Totally. Weve seen how fishing has changed the offshore bite as the pressure increased with people being able to find them easier. Right now, they are targeting fish that normally never see a bait. In a couple years when a majority is chasing fish down with live sonar the fish will move and get smarter. Now, it will be fun till then.
As for the rules, it doesn't really bother me one way or the other. I think people, lots of people are already pushing for the rule, we just arent hearing about it. Theres to much money in big sponsorship for the big leagues to make a rule about them but I do believe you will see some local trails outlaw them.

They'll just come up with something the detects movement or detects a being that consumes oxygen... Dan

But how much more difficult will it be to fool them to bite? Especially the FL strain

That is kinda how the MLF Cup events are done no? BTW it looks like the guy in the Toyota is blowing it out, guy that was winning the Open fell to 3rd not sure if the new leader there is using livescope or not.

They've got a pea sized brain... Just look at all the animals we've almost killed to the brink of extinction... Dan

I don't think you appreciate how unskilled a fisherman I am

Lmao! Same

For many situations it’s a game changer. It more likely some states ban it like they did the A-Rig. Could ban forward looking sonar?Hopefully not.

Good article about this in In-Fisherman mag this last month

Personally, I don’t like it. Mainly because I can’t afford it.

Otherwise, it is here to stay. Tourneys and circuits and
Touring leagues will be interesting to see how they react
As the tech continues to evolve

I can see the pro circuits limiting it just like they limit tech
In golf (square grooves, ball specs, number of clubs in bag,
Shaft length, etc) or like racing with all the limitations and
requirements relating to design, engines, weight, etc

I also think it could potentially hurt local tourneys as they become
Top heavy to anglers who can afford it and use it and all the other
Joes, like myself just donate their entry fees to the “tech anglers”

With that being said, we could also see more specialized tourneys
added Like “no electronics derby’s”. Which could be additive and fun itself

You can’t put the genie back in the box, so the real question is how does the sport
Continue to adapt to the advancements over time.......

We call those old man derbies. I've already heard of some of those little clubs banning it from their tournaments.

Sweet!
Looks like I qualify for the old man derbies now!!

This will be awesome!

🤣🤣🤣

I agree with Mark - let the fishermen use the technology available and let the one who brings the biggest bag of fish take the trophy.

Another reason they should revoke any rule regarding no a-rigs and jet boats/ lower units. At the time many thought jet lower unit +/- $5000 was unfair to others, well not anymore with some with $15K worth of electronics. It’s now just what you choose to spend your money on. And the a-rig is legal with some limitations in Texas. Also when they are “sight fishing” with live scope it it mandatory the fish is caught in the mouth. I mean you see the fish live, and if you drive a jerkbait in its head and reel it in, is that theoretically the same as bedfish outside the mouth. Open it up to all legal methods I say.

Eliminating practice would only give those who are the best with their electronics even more of an advantage.

For the pro leagues it will all take care of itself. People already hate watching the smallmouth events because all they see is guys staring down at their graphs. If viewership goes down you will see the rule changes.

Personally I just hate how expensive the sport got for weekend anglers. I do pretty well but I still cringe at what I might spend annually just fishing tournaments for fun.

If you can also see your lure on the screen than I agree, fish should be caught in the mouth to be legal, tournament or otherwise.