Recent advancements in bass fishing technology, such as forward-facing sonar and Spot Lock trolling motors, have revolutionized how anglers approach offshore fishing. However, these tools may also be contributing to a noticeable decline in offshore bass catch rates. This article explores the theory that these technologies can make bass more challenging to catch and delves into experimental data to understand their impact.
Over the past decade, offshore bass fishing has become increasingly difficult. A decade ago, anglers could pull up to an offshore spot, cast virtually any bait, and catch several fish. Today, even prime locations like ledges or brush piles often yield fewer bites. This change has led to the hypothesis that advancements in fishing technology, particularly forward-facing sonar and Spot Lock, may contribute to this decline.
Forward-facing sonar technologies, such as LiveScope and 360 Imaging, have made it easier to locate and target offshore bass. These systems work best when the boat is within 15 meters of the fish or structure, providing detailed images of fish and underwater features. However, getting closer to the target area increases boat noise, which can unsettle bass.
Bass are highly sensitive to irregular noise changes. For example, maintaining a constant trolling motor speed while near fish typically does not spook them. However, abrupt noise changes, such as stopping the motor or revving an engine, can cause bass to scatter. The proximity required for effective sonar use amplifies this issue, potentially making bass less likely to bite.
Spot Lock trolling motors are designed to maintain a boat’s position by automatically adjusting the motor. While convenient, this frequent activation and deactivation of the motor can generate irregular noise. Offshore bass, particularly those in high-pressure areas, may respond negatively to these disturbances.
To investigate the impact of boat proximity on catch rates, an experiment was conducted across 10 fishing trips over four months. The methodology involved fishing the same offshore spot twice on the same day:
While the sample size is small and not statistically significant, the data suggests a notable increase in catch rates when maintaining a greater distance from the fish.
Based on these findings, here are some adjustments to optimize offshore fishing:
The data suggests that increasing the boat’s distance from offshore targets can enhance catch rates. While forward-facing sonar and Spot Lock are powerful tools, their use requires a mindful approach to minimize noise disturbances. By starting at a greater distance and gradually moving closer, anglers can adapt their techniques to maximize success.
