Learning to read Fish Finders....

bing! · 02-15-2007, 07:47 AM

Some of you probably saw my report in the saltwater kayak report section.

A funny thing happened that day. I just actually learned to use my fish finder after 1.5 years of owning it. Ive always complained that Ive never seen fish on it. Ive been waiting to see 1/4 inch ARCs to signify the presence of fish just like in the box and ads. I have seen my 1/2oz megabait jigs make their way to the bottom though and I am able to see and discern the bottom very well but that was it.

Because the fish were all over that day of the report, I was able to associate the marks I was reading to fish. Previously, I thought of 3 inch ARCs that covered more than half the screen in 16 feet of water as trash, kelp or some other undesirable suspended object. As it was, it was fish! Dagnabit, I never knew that

They looked like this...

I guess this looks foolish, but I guess you learn something everyday, or in 1.5 years

/bing

phishy · 02-15-2007, 07:53 AM

I am still learning on my electronics..they can be so sophisticated..I know how to do the basics...b
but im always learning with them. My sounder..im just now starting to figure it out..forget about the radar..i just use the basic features..one day i need to get into that and learn how to use all the cool features.

Im waiting for Mark Wisch to offer his fish finder class..i missed it last year. tho im going to his WSB/Squid seminar next week. I cant wait.

**Carnivore** · 02-15-2007, 08:46 AM

Ya the other hint is depth at 20 feet even small fish will look big and show a bigger signature. The hard part with when your in 150 feet and can't tell if it is kelp or bait fish or a diver giving you the bird!!

cisurfer · 02-15-2007, 08:58 AM

yeah, im the worst at electronics. It a lil easier for me tho if the electronics help my fishing he he he

just wait till you see the 18' great white shark on the screen

stubbs · 02-15-2007, 08:59 AM

as lame as this sounds, I really don't use my fishfinder to find "fish"

I use it to find depth and structure....and the occasional bait ball (both fresh and salt)

bing! · 02-15-2007, 10:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stubbs

as lame as this sounds, I really don't use my fishfinder to find "fish"

I use it to find depth and structure....and the occasional bait ball (both fresh and salt)

I was using it exactly as you did. Dont know if my new 10 cell AA battery had anything to do with it, I was using an 8 cell D pack before, but lo and behold I see dead people....uh, fish I mean

**Sinker** · 02-15-2007, 04:44 PM

I know I do not use even half the features and abilities of any of my electronics. A couple of reasons but the most is just to lazy to sit down, read the book and figure it out.

I know this new stuff I have I have allot of learning to do.

Brad100 · 02-15-2007, 05:16 PM

Hey Mitch... if Mark offers another "electronics" class, please post the time and date... I'll travel to Nebraska to learn more about my fish finder. I've got the GPS down pretty well, though.

**Carnivore** · 02-15-2007, 06:00 PM

Well fish finders are not really to find fish it is easier to call it that then a depth and structure finder. No joke even Furuno tells you that sonar only tells you were NOT to fish.

What really cracks me up is people that say they can meter fish at 10 knots. The only thing you are doing at that speed is getting an echo of what is now 30 feet BEHIND you. Navy ships slow to 5 knots to meter submarines LOL!!! they are just a WEEEE bit bigger then a WSB!

ironman · 02-15-2007, 06:08 PM

better late than never