The Starting Spot: B.A.S.S. Limits Forward Facing Sonar, Catch Bass in Current, and Which Frog is Best?

In this edition of The Starting Spot:

-In the biggest bass fishing news of the day, B.A.S.S. has decided it will limit the use of forward-facing sonar in its 2026 Bassmaster Elite series. I’ll tell you that personally I feel like that might be a mistake. Watch for a full article in the next day or two explaining my rationale, but until then, here’s the official story from B.A.S.S.

-Moving water, whether a river or the wind blowing between two islands, can change the way bass relate to their environment. Understanding how bass use current and knowing the best presentations can help you catch more and bigger bass.

-I can’t think of an avid bass angler who doesn’t love to catch fish on a frog. But which frog is best in what conditions? Are you tying on a walking frog or a popping frog? Let Bassmaster Elite pro Bryan Schmitt break it down for you.

B.A.S.S. announces Live Sonar rule change for 2026 Elite Series

by B.A.S.S.

According to an article on Bassmaster.com: B.A.S.S., the worldwide authority on bass fishing, today announced an update to its forward-facing live sonar (FFS) policy that will take effect during the 2026 Progressive Bassmaster Elite Series season.

Best Bass Fishing Tactics When Water's on the Move

by Glenn Walker

From a story on GameAndFishMag.com: From the natural water current that occurs in a river system to those in a lake that are produced by wind or some type of funnel, moving water plays a big role in bass fishing. If you’ve ever caught one bass after another on a particular spot, only to return the next day under the same weather conditions and with the water at the same level and not get a single bite, a change in the water current was likely to blame.

Popping Frogs or Walking Frogs?

by Nick Dumke

Thanks for starting your day with Fishing On SI. Lines in!

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