Forward-Facing Sonar (FFS) has been the most talked-about technology in modern bass fishing. Over the past few seasons, live sonar has changed how anglers find, target, and catch fish, leading to record-setting performances, shifting tournament strategies, and sparking spirited debate across the sport.

For 2026, tournament organizations are drawing clearer lines as it pertains to FFS. Rather than fully embracing or eliminating the technology all together, most leagues have landed on measured limits designed to protect competitive balance, and bring traditional fishing skills back into the spotlight.

To keep it simple for our subscribers we’ve developed a straightforward breakdown of the new forward facing sonar rules across the biggest bass fishing tournaments in 2026, and what it means for anglers and fans alike.

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Bassmaster (Elite Series)

Bassmaster is taking a split-season approach, forcing anglers to adapt throughout the year.

How it works in 2026 on the Bassmaster Elite Series:

• FFS is allowed in 5 of 9 events in 2026
• Which events would allow FFS was randomly selected via coinflip.
• Events without FFS ban it completely, including during official practice, meaning no pre-fishing with live sonar.
• When FFS is allowed, equipment limits remain the same as the 2025 season:
  • 1 live sonar transducer
  • 55 total inches of screen

For more information: B.A.S.S. announces Live Sonar rule change for 2026 Elite Series – Bassmaster

Bassmaster Classic:

The 2026 Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic will allow FFS, since all qualifiers earned their spots under the 2025 rules.

Bassmaster Opens & Elite Qualifiers (EQ)

Bassmaster Opens and Elite Qualifier (EQ) events will follow the same Forward-Facing Sonar framework used at the Elite Series level, ensuring consistency across Bassmaster’s professional pathway.

How it works in 2026 on the Bassmaster Opens

• Forward Facing Sonar will be permitted in 2 of 4 events in Division 1 and Division 2 of the Bassmaster Opens.
• Events that do not allow FFS will prohibit its use entirely, including during official practice.
• When FFS is allowed, the existing 2025 equipment restrictions remain in effect:
  • One live sonar transducer maximum
  • 55 total inches of screen space

How it works in 2026 on the Elite Qualifiers (EQ)

• EQ Event 1: FFS allowed.
• EQ Event 2: FFS prohibited.
• EQ Event 3: FFS use decided by a coin flip after the Opens season. 
• Events that do not allow FFS will prohibit its use entirely, including during official practice.
• When FFS is allowed, the existing 2025 equipment restrictions remain in effect:
  • One live sonar transducer maximum
  • 55 total inches of screen space

For more information: B.A.S.S. announces 2026 St. Croix Bassmaster Opens schedule, Live Sonar rule change and EQ qualifications updates – Bassmaster

Major League Fishing (MLF)

MLF continues to focus on time-based restrictions rather than full bans, turning FFS into a strategic decision instead of a constant advantage.

Bass Pro Tour

• FFS may be used during only one of three competition periods per day.
• Anglers must declare their chosen period in advance, locking in their strategy before lines-in.
• Anglers can utilize FFS during practices days.
• No FFS restrictions apply during Heavy Hitters or Team Series events, where all anglers compete in identical, league-issued boats.

Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit

• FFS is allowed for one continuous 3-hour window per competition day.
• The window cannot be split or paused.
• Compliance is enforced using:
  • Electronic lock boxes that track usage time
  • Onboard live-stream security cameras

Toyota Series & Phoenix Bass Fishing League (BFL)

Boater rules:

Co-angler rules: (BFL)

• Co-anglers serve as accountability partners.
• They may only use FFS during the boater’s selected window.
• If a boater chooses not to use FFS, co-anglers may use it during the final three hours of the day.

For more information: Everything you need to know about MLF’s 2026 forward-facing sonar rules – Major League Fishing

National Professional Fishing League (NPFL)

NPFL maintains the sport’s most traditional stance.

• Forward-Facing Sonar is completely banned during official practice and competition.
• Anglers must either:
  • Remove all FFS equipment, or
  • Use an NPFL-issued lockout device to disable it

For more information: thenationalprofessionalfishingleague.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/2026_Rule_v10_18_25.pdf

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Across all leagues, the 2026 season represents a reset rather than a rollback for competitive bass fishing. Forward-Facing Sonar remains part of the game, but it now must be managed or timed, placing greater emphasis on when and how it’s used. As a result, traditional skills like pattern development, understanding seasonal movements, and reading water conditions are once again decisive, rewarding well-rounded anglers. Ultimately, 2026 isn’t about choosing sides—it’s about restoring balance and elevating those who can excel both with and without FFS.

Did we miss something? Send us an email: info@bestontour.net 

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In the modern bass fishing world, a pro’s value to a brand goes far beyond what they weigh in on tournament day. That’s why we developed the Best on Tour Most Valuable Pro Index (BOT MVP Index) — a proprietary system designed to evaluate a professional angler’s total impact and value.

Current Top 10 Most Valuable Pros:

Rank	Angler	Score
1	Scott Martin	1531.0
2	Ben Milliken	1383.6
3	Mike Iaconelli	1029.4
4	Gerald Swindle	818.4
5	Jacob Wheeler	739.5
6	Brandon Palaniuk	595.6
7	Jason Christie	524.5
8	Edwin Evers	480.6
9	Jordan Lee	446.8
10	Ott DeFoe	413.3

*As of fall 2025.

NOTE: The list includes current touring pros only.

We will only ever publicly publish the top 10. The rest of the list remains private. 

How does it work?

The BOT MVP Index uses a weighted scoring model built around 10 key metrics, including social following, influence, career performance, and more. Each factor contributes to a composite score that reflects an angler’s overall value to potential sponsors and partners.

While the exact formula remains private, the goal is simple: to create a clear, objective way to compare and understand an angler’s reach, reputation, and results in today’s industry. The BOT MVP Index is used internally by Best on Tour when evaluating pro staff considerations, helping brands make informed decisions based on data—not guesswork.

Of course, not everyone will agree with the rankings. You may be surprised by where certain anglers fall, or wonder why your favorite pro isn’t listed as high as you expected. The BOT MVP Index isn’t about opinions or favoritism; it’s purely data-driven. It’s one way to look at an angler’s overall value through the lens of measurable impact.

There are plenty of other ways to rank and compare pros — from BassFan World Rankings to each tournament organization’s Angler of the Year standings — and each tells a different part of the story. The BOT MVP Index just adds another perspective to the ever-evolving landscape of professional bass fishing.

In short, the BOT MVP Index measures more than fishing success—it measures influence, longevity, and brand impact. Because being the most valuable pro means more than just catching fish.

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