NASCAR driver Denny Hamlin, who took up bass fishing after buying a boat last winter, has criticised the growing use of forward-facing sonar on the professional bass fishing circuit, saying it has gone "a little overboard". He argued the technology is eroding the traditional skill of locating fish through experience and preparation, even as it produces bigger catches that make for better television.

Hamlin's comments echo a wider debate in the sport, which has prompted its two main circuits to restrict the technology. For the 2026 Bassmaster Elite Series, organiser B.A.S.S. is permitting forward-facing sonar at only five of nine regular-season events, decided by coin flip, while Major League Fishing limits competitors to using it during just one of three 2.5-hour periods per day and caps them at two transducers. Despite his reservations, Hamlin acknowledged the tech helps newcomers like himself compete, and said mentoring from pro angler Chris Zaldain has improved his results. He also revealed plans to buy an offshore boat and described fishing as a therapeutic, patience-building alternative to basketball and golf.