Forward-facing sonar (FFS) can be a polarizing topic among anglers. Anglers who have adopted the fresh technology love it. Those who haven’t are concerned about its potential negative effects on fish numbers.
If you haven’t been following the latest electronics craze, an FFS is a transducer that mounts to the shaft of an electric motor or a separate shaft. It sends information to a compatible sonar chart that shows fish swimming, suspended or close to the bottom far away from the boat.
This is an additional feature available from all major electronics manufacturers, Garmin, Humming-bird AND Low-pressure.
Regardless of your stance on the matter, the truth is that this is a topic that is here to stay, opening up fresh angling opportunities – regardless of the species.
While the forerunners of FFS technology allow you to see 360 degrees around your boat or scan both sides of your boat, none of them provides the vibrant, lively, real-time view of fish that FFS technology does.
Once you have it set up correctly you can see your bait sink or move through the depths and watch fish follow it and/or eat it.
While sonar’s impact on tournament fishing has been in the spotlight, the technology has proven just as beneficial—if not more so—for anglers targeting perch, walleye and muskie. Kevin VanDam of Michigan has been using FFS since the beginning. He says one of the biggest benefits of sonar is what he’s learned about fish.
“It completely changed my perspective on what bass need cover and structure,” he said.
The bass still exhibit those characteristics, but he learned there was a population of fish that swam in open water after bait — a vast population he had no idea existed.
“That said, I haven’t fundamentally changed the way I fish,” he said. “There’s still a large population that lives under docks, water lily leaves and weed lines. But this technology gives me other options and immediate feedback on the mood of the fish.”
VanDam said he is amazed at how many fish come up to look at the bait but don’t bite.
“It’s very humbling. I thought I was a better angler,” VanDam said.
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However, thanks to this he managed to catch fish that he would never have known existed.
“When fish move away from my bait, I know I need to change bait or colors, adjust my speed or angle of retrieve,” he said. “That often triggers a reaction and gets them to bite and lets me know about a subtle but important change in presentation.”
Bo Thomas, a professional bass angler with Michigan Bassmaster, said FFS lets him know how far away the fish are from the boat, at what depth and where to cast.
Of course, a lot depends on the gain/sensitivity settings. Thomas says you need to adjust this feature based on the level of water clarity and the amount of algae, plankton, or sediment in the water. The higher the gain, the more clutter there is on the screen.
“The more profit you have, the better you can see the bait and fish, but too much profit/clutter will affect what you can’t see,” he said.
When you see a fish, set up your cast and cast behind the fish and aim your bait at it. Otherwise, casting too close can spook the fish.
Thomas said that as you become more familiar with your surroundings and what you’re seeing, you’ll be able to tell the softness/hardness of the bottom, see fish resting on challenging bottom, and often identify the species as well.
“Learn the species in a lake,” VanDam said. “You’ll learn how bluegills and crappies group together and how bass and walleyes group together and how they relate to baitfish. The more time you spend with the device, the more you’ll learn about the fish and how they look on the screen.”
Both anglers noted that smaller jig heads or weights can be challenging to see on the chart, but those made of tungsten are more observable.
There are tons of videos online that will support anglers learn how to adjust their settings and quickly become a good scoper. However, pros say there is a learning curve to getting the most out of an FFS device, and there’s nothing like spending time on the water. With experience, you’ll gain confidence and become more proficient with it.
“I compare it to bowling,” VanDam said. “It’s not easy the first time you bowl, but over time it becomes second nature.”
