WON BASS Ruling on Biosonix

Bill Hutcheson · Post by **Bill Hutcheson** » Thu Aug 04, 2005 3:03 pm

Earlier today, I spoke with our So Cal team director Ron Cervenka regarding the use of Biosonix devices during WON BASS events. On the surface and based upon the information at hand, I made a decision that we would not allow these during our tournaments.

This ruling will likely stand, however, with our first events not scheduled until October, I have decided to wait on a final decision in order to further review this product, consult other tournament circuits, and take into consideration its possible impact on tournament fishing.

As such, the official position of WON BASS at this time is that we have no current position on this device.

Once a firm decision has been reached, I will announce it to the Western Bass audience. Thanks for your understanding.

Hutch
WON BASS

Rick G · Post by **Rick G** » Thu Aug 04, 2005 3:11 pm

no reason it should not be legal Won Bass. Afterall it is the same sound that is in the water anyway. Besides you still have to catch-em. Rick G.

Ron C · Post by **Ron C** » Thu Aug 04, 2005 3:46 pm

...chumming using sound instead of bait?

And wouldn't it give an unfair advantage to the angler in a boat who had one over the angler in the boat who did not have one (in a non shared weight format tournament)?

BASS rule:
Any boater, who, in the judgment of the officials, operates the boat in such a manner as to unfairly handicap his non boater partner shall be disqualified.

FLW/EverStart rule:
Any pro that, in the judgment of the tournament director, operates the boat in such a manner that unfairly handicaps their co-angler partner will be disqualified for that day.

Just curious.

Ron C · Post by **Ron C** » Thu Aug 04, 2005 3:52 pm

Some interesting thoughts on the subject on the Northern Board, too:

http://westernbass.com/forum/viewtopic. ... viewresult

Triton Mike · Post by **Triton Mike** » Thu Aug 04, 2005 4:00 pm

I feel that as long as it is available to everyone it should be legal. I hardly believe it played a MAJOR role in KVD 3 in a row. We need to give KVD some credit for his angling skills. Cripes KVD only won the Classic by 6 oz and probably should have lost to Aaron to begin with. I am nowhere near giving Biosonix credit for a great product till it proves itself further. Stacy King and I believe Ken Cook have the Biosonic and they didn't do worth a darn...

T MIke

Rick G · Post by **Rick G** » Thu Aug 04, 2005 4:30 pm

then it is to the benefit of both anglers. The sound is transmitted in all directions. Any angler has the same opportunity to purchase a Biosonix unit. Rick G.

Castaic Dave · Post by **Castaic Dave** » Thu Aug 04, 2005 4:37 pm

Rick G would the fact that you will be selling them at your store explain your defence of this unit?
Just a thought!

Guy Williams · Post by **Guy Williams** » Thu Aug 04, 2005 5:19 pm

Just like the cameras that are not allowed, you have to draw a line somewhere. Part of the game is to trigger a responce from the bass by use of a lure, not by electronic means. I would veiw this device as a close second to live bait.
Guy Williams

Rick G · Post by **Rick G** » Thu Aug 04, 2005 5:32 pm

you are absolutly correct. My point is that Ground up crawdads in scents, trout butter on our swimbaits or rattles in cranks, what is the difference. If the biggest tournament organizations in bassfishing have no problem with it, why should our organizers even think twice. Besides the owners of WON will take the Biosonix ad money over any fishermans personal views. Bottom line is it is all about business. Listen to these guys sales pitch before you make your final opinion. Rick G.

Ron T. · Post by **Ron T.** » Thu Aug 04, 2005 5:38 pm

Rick, You probably know as much about this gismo as anybody.If a guy were to put his head under water along side this unit, what kinds of sounds would he hear, other than ski boats.

Rick G · Post by **Rick G** » Thu Aug 04, 2005 6:58 pm

They have 4 or 5 different modes you can set it on depending on the forage at the lake you are at. Thredfin,Blueback Herring, Crawdads, Silversides ect. It might all be smoke and mirrors, who knows, but if you listen to their sales pitch it sounds pretty convincing to me. Mike Long and John Kerr are very hot on this deal. Remember the Alka-seltzer like pills you could insert in gitzet's, It is the same sounds only no hassle. Rick G.

Castaic Dave · Post by **Castaic Dave** » Thu Aug 04, 2005 7:15 pm

The reason I am against it in competition is that I have to agree with those that say it is like chumming. I'm sure many said the same thing about scents but this is different. I have read and heard that this thing really does work.

Competitive bass fishing should be just you against the fish, trying to coax them to eat your presentation that you present.

Now as far as a guide using it or an everyday fisherman using it I have no problem. But to use it in competition is wrong. Just cause "The Big Boy Tournaments" allow it doesnt mean that the smaller grassroots organizations should. Even if the company says they will sponsor the organization. Money aint everything. With that reasoning then when the super live bait company sponsors an organization then we should be allowed to use livebait!
Again this is just my opinion.

Rick G · Post by **Rick G** » Thu Aug 04, 2005 7:39 pm

but it is legal in tournaments for someone to grind up a dead trout in his blender and inject the contents into the inside of a trout bait. Or how about catching fish at a desert lake in practice and re-populating another cove for derby day. Both happen all the time and are no problem with Won Bass or ABA or A/C or NBW. If we are going to draw a line in the sand it better be deep. Rick G.

Castaic Dave · Post by **Castaic Dave** » Thu Aug 04, 2005 7:47 pm

But WON bass rules state:

13. FISH TRANSPORT - Transporting live fish taken in one area and releasing them in another area for the purpose of establishing a population in the new area during the practice period, during the tournament, or thirty days prior to the tournament is strictly prohibited and grounds for disqualification.

Dont worry Rick I'm sure you will still sell many of these units.

Brian Linehan · Post by **Brian Linehan** » Thu Aug 04, 2005 8:30 pm

BigJeff · Post by **BigJeff** » Fri Aug 05, 2005 6:26 am

This unit sounds great and probably works great. Its also another gimmick for a manufacturer to make more money. Anglers caught fish before this unit came out in tournaments and don't have to rely on a device to activate fish.

I personally do not think this unit should be allowed in tournaments. Let the best fisherman dictate who the best fisherman are, not a gadget that will put $700 into the pockets of all retailers trying to push the next new gadget in town.

Noluk · Post by **Noluk** » Fri Aug 05, 2005 8:38 am

Like a depthfinder, gps or even a rattling lure. Speaking of drawing a line for fairness makes me wonder where we should have drawn that line. I know successful anglers protect their lures tweaks colors and everything else. To be "straight" across the board each tournament would have to issue a single pole and a single lure to each contestant, all of them identical.

Of course none of us want that, but research into the future of our sport and fisheries is founded in research that can potentialy turn a profit for the developer. Berkely power worms, rattletraps, swimbaits heck rubber worms were all "new" when they first came out.

http://www.biosonix.com/
There is the website for the product... take a look if your interested.

MN · Post by MN » Fri Aug 05, 2005 10:15 am

Fish tournaments so i dont really have much of an idea how i would feel about it.Like any sport if everyone can use the same thing then what does it matter.Of course like anything i am sure some particapents may not be able to afford an item like this so maybe it would be an unfair advantage.Correct if i am wrong but back when
BASS was just starting did it not use ranger boat's at the classic???
Now it is triton.How long has kvd been useing this product.It would not surprise me if this company is paying him to use it.Is this the same reason BASS switched to triton instead of ranger it the allmighty buck.

Gerryjig · Post by **Gerryjig** » Fri Aug 05, 2005 10:36 am

Hey!....is this what Hart / Siementel are using!!!!

Don't worry!! this reply shouldn't pi$$ anybody off!!

I'm with Noluk on the fact that technology within this sport will never end for the demand we as normal to competitive fishermen provide for manufacturers and everyday guys with good ideas to come up with. Until I've experienced for myself that this thing has "live bait" results and not just qualities, I say it should be allowed....nothing beats or can be compared to live bait....nothing. As mentioned above, it may have worked for one guy but not the others using it, if all these guys (the bio users) were using live bait instead, they all would have weighed limits in every round!.......and especially if the big circuits allow it, I'm sure they've considered every aspect of the use of it. I remember when my dad would tell me "Someday they'll have underwater TV's".....a nice fishfinder is just that and they just get better and better, an aquaview is allowed in pre-fish but not during the event right?.....perhaps this thing can be used in the same fashion....during pre-fish only to help find fish.....like mentioned above, you still have to catch/ boat them. I also like the idea of one rod (you get to choose)to match one randomely picked bait (out of say,3 types of baits) per angler....now that would be cool!....count me in on that one!

Rick G · Post by **Rick G** » Fri Aug 05, 2005 10:51 am

I am excited to see this topic has generated so much interest. In KVD's defence he used this unit for 6 months prior to slapping his endorsement on BSX INC. Since his Classic victory 15 other Classic contestants have purchased the units. The unit emits the same stimulating sounds that most crankbaits do. There is no advantage/disadvantage to being in the front of the boat when the unit is on. In fact if you are within 400 yards of the boat with the unit on you will get the same benefit. To consider banning this unit you would have to outlaw all crankbaits, rattling jigs, topwaters with rattles, ect. Call the factory at 800-633-4861 for any other info. Rick G.

J.C. Ellis · Post by **J.C. Ellis** » Fri Aug 05, 2005 3:25 pm

Hey, maybe you brains (intelligence humanism-interest in human nature & ideals) can help me out on this? I met an interesting gentleman, I think he said his name was H. Ford and wanted me to buy his Motorcar called an Automobile. I don't know if I should for I do like my horse, but then again I don't want to pass on Mr. Edison for I feel I need to change with the times.
Please Help

J.C.

mark poulson · Post by **mark poulson** » Fri Aug 05, 2005 7:59 pm

is in the same cove on most of our lakes. I think all clubs should buy one for each cove that's on the lake they're fishing.

Seriously, I think the one setup tournament would be really interesting. It would sure show who is the best with that setup. Maybe a four day event, with a different rig/lure each day. That would even up the deal, with points for finish instead of weight, so if it's a blade bite, and the guy who wins that day has 25lbs, it won't count any more than the guy who wins the next day with 12lbs, dropshotting, and so on. It would surely favor the most well rounded anglers, and push people out of their comfort zones. And that would be fun to fish in. If ESPN is looking to broaden it's BASS base, a circut like that would really be interesting to watch. Like IROC, where they all run the same rig.

anglerformerlyknownas CJ · Fri Aug 05, 2005 11:59 pm

Wasn't it just a few years ago that we were all told to paste a thousand reflective shad decals to the hulls of our boat to simulate a school of bait? Same idea here but with less creativity. Didn't everybody laugh at the system that allowed you to listen to the sound of your"sonic" lure so you could tell when a bass would bite it? Ridiculous. Do you mean to tell me that KVD had trouble catching bass until he had this devise? Becoming a better tournament angler has more to do with fine details and less to do with broad strokes. How come all thise guys with color sonars are still getting beat by guys with flashers?

Shawn R. · Post by **Shawn R.** » Sat Aug 06, 2005 9:11 am

mark poulson · Post by **mark poulson** » Sat Aug 06, 2005 9:21 pm

It's because the color units come with cartoons.

BMC · Post by **BMC** » Sat Aug 06, 2005 11:46 pm

Yo Chris, give me a call.

Kevin L · Post by **Kevin L** » Sun Aug 07, 2005 2:14 pm

Hey Chris, If you're going to be using my picture, then where are my royalties at? I'll be callin soon. Fantasy draft sometime in the next few weeks.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Mon Aug 08, 2005 10:12 am

From what I hear from the Biosonix, KVD has not lost since he put it on his boat.. 4 in a row or whatever it is now.

Is this accurate, I do not know! But I can say that I believe until FLW or BASS ban it, it should probably remain legal in the other tournaments.

Back to KVD.. Do I think he is only winning because of the Biosonix? I doubt it, but, I bet it helps somewhat.. if only mentally its still helping.

I plan to get one and try it out... If you see or hear of me catching any fish, you'll know its the Biosonix!

Tom

mark poulson · Post by **mark poulson** » Mon Aug 08, 2005 10:28 am

so I can follow you and save the $600.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Mon Aug 08, 2005 10:33 am

I should have one within the next week or two.

Thanks,
Tom

Castaic Dave · Post by **Castaic Dave** » Mon Aug 08, 2005 10:39 am

As long as the BSX company keeps pumping money into them. Just like anything sometimes the grassroots organizations HAVE to take a stand. Just because the big boy organizations allow it does not mean that everyone should!!!!!
I truley hope that the local organizations will ban it and NOT let money be the only reason they allow it if they do!

sTony · Post by **sTony** » Mon Aug 08, 2005 11:12 am

Why would you assume that the Biosonix folks are pumping money into the FLW and BASS in order to make their unit legal in those events? That's really a stretch of the imagination Dave and I'm not sure why you are so darned scared of the effect this unit will have on tournament angling.

Lowrance is an official sponsor of BASS. Why not make the same comparison for their products?

sTony

Castaic Dave · Post by **Castaic Dave** » Mon Aug 08, 2005 2:09 pm

and we will always be looking for new and better ways to catch fish and I'm not opposed to that at all. But somewhere will we ever draw the line? If we continue to go with the notion that technology is the way of the future (which it is) and we should just go along with it no matter what it is, then one day we wont even have to wake up at 4:30 am, Drive to the lake, put the boat in the water, grab a rod and reel, tie on whatever lure you like, hunt for the fish, cast, search, cast search ... (well you get the picture ... all the things that make bass fishing the great sport that it is today.) I know that is extreem example but to have an electronic device that actually CALLS the fish to your boat, then it stops being a sport and starts becoming a "shooting fish in a barrel" type thing.

Like I have said all along I think this device is great for the everyday angler, the guide, or even to use in practice, BUT to use this in competition is like the athelete who uses steriods to improve his or her abilities and not their own talents and training, determinition, dedication, and experiences!
Maybe I'm wrong but I just dont think this should be used in competition.

Gerryjig · Post by **Gerryjig** » Mon Aug 08, 2005 3:52 pm

No matter where technology takes us.....the fish HAVE to stay a 1/2 step ahead of us to survive or go extinct....there WILL come a day when they will get hip to BSX....then I'll be making sure I'm WAY away from guys using it because it will only scare fish away.....it's only a matter of time......the effectiveness only lasts so long with something new....just like most Troutbaits (except the Huddy)....only catch well for a season, maybe two, just ask DB about that one! Bet you couldn't catch fish as well on Mann's Jelly Worms as you could on the most recent plastics. Bass aren't that "smart"....they just acclimate to human presence / pressure.....that will ALWAYS be.....it's the guys that find something "special" that can come up to 1/4 or closer of a step behind the bass that separate them from the rest of the pack.....does this make sense?

sTony · Post by **sTony** » Mon Aug 08, 2005 4:07 pm

Makes perfect sense Gerry.

sTony

mark poulson · Post by **mark poulson** » Mon Aug 08, 2005 4:11 pm

mac (Doyle McEwen) · Post by **mac (Doyle McEwen)** » Tue Aug 09, 2005 3:11 pm

Thinking men/women..If this unit makes the sounds that bass associate with a feeding school of baitfish or whatever, what makes you think they will automatically come running to it..Generally speeking the bass that chase bait schools around tend to be smaller ones..Tis has been my experience and may not apply to the rest of you..The larger fish tend to have an area staked out and wait for the bait to come to them..If this unit is mounted on your boat, then the sounds it transmits are going to be moving, why would a bass expen energy running for the sound when they most surely can determine if the sound is approaching or going away..No doubt some fish may be attracted by the sounds, but in all honesty I don't see it as a big advantage to the fisherman to have this unit on their boats..It may enable you to catch one or two more fish over a period of time, but you will have a very hard time donvincing me that if you were to stop in an area with few or no fish, that the fish are just going to magically appear because you are using the unit..

mac

mark poulson · Post by **mark poulson** » Tue Aug 09, 2005 3:46 pm

sTony · Post by **sTony** » Tue Aug 09, 2005 3:58 pm

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Tue Aug 09, 2005 7:30 pm

I don't think it actually calls the fish from distances. Although it very well could. I think it does more of a put the fish in a feeding mode.

I hear that one of the things Van Dam thought of the unit is that he lost less fish because of it. He thinks because they were in more of a feeding mode, they ate his bait better and therefore were hooked more solidly.

Who knows.... its all just speculation until we see it in action for ourselves. However, I am willing to bet my $600+ that its gonna at least help!

Shawn R. · Post by **Shawn R.** » Wed Aug 10, 2005 10:45 am

Theres another new sound device coming out. Its called Cialisonix, anyway, an underwater microphone plays various Barry White songs. This immediately provokes nearby males and the larger females into "spawning mode".

CharlieS. · Post by **CharlieS.** » Wed Aug 10, 2005 11:45 am

Yea,wait till some geek changes the music and see what happens...lol. Been reading as much as I can about this lil toy box,like alot of others I'bet. I am pretty sure atleast a few (more?)here have bought things for fishing and are completely happy with the results,which may be even less than prior.But was fun spending the money ! Heck,Ive got more than one new rod that I had to have and havent changed too. As far as the noises,who knows if helps. Everybody has been told for ages the "brass and glass" t-rig gets more bites. Usually. I would be interested though if some one has had access to this thing during the spawn where fish could be seen being making adjustments to it. Charlie

Kelly Ripa · Post by **Kelly Ripa** » Wed Aug 10, 2005 12:13 pm

Will have to be designed so I can play Otters in an eating frenzy so I can counter all of the shad sounds ...and on and on....Let's not forget that it's all about being on the water. I just watched a 9 year old spank us at Clear Lake and he was even taking a nap between 7 pounders

I don't think this or any device will give you an unfair advantage Period! I have been LMAO at most of this...Whatever! Some how I don't see one of these in my future.

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