Denny Hamlin, known for his prowess in NASCAR, has recently ventured deeply into the realm of bass fishing. After acquiring a boat last winter, he immersed himself in the sport. Hamlin now criticizes the use of forward-facing sonar technology, alleging it undermines traditional skills in professional bass fishing.
Hamlin expressed his concerns in an interview with OutKick OutDoors. He stated, “I think the guys on the pro tour, it’s a little too much.” This sentiment arises from the belief that finding fish without relying heavily on advanced equipment is becoming a lost art.
While acknowledging the entertainment value of witnessing anglers haul in massive bass and heavy bags on television, Hamlin worries that technology is overshadowing the fundamental challenge of fishing. He shared his observations, saying, “It’s probably better for TV that these guys are catching monster bass and, you know, 100-pound bags, but I can see where it’s probably getting a little overboard.”
As technology evolves, Hamlin anticipates further advancements in fishing gear that may simplify the sport even more. This ongoing debate about technology’s role in bass fishing has prompted action from the leading circuits. The 2026 Bassmaster Elite Series, for example, restricts the use of sonar technology to just five out of nine events. Decision-making on which events allow sonar involves coin flips to create a balance between traditional and tech-focused tournaments.
Meanwhile, Major League Fishing (MLF) opts for a slightly different approach. In their competitions, the use of sonar is limited to one of three 2.5-hour periods each day. Anglers must decide in advance which period they’ll use the technology, and MLF restricts anglers to two sonar transducers.
Despite these concerns, Hamlin appreciates the benefits of sonar for newcomers to the sport like himself. “For someone like me who’s a novice, it at least gets me in the game,” he admitted.
Hamlin’s journey in bass fishing has been accelerated by learning from seasoned professionals such as Chris Zaldain. According to Hamlin, observing Zaldain’s techniques has significantly improved his own fishing skills.
Hamlin, who began exclusively with freshwater fishing, is expanding his interests by purchasing an offshore boat, indicating plans to explore other types of fishing soon. He regards fishing as a therapeutic hobby that teaches patience and offers a welcome respite from the high-intensity nature of racing.
The competitive spirit still drives Hamlin when fishing. He jokes about being competitive with co-anglers, striving to catch more weight, though he prefers solo fishing outings. Hamlin’s fishing endeavors provide him with a personal escape, away from the hustle of technology and his racing career.
As Hamlin continues to balance his newfound passion with professional racing, the relaxation and lessons derived from fishing become a valuable aspect of his life. His narrative serves as a reminder for others to disconnect from daily pressures and connect with nature.
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