Well, The NPFL did it. While the other leagues continue to juggle with how forward-facing sonar is impacting the sport, the National Professional Fishing League announced a ban on the technology beginning with its 2025 season.
At first, this may come across as sensationalized news. But make no mistake, by crossing the line on this very controversial subject, the NPFL may have changed professional fishing forever.
First, the details. As reported here for over three years, FFS is playing a significant role against the progression of organized tournament bass fishing as a recognized sport. In fact, the NPFL press release used the exact comparisons I bought forth earlier than anyone: the similarities to golf, baseball and auto racing, and the need to establish baselines for technological changes.
How are we to have a recognized competitive history if the rules keep changing? It makes it impossible.
Leaning into this logic, the NPFL will limit competitors to side- and 360-imaging next season. The few competitors I’ve talked to rejoiced in the announcement. One compared it to getting a fly out of his truck. “Now I can finally concentrate on the road,” he said.
I haven’t asked any pros if they plan to bail out on their current league and aim for a spot on the NPFL. But I won’t be surprised when this subject is soon broached.
Currently, the NPFL operates with around 125 anglers for a full-field, one that guarantees a top prize of $100,000. A no-entry fee championship is also part of the package. Entry fees are $5,200 per event, and about a third of the field gets a check, falling short there of the prize packages of the Bassmaster Elite Series and Bass Pro Tour. Also, the mid-field payouts – say 20th through 40th – lag behind the others.
In short time, I think we’ll see a change in both of these limitations. Because, believe me, we’ll see more big names flocking to the NPFL.
At first, the difference won’t seem major. Many of those who take to the NPFL will be anglers recognized for declining careers or a lack of a better path forward. But that will be just the beginning.
Word will get out of the newfound freedom in fishing, both with the anglers and the fans. Interest in the NPFL platform will increase. The FFS subject ¬– already one beaten to death – will renew with plan-sight comparison. Nothing disputes data.
Here is where the NPFL will have to play its cards right. It will be absolutely imperative that it tune up its broadcast to bring a product to viewers on par with the others. This will be no easy feat.
The NPFL will have an audience coming to it in 2025, believe me. The chance that a few recognized pros jump ship and take down six-figure purses will add to the appeal. From there, the sky’s the limit.
I’ll be watching, I’m sure you will, too. Most notably, I’ll be anxious to see how the other tours respond.
(Joe Balog is the often-outspoken owner of Millennium Promotions, Inc., an agency operating in the fishing and hunting industries. A former Bassmaster Open and EverStart Championship winner, he's best known for his big-water innovations and hardcore fishing style. He's a popular seminar speaker, product designer and author, and is considered one of the most influential smallmouth fishermen of modern times.)
