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 how Forward-Facing Sonar will be regulated across the biggest bass fishing tournaments in 2026, and what it means for anglers and fans alike.

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

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 

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:

*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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Looking for the list of every Bassmaster Angler of the Year? Click here.

The Bassmaster Elite Series Rookie of the Year (ROY) award is one of the sport’s best indicators of future greatness. Each season it highlights the top-performing Bassmaster newcomer, and the names on the list show just how often that promise pays off.

The honor actually began on the Bassmaster Tour—the top level of competition before the Elites launched in 2006. Greg Hackney (2004) and Dave Wolak (2005) were the first two winners. When the Elite Series debuted in 2006, the title carried over and became the Elite Series Rookie of the Year.

Over the years, some ROYs have gone on to reach the very top of the sport. Ott DeFoe (2011 ROY) captured the 2019 Bassmaster Classic, while Hank Cherry (2013 ROY) etched his name in history with back-to-back Classics in 2020 and 2021.

Here’s the full list of every Bassmaster ROY winner:

2004 – Greg Hackney

2005 – Dave Wolak

2006 – Steve Kennedy

2007 – Derek Remitz

2008 – Bobby Lane

2009 – Billy McCaghren

2010 – Bradley Roy

2011 – Ott DeFoe

2012 – Brandon Card

2013 – Hank Cherry

2014 – Jacob Powroznik

2015 – Brent Ehrler

2016 – Drew Benton

2017 – Dustin Connell

2018 – Jake Whitaker

2019 – Drew Cook

2020 – Austin Felix

2021 – Josh Stracner

2022 – Jay Przekurat

2023 – Joey Cifuentes

2024 – Trey McKinney

2025 – Tucker Smith

From legends like DeFoe and Cherry to rising stars like McKinney and Smith, the ROY list shows just how often this award is a springboard to bigger things.

To see the official Bassmaster ROY slideshow, click here.

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If you’ve noticed fishing tackle prices creeping up, you’re not alone — and it’s not just ordinary inflation. The bass fishing industry is being squeezed by a combination of tariffs, supply chain pressures, and long-standing taxes that few anglers even know exist. The result? Higher prices at the register, thinner margins for small tackle shops, and new challenges for companies that make the gear we all depend on.

Most Tackle Is Imported

According to the American Sportfishing Association (ASA), about 60% of fishing tackle sold in the U.S. is imported, and a large portion of that comes from China. That means our sport is deeply tied to international trade.

When the U.S. places tariffs on imported goods, fishing tackle is caught in the net. These tariffs aren’t paid by the foreign supplier — they’re paid by the U.S. company importing the product when it crosses the border. That cost is then passed down the line: wholesaler → retailer → angler.

So while tariffs are often framed as a penalty against foreign competitors, the immediate reality is that American companies and American consumers are footing most of the bill.

Even American-Made Brands Feel It

You might think “Buy American” solves the problem. And in the long run, tariffs do create an opening for U.S.-based manufacturers. But even gear made here at home isn’t insulated.

That’s because many domestic factories still rely on foreign-sourced parts, metals, or packaging. If those components get hit with tariffs, costs go up. Even for gear made entirely from U.S. materials, suppliers are raising their prices because they know imports are now more expensive.

One American fishing gear manufacturer told us their raw material suppliers raised prices by 23% in a single year. With imports off the table as a cheaper alternative, suppliers can “get away with it.”

Why Can’t We Just Build Everything Here

On paper, tariffs sound like a great way to encourage U.S. manufacturing. In reality, setting up large-scale tackle production here is anything but simple.

• Building new factories takes years and millions of dollars.

• Supply chains for parts and raw materials are already global.

• Skilled labor and specialized equipment aren’t always available domestically.

This means most companies can’t simply flip a switch and start producing everything in the U.S. overnight. If that does happen in the long run, though, that will be a good thing!

The Hidden Tax Anglers Already Pay

There’s also a tax on fishing gear that predates today’s tariff topic — and many anglers have no idea it exists.

Since 1950, a 10% federal excise tax has been built into the price of rods, reels, lures, and other tackle. The same tax affects the archery industry. Unlike tariffs, though, this tax actually benefits anglers directly. The revenue goes directly into the Sport Fish Restoration Program, which funds fish stocking, habitat projects, boat ramps, and public access.

It’s one of the best examples of a “user pays, user benefits” system in the outdoors. But it still adds to the final price you see on the shelf.

Who Feels It the Most?

Small tackle shops are at the heart of the bass fishing community — and they’re the ones feeling this squeeze the hardest.

These shops already operate on thin margins. When wholesale prices jump 20–30% overnight, they either:

• Raise prices and risk driving away customers, or

• Absorb the costs and cut into their own livelihoods.

Meanwhile, anglers notice reels, rods, and lures climbing higher. A reel that cost $250 last year might be $300 this year — not because the shop is greedy, but because the entire chain of costs leading up to that sale has shifted.

The Bottom Line

Tariffs may help level the playing field for American manufacturers in the long run. But in the short term, they’re effectively a tax on U.S. companies and consumers.

For anglers, that means higher prices at the counter. For tackle shops, it means harder decisions about how to stay afloat.

The best thing we can do? Support your local tackle shop. Every purchase there helps keep the culture, the community, and the sport of bass fishing alive.

 

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Guest post by Patrick Walters

In tournament bass fishing, every cast counts. There’s no room for distractions when you’re trying to make the most of every moment on the water. Success often comes down to how well you manage your time, your focus, and your choices from sunrise to weigh-in.

I’ve spent my career chasing bass across the country, from cold fronts in upstate New York to sweltering heat down in Okeechobee. If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s this: staying comfortable keeps you sharp. When the mental and physical toll of the day kicks in, what you’re wearing matters just as much as what’s tied on your line.

That’s why I trust AFTCO fishing apparel to help me stay cool, dry, and dialed in, no matter what the weather throws at me.

The Realities of Tournament Life

Tournament days aren’t always the picture you see at weigh-ins. We’re up well before daylight, grinding through wind, heat, rain, and sometimes all three in a single day. You’re launching in 40° temps, burning down the lake at 70mph, and then standing on the front deck for eight hours under relentless sun. If your gear doesn’t keep up, you’ll feel it by mid-morning, and it only gets worse from there.

When I was younger, I didn’t think much about performance clothing. I’d throw on whatever was in the drawer and head out. But now that I fish for a living, I know better. Discomfort distracts you. Bad layering messes with your mobility. And getting soaked or sunburned during a tournament isn’t just inconvenient, it’s a competitive disadvantage.

Where It All Starts: Tackle Boxer Briefs

Let’s talk base layers, because if you’ve ever had a full day of swampy discomfort in the wrong areas… You know it can throw your entire focus off.

The AFTCO Tackle Boxer Briefs are probably the most underrated piece of gear in my lineup. They’re built with a soft, quick-dry fabric and just the right amount of stretch, so I’m never messing with them when I should be working a jerkbait or picking up the flipping stick.

Whether I’m running across choppy water or crouching to lip a fish, these things stay put and stay dry. And on those high-humidity days in the South, it’s worth its weight in gold.

Shirts That Handle the Sun

When you’re fishing a full tournament season, especially down in places like Texas, Alabama, or Florida, you’re spending a lot of time in the sun. Heat exhaustion is real. Sunburn is real. And being soaked in sweat by 10 am isn’t just uncomfortable, it’s distracting.

That’s where the AFTCO Adapt Performance Shirt and the Samurai Hoodie come in. I use both constantly, depending on conditions.

The Samurai Hoodie is incredibly breathable. It dries fast and features AFTCO’s moisture-wicking technology, which is a fancy way of saying it keeps me from being drenched. It also has easy stain release, making it a breeze to clean up the dirt and grime from a full day of fishing. 

On days when the UV is cranked up to 10, I’ll switch over to the Adapt Performance Shirt. That thing has saved my skin from the sun’s powerful rays. The built-in hood and mask combo gives me full coverage without adding bulk, and the fabric has a silky feel that stays comfortable all day long. 

With UPF 50 built in, I don’t have to worry about the sun’s rays burning my skin. It’s one less thing on my mind when I’m trying to dial in a pattern. It also has built-in thumb loops, which I love for added sun coverage.

Sun Gloves: Small Gear, Big Impact

My hands are one of my most important tools, and they take a beating out here. I used to skip gloves, but after many outings of burnt hands and torn-up fingers, I started wearing the AFTCO Sun Gloves, and I haven’t looked back.

They’re lightweight, grippy, and breathable. I can still feel the rod, thumb the spool, and tie knots without taking them off. It’s a small piece of gear that makes a big difference throughout a four-day tournament.

Shorts That Fish Like I Do

Comfort on the water doesn’t stop at your shirt. When it’s hot, you need bottoms that breathe and move with you. That’s where the Landlock Shorts hit the sweet spot.

I wear these on nearly every warm-weather tournament day. They’re made from a durable yet flexible fabric that dries fast and doesn’t stick when things get sweaty. The pockets are also deep enough to carry a few packs of soft plastics. Whether I’m kneeling to grab a fish or scrambling in a tight area, they don’t bind or ride up.

When the Weather Turns: Fortress Rain Gear

There’s no such thing as waiting out the rain in a tournament. That’s why having solid rain gear is non-negotiable.

The Fortress Rain Jacket and Bibs are the best foul-weather gear I’ve used. They’re fully waterproof but still breathable, which means I stay dry without getting clammy inside. The jacket’s cinch-down hood design stays put at 60+ mph, and the bibs give me a full range of motion whether I’m working the trolling motor or landing a fish in waves.

I’ve had plenty of days where I launched in pouring rain, and this setup kept me dry the whole time. No water down the neck, no leaks in the knees, no distractions. Just fishing.

Cool Mornings, Hot Afternoons

One thing I’ve learned traveling across the country is that the weather rarely stays consistent for more than an hour. You launch in 45°, it’s 80° by noon, and somewhere in between, you’re freezing or sweating, or both.

That’s where smart layering makes the difference. The Coastal Layer Hoodie and Reaper Sweatshirt are my go-tos.

The Coastal Layer is perfect for cool mornings. It adds warmth without bulk and breathes well when the sun pops out. The Reaper, though, is a beast, especially the windproof version. With the built-in face mask and adjustable hood, it’s like having a mini shelter on your shoulders. I use it during spring and fall events when mornings are brutal and boat rides get frigid.

Both pieces are easy to shed and stash, which is key when the temp jumps and you’re mid-transition between patterns.

Why I Stick With AFTCO

I’ve worn a lot of fishing apparel over the years, and I love AFTCO because it checks all the boxes. It’s durable. It’s smartly designed. And most importantly, it helps me focus on fishing.

Their gear is made for anglers by anglers, and that’s something you can feel. Every pocket, zipper, seam, and vent has a purpose. It’s not just about looking good on stage (although it does that too), it’s about performing on the water.

When I’m in a pressure-packed situation: trying to make a cut, land a five-pounder, or pick the right cast, I don’t want to be thinking about whether I’m too hot, too wet, or too sunburned. I want gear I don’t have to think about at all. And that’s exactly what AFTCO gives me.

Dress Like You Mean It

We talk a lot about the right rod, the right reel, the right bait. But if your clothing is slowing you down or taking your mind off the task at hand, you’re leaving performance on the table.

Fishing apparel isn’t just for looks; it’s equipment. The right gear can keep you out there longer, help you think clearly, and give you one more edge on the water.

So if you’re serious about fishing, whether you’re grinding local tournaments or chasing points at the pro level, take a hard look at what you’re wearing. From base layers to rain suits, AFTCO has you covered.