New Study Shows Live-Imaging Sonar Helps Anglers Catch More Bass
Photo courtesy of Bassmasters, used with permission by Maryland DNR
A study from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, led by biologist Ryan Gary, reveals that live-imaging sonar (LIS) technology significantly increases catch rates for anglers targeting largemouth and smallmouth bass, also known as black bass, in deeper waters.
The findings, published this month in the North American Journal of Fisheries Management, indicate that while LIS improves the ability to catch fish, it does not necessarily lead to the capture of larger specimens. The study’s effectiveness varied by waterbody and habitat conditions.
Sonar technology has a long history in fishing. Early models utilized acoustic signals to relay basic depth and structure information. Advances in technology have introduced more sophisticated versions, enabling anglers to gain a clearer view of the underwater landscape.
Live-imaging sonar offers a real-time, video-like view of underwater environments, allowing users to pinpoint fish, structures, and even lures with precision. As this technology becomes widespread, concerns regarding its ethical implications and potential impact on fish populations have been raised by anglers and fisheries managers.
The researchers analyzed data from the 2025 Major League Fishing Bass Pro Tour, which included 73 professional anglers participating across eight tournaments. The study assessed performance differences when LIS was used in one of three daily competition periods, analyzing its influence on catch rates.
Results revealed a significant increase in overall catch rates when using live-imaging sonar. However, this advantage was not observed universally. For example, substantial increases were reported at events held on Lake Conroe in Texas and Lake Murray in South Carolina, while data from the Potomac River in Maryland and Lake Guntersville in Alabama showed no statistical benefit.
The study also correlated the success of LIS with environmental characteristics, noting that black bass were more frequently caught in deep, open water areas with minimal habitat cover. Anglers fishing deeper waters (over 9 feet) were nearly three times more likely to use the technology compared to those fishing in shallower, more structured environments.
These insights suggest that the productivity of live-imaging sonar is closely linked to both the depth of the waterbody and the availability of habitat. As the technology facilitates easier targeting of fish in deeper waters, it may shift angling pressure toward these regions and highlight the need for improved catch-and-release practices to minimize fish injuries.
Fisheries managers can utilize this research to better understand how depth and habitat types affect the effectiveness of sonar technologies, which is essential for sustaining healthy fish populations as angling practices evolve.
