10/08/2026
2027 BAM Pro/Am FFS/Live Sonar Restriction Rules Draft
After evaluating the past 3 years, and conducting an angler survey which showed a majority of anglers wanted a Forward Facing Sonar (FFS) restriction. I felt that BAM trail needed to implement some type of restrictions so that we can gain our own "proof of concept." Consistent with our goals to create the best circuit possible, we will implement this in 2027 and then evaluate.
We welcome your comments
BAM trail Pro Am schedule bamtrail.com
Prior to the 2027 season, BAM will conduct a heads/tails coin flip live on its media platform(s) to determine each events use of FFS. For an example, we will flip a coin to determine Event #1 Brownlee.
If Brownlee does not allow FFS, event #2 Boardman will default to allow it, and event #3 Tri Cities will not allow it. This is a default alternating designation for the 2027 season.
For 2027, we will be allowing FFS at the BAM Classic Championship. If BAM continues with the FFS sonar restrictions in 2028, The BAM Classic Championship will not allow FFS.
Approximately 2 weeks ago, I sent a version of the below rules to 15 BAM anglers who fished all three events in either division and included three Super 60 anglers who also fished at least 3 Pro/Ams for their input and revisions to the rules. After receiving their feedback, I am posting them for public review and comment.
Remember these are a working draft and a final version of these rules and the complete 2027 rules will be posted on the BAM website prior to the 2027 season.
q) Live Sonar, FFS, and other similar technology restrictions for selected events.
BAM will utilize a coin toss to determine which events will feature FFS. BAM will broadcast this live on the BAM social media site(s). As a guideline, BAM will strive to conduct the Live/FFS coin toss at least 60 days prior to the beginning of the season.
Each division will start with event #1 a simple heads or tails coin toss will determine the use of Live FFS Technology. Event number 2 will automatically receive the opposite determination of event 1 and the season will alternate until the events are exhausted.
The 2027 BAM Classic Championship will allow Live/FFS. If BAM continues with the FFS/Live sonar restrictions in 2028, The BAM Classic Championship will not allow FFS/Live sonar.
All contestants will be required to place a specially designed high visibility cover over their transducers for the duration of the event. Each cover will include a serial numbered security tie which will be assigned to each Pro’s boat.
We encourage all boaters to move any live/FFS transducers completely out of the water and or off of their trolling motor or turrets prior to the event. Covers will/may still be required.
Boaters who fail to have the cover properly secured on all of their transducers will not be allowed to compete until the cover is properly secured.
Any boaters who attempt to blast off without this cover will be held out of the line.
That boat will be moved to the end of the field for blast off and they will retain their originally designated check in time.
At the conclusion of day 2 all contestants who intend to weigh any fish must proceed to the weigh in staging area immediately upon checking in.
A BAM staff member will be in the staging area to confirm that the serial number zip tie is intact.
BAM staff will remove the transducer cover and confirm with the boater that they have been cleared to weigh in.
If the serial numbered security tie is not turned in, the boater will not receive credit for that days catch.
For those contestants who make championship day, a new cover will be issued at boat check.
For covers and boat floats not turned in, the boater will be charged $25.00 for each item.
If during the competition day, the cover and/or the serial numbered security tie is damaged, lost, no longer secured or compromised in any way, the boater and/or the co angler, observer must initiate a call to the tournament director immediately.
Intentional or repeated issues from any contestant may receive sanctions up to disqualification or expulsion from BAM events.
Each competitor’s boat is limited to one (2) live transducers, and each transducer must be mounted on the trolling motor shaft/turret at the bow area of the boat. Turrets are allowed as long as they are attached to the trolling motor. This list can be updated at any time during the season and announced at the tournament briefing to be included in any event.
Approved for 2027 Products not on the list must be submitted for review and approved by BAM prior to use
Garmin LVS 32, 34, 42, 44
Lowrance Active Target 1, 2, 2 XL
Humminbird Mega Live, and 2
Not approved for 2027
Garmin LVS 62
Garmin any version prior to LVS32
Lowrance any version prior to AT 1
Humminbird any version prior to Mega Live
