Could any of the advanced technologies our customers enjoy be about to get the heave-ho — not because they don’t work but because they work too well?
The National Professional Anglers Association reported that earlier this month the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources signaled an apparent concern at the Wisconsin Conservation Congress over the rapidly growing popularity and effectiveness of forward-facing and 360-degree sonar. So the agency opened the question for public comment during its traditional spring hearings, which can later guide WDNR in making laws affecting the resources and equipment used by the public.
This process has been used for many years, according to NPAA, and although it’s effective, it is also critical that the angling public pay close attention to everything being proposed. In this case, Wisconsin’s anglers first had an in-person opportunity for input in every county April 8, followed by an online comment period open April 10-13. It’s unknown how many comments were submitted.
The question was whether there should be action to ban live scopes and 360-degree imaging in Wisconsin waters:
“With the ability of these types of units to detect fish as far as 180 feet from the user, anglers have become more efficient at locating and catching fish. This type of pressure could reduce fish populations, which may lead to reduced bag limits for anglers. Therefore, Question 22:
“Would you support banning the use of live scopes, and similar 360-degree imaging electronics, in all Wisconsin waters?”
NPAA also is calling attention to the possibility of Wisconsin actions impacting anglers nationwide because they’re calling out technology. Forward-facing sonar, for example, has already been debated nationally in some quarters. And if it were to become law in any state it could be a spark that starts an “unmanageable wildfire from coast to coast.”
If forward-facing sonar is outlawed, what’s next, asks NPAA. And be aware: Texas, Minnesota and North Dakota are reportedly collecting data and getting input about forward-facing sonar.
Moreover, the use of these excellent technologies could result in a divided fishing sport — those who use the technology and those who oppose it. And if the primary issue against the use of these devices is overfishing, it will be important that all interests connected to fishing, including boat and electronics dealers, advocate respect for the resource and mitigated harvests.
Dealers should point out to customers that just because they’re able to catch more doesn’t mean they should keep a limit every time they fish. How these technologies affect fish populations will be the linchpin, so it’s prudent to always be conservative in fish takes.
Whether your customers employ this technology or not, dealers need to understand that a regulation to make a certain technology illegal will be detrimental to the sport. Forward-facing sonar is widely used by guides, captains, tournament anglers and the general angling public to increase success — though it doesn’t seem to be happening on my boat — and fishing success helps sell boats.
