As heard on Outdoor Journal Radio
Major League Fishing (MLF) has announced the introduction of a new lock box system, developed in collaboration with Precision Sonar, to support the league’s updated sonar regulations for the 2025 season. The device, designed to ensure compliance with new rules limiting anglers to two forward-facing or 360-degree sonar transducers, will be provided free of charge to competitors who need to disable excess transducers during tournaments.
The lock box is a simple, yet innovative solution that allows anglers to temporarily disconnect and secure additional transducers, ensuring a level playing field in competition. The new MLF regulations aim to balance the use of advanced sonar technologies while preserving traditional fishing techniques that have long been a staple of the sport.
Under the updated rules, anglers with more than two forward-facing or 360-degree sonar transducers must:
- Disclose their equipment and request a lock box from the tournament director at or after the pre-tournament meeting.
- Install the lock box before launching their boat on tournament day, ensuring extra transducers are disconnected and cable plugs are sealed within the high-visibility device.
- Return to the Precision Sonar Lock Station at the end of competition for MLF staff to unlock the device.
MLF President and CEO Boyd Duckett emphasized the league’s commitment to fairness and innovation, stating, “We’re excited to debut this solution as part of our efforts to implement a new rule in a way that is both seamless for anglers and effective for our tournaments. The new rules and lock box enforcement reflect our commitment to fairness while embracing innovative sonar technologies as part of the sport.”
The rise of forward-facing and 360-degree sonar has significantly impacted competitive fishing, allowing anglers to pinpoint fish with greater accuracy. However, MLF’s updated policies ensure these tools remain a part of the sport without overshadowing the skills and strategy that define competitive bass fishing.
“This rule isn’t about limiting innovation—it’s about enhancing competition and creating more opportunities for strategic angling,” Duckett added. “The lock box allows us to enforce the rule consistently, so all participants compete under the same conditions while still leveraging the power of modern sonar technology.”
The new regulations will be tailored for each MLF circuit to accommodate different competition levels and tournament formats. Anglers will work directly with tournament directors at each event to obtain and install lock boxes as needed.
Lock Box Rollout Begins with 2025 Season Openers
The Precision Sonar lock box will make its competitive debut at the first Phoenix Bass Fishing League (BFL) event of the season—the Cowboy Division opener at Sam Rayburn Reservoir on Saturday, January 4. It will then be implemented at the opening tournaments for each MLF circuit throughout the 2025 season.
For additional details on the rule changes, enforcement procedures, penalties, and technical guidance, MLF has provided FAQ pages for each circuit:
- Bass Pro Tour FAQ
- Tackle Warehouse Invitationals FAQ
- Toyota Series Presented by Phoenix Boats FAQ
- Phoenix Bass Fishing League Presented by T-H Marine FAQ
- Abu Garcia College Fishing Presented by YETI FAQ
- Abu Garcia High School Fishing Presented by Tackle Warehouse FAQ
Tournament directors for each circuit are available to answer competitor questions not covered in the FAQs.
