FFS) regulations in the Major League Fishing (MLF) circuits. Starting with the 2025 season and continuing into 2026, MLF has implemented a series of rules aimed at balancing cutting-edge fish-finding technology with traditional angling skills — and the ripple effects are already being felt across the sport.

🎣 Why Forward-Facing Sonar Matters in Bass Fishing

Forward-facing sonar — including real-time units like Garmin LiveScope, Lowrance ActiveTarget, and similar 360° imaging — has revolutionized the way anglers locate and react to fish. Instead of scanning directly under the boat or using intuition and structure mapping alone, anglers can now literally see fish and their behavior ahead of the boat in real time. This capability dramatically increases efficiency and precision and has been a game changer, especially in deep or open-water scenarios.

But with that power comes controversy: many purists argue that the technology can overshadow traditional skills and turn competition into a technology race rather than a fishing contest.

📋 What’s New: MLF’s 2026 Forward-Facing Sonar Rules

In response to feedback from fans, anglers, and stakeholders, MLF has put into place a thoughtful middle ground designed to keep technology in play — but without letting it dominate the sport.

Here’s a breakdown of the key changes under the 2026 forward-facing sonar rules:

Bass Pro Tour

• Anglers can use forward-facing or 360° sonar during one of three competition periods per day.

• Anglers must declare in advance which period they will use their sonar.

• There are no restrictions on sonar use during specific events like Heavy Hitters or Team Series where identical league boats are used.

Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit

• Anglers get a single 3-hour continuous sonar window each competition day.

• Enforcement includes electronic lock boxes on boats and live-streaming cameras for accountability.

Toyota Series & Phoenix Bass Fishing League

• Boaters also get one continuous 3-hour segment of forward-facing sonar use per day.

• Co-anglers participate in oversight, ensuring rules are followed; they may also use sonar during the same window if the boater elects not to use it.

College & High School Circuits

• Abu Garcia College Fishing sees no restrictions on sonar use.

• High School Fishing prohibits forward-facing or 360° sonar during regular competition to emphasize traditional learning and skill development.

  
  

⏱️ How It Works on the Water

Compliance isn’t just a trust system. MLF will enforce the 3-hour limits through penalties — including weight deductions and possible disqualification for overuse — and, where applicable, with modern equipment like lock boxes that prevent unauthorized sonar use.

Boaters must verbally declare the start of their sonar usage period, and co-anglers often serve as witnesses or stewards to ensure rules are followed.

🎯 Balancing Tech and Tradition

MLF’s approach reflects a broader trend in competitive bass fishing — finding ways to integrate powerful new technology while preserving the essence of the sport.

• For competitors, the rules require strategic thinking: When will sonar be most beneficial? Do you use it early to locate fish, or save it for late-day opportunities?

• For fans, limiting usage keeps events more dynamic and varied, rather than turning competitions into extended sonar scanning sessions.

  
  

🧠 What This Means for the Sport

The sonar rules are more than just technical regulations — they represent a philosophical shift. Instead of allowing unrestricted use, which some anglers feel diminishes skill, MLF is promoting a hybrid model where:

• Traditional techniques still hold value.

• Anglers must balance instincts, experience, and tech savvy.

• Tournaments remain exciting and unpredictable.

This compromise may not please every angler, but it signifies a thoughtful approach to the future of the sport.

📌 Final Thoughts

Forward-facing sonar has reshaped modern bass fishing, and MLF’s new rules acknowledge that reality while safeguarding the competitive integrity and entertainment value of the sport. Whether you’re on the water, in the broadcast booth, or watching from home, these changes make every tournament day more strategic and compelling — keeping angling tradition firmly anchored even as technology drives the sport forward.