A co-angler's guide to thriving in the era of forward-facing sonar
by Major League Fishing 21 Aug 18:37 UTC
Succeeding from the back of the boat in the era of forward-facing sonar is still about some important basics, but some new approaches will help © Rob Matsuura / Major League Fishing
There's no denying that forward-facing sonar has revolutionized fishing and changed how anglers target bass. The technology has been a hot topic since it became mainstream and has impacted everything about the sport, from the tackle used to what anglers know about bass behavior.
It's also changed fishing as a co-angler. Those fishing from the back of the boat rarely have access to a forward-facing transducer, so it can be difficult to know where to throw when their boaters are beaming for bass that aren't relating to structure or cover. However, several savvy backseaters are learning how to adapt and catch fish while their boater partners use forward-facing sonar (skills that will be at a premium with Phoenix Bass Fishing League Super Tournaments and Regionals approaching).
Arkansas' Scott Parsons has five wins with Major League Fishing from the back of the boat, including two Toyota Series triumphs last year, and Illinois co-angler Alan Bernicky has four wins of his own. They've both been successful before the technology hit the scene and have continued that success in recent years with an approach that includes modifying bait selection and staying keenly aware of what's happening around them — two enormous keys to success for co-anglers in all situations.
Changing your approach
Forward-facing sonar has shifted how anglers position the boat and how they target bass — be it individual, suspended fish or those relating to cover. Parsons and Bernicky have honed specific approaches based on whether their boater partner is beaming in shallow or deep water.
"When they're 'Scoping shallow water, it's no big deal, because you can still cast to targets and fish your strengths like normal," Parsons said. "One thing I'll do if my partner goes down the bank looking for fish is cast directly behind the boat. The bass often get spooked, then circle back and go right back to the bank. If you can make a very long cast, you can pick up a few more bites if you're willing to break off a few lures here and there."
Bernicky agrees that shallow fishing opens up more possibilities for backseaters.
"You can still fish pretty much like you normally would," he said. "The one thing when fish are in deeper water is that they're constantly moving. It can be tough sometimes, but that's the case anytime you're fishing from the back of someone's boat."
As for open-water situations, Parsons relies on pre-tournament research and sticks to proven baits for the body of water.
"I always try to do some research on a lake and know what pattern is going on before I get there," he said. "If it's an offshore bite for bass chasing bait, there's a good chance that both you and your partner can catch a limit from those places."
It's always a good idea to watch your boater partner when fishing as a co-angler. For one, it's a great way to learn, but it's also crucial for your own success. One of the cornerstones to Bernicky's approach through the years, this practice continues to serve him well today.
"When your boater is 'Scoping and chasing individual fish, you have to watch what he's doing so you can make the best casts," he said. "Otherwise, you'll make a long cast, and your boater is moving the opposite way, and you have to reel in quickly. If you pay attention, you can anticipate what he will do next and ensure you don't waste as many casts."
Bait selection
Generally, when fishing from the back deck, it's a good idea to show bass something different than the angler standing 15 feet away. However, Parsons breaks this rule when his boater partner fishes with forward-facing sonar in open water.
"Typically, I'm always trying to throw something different than my partner," he said. "But, if they're throwing a single swimbait in open water, I'm throwing it because it works so well for suspended fish. The other thing I'll throw, which is really good for these fish, is an Alabama rig. You'll also want a drop-shot rig and jerkbait ready to go."
Bernicky is also a fan of the single swimbait but urges his fellow co-anglers to use heavier jigheads than they usually would.
"Normally, I'd fish a lighter head, something like a 1/4-ounce," he said. "But, when my boater is 'Scoping and moving around more, I want a heavier head to keep that bait down and in the strike zone. I'll use a tungsten head that's a 1/2 or 3/4 ounce on a small, 2.8-inch Keitech Swing Impact FAT Swimbait< to keep the bait down deeper."
He also likes an Alabama rig, primarily for the added attraction.
"When you're out in deep water in the middle of nowhere, you want something with a lot of flash and drawing power," he said. "I'll also upsize my heads to 1/2 ounce to get the rig down faster and keep it down there."
Working together
The boater/co-angler pairing is determined via a random draw each day. Both Bernicky and Parsons agree that communication is key to making every day a good one, regardless of the boater.
Bernicky takes the approach of doing whatever he can to help, no matter the situation.
"I always tell my boater in the morning to 'do your thing and get your five,' and that I'll be their net man and moral support," he said. "They've spent a lot of time and money on this event. The key is always to not get frustrated, even if you're having a bad day, because a lot of times, these guys will do what they can to give you a shot to catch fish."
Parsons also asks if the boater can leave the console graph on for him. It's not required, but just asking can go a long way.
"Some boaters turn off the back graph to save battery or reduce interference on other graphs, but you can ask if they can leave just the mapping on for you," he said. "That's one thing that can help you understand where depths may change based on the contour lines. But if they don't leave it on, just always cast toward the bank and do everything you can to catch fish."
No matter how the day unfolds, Parsons reminds himself why he's there in the first place.
"I'm there to learn, and that's what being a co-angler is all about," he said. "It teaches you what to do and how to catch fish. My time as a co-angler has made me a much better angler overall."