Revolutionizing Bass Fishing with Forward-Facing Sonar and Livingston Jerk Baits
Forward-facing sonar has transformed bass fishing, offering anglers a new view into the underwater world. Professional bass angler Randy Howell, a seasoned expert in this cutting-edge technology, highlights how Livingston Lures’ innovative jerk baits, when paired with forward-facing sonar like Lowrance ActiveTarget, provide a game-changing edge for catching big bass across the country.
The Power of Forward-Facing Sonar
The introduction of affordable forward-facing sonar has made this technology accessible to most anglers. Unlike traditional down scan sonar, forward-facing sonar shows fish and bait in real time, revealing their movements and locations with remarkable clarity. Howell explains how this has reshaped anglers’ understanding of bass behavior:
“Fish are not where we thought they were,” he says. “They’re out in the middle of the lake, chasing baitfish—not just sitting on brush piles or under docks.”
Livingston’s Edge: Electronic Jerk Baits
Livingston Lures has long been ahead of the curve, integrating patented electronic baitfish sound technology into their baits well before forward-facing sonar became mainstream. Howell reveals that Livingston’s jerk baits, particularly the Jerk Master 121, stand out on sonar screens thanks to their unique design.
“I can see it like a spotlight out there,” he says, describing how the lithium battery—a disc the size of a dime to a quarter—creates the strongest sonar return. This makes the bait appear two to three times clearer on forward-facing sonar (FFS) compared to other manufacture’s lures.
This enhanced visibility gives anglers a serious advantage. While other brands struggle to make their baits show up clearly on sonar, Livingston’s patented technology ensures their jerk baits are unmistakable, giving anglers a clear target to track. “Other companies try to put things in their baits to make them show up more, but they can’t match what we’ve got,” Howell asserts.
The Livingston Lures FFS Advantage
Livingston’s jerk bait lineup—including the Jerk Master 121, Jerk Master Jr., Jerk Master 121C, and the new Jerk Master 121DP—covers a wide range of depths and conditions. The 121 and Jr. are ideal for targeting fish high in the water column, while the 121D dives 6–10 feet, and the 121DP reaches 15 feet or more with its larger lip. All models are slow-sinking, a deliberate design choice by Howell.
“Fish bite baits they think are dying and falling in the water column,” he explains, noting that the slow descent, combined with the electronic distress sound, triggers aggressive strikes.
This makes the Jerk Master series one of the most powerful lure lineups for Live Imaging and FFS, offering ultimate depth and speed control along with the clearest sonar image across all forward facing sonar systems.
Randy Howell’s Tips for FFS Bass Fishing Success
Howell’s strategy with forward-facing sonar centers on locating schools of baitfish, often found over humps, channels, or in open water.
“You idle around until you see a good amount of bait, put the trolling motor down, and start shining that ActiveTarget,” he says. By casting the Jerk Master around bait balls, anglers can watch bass react on the sonar screen—often charging the bait at high speed.
The Jerk Master, worked with taps, pops, sweeps, and pauses, creates a darting, struggling action that mimics a dying baitfish, triggering strikes year-round. It’s become a go-to presentation when using forward-facing sonar to target bass.
Forward-Facing Sonar Jerk Bait Fishing Guide
Randy’s Recommended Gear
- Sonar: Lowrance ActiveTarget forward-facing sonar system
- Baits:
- Livingston Jerk Master series — Ideal for fishing anywhere in the water column, with excellent sonar visibility
- Jerk Master Jr. — Smaller profile, great for bass feeding on smaller baitfish
- Jerk Master 121D — Dives 6–10 feet, slow-sinking for mid-depth versatility
- Jerk Master 121DP — Reaches depths of 15 feet or more, thanks to a larger lip
- Rod & Line: Medium-action rod with 10-14lb fluorocarbon line for precise casting and maximum sensitivity
Key Techniques
- Locate Baitfish
Use forward-facing sonar to find bait balls, often within mere feet of the surface over humps, channels, or open water. - Target Active Bass
Look for bass suspended near the baitfish on your sonar screen. Often seen as larger returns on the sides or beneath bait balls. Cast the Jerk Master past these fish, then work it back with taps, sweeps, pulls and pauses. Pay close attention to how the bass react to your retrieve—once you get a strike, focus on replicating the same cadence and action for consistent results. - Slow-Sink Advantage
Pause the bait and let it sink slowly, mimicking a dying baitfish. The electronic sound chip emits a distress signal, attracting aggressive strikes from nearby bass. This is highly productive in cold water and tough conditions.
Forward-facing sonar, combined with Livingston’s cutting-edge jerk baits, has revolutionized bass fishing, allowing anglers to target fish with unmatched precision and confidence. Randy Howell’s insights show how using technology-driven baits like the Jerk Master series can maximize your success on the water. Whether you’re chasing largemouth, smallmouth, or spotted bass, Livingston’s unmatched forward sonar visibility, lifelike action, and patented sound technology give you a powerful edge on the water.