JUSTIN LUCAS: New Bass Pro Tour rules put emphasis on strategy, versatility

Breaking news alert: The Bass Pro Tour is going to have new forward-facing sonar rules in 2025.

I know, I know, this isn’t exactly news. However, now that the dust has settled and I’ve had some time to think about the rule changes, I’m ready to offer my opinion on the matter.

I can honestly say that I believe the new format, which will allow us to use forward-facing technology for one of three periods each day, is for the better. The limitation is going to change things dramatically, no doubt. But overall, I believe Major League Fishing did a good job by taking the middle of the road. This compromise caters to both sides of the forward-facing sonar argument, and now we’re all playing by the same rules. The new rules should create some interesting strategies and ultimately make it so the best and most versatile angler wins the Fishing Clash Angler of the Year title.

A new strategy shift

Since it started in 2019, the Bass Pro Tour has placed a premium on strategy, mainly because of SCORETRACKER® and our ability to know what everyone else has. We’ve all learned to use this knowledge to our advantage by saving fish and looking for more areas once we know we’re safe to advance.

Now, we have another thing to consider, and that’s when to use forward-facing sonar.

I’m thankful I started my career before this technology, but I also like to use it now and could fish a full season just fine with or without it. I see both sides of the argument.

As for deciding when to use it each day, that’s going to be a fun new curveball. Each angler will be different in how they choose to approach it. I also think some guys could put together a solid year without ever turning it on – that’s what makes the new format so interesting.

I haven’t fully decided how I plan to use the technology, but the rule change is likely going to affect everything from my planning to the gear I bring to practice. I think it’s going to be an evolving process for all of us to figure out the best strategy that works for us as individuals, and everyone will develop a slightly different approach. Some may decide to use it first thing to see what they catch and then go fishing from there, and some may try to save it for the end of each day. Then again, some guys may not even think about using it. It will also change from event to event based on the fishery, time of year and what the bass are doing.

That adds one more strategic wrinkle that we’ll have to consider each day. It should also be fun for the fans to watch and see how we decide when and where to use forward-facing and which approach wins out. You’ll be able to see who’s using it and who hasn’t yet right on SCORETRACKER®, which I think will add even more intrigue to the viewing experience.

As for me, the thing I’m most excited about is that anglers will have to be versatile to win Angler of the Year. Traditionally, that coveted crown has always been seen as the title for the most well-rounded angler — the one who can catch them consistently at every event, on all different types of fisheries. I think this change will help preserve that title and really tell the story of who was the best angler that year. It won’t simply be who is the best with electronics, because we’re all now forced to fish two-thirds of every day without them, so you better be able to find multiple ways to catch fish in order to have a good season.

Now, we just have to wait until Lake Conroe to see how it all plays out!