The Bassmaster Elite Series and the Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Jockey Outdoors are the pinnacles of competitive bass fishing. B.A.S.S. has created unwavering standards of excellence and expectations for the anglers who fish under these banners. Today, the organization announces the creation of equipment standards related to new technologies that will impact anglers competing on the biggest stage in bass fishing.

It is important to understand that these new standardization practices are the result of the B.A.S.S. technology committee’s year-long collection of data, review of tournament results, consultations with conservation partners, discussions with industry leaders and communications with every Elite Series pro multiple times throughout the 2024 season. Voices from every corner of the fishing industry were heard and considered. After extensive debate and consideration, the committee made its final recommendation to B.A.S.S. CEO Chase Anderson. Once the 2025 Elite Series schedule was finalized earlier this week, Anderson approved the following standardization practices.

Read Next: Learn How Live Sonar Works

First, the number of live sonar transducers will be regulated to one and it must be mounted to the trolling motor at the bow of the boat. Until now, Elite Series and Classic competitors could have an unlimited number of live transducers mounted on their boats in any location. B.A.S.S. will also provide a list of acceptable live transducers from all major electronics manufacturers. Equipment not on this list is banned from usage in Elite Series and Classic competition. This equipment list will be vetted and updated annually.

Secondly, Elite Series and Classic competitors will be limited to a total of 55 inches of screen, including bow and dash head units. The trend to add more and bigger head units to boats is becoming a safety concern, as the bigger screens may create blind spots impacting the safe piloting of boats.

Thirdly, Elite Series and Classic competitors may now have only one electric motor mounted to their boats. There has been a rise in the use of electric motors mounted to shallow water anchors, which makes the enforcement of current rules (like long-lining and trolling) very difficult.

Lastly, B.A.S.S. will focus on a more diverse Elite Series schedule, creating a wide variety of fishing styles demanded for success. While live sonar technology will remain a consistent tool used at the very highest level of competitive bass fishing, experience and a deep-seeded understanding of fish behavior, movement and patterns will also be needed for success moving forward on the fisheries scheduled.

“The use of live sonar at the Elite level has sparked tremendous debate,” said Chase Anderson. “Our technology committee spent a tremendous amount of time reviewing post-event surveys, comparing equipment on Elite boats to success rates and considering both fan engagement and bass community feedback related to the use of new technology. As the leading tournament organization in sportfishing, our goal was to ensure a level playing field that both embraces the value of hard work and experience on the water as well as new technologies that will continue to improve angler success. B.A.S.S. has always been, and will continue to be, dedicated to teaching our members, fans and the bass fishing community how to catch more and bigger bass. Educating anglers on both the fundamentals of fishing as well as new technology aligns with this principle. B.A.S.S. is, and always has been, the keeper of the culture of our sport. We believe these new standards will ensure that both the present and future competitive landscape of the Elite Series will remain above reproach. We remain committed to being the leaders in our industry and making decisions that we believe are in the best interest of our sport.”

These new standardization practices will go into effect with the start of the 2025 Elite Series season. The B.A.S.S. technology committee will continue to monitor the impacts of new technology on bass fishing’s biggest stage.

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 500,000-member 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 Bassmaster Elite Series, St. Croix Bassmaster Opens Series presented by SEVIIN, 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, Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Team Championship, Yamaha Rightwaters Bassmaster Kayak Series scored by TourneyX, Yamaha Bassmaster Redfish Cup Championship presented by Skeeter and the ultimate celebration of competitive fishing, the Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Jockey Outdoors.

Connect with Bassmaster on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and TikTok.

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Of course there aren’t just three iconic boating cities in the United States, so we cruised and named three more this year. We take you through the best-known spots and hidden haunts that Detroit, Charleston, and Tampa-St. Petersburg have to offer and highlight their backstories and history in the videos below.

If you missed them, check out part one and part three.

Detroit

Charleston

Tampa-St. Petersburg

The post Most Iconic Cities to Experience by Boat: Part Two appeared first on Boating Mag.

Too many VHF radios extend so deep behind the dashboard. Installation options, especially in smaller boats, like the Chaparral are limited if any opportunity exists at all. Look for a radio that not only fits your dash space but fits behind the dash as well.

Watch: Icom VHF Radio Tips

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Accessing your VHF radio from anywhere on the boat offers flexibility and improves boating safety. Thanks to Icom, there are wired and wireless remote station options that are easy to implement. Editor-at-Large Randy Vance outlines the differences between them to help you decide which is right for your boating style.

Our photoshoot crew also details their experience using Icom VHF radios to easily communicate with the photographer overhead in a helicopter during the cover shoot. These sleek, black radios match today’s modern glass helms.

Remote options aside, this is a high-end, attractive radio.

Watch: Icom VHF Radio Tips

Look for more installments in this VHF tips series! A new episode airs every month, so subscribe to our channel and click on the bell icon to be notified as each episode goes live. Thanks: The Boating Tech Team.

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The largest outboard-powered Tiara Yacht ever built; the 48 LS builds on the legacy of the LS series. Luxury is amplified from bow to stern through unexpected details and refined yacht aesthetics. Social zones, a key area of focus in every ls model, allow for guests to choose their preferred relaxation zone. Forward, the bow features wrap-around seating and chaise lounge. Aft, the innovative rotating lounge boasts multiple locking positions and electrically adjustable backrests. Deploy the terrace and expand the cockpit in addition to improving access to the water. At the helm, sliding doors provide a welcome retreat from the elements.

Below deck, you’ll find a forward pedestal berth and private head in addition to the aft stateroom that features dual twin berths. The berths may be converted for more comfortable adult sleeping accommodations. Ultraleather and teak blended with a mix of stainless steel, detailed accent stitching, and solid surfaces elevate and amplify the elegance of every amenity on board.

In partnership with Mercury, the 48 LS boasts the all-new Verado® V12 600hp engines. With the unwavering strength of a V12 powerhead, sophisticated sound-dampening technology, and innovative advancements in steering and control, the 600hp Verado® engine delivers the ultimate outboard-driving experience. Triple V12′s offer control and performance, combined with the Tiara Yachts integrated electronics package including Garmin marine navigation.

The post Expanding the Legacy, the Tiara Yachts 48 LS appeared first on Boating Mag.

Step aboard the brand-new and long-awaited, Invincible 33′ Catamaran. This is built on a Morrelli and Melvin hybrid asymmetrical catamaran hull which is double stepped for optimum performance. While this is Invincible’s smallest platform yet—performance, versatility and the amenities are by no means compromised.

For more on this model, visit InvincibleBoats.com.

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The largest and newest addition to Aviara’s lineup, the AV40, brings together luxury, performance, space and style. Randy Vance walks us through this yacht-like day boat’s high-points, features and performance.

For more, visit: aviaraboats.com/av40#model-overview.

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When they met in second grade, Duncan Lee and Grant Korgan had no idea that Centurion, the boat company that Duncan’s Watersports Hall of Famer parents founded, would pioneer a new genre of watersports on their home waters of Lake Tahoe. Now these lifelong friends return home for a little nostalgia, behind-the-scenes storytelling, and a few laps around the place they call paradise.

Learn more about the evolution of the wake boat and Centurion centurionboats.com.

The post The First Family of Wakesurfing appeared first on Boating Mag.

Loud and clear, the Kicker KM8 Marine Speakers are built to pump out the tunes – and the fun – for years to come! Check out more Kicker products at bestmarineelectronics.com/kicker or visit their website at kicker.com.

The post Marine Electronics Guide 2021: Kicker KM8 Speakers appeared first on Boating Mag.

Invincible’s brand new 37′ Cat shows up and shows out. This boat is built on a Morrelli and Melvin hybrid semi-asymmetrical catamaran design. It’s a double stepped hull that gives you outstanding efficiency—about 600 miles if you’re paying attention to your fuel and speed.

For more on this boat, visit invincibleboats.com/37-catamaran.

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