Bassmaster to rein in live sonar for Elite Series in ’26

Birmingham, Ala. — B.A.S.S., the worldwide authority on bass fishing, announced Tuesday an update to its forward-facing live sonar policy that will take effect during the 2026 Progressive Bassmaster Elite Series season.

Beginning in 2026, forward-facing live sonar will be permitted only in up to five of the nine regular-season Elite Series events. Which events allow the technology will be determined randomly.

The remaining events will prohibit its use entirely, including during official practice. Restrictions implemented for 2025 – limiting anglers to one live sonar transducer and a maximum of 55 total screen inches – will remain in place.

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The 2026 Bassmaster Classic will allow FFS, because all qualifiers earned their spots under the 2025 rules.

The Sept. 2 decision follows two years of evaluation by the organization. In 2025, B.A.S.S. scheduled a diverse set of fisheries (contest locations) to naturally limit FFS dominance, and winners in nearly half of the season’s events relied primarily on traditional tactics. However, live sonar still influenced outcomes across the board.

Many stakeholders within the bass-fishing community, including fans and B.A.S.S. members, continued to voice concerns about live sonar use and its influence on competition.

Elite Series anglers, through the Angler Board of Professionals, also asked for more limitations for the 2026 season. B.A.S.S. was expected to reveal which tournaments would allow FFS on Sept. 4 (after Outdoor News deadline).