BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — More than 50,000 fans tuned in live on Bassmaster.com to watch a first-of-its-kind show where the venues for the 2026 Progressive Bassmaster Elite Series were paired and a coin flip determined which events will allow forward-facing sonar (FFS). The new format, announced earlier this week, limits the use of FFS to a maximum of five regular-season Elite tournaments.

On the live show, hosted by Tommy Sanders, Mark Zona and Davy Hite, the results of the random coin flips created a mix of technology-driven and traditional fishing events:

• Lake Guntersville — Non-FFS
• Lake Martin — FFS
• Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway — Non-FFS
• Arkansas River — FFS
• Lake Murray — FFS
• Santee Cooper Lakes — Non-FFS
• Pasquotank River/Albemarle Sound — FFS
• Lake Champlain — Non-FFS
• St. Lawrence River — FFS

The 2026 Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Under Armour will remain an “all-tech” event, allowing forward-facing sonar since all qualifiers earned their berths under the existing rules.

Elite Series pros Gerald Swindle, Drew Benton, John Crews and Bryan Schmitt joined the live show and applauded the move. Swindle emphasized that the hybrid approach “keeps the sport grounded in tradition while still letting technology shine.” Benton added that the new format “will test versatility like never before,” while Crews noted that “fans are going to love the diversity of tactics showcased from one event to the next.” Schmitt may have summed it up best: "There's gonna be something to love for every fan out there."

“Forward-facing sonar has been a game-changer for the sport, but our anglers, members and fans asked us to find the right balance,” said B.A.S.S. CEO Chase Anderson earlier this week when announcing the rule. “The coin-flip format was designed to create transparency in choosing the venues, parity in fishing styles, and to highlight a wide range of skills to keep Bassmaster competition exciting for everyone.”

With nearly half the schedule prohibiting live sonar, the 2026 Elite Series promises a Progressive Bassmaster Angler of the Year race where competitors must prove themselves both with and without technology — a season-long storyline that fans can follow from the first cast on Lake Guntersville to the final weigh-in on the St. Lawrence River.

2025 Bassmaster Elite Series Platinum Sponsors: Progressive, Toyota
2025 Bassmaster Elite Series Premier Sponsors: Bass Pro Shops, Dakota Lithium, Humminbird, Mercury, Minn Kota, Nitro Boats, Power-Pole, Ranger Boats, Rapala, Skeeter Boats, Yamaha
2025 Bassmaster Elite Series Supporting Sponsors: AFTCO, Daiwa, Garmin, Lew's, Lowrance, Triton Boats, VMC, Yokohama

About B.A.S.S.

B.A.S.S., which encompasses the Bassmaster tournament leagues, events and media platforms, is the worldwide authority on bass fishing and keeper of the culture of the sport, providing cutting-edge content on bass fishing whenever, wherever and however bass fishing fans want to use it. Headquartered in Birmingham, Ala., the organization’s fully integrated media platforms include the industry’s leading magazines (Bassmaster and B.A.S.S. Times), website (Bassmaster.com), TV show, radio show, social media programs and events. For more than 50 years, B.A.S.S. has been dedicated to access, conservation and youth fishing.

The Bassmaster Tournament Trail includes the most prestigious events at each level of competition, including the Progressive Bassmaster Elite Series, St. Croix Bassmaster Opens Series presented by SEVIIN, Nitro Boats Elite Qualifiers Series presented by Bass Pro Shops, Mercury B.A.S.S. Nation Qualifier Series presented by Lowrance, Strike King Bassmaster College Series presented by Bass Pro Shops, Strike King Bassmaster High School Series, Bassmaster Junior Series, Bassmaster Team Championship, Newport Bassmaster Kayak Series presented by Native Watercraft, Bassmaster College Kayak Series, Yamaha Bassmaster Redfish Cup Championship presented by Skeeter and the ultimate celebration of competitive fishing, the Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Under Armour.