We’ve seen a lot of technological advancements over the years in both trolling motors and electronics.
In those early days of tournament angling it was a big deal when anglers began putting trolling motors on the bow rather than the transom. Today, most bass boats are rigged with high-powered trolling motors on the bow.
The steady advancements in sonar equipment revolutionized how we fish for bass. What began as a green box known as a flasher now consists of large screens that provide anglers eyes under the water and detailed mapping features.
Given all of those improvements, nothing has enhanced the sport more than forward-facing sonar (FFS), which allows anglers to see and present lures to fish swimming away from the boat, or GPS-controlled anchoring system trolling motors, also known as Spot-Lock on Minn Kota motors.
Get on a spot, punch a button and the trolling motor will hold you in place without you having to manipulate the foot pedal.
So which invention has had a greater impact on the sport of bass fishing?
That depends upon your perspective and how you like to fish.
Obviously, most hardcore bass anglers will say its FFS that allows them to chase down fish they previously didn’t know were out roaming in open water.
It’s also teaching us things about bass and dispelling myths about what they do.
As impressive as FFS is, not everyone is a fan of the technology. Some anglers, especially recreational anglers, will tell you that the Spot-Lock feature is more important to their style of fishing.
Spot-Lock will hold your boat on a spot in the wind while you put a fish in the livewell or need to sit down and retie a lure.
That’s huge when fishing open water.
I’ve talked with senior anglers who tell me Spot-Lock has extended their fishing careers and made it possible for them to fish in conditions they previously couldn’t fish.
If you’re a small boat angler or a newcomer to the sport with a limited budget, the electronic motor with the anchoring feature is an important first step. It will make you a more efficient boat angler, and you can always add FFS later on.
But if you’ve got the money and a burning desire to see and catch more bass, you can’t go wrong adding both to your rig.
