On the average tournaments around the state, it looks like changes are going to have to happen in the local open tournament trails for them to survive. I talking about all of the new gadgets like LS and AT. Personally, I think that stuff is terrible for tournament fishing. There will be more people that dont have it and never get it than do. Those like me that don't think it should be allowed and would rather fish than look at a video screen will pretty much have to stop fishing the tournaments. It is changing the skill set of fishing away from fishing. I believe that the larger amateur tournaments that will allow this technology to be used will soon become the smaller tournaments and the new tournament trails that will not allow this technology to be used will become the large trails. I think that the first trail that steps up and puts on a tournament that doesn't allow this technology will become the largest trail really quick. At this point the playing field is on tilt and this will split the game.

I have a 175 motor on my boat. I don't complain about guys that have 250 motors on their boats. They can beat me to the juice every time. Definitely puts them at an advantage. Part of fishing just like sonar technology. I haven't seen a drop off in participation yet and the same good sticks that have been whooping everyone still are.

I've been fishing tournaments since the 1970's. I can't tell you how many times I've heard that same thing said about the newest gadget to hit the market. It hasn't happened yet and I doubt it will happen this time.

Why would you have to stop fishing tournaments? do you really think at the amateur level that LS is going to consistently make that much of a difference? I would think if someone is able to find and catch fish consistently and break down the lake they are fishing that they would be competitive with or without LS. I dont currently see a split coming, mainly because where do you draw the line? Live scope? 360? Sidescans? I just dont think we are headed for a split like that. only my 2cents, interesting thought

Meh the bite changes, spots and patterns turn on and off. There will be guys who really learn to use the stuff and guys who hang it on their boat and it's there for looks. Side imaging is good and has been around for years and it's still a mystery to some. TOW is still gonna be key and the biggest difference maker.

I remember when the old guys said that about flashers.. Funny

I don't and never will have it. Not a chance I quit fishing tournaments. That mind set doesn't make sense to me. I don't care what technology anyone else has

So basically you have are advocating class warfare in fishing?

If your going into a tournament believing that the other guy has the advantage because he has "better " equipment - you've already lost.
And your right, tournament fishing isnt for you.

This all came up because of Ivie.
Well guess what? Right now at Ivie a lisescope is virtually useless. As a matter of fact a depthfinder in pretty useless.
I have seen livescope working in heavy grass situations and I don't think it will ever be of great use there.
It is definitly not the end all to tournament fishing.