Pro Bass Angler Says Fishing Can Be More Enjoyable Without Advanced Sonar
While acknowledging the necessity of technology like Garmin LiveScope for professional competition, Cooper Gallant suggests that its absence can enhance the fishing experience.
Forward-facing sonar, particularly Garmin LiveScope, has become a polarizing piece of equipment in the world of bass fishing. While some anglers consider it an invaluable tool, others believe it detractes from the sport's skill and enjoyment. Bassmaster Elite Series pro Cooper Gallant finds himself on both sides of the debate.
Gallant, who utilizes LiveScope in his professional career, acknowledges its effectiveness and the competitive necessity of adapting to new technologies. However, he also expressed that fishing can be more enjoyable without the constant real-time visual feedback.
"I think sometimes without it, it’s more fun," Gallant stated. "There’s more unknown. You don’t know if there’s a fish there, and when you get a bite, it’s more of a surprise."
Forward-facing sonar allows anglers to see underwater activity in real-time, including fish and their reactions to lures. This technology can significantly aid in locating fish and reducing the time spent searching. "You can see your bait, you can see the fish react to your bait. It's all in real time," Gallant explained.
Despite his appreciation for the technology's efficiency, Gallant admitted that the element of surprise and the unknown, inherent in fishing without LiveScope, adds a layer of enjoyment for him. This perspective comes as B.A.S.S., the organizing body for the Bassmaster Elite Series, continues to experiment with rules regarding the use of forward-facing sonar in competitions.
For the 2027 season, B.A.S.S. has announced a continuation of its split format for Elite Series events. Following a coin toss, it was determined that forward-facing sonar will be prohibited at the Lake St. Clair event but allowed at the 2027 Bassmaster Classic on Lake Hartwell. The organization will implement similar rule variations for the 2028 Classic, banning the technology.
Gallant also commented on the generational divide regarding the adoption of this technology. He noted that while some veteran anglers may be hesitant to learn it, the sport is evolving, and embracing new tools is essential for staying competitive. "I think the older generation, they're just hesitant to learn it. But it's just like anything. The sport evolves," he said. Younger anglers, he suggested, often have an advantage as many grew up using advanced electronics.
B.A.S.S. first introduced a split format in 2026, with five out of nine regular-season tournaments allowing forward-facing sonar and four prohibiting it. The most-watched Elite event of that season was at Lake Guntersville, where FFS was banned. The success of this balanced approach has led to its continuation for 2027.
"You have to learn it, or you're going to get left behind," Gallant emphasized, echoing his previous sentiments from a 2025 Bassmaster article where he wrote about the necessity of adopting LiveScope to remain competitive. The ongoing experimentation by B.A.S.S. with and without forward-facing sonar aims to find a balance for the future of professional bass fishing, allowing for both technological advancement and a connection to the sport's more traditional elements. For Gallant, the efficiency provided by LiveScope is undeniable, but the pure enjoyment of the catch can be amplified when the outcome is less predictable.