“A Look at FFS, Other Technology”
This week, DNR fisheries biologist Max Wolter covers research on fishing technology and angler interest.
In early February, the Wisconsin Chapter of the American Fisheries society met in La Crosse. One conference topic heavily overlapped conversations among anglers: the effects of fishing technology. In recent years, advanced sonar-systems, commonly called “forward facing sonar (FFS), became a hot topic for anglers and researchers. What does research say about the use of this technology, and what does it mean for fish and fishers?
Recent research on smallmouth bass-anglers showed that use of FFS did not increase catch rates or maximum size of catches compared to anglers fishing without FFS, though the average size of bass caught with FFS was slightly longer. Use of FFS did change angler behavior. They spent more time looking for fish than actually fishing.
Another study looked at angler catch rates over a long period as the technology was advancing and found no indication that new technology made anglers noticeably more efficient or successful. These results might be surprising to some anglers who view FFS as a game-changing technology, but they actually align with other research findings.
Anglers using FFS can develop higher expectations for their success, and some studies show anglers using FFS having lower satisfaction levels in their fishing. These results create a context for how we might want to look at this technology. Using FFS is not magic. Research shows it does not transform angler catch rates.
Anglers who go into the experience believing otherwise are more likely to be disappointed, but if we look at FFS and other new technology as just another fishing tool, we can set better expectations for what it can do for anglers.
These research results are just one component of a larger conversation about fishing technology and what it means for anglers and fish management. This is especially true when it comes to complex issues such as fair chase and competitive fishing. More research on this topic is planned or underway, so expect to hear more results in the future.
This article is reprinted from April 3, 2026 Wisconsin Outdoor News.