On September 4, 2024 B.A.S.S. announced new standardization practices for electronics at the Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic and in the Bassmaster Elite Series. The new rules, which will go into effect with the start of the 2025 Elite Series season, are the result of the B.A.S.S. technology committee’s year-long analysis.
LIVE SONAR
Live sonar will be permitted in Elite Series and Classic competitions, but only one transducer is allowed and it must be mounted to the trolling motor at the bow of the boat. This differs from the previous rule, which allowed an unlimited number of live transducers mounted in any location. B.A.S.S. will provide a list of approved live transducers, and any equipment not on this list is banned from usage in Elite Series and Classic competition.
SCREEN SIZE
Another new rule regulates the amount of screens an angler may have on their vessel. Anglers in the Classic and Elite Series will be limited to a total of 55 inches of screen total. This includes bow and dash units. The technology committee has cited that safety concerns contributed to the ruling, as large, bow-mounted screens can create blind spots that impede a driver’s ability to see the water and potential obstructions.
MOTOR REGULATIONS
Those competing in the Classic and Elite Series will be limited to just one electric motor. Officials say the rise in use of electric motors mounted to shallow water anchors makes it difficult to enforce current regulations prohibiting techniques such as trolling difficult.
LEVEL THE PLAYING FIELD
B.A.S.S. plans on implementing a more diverse Elite Series schedule. The governing body believes this will increase competition, as anglers will need to rely on more, and more diverse, fishing techniques to be effective.
CAREFUL ANALYSIS
B.A.S.S. reviewed a year’s worth of data and tourney results before drafting these new rules. They also consulted with conservation partners and industry leaders, as well as with Elite Series pros multiple times throughout the 2024 season. After careful consideration, the committee made its final recommendation to B.A.S.S. CEO Chase Anderson, who approved the new rules as soon as the 2025 Elite Series schedule was finalized.
“The use of live sonar at the Elite level has sparked tremendous debate,” said Chase Anderson. “Our technology committee spent a tremendous amount of time reviewing post-event surveys, comparing equipment on Elite boats to success rates and considering both fan engagement and bass community feedback related to the use of new technology. As the leading tournament organization in sportfishing, our goal was to ensure a level playing field that both embraces the value of hard work and experience on the water as well as new technologies that will continue to improve angler success. B.A.S.S. has always been, and will continue to be, dedicated to teaching our members, fans and the bass fishing community how to catch more and bigger bass. Educating anglers on both the fundamentals of fishing as well as new technology aligns with this principle. B.A.S.S. is, and always has been, the keeper of the culture of our sport. We believe these new standards will ensure that both the present and future competitive landscape of the Elite Series will remain above reproach. We remain committed to being the leaders in our industry and making decisions that we believe are in the best interest of our sport.”
STARTING IN 2025
These new standardization practices will go into effect with the start of the 2025 Elite Series season. The B.A.S.S. technology committee will continue to monitor the impacts of new technology on bass fishing’s biggest stage.
