Modern fishing electronics have changed the game. Foward Facing Sonar fishing let's you watch fish react in real time and Strike King baits infused with Sonic Coat technology make sure you see exacltly what's happening now.
What is Forward Facing Sonar?
Forward Facing Sonar (FFS) allows anglers to see fish, structure, and even their lure in real time ahead of the boat.
Traditional sonar shows what’s directly below you, while FFS shows what’s in front of you.
- Real-time tracking – Watch fish move and react as it happens
- Forward cone – See 50+ feet ahead and around your boat
- Live feedback – Observe how fish react to your presentation
- Depth flexibility – Track suspended fish at any depth
That’s why more anglers are adopting it.
- It shortens the learning curve.
- It exposes fish behavior.
- It changes decision-making
How Anglers Use FFS on the Water
Forward Facing Sonar isn't just about finding fish. It's about understanding their behavior and adjusting your approach instantly.
Anglers use it to:
- Locate suspended fish that traditional sonar misses
- Watch fish approach your bait before they strike
- Adjust retrieves based on real-time reactions
- Identify productive depth zones without trial and error
- Stay on schools as they move throughout the day
Fishing Techniques with Forward Facing Sonar
To understand how to use forward facing sonar, focus on these key techniques:
Boat Positioning
Maintain distance from fish, close enough for accurate casting but far enough to avoid spooking them.
Casting Strategy
Cast beyond the target and work your bait into the strike zone. Watch fish track your lure. If they follow but don't commit, change speed, depth, or action until something triggers a bite.
Depth Control
Count down to the fish. FFS eliminates guessing. If a bass is suspended at 18 feet, our Pros recommend keeping your bait 3-4 feet above the fish, as long as they can see it. A suspended fish is typically looking above them for an easy meal.
Triggering Bites
Small adjustments matter. A pause, a speed change, or a directional shift can be the difference between a follow and a strike.
Pro tip: If fish turn away, they're not interested in that presentation. Change something immediately. Sometimes fish aren't in a feeding mood either, and moving on to locate a different fish is often the most efficient strategy.
Why Lure Visibility Matters
Seeing fish is only half the equation. Seeing your bait changes everything.
Better visibility builds confidence, which leads to better decisions. When it comes to Forward Facing Sonar fishing, decision speed is everything.
When you can track both the fish and your lure on screen, you gain critical feedback:
- Confirm your bait is in the strike zone
- Adjust retrieve speed with precision
- Know when fish are tracking your lure
- Eliminate dead water faster
Getting Started with Forward Facing Sonar
You don't need to be an electronics expert to benefit from FFS. Start simple and build confidence over time.
Beginner tips:
- Practice Casting - Just like skipping a jig under a dock, accurate casts are vital to success with FFS
- Focus on one technique – Master one presentation before adding complexity
- Watch, then adjust – Let the screen teach you what fish want
- Don't overthink it – FFS shows you reality; trust what you see
- Practice in familiar water – Learn the technology where you already know the fish
Forward Facing Sonar has a learning curve, but every cast builds your understanding. The more you use it, the more instinctive it becomes.
Remember: The goal isn't to stare at a screen all day. It's to make better decisions faster.
Strike King Sonic Coat Technology
Not all baits show up equally on Forward Facing Sonar. Strike King's Sonic Coat is a proprietary solution formulated to appear brighter and more defined on sonar screens.
The result:
- Enhanced visibility – Track your bait with clarity
- Better feedback – Know exactly where your lure is at all times
- Increased confidence – Fish with certainty, not assumption
- Faster adjustments – React immediately when fish approach
Sonic Coat Baits for Forward Facing Sonar
Strike King offers a range of Sonic Coat baits designed for different techniques and fish behaviors.
Fish Smarter with Strike King
Forward Facing Sonar gives you the eyes. Strike King gives you the tools.
Some Strike King baits feature Sonic Coat technology, designed to improve visibility on sonar screens. But whether you’re using Sonic Coat or other proven Strike King favorites, the goal is the same: helping anglers fish with confidence in a variety of conditions and techniques.
No matter how you approach the water, Strike King baits are built to help anglers make the most of every opportunity.
- Excels at dropshotting or as a jighead minnow.
- Its buoyant, salt-impregnated body tempts bass.
- Combines softness and durability, allowing anglers to catch multiple fish per bait without sacrificing function.
- Use when you need to cover water and keep your bait level.
- Its realistic swimming action attracts hungry bass.
- A steady cast and retrieve work best.
- Ideal for precision fishing in varying depths.
- Mimics injured baitfish to attract predators.
- Clear on-screen profile helps distinguish bait from fish when targeting suspended bass.
- Best for dropshot or weightless setups for pressured fish.
- Ultra-natural presentation for finicky bites.
- Skirt material dances and quivers on its own even when it's sitting still.
- Best for maximum spin and blade movement.
- The flexible fluorocarbon line tie improves hook-ups.
- The increased blade flash created by the design makes the lure highly visible on live sonar.