NASCAR driver Denny Hamlin has expressed that forward-facing sonar technology has become excessive in professional bass fishing. Hamlin, who has developed a passion for bass fishing over the past year, suggested that while the technology aids pros in catching more fish, it potentially undermines the sport's traditional skill set.
"I think the guys on the pro tour, it’s a little too much," Hamlin told OutKick OutDoors. "It’s a little too much."
Hamlin highlighted what he views as a diminishing aspect of the sport: locating fish without heavy reliance on electronics. "I think that there’s a lost art form of going out there, doing the homework, finding the spots," he said. "It’s probably better for TV that these guys are catching monster bass and, you know, 100-pound bags, but I can see where it’s probably getting a little overboard."
He anticipates that technological advancements will continue to make the sport easier. "The technology is going to just keep getting more," Hamlin said. "Eventually it’s going to become even easier."
This debate is a significant topic within professional bass fishing, with major circuits implementing restrictions on forward-facing sonar. For the 2026 Bassmaster Elite Series, B.A.S.S. has permitted forward-facing sonar in only five of the nine regular-season events, using coin flips to determine which tournaments would allow the technology.
Major League Fishing's Bass Pro Tour employs a different strategy, limiting anglers to using forward-facing and/or 360-degree sonar during one of three 2.5-hour competition periods each day. Anglers must declare their intended period for using the technology, which must be disabled during the other two periods. MLF also restricts competitors to two forward-facing or 360-degree transducers.
Hamlin acknowledged that the technology has benefits, particularly for novices. "For someone like me who’s a novice, it at least gets me in the game," he said.
He has been accelerating his learning curve with guidance from professional angler Chris Zaldain. "When you can go out with a pro… it just allows me to watch him cast and watch him work a minnow or whatever it might be," Hamlin stated. "He definitely teaches me quite a bit, and I definitely have caught more fish now that I’ve got a little bit of that experience of watching how he does it."
Initially focused on freshwater fishing, Hamlin is expanding his interest to offshore fishing and is in the process of purchasing an offshore boat.
Hamlin described fishing as therapeutic, teaching him patience and serving as a valuable outlet. He noted that it is less physically demanding than other activities like basketball or golf.
Despite the relaxing nature of the hobby, Hamlin's competitive spirit remains. When asked about his competitiveness in fishing compared to racing, he laughed, admitting that while he doesn't compare to racing, he still aims to catch more weight than his co-angler.
He prefers fishing solo, citing the challenges of fishing with children. "Solo. Give me solo," Hamlin said. "You got kids, you can’t get the line out. I’m retying something every two seconds. Like, I can’t even get my own line in the water."
Hamlin indicated he might consider participating in fishing pro-ams in the future. For now, he values fishing as a way to engage with the outdoors and disconnect from his usual routine.