MLF Introduces Lock Box to Enforce 2025 FFS Rules
BENTON, Ky. (Jan. 3, 2024) – Major League Fishing (MLF) has introduced an innovative lock box, crafted by Precision Sonar, to comply with new rules limiting anglers to two forward-facing or 360-degree sonar transducers during tournaments. This user-friendly device, designed for simplicity and efficiency, will be provided free to anglers who need to secure excess transducers during competition.
Link to Video demonstrating use of Lock Box from Precision Sonar
The lock box offers a straightforward solution to temporarily disable and secure extra transducers on tournament boats. This ensures compliance with MLF’s updated rules, fostering fair competition while preserving the excitement of traditional fishing techniques cherished by millions of fans and anglers.
Anglers equipped with more than two forward-facing or 360-degree sonar transducers must:
- Notify the tournament director about their setup during or immediately after the pre-tournament meeting.
- Retrieve a lock box from MLF staff at the Precision Sonar Lock Station before the tournament. Installation is quick and ensures unused transducers are disconnected, with cable plugs securely capped.
- Return to the Precision Sonar Lock Station at the end of the competition day for unlocking by MLF staff.
“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,” said Boyd Duckett, MLF President and CEO. “The new rules and lock box enforcement device reflect our commitment to fairness while embracing innovative sonar technologies as part of the sport.”
Forward-facing and 360-degree sonar are valuable tools, and the updated rules allow anglers to use these technologies while maintaining the integrity of traditional fishing.
“This rule isn’t about limiting innovation—it’s about enhancing competition and creating more opportunity for strategic angling,” Duckett said. “The lock box allows us to enforce the rule consistently, so all participants can compete under the same conditions while still leveraging the power of modern sonar technology.”
The 2025 season introduces updated rules tailored to the unique formats and dynamics of each circuit, ensuring they align with the needs of MLF stakeholders. Anglers will work closely with tournament directors to secure lock boxes, ensuring compliance remains simple and tournaments stay competitive, fair, and true to the spirit of bass fishing.
For detailed FAQ pages on enforcement, penalties, technical details, and Tournament Director contacts, click the links below:
The Precision Sonar lock box will debut at the Phoenix Bass Fishing League (BFL) season opener in the Cowboy Division at Sam Rayburn Reservoir on Sat., Jan. 4, 2025. It will roll out during the opening event of each MLF circuit throughout the 2025 season.
For complete details and updated information, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For regular updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow MLF’s social media outlets at Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
About Major League Fishing
Major League Fishing (MLF) is the world’s largest tournament-fishing organization, producing more than 250 events annually at some of the most prestigious fisheries in the world, while broadcasting to America’s living rooms on CBS, Discovery Channel, Outdoor Channel, CBS Sports Network, World Fishing Network and on demand on MyOutdoorTV (MOTV).
Headquartered in Benton, Kentucky, the MLF roster of bass anglers includes the world’s top pros and more than 30,000 competitors in all 50 states and 13 countries. Since its founding in 2011, MLF has advanced the sport of competitive fishing through its premier television broadcasts and livestreams and is dedicated to improving the quality of life for bass through research, education, fisheries enhancement and fish care.
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