Denny Hamlin says forward-facing sonar in professional bass fishing has gone 'a little overboard'

Denny Hamlin, a NASCAR driver turned bass fisherman, says forward-facing sonar in professional tournaments has gone “a little overboard.” Speaking to OutKick OutDoors, he argues the technology helps pros catch more fish, but reduces an older challenge: doing homework and finding spots without relying heavily on electronics. Hamlin said the arms race won’t slow, adding that the technology will keep improving and eventually make it even easier to locate fish. His comments come as both major circuits impose limits. For 2026, B.A.S.S. allows forward-facing sonar in no more than five of nine regular-season events, using coin flips to decide which stops. Major League Fishing restricts its use to one of three daily 2.5-hour periods.