The all-new forward facing sonar system from Humminbird® is called XPLORE™ and MEGA Live™ and provides high performance with innovation to the world of fish-finding technology. Photo courtesy of Johnson Outdoors

In 2024, when the use of fish-finding technology advanced with the development of the new forward-facing sonar, the competitive world of fishing took a long look at just how efficient the fish and structure-finding system was. Professional anglers spent much of their day looking at their on-board sonar TV screens without a fishing rod in their hands for much of their time on the water. When they did pick up a rod to make a cast, they caught a fish. One cast, one fish. Two casts, two fish. Yes, it can be that good. The question is, “Is that really fishing?”

Forward-facing sonar is a type of sonar technology used in fishing that allows anglers to see underwater structures, fish and other objects ahead and to the sides of their boat in real time. Unlike traditional sonar that shows the view (depth) with symbols for fish directly under the boat, the new forward-facing sonar projects sonar signals forward and around the boat, providing a wider and more detailed view of what lies ahead, including fish movement and the contours of the bottom. The technology is particularly popular in bass fishing tournaments where anglers who learn how to use the new technology significantly improve their chances of catching more and bigger fish.

Many brands have now entered the market to sell their version of forward-facing sonar. Brands like Garmin, with their “Live-Scope” system, have joined other leaders in this market, including Hummingbird and Lowrance. The technology has revolutionized how modern anglers approach fishing, especially competitive fishing. It allows them to track fish behavior, understand underwater terrain, and plan their fishing tactics with more precision. But is this really fishing when anglers watch their on-board TV sonar screens most of the day?

The new fishing sonar technology for 2025 is a marvel to behold. The all-new, recently announced Humminbird® XPLORE and MEGA Live 2 are now officially on the market, ushering in the new year with a wave of innovation. This system delivers unparalleled performance and innovation to the world of fish-finding technology. Designed with the modern angler in mind, the new Humminbird system for 2025 provides a fishing tool that delivers unmatched power, control, and clarity to help anglers maximize every moment on the water.

Using forward-facing sonar is a great way to learn about a lake, find fish, and much more. It is so effective that last September, the National Professional Fishing League announced that the use of such real-time imaging units would be prohibited, beginning with the 2025 season. Many other major leagues followed suit with announcements of their own, each limiting that technology to some extent. The systems are not inexpensive; they are costly and a significant investment for anglers.

Last year, I fished with a guide for crappie in Lake Eufaula (Walter F. George Reservoir), a part of the Chattahoochee River system in Alabama, and discovered just how effective using this new technology can be. Guide Tony Adams could easily locate sunken tree trunks and schools of crappie. He could also identify the larger fish from the smaller fish as they moved through a school of bait. I was more than impressed. Later that day, I took a guided tour of the Hummingbird plant in Eufaula, and all I can say is that American technology is impressive.

What does the future hold for local Lake Erie walleye tournaments and Chautauqua Lake bass tournaments in the face of this new technology? The answer is yet to be revealed. Ten walleye tournaments in 2025 are set to go from the shores of Chautauqua County in the ports of Barcelona, Dunkirk and Sunset Bay. One thing is for sure: the potential impact of this technology on these tournaments is a topic that’s sure to spark excitement and anticipation. There’s something truly special about the great outdoors. The beauty of nature, the thrill of the catch, and the camaraderie of fellow anglers-it’s a world like no other. This new technology will add even more to our understanding of every waterway.

Gotta love the outdoors.