Pros and Cons of Forward-Facing Sonar with Live Imaging

Imagine casting your line with laser-like precision, knowing exactly where fish are lurking and how they're reacting to your lure. That's the promise of forward-facing sonar with live imaging, a revolutionary technology that's transforming the fishing world. 

But is it an angler's dream or a fairness nightmare? 

Let's dive deep and explore the pros and cons of this powerful tool.

What is Forward-Facing Sonar with Live Imaging?

Unlike traditional sonar that paints a picture of what's beneath your boat, Live imaging uses scanning sonar to provide real-time, high-resolution images of what's in front of you, up to 200 feet away. It's like having an underwater video game, revealing fish, structures, and even bait in stunning detail.

Pros:

• Unmatched Fish Visualization: See fish in real-time, their size, direction, and even their reaction to your bait. This intel allows for targeted casting and jigging, maximizing your catch rate.
• Structure Insight: Identify underwater features like brush piles, ledges, and drop-offs, pinpointing fish holding areas with ease. No more blind casting, just strategic presentations.
• Enhanced Safety: See hazards like rocks and submerged objects ahead of time, preventing damage and ensuring a smooth ride.
• Tournament Advantage: For professional anglers, FFS with live imaging can be a game-changer, providing a significant edge in competition.

Cons:

• Cost: Live imaging systems are expensive, ranging from $1,500 to $3,000, putting them out of reach for many casual anglers.
• Learning Curve: Mastering live imaging interpretation and using it effectively takes time and practice. It's not a plug-and-play technology.
• Ethical Concerns: Some argue that FFS with live imaging gives unfair advantage, reducing the skill required for successful fishing and potentially harming fish populations.
• Potential Regulation: Tournaments and fisheries are grappling with the ethical implications of FFS with live imaging, with potential regulations on the horizon.

The Verdict:

Forward-facing sonar with live imaging is a powerful tool, but it's not without its drawbacks. Whether it's the right choice for you depends on your budget, fishing style, and personal ethics. If you're a serious angler seeking a technological edge and are willing to invest the time and money, FFS with live imaging can be a game-changer. However, if you value fair competition, tradition, and the challenge of the unknown, traditional sonar might be a better fit.

Some folks believe only younger, less experienced tournament anglers will use FFS with live imaging more effectively than the old timers giving them an unearned/unfair advantage. 

However, one of the longest running tournament professionals and four time Classic winner, Mr. Rick Clunn has a different view regarding the use of FFS with live imaging. Take a few minutes and listen to what he has to say about FFS in the following video...

Remember, responsible fishing practices are crucial, regardless of the technology you use. Respecting fish populations and the environment is paramount, and using any sonar responsibly is key. So, before diving into the world of FFS with live imaging, consider all aspects and make an informed decision that aligns with your values and fishing goals.

Do you think FFS with live imaging is a valuable tool or an unfair advantage? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Learning to Read and Interpret Sonar Tech

Today's sonar technologies are rapidly developing and in may cases becoming prohibitively expensive for many if not most anglers. 

Though this is the case with mega-display and "live scan tech units", sonar systems with traditional 2D (colored display), down imaging (DI) and side imaging (SI) on 7" display models are relatively affordable.

But are DI and SI really needed?

It depends on whether or not you're willing to learn how to use and interpret the information on the displays and here's a great video to begin the learning process:

Definitely provides some great food for thought :)

Fish Finder Buying Tips for New Kayak Anglers

Things are looking up…

You have taken the plunge…

Purchased your new kayak even launching it onto your local lake while mastering the art of kayak fishing.

After spending most of your first kayak fishing adventures probing the shallows, you’ve decided to up your game and invest in a sonar unit to explore the watery depths of your favorite honey hole.

So as most good Internet-oriented anglers do, you fire up the app to your favorite online tackle retailer starting your research into the different types of fish finders available to kayak anglers. It doesn’t take long to get mesmerized by the numerous models of fish finders available in the market today.

Question is, how do you identify the best fishfinder to meet your needs?

Since I am also a relatively new kayak bass angler, I developed this list of questions, thoughts and considerations developed as I work through my search for my ideal sonar unit:

What degree of portability do I want or need in a new sonar unit?

Most traditional sonar units come with sonar displays and transducers designed to be mounted on the boat or kayak and powered by the vessel’s 12 volt electrical system. These types of units work fine for anglers willing to dedicate the fish finder to a specific kayak or boat. For those anglers desiring a greater degree of portability with traditional sonar units, many manufacturers produce portable sonar packs including a protective case, an internal battery system along with portable transducer mounts.

One of the more interesting recent advances in the sonar industry is the development and introduction of wireless transducers and associated apps for mobile devices such as cell phones. It should be pretty obvious, these wireless transducer-type fish finders offer the greatest potential in portability. These wireless transducers are also “cast-able”, affording the user the option to either employ it from any kayak or when fishing from shore. Of course the increased portability of wireless transducers means less functions/features are available on these fish finder compared with traditional units.

What types of sonar display functions are desired?

A number of other exciting technological advancements have been developed by fish finder manufacturers over the last decade or more, These advancements include features like color sonar displays; down and side imaging displays; and GPS mapping and tracking functionality.

Each of these features offers the kayak angler different ways of viewing their favorite fishing environments but typically at a greater cost and lower level of portability.

How much of an angling techno-geek are you?

One of the major considerations you should give serious thought too…

How comfortable are you in implementing and using new technologies?

Let’s face it, not all of us are technically oriented and prefer to keep things relatively straightforward and simple. Don’t get me wrong, there is nothing wrong with keeping things simple. Understanding your level of technical prowess and accepting it will minimize your frustrations when selecting your new fish finder both during set-up and during later use.

If you are the type of person looking to minimize your frustration and usually fish the same small lakes and ponds, you may want to consider either one of the wireless units or a traditional-type fish finder with sonar and/or down imaging displays. Kayak anglers more comfortable with technology who desire more features/functions and have deeper pocketbooks may want to consider units with GPS mapping and side imaging features to meet their requirements.

What types of water bodies do you normally fish?

As I mentioned in the previous section, if you fish a limited number of small lakes, ponds and rivers, a sonar unit with fairly basic displays and functions may well suit your needs.

On the other hand, if you fish larger lakes and rivers with more complex bottom structure and cover, fish finders providing the different types of sonar and imaging displays along with GPS mapping features may be a better option.

Bottom line…

It all comes down to a matter of personal preference and size of your pocket book relative to the set of features and functions that will work for you when buying a fish finder for your first kayak.