I spoke to a senior game warden about using drones for fishing. I was told they can be used to drop bait but cannot be used to locate fish then go catch those fish. The latter method is considered illegal means and methods (even though there is not yet clear language in the law books regarding this). That said I wonder if using a remote control boat with fish finding capabilities would fall in the same illegal means and methods category? Definitely a gray area but I can see a game warden wanting to get out in front of some of this newer methods that can be considered unfair chase.

What’s the difference in the RC boat having sonar and a fishing boat having it? Just because you mark fish or structure doesn’t mean they’ll bite. Strange law if it’s true.

The difference- there's not a licensed fisherman on the RC boat....To be clear I didn't say this is a law just posing the question, what if.

But there’s a licensed fisherman operating it from shore…

I spoke to a senior game warden about using drones for fishing. I was told they can be used to drop bait but cannot be used to locate fish then go catch those fish. The latter method is considered illegal means and methods (even though there is not yet clear language in the law books regarding this). That said I wonder if using a remote control boat with fish finding capabilities would fall in the same illegal means and methods category? Definitely a gray area but I can see a game warden wanting to get out in front of some of this newer methods that can be considered unfair chase.

If you are fishing the surf, I'm wondering what the benefit of a fish finder would be. Most fish you catch are cruising a depth change like a sandbar. The RC boat is primarily for running bait out. You are not really using it to locate fish. A fish finder seems like an unnecessary gadget that would bump up the price, but not really offer much in the way of actual use.