Survey on Forward-Facing Sonar

[Grainraiser]

Done. Foot note, I personally like the original PS-22TR Panoptix transducer over Livescope for fishing. I do not snipe with my units, just used to measure distance and direction to targeted structure.

I try and tell folks that you don't have to be a screen watcher to use livescope. Sniping is not the only method. I scan docks, confirm distance and depth of fish and start casting to them. I do the same for brush piles. I only check livescope every few cast to confirm the fish have not moved. I am a screen watcher when trying to catch open water fish but I seldom use this method to crappie fish.

[Les Young]

Lots have them, some won't because of cost & then there are some like my buddy & his wife that are very good crappie fishermen that would rather blow their money on playing bingo & fighting chickens & complain saying you can't compete with the guys who have livescope even though they won the amateur side of two out of three crappie usa tournaments they fished with nothing but a 4" humminbird pihrana depth finder. I know i wouldn't be fishing for them or trying different styles of catching them without livescope at all. I'm very happy with it myself & have officially became a perch jerker.

[MCG1]

Completed survey. Recently watched a video that compared the use of ffs with violating the tenets of fair chase per Boone & Crockett. Interesting comparison for sure.

[6poundtest]

I did it as well but had to fill out all 3 questions since I don't use one.
I would consider one for ice fishing, however.
If we ever get decent ice again

[rsimms]

This survey will end tonight (Monday, Jan. 29) around 6 pm. I'll share results Tuesday or Wednesday.

It takes less than one minute, and more like 30 seconds. Thanks.

Forward-Facing Sonar Survey

[NIMROD]

I have been using livescope going on year #5. Even bought a second one just not installed it yet . I have 2 screens both 12''. Go big or go home. Most buying smaller screens go bigger if they fish much.

[RyanJ]

Most of my buddies have livescope of some version. I would like to have it just can’t get myself to pony up for the cost of it.

[ShilohRed]

Answered yes to first one.

[rsimms]

SURVEY RESULTS - Regarding the survey I posted last week asking how many people have Forward-Facing Sonar (FFS, such as Garmin Livescope or similar Humminbird or Lowrance brands), the survey has now been closed. Open image to see the results.

Albeit TOTALLY unscientific, I am absolutely astounded at the results! Basically HALF of all respondents indicate they do have forward-facing sonar.

I never imagined the percentage would be anywhere near that high. Perhaps folks were more inclined to answer if they do have FFS? But no matter what - even if it is off by a significant margin - it is clear to me that there are LOTS more people using FFS now than I ever would have imagined!

FYI, of the people who “Commented” on the reasons they do not have FFS (44 comments), a large percentage indicated they have concerns about the technology impacting the resource.

EXAMPLES OF RESPONSES (from people who don't have FFS):
• It is depleting a renewable resource at a rapid pace
• Should be outlawed
• They’re a crutch for lazy fishermen. I can’t imagine a duller way to fish.
• Not willing to lose knowledge it has taken me a lifetime to acquire.
• Unfair
• Will eventually lead to too many fish being removed from lakes. State agencies will need to reevaluate the number of fish that can be taken out
• Too much technology in the sport already.
• I think they are unfair for sport fishing.
• It's not fishing, it's spotlighting
• Taking the “fishing” out of fishing
• I think they negatively impact the fish harvest.
• I think it’s a detriment technology. Two reasons, most resources are struggling and this highly effective tool will only damage it further. Second issue is the angler. The technology is dumbing down anglers. I’ve fished for a living for almost 50 years. I’ve watched a steady decline in anglers that truly understand all the elements and those that are successful almost solely through tech. We are losing our skill sets. I blame tech for that. I’ve seen the full arc of electronics and use modern electronics in my business. This just crosses an ethical line for me. To each his own though.

[SuperDave336]

Interesting results. Thanks for sharing.