Ok here we go. This is my opinion of Forward Facing Sonar. Check out Huckleberry: www.huckleberryapparel.com/ Check out my bait shop: HPbaits.com Subscribe to the channel: @HankParkerOutdoorMagazine
You should never have to explain yourself to anybody about anything bass fishing. You, Jimmy Huston, Bill Dance and Roland Martin are true Legends of the sport. Whether or not you are pro FFS or anti FFS you should be Respected for all you have done and brought to bass fishing during your career. I've been watching you since I was 10 years old and now at 50 I feel like I'm a better bass head than I ever could have been because of your show. I thank you for that.
Hank, one of the things I LOVED about your TV show and what set it apart IS the “nature” aspect of the show. You always had the microphone picking up the sounds of the birds, insects, and frogs that made it sound like if the viewer was out in their boat on the water themselves. And that was such a special aspect of your show that few others had in their shows
Thank you Hank for being that ambassador of the sport of fishing, not just tournaments, but fishing as a whole. There is no one that I could think of, that we all would do good to listen to, other than you. I'm turning 50 this year, and I remember as a young guy, growing up with a dad that was one of the winningest tournament anglers around this area. And then seeing you on Saturdays, made me think my dad was just as cool as those guys on TV. Dads favorite spinnerbait was the one you designed, and he still has one! No telling how many new skirts hes put on it, and re sharpen the hook. He will be 80 this year, and a few years ago, I took him springtime fishing on Weiss lake. I had a bunch of fancy new spinnerbaits, but he dug around in his blade bait box, and got yours out and said "dont none of um catch um like this one".Lord I wonder just how many bass he's caught on it. I enjoy your pic cast, and I believe your on the right track with forward facing sonar. I honestly hate it, but I want wants best for the sport.
You're exactly right Sarah Beth. Its called "taking a comment out of context" . We live in an age where differences in opinions can't be discussed in a civil manor anymore and are exploited to cause division. And SM fuels it every day. P.S Ray Scott would have already worked out a solution.
I totally agree.. Ray Scott would have stepped up long ago and said you will only be allowed to have this many units on your boat and I don't want to see 5 units in front of your face at the driving console..
It’s so refreshing to see your channel. Someone who has the credentials to speak but also humble enough to listen while holding to your values and principles.
i believe we shouldn't outright BAN FFS. but there absolutely should be events in every circuit that allow it, and don't allow it. this would not only force the traditional anglers to adapt to the new equipment, but it would also force the new ffs guys to become proficient in traditional techniques. the most well rounded anglers come out on top.
@@Tedthib never said any of that. I said... "Thank you Hank for having a voice." I never said I agreed, disagreed etc. 😉 But I will say this. I Respect his thoughts.
Mr. Parker, I had the honor of meeting and having a picture taken in 2018 at The Lake Ouachita Forrest Wood Cup with you along with my father. Our stories are very similar. Thank you for your wisdom for all my young years. Awesome to learn more from you.
@@SuperRamsack but? of course. is it still necessary to say so? context is mostly misunderstood by FFS for tournaments supporters, apparently to even 20 year old blondes. GOD BLESS AMERICAN BLONDES!
I think FFS is the bridge too far for the upper levels of professional fishing, Elite, BPT, AAA levels. Your hunting analogy was perfect. You weren't teaching them to hunt, and harvest, you were teaching them how to shoot an animal without the hunt being involved. There's a reason why MLB doesn't allow Aluminum bats. Randy Blaukat took some "liberties" with your opinion. You are a tremendous ambassador for our sport.
@@walteringramii4313 I disagree. But, your entitled to think from what you got from "both" podcast. I do think Hank realized this issue for the compeditive side of the sport will need to be addressed first.
@@walteringramii4313 care to explain why? or are you just a rent a bot? change of heart on what exactly? your human rights? you have to be human. so what exactly do you mean? YES IT IS VERY FOREIGN OF YOU NOT TO EXPLAIN.
@@nolanmanley5359 FFS in tournaments is self defeating. not a single supporter of FFS in tournaments can hold a basic argument as far as I can tell. half are just obvious bots. the other half are dumber than stink on a stink bait.
I agree when he brought up the hunting. I look at it from a conservation aspect first. Sporting second. If you are live scoping and only pulling the biggest of the schools out, how is it effecting the population of the lakes? You are pulling out the biggest and best only leaving the smaller fish. The large fish help control the population of the smaller. Keep taking big fish, it only leaves smaller. Then from sporting, it eliminates the possibility of the weekend warriors never catching a once in a lifetime. Same as hunting with a spotlight after dark for the biggest deer, or shooting all the does on a property. It hurts the herds. No does to populate, and no large deer to pass on the survival of the fittest. If it was used strictly for catch and release; cool , good, go for it, it doesn't hurt the population beyond educating the fish and making it more challenging for all. I understand it from a tournament aspect. For FFS on tour, it effects me a lot less. But to gain the advantage, that is where learning the lakes and tactics should come in. Again, I'm on the conservation side and thinks we will see a long term effect of ruing lakes. We will see how it plays out.
Been a fan for many years Hank. We came up through the ranks! Flashers, 2D Sonar, Downscan, Sidescan right! Some questions. 1. FFS does help fishermen find fish? Yes. 2. Does FFS help eliminate water? Yes 3. Does FFS guarantee you that fish will bite? No 4. Is FFS applicable to all lakes? No 5. Does FFS allow Anglers to access suspended bass like never before? Yes 6. Is their too many transducers on current Anglers boats? Yes 7. Should their be limitations on FFS? Yes 8. Does FFS make my years of fishing experience irrelevant? Yes 9. Do FFS companies sponsor tournament organizations and pro Anglers? Yes
Hank Parker for president! This is prob the most level headed ffs episode I’ve seen , Hank your the man and a legend as good as you are and still sound so humble.
I love the focus on conservation. Hanks analogy about teaching his grandkids how to hunt was spot on. The analogy is very similar to one’s used by Randy Blauket.
Mr. Parker is a true Southern Gentleman and one of the Greatest Anglers the sport has ever produced. Haters are always going to hate, just continue to be the man God wants you to be and spreading to joy bass fishing brings to families. God Bless you and Sarah Beth.
I wish everyone in the bass fishing community thought how you do. There is alot of hate going around in that community. Thanks for always making people try to be better. I've watched you since I was a kid and I'm 50 now.
I have always appreciated your honesty and dedication to nature. After hearing you talk about this situation and technology will keep improving and what will this do to the sport of Bass Fishing. I appreciate you being open minded and addressing the individuals that disagreed with you. Hopefully everyone listening understands that we need to have discussions and we will disagree but do it respectfully. Maybe you should run for President- you got my vote!! Thank you for all you do for the outdoors!! I sure would love to fish with you one time!!
Hank, you are such a good guy! As far as livescope goes, I have it. I also am not very good with it. I’m just going to sit back and watch it all shake out.
Thank You Hank for the video. I fully agree. Gotta draw a line in the sand one way or the other especially for pro circuits. The many true virtues of "fishing" hang in the balance. I really enjoy hearing all the history & stories you share.
So this is the guy who’s name is on the rod I love that I got from Walmart. Gonna start watching you buddy. Your probably a fishing legend or something but I just got into fishing only a year ago lol
I am glad you are talking about this - I have FFS I use it for crappie fishing. I don’t use it for bass fishing I feel it wrong for me. Crappie i eat them for food every now and then.
Thanks Hank. So many great topics discussed regarding history and learning the youth true fishing methods. I too am older angler and have watched this issue separate the sport we love. I agree with others Ray Scott would have settled this issue before it became such a issue. Another point you mentioned was how no one cares about my opinion since I agree FFS shouldn't be allowed in tournaments. The industry has became the controlling voice for all major tournament organizations. No longer do we have one spoke person for the legacy of the sport I have loved since its inception. Another great moment you mentioned was the great Tom Mann of Eufaula AL. He grabbed a map at his store and circled several spots for my wife and I to fish. Great memories that I will cherish forever. Really enjoy your podcast!
Sounds like Humminbird got in Hanks ear. Completely understandable Hank. The backpedal doesn’t bother me at all. I’m not a fan of the forward facing but it’s here to stay unfortunately.
Think you may have misunderstood his 1st comment on the subject of FFS. He thinks it shouldn’t be used by the pros in tournaments. Hanks business partner has Live Scope but he’s not a Pro angler.
Finally a fishfinder that works. And the angler still has to get the fish to strike after locating them. So its not cheating or spotlighting. Its still very sporting. Bottom Line made the Sidefinder more than 20 years ago. By the way, Randy Blaukunt says your against the Forward Facing Sonar on his channel.
I have been fishing since I caught my 1st Bass in 1976 at 5 years old on a Jitterbug & I’m 53 now & still fish & enjoy it as much now as I did at 5. I don’t have a Live scope yet on my boat but I will have one in my near future because I think it would be so cool to watch that Bass swim up & take your lure or plastic worm. Loved your show Hank been watching you since the early 80’s, you have such a humble attitude, my kind of crowd.
Hank I have followed and watched you on tv for over 35 yrs. I learned so much about fishing shallow water from you and jimmy Houston. Now with a teenager running the front of my boat and him learning fishing he has picked up on foward facing sonar really fast but I remove it from the boat one weekend a month for him to learn other patterns to make him a better rounded angler. I guess I’m just old school lol.
Wow, phenomenal show Hank!! Love the openness and transparency that you drive into on this one. Probably gonna listen to this again in the morning and throw down a few more comments. I’ll try to keep them short but no guarantees 😆 Also love The Bilge podcast because you get to hear things there that people aren’t willing to say on other shows. But if you go back and watch the episode you referenced when Chris got to a younger angler who used FFS he immediately dubbed them a “scoper” even when they said that they preferred flipping to scoping but when he talked to a more tenured angler he took a sympathetic approach saying it’s only there because “you have to have it”. That bugged me a bit, more than it should but he clearly singled out a couple younger guys for it. Really liked that you made a differentiation between good for the sport and good for top level tournaments as a part of the discussion. You are literally the only person I have seen even mention that they are separate things! You can love bass fishing but never watch a single Elite/BPT event. My nephew and several of his friends love fishing and we talk about it every time we are together, but all of them combined could only name 1 current pro angler and that was only because Milliken was hug on YT before he qualified.
Great podcast. I like the way you explained ffs and just fishing. I’m 65 years old and grew up just fishing. That’s what most folks do. I bought a garmin ffs because I don’t fish every day. I don’t know much about it but I want to use it to maximize my time on the water. I don’t know about using it in tournaments but that’s up to the organizers to decide.
I don't think it needs to go away. Just need to limit it smaller. I would say whatever brand you want with a limit of one 12" max size screen and one transducer at the bow and the same at the dash.
I think this was a necessary follow-up to your podcast from March 21st. Thank you for clarifying your position Hank, I enjoyed hearing your balanced point of view on the subject.
I totally agree with your opinion ! We have FFS and side imaging just because I love the challenge of learning new things. Also, just to let you know, your granddaughter is a very smart and beautiful young lady!
HEY HANK I HAVE A QUESTION 🙋♂️ I’m really glad you’ve brought this up in a more even sided debate I think it’s definitely a topic that needs to be looked at and thought about in depth. My question is in regards to growing the sport and having new/ young anglers getting involved in fishing do you think FFS is actually a benefit bc the new generation is accustomed to looking at screens and being submersed in technology. Although I do agree some time down the line FFS will become to advanced causing a major disruption in the sport. the other side of the coin would be going to far on banning tech causing the youth to not relate to the sport or not have interest. That would also be a major disruption for the future of the sport. Just a thought. Thanks Hank 👍🏼
Great podcast Hank. A question, do the high school bass tournaments allow forward facing sonar? I am an old school fisherman like yourself who enjoys being on the water and enjoying the outdoors. I fished for a long time with no electronics. That's part of the sport.
Hank thanks for this podcast and your point of view. i have ffs and i can take it or leave it. i remember if you had a flasher you were in an elite group. i learned to read a topo map so i feel like i can catch fish with or without any sonar. Some of my best tournaments were with no sonar. I do believe it does take away some skill but that is just the way i feel. One think iI know for sure the Lord is coming again. Love watching you shows from the time you started. God bless you and your family.
Hanks the man. I’ve never seen one video on the Hummingbird Mega Live. What little I have seen , Garmin Livescope is light years ahead of everybody. We’re not a democracy we’re a Republic
Well done HP, you are one of the pioneers of fishing and a great person that continues to add to the sport. We’ve seen a lot of changes since chasing stripers on Norman to Norman becoming far more than the dead sea for bass. Who would have imagined. It is great seeing SaraBeth along with you and guiding you through the social media age, well done SaraBeth. Hank, no matter what you say or do there will be critics. Some will comment on this podcast or take something you say to an extreme. You and your family hold to faith and you just be Hank, that’s who we need and want you to be. Your reference to Blake, Tom, and Forest and their place in our sport, wow, I wish you could have had a chance to talk to them today, they would definitely have some wise advice. Though the house needs painting and the grass needs cutting, getting ready to head to Murray next week, and looking forward to fishing. JR
I grew up watching Hank Parker, he has always been such a class act. I love my Live scope, as a weekend warrior it is perfect for me. I completely understand the concerns about using it in prize money tournaments. I have also learned that it doesn't guarantee that you catch more fish. I really like using it for fine tuning the depth my bait runs at such as keeping it slightly above cover or grass. I have not heard any stories of some average Joe cleaning up the tournament trail just because they had FFS. Fish can and do still hide in plenty of places FFS cannot see.
Love this perspective. I voiced this on my podcast as well. It reminds me of how people discuss theology. They get passionate on their opinions. In the end we are on the same team and have to be able to discuss in a civil manner
Hank the best discussion I’ve seen to date and your so on point, I’m old school and I love to fish, like you said earlier in video, I still like going soaking in the environment around me, looking at Gods beauty, and catching fish is just a bonus of that day. I only have a hummingbird helix 7 unit on my boat and I basically only use the gps and lake master chip the most. But that’s what I enjoy, and that doesn’t mean that’s for everyone. Do I like FFS or watching a tournament where these guys are bent over watching a screen and not even looking at the water or where they throw there lure, no I can’t stand it and turn it off, but thing that bothers me most is what you said about those fish not having any sanctuaries anymore and I’m sorry that’s a danger to the resource. And what are we teaching our kids that if they want to fish they gotta stare at this screen all day, but to you got to think our younger generation is brought up playing video games, they have some kind of electronic device from time there able to hold it, that’s one reason that excel with the ffs. I just believe no matter if we are young or old we have to do what’s best to protect our resources we so love.
Hank you're one of the greatest fishermen of all time I respect you I think forward facing sonar is fine for the weekend fishermen it just doesn't belong in Tournament Fishing we need to get back to the roots of Tournament Fishing in bass fishing and it is not forward facing sonar
Awesome, FFS or not you still have to eliminate water and those things you have founded your principles on to help find fish is still very helpful. I don’t think you can just drop your troll motor and start scanning around until you find fish (btw I tried it and it’s very unproductive, lol). I appreciate your insight.
Well said, Hank. Well moderated, Sarah Beth. We don't have to fret over the tournament organizations limiting or banning FFS. The states and federal DNR's will regulate FFS, by restricting creel limits, including catch and release.
There were so many great comments made here. Hank, you are right. For a free exchange of opinions, both sides need to be civil & respected. If you won't even consider my opinion, why should I yours? Being older, I love that you have a very young lady co-hosting. 20 year olds do think than us older folks & it's refreshing that you are so open-minded with her. I saw the podcast you referenced, and the apologies from the anglers I didn't catch like you did. You also made some other points that I agree with. You changed my opinion on FFS. I now agree with you. Even after 60 years of age, we can compromise. I like seeing things from a different perspective. Thanks for opening my mind. Great show Hank.
Not speaking just about FFS but it worries me that people don't have fun fising anymore I am 70 live in Batesburg,SC ,15miles from Lake Murray.For a long time access to public non boating fishing has been limited.You have to either know somebody that will let you fish in their pond or fight swimmers at the boat ramps at the large lakes.A lot of people don't know about fishing except going in a boat .When I grew up on Wednesday afternoon all males would head to the lake with worm or minnows to fish from the bank.Things have not changed for the better.
I done the same as a kid, when I bought my first boat I thought I was the king of the water. I'm also from S.C.. Monticello is my go to lake because of its a non swimming, jet ski or tubing allowed$$
Unfortunately, the state agencies are always way behind what actually needs to be done. The lakes will be void of fish before they agree that there an issue has occurred under their watch and make changes. It’s up to us to change the culture of fishing as needed. Government regulations won’t help this one.
I’m only curious why there hasn’t been a separate class of tournament incorporated, As in an “electronics allowed” class and a “no electronics allowed” class. Everyone can fish with their preferred method and everyone wins.
Obviously some people were not paying attention. Your feelings were very clear. There should be no need for you to come back and clarify. Thanks for taking the time to give up some of your fishing secrets.
Mr. Parker has the most clear-headed take on this topic, in my opinion. If more people took his approach we'd all be better off. Of all the legends I saw in person at the Classic, I was the most starstruck seeing Hank. The man has a presence about him. Maybe Clunn too.
Boyd won’t do anything about FFS.Because it will hinder some of his pets!I love watching ya Hank I feel like a 50yr old child again watching ya.This is really special
BASS isn’t any different than mlf Neither care about the actual sport it’s all about how much money the organization can make period. Have no respect for either of them.
Great perspective, I’m not for or against. Definitely polarizing in the bass world right now, but frankly for the average fisherman, even those fishing local grass roots derbies, can’t afford the FFS setups, from any of the big 3. Hard to formulate an opinion on unobtanium.
I am 63 and I want it Outlawed ! I am worried about the resource. I can’t use a lot of things Hunting and Fishing why because it is unsporting.. You are Correct Hank Kids don’t know how to drift like smoke when deer hunting. What it boils down to is protecting the resource not only for this year but future Generations.
Hank I totally agree with what your saying but I also been out fishing with the garmin guru I can honestly say he meant no disrespect at all he is very passionate about this sport and your right he has a awesome amount of knowledge on ffs you should get him on your of cast and let him explain his theory
Hank been watching you for the 50 plus years. I don't think guys would be catching 100 plus pounds with out it. I guess things keep changing glad I am 67. Keep doing the videos love them.
To the young lady Sarah Beth's question about bass changing patterns, on the West Coast of FL trout used to have massive river runs in the fall. Ppl would snag or fish for them on the bridges as they were concentrated, and fished all the trout predisposed to migrate inland out. Now trout remain on the flats, off beaches, and near offshore. Only the oldest oldtimers remember the trout runs in the rivers. What bass behaviors (or genetic traits) would be fished out of existence? Would all bass older than little schoolies live up little creeks or simply only the tight-lipped ones survive?
I love shallow water fishing grass ,stumps , etc. But if ffs is becoming a hot topic, so let's break down, 1 old flashers, 2d down scan, 3d down scan, side scan, 3d structure scan , humminbird 360, all advancement in electronics, each advancement anglers caught more fish, no one complained about conservation or they couldn't compete even those that didn't have let say humminbird 360 which was a big advantage, FFS, is just 360 3d down and side scan advancement, but there's such am uproar, it's not the electronics, it's the number of anglers competing now, banning the use would be like mm banning shirts with trilene patches, I agree the should be limitations, say 1 ffs transducer and 12 Inch max screen size for FFS, I have FFS, has made me better no, has it made it possible to find fish in places that aren't my strengths in most cases yeah , did I catch a lot of big one no, you may see the fish doesn't mean they will bite, do I use it all the time NO, but uts nice to have at my disposal like any angler that's struggling to figure it out, I'm just missing something and ok I see what I was missing, there is a lot of information going through the brain when figuring the fish out and sometimes you just need that awe man I knew that picture, But there are 1000s of anglers competing now, any advantage you can get helps, but its my choice if I use FFS or not , not a committee or any single person complaining, when people start telling what you can or cannot have, use or not use, then you begin to infringe on there freedoms, the right to choice, so putting limiton it Agreed, but trying to ban it from compilation, You may not get the desired out come your hoping for
Hello Mr. Parker. Great podcast, by the way. I'm glad you cleared up your position on ffs. My understanding way you were against ffs. One thing people should stop doing is calling anything but ffs OLD SCHOOL. If you want to kill our sport. Just tell a youngsters your taking him old school bass fishing and watch to see how far his eyes roll to the back of his head. But I do believe in showing the basics of Bass fishing to our youth before they move up to more complex Techniques to make a more rounded angler. Maybe in High-school not allowing ffs would be a great starting point. Then move onto more advanced techniques in college/university. I believe the two major pro Circuits with limit transducers and screens. But not ban ffs. As it would set the whole industry back and lock pro bass fishing in a holding pattern. Unable to move forward. That ok for the older generation but may not Entic the younger generation to follow the sport as they will have access to the latest technology, so will be Out pacing the pros technology wise. Bassmaster and to some extent, Major League Fishing should always respect Tradition but should also be on the cutting edge of the sport leading the way. Tight lines. Cheers, Steven.
You are a true sportsman Hank. Having said that, you admit to hiring an airplane to gain an advantage to make it possible to compete on a body of water. I would say that "back in the day" that was viewed by some as taking advantage of a resource that was not readily available the non-professional angler. In my mind, back then YOU did the same thing as the young people are doing today with FFS. They are just taking advantage of the resources available. I'm a recreational fisherman who has no interest in tournament competition. At 68 years old I enjoy spending time on the water, catching fish or not. The use of modern technologies is what previous generations use to call "shooting fish in a barrel" and in my opinion has absolutely nothing to do with sportsmanship.
I think it comes down to, alot of people are worried about losing their sponsorship, with the high end companies...losing that money your used to, hauling in by the truckload!
Catch and release should be mandatory, when using things to gain an advantage on our resource. Release,is a major part of that statement, and many people could do a much better job of it.Please learn more about protecting our resource!
What about having some tournaments in the series be limited to no FFS and some unlimited??? You could do that at all levels, high school up to pro. Rotate it every year to different lakes in the series. This way young anglers could learn how to fish conventionally and with new tech. Kind of like different car setups allowed at certain tracks in NASCAR.
We do something similar to that in 3D archery. We have classes for all sorts of archery, from bare recurves to the most decked out accessories that money can buy. We also have professionals in every class. I think that would be a great idea.
Hank, I just will not break traditional fishing. I still love the hunt. Learning the many techniques of fishing outside the FFS is much more enjoyable. Seeing the price tag of some of the new monitors and everything tied into them as high as they are is scary. No thanks, I will put the money into replenishing my gear. Not every fisherman has that kind of money to throw around. I've also discontinued watching any of the tourneys because, and most will agree with me, it's gotten boring. I used to enjoy seeing the many poles on the deck of the boat and waiting to see who'd picked up the pattern for the day. That's fishing!!! Someone out there change my mind. Tight lines.
I'm grew up in a state that doesn't allow baiting deer. I'm glad you made that analogy because that's how I view it. If you think baiting deer and harvesting them is sporting, then you'll love ffs.
This was a very powerful podcast. People are not civil anymore. The way you talk about is exactly the way things should be handled. No matter the topic But I'm not certain people can come together and work things out. I hate to say this. But i feel like oldschool is gone. And oldschool is what works. I love to here you speak Hank. I'm sure your message will get somes attention. But i Beleive allot of the young guns don't have the respect that's needed to do things the right way.
I see in general a disconnect with one group talking about fishing and the other group about catching... ( not to say that you can catch everything you see or that its super easy on FFS ) but clearly its an advantage over anything prior to it's introduction.. 2 different convos .. on the same subject matter...
Everyone needs to work together find some middle road there has to be. Take away the ffs out of the back of boat, side imaging, and 360. You can use standard 2d and gps on the back. You can use everything up front. This could possibly help a lot in competitive fishing.
