B.A.S.S. Will Feature Split Live Sonar Format in 2027
The 2027 Elite Series schedule will utilize a coin flip to determine whether live sonar is allowed at each tournament.
Updated on Sept. 30, 2026 in Fishing
Live Poll
Should professional fishing tournaments restrict the use of advanced sonar technology to ensure fair competition?
B.A.S.S. announced that the 2027 Elite Series will feature a mix of tournaments where live sonar is permitted and prohibited. A coin flip will dictate the technology rules for each specific event on the upcoming 2027 schedule.
Why it matters
The decision follows record-setting audience engagement during the 2026 season, which demonstrated the widespread appeal of both sonar and non-sonar competition styles. This hybrid format allows the organization to test and showcase different tactical approaches for competitive bass fishing.
The 2026 Lake Guntersville event, which prohibited live sonar, generated over 21 million minutes viewed. The St. Lawrence River finale, where live sonar was permitted, attracted more than 20 million minutes of audience engagement.
The players
B.A.S.S.
B.A.S.S. is the Birmingham-based organization that governs professional bass fishing tournaments and maintains the Elite Series.
The details
The technology designation for each tournament will be revealed during the Bassmaster Coin Flip Show. The Bassmaster Classic rules will alternate between sonar and non-sonar event formats annually over the next two years, with the 2028 event's rules dependent on the 2027 outcome.
Timeline
The 2026 season introduced the forward-facing live sonar structure.
The Bassmaster Coin Flip Show will reveal tournament designations on October 6, 2026.
The Elite Series will operate under the split technology format throughout 2027.
The 2028 season may implement an alternating Classic technology format.
Roadmap
This decision marks a departure from static rulebooks, moving toward a randomized, variable format that accommodates the rapid evolution of fish-finding technology. By codifying the coin-flip process, B.A.S.S. aims to preserve the integrity of both traditional and modern high-tech angling skills.
Anglers and spectators should expect tournament dynamics to shift significantly based on the ruleset assigned to each location via the coin flip. This ensures that participants must remain proficient in both sonar-assisted and traditional fishing methods throughout the season.
The takeaway
The move toward a hybrid format emphasizes the league's focus on maintaining viewership appeal by diversifying the technical challenges faced by competitors. Readers interested in competitive angling should prepare for a season where equipment limitations are subject to change by event.
What happens next
Tournament technology designations will be officially unveiled during the Bassmaster Coin Flip Show on October 6, 2026.
Further reading
For more on the competitive circuit, visit the Fishing section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Outdoor News.
Live Poll
Should professional fishing tournaments restrict the use of advanced sonar technology to ensure fair competition?
