|
|
  Fishin' with Capt. Gus! ~ Depth/Fish Finders
January 11, 2009
New and improved 2009 depth/fish finders are featured in current spring fishing and boating catalogs. First time users or buyers should become familiar with sonar features and compare similar units from various manufacturers. Before making a purchase, consider these questions: Will the unit be used as a depth finder only or as a combination depth/fish finder? Does the cost justify the amount of usage and the perceived results? Will the unit fit the allotted space on the boat console? What about pixel count, screen size, power ratings, and color or black and white?
If the primary use of the electronic instrument is to be a depth finder, an inexpensive-to-medium priced unit will do the job. When properly installed, a depth finder in the $75 range will provide constant bottom readings at most speeds with no interference. Deeper and clearer readings are the result of increased power output. A useful feature on any depth finder is a (shallow-deep) water alarm. Striper, perch and bass anglers not only use depth finders to find fish, but also to find drops and brush piles.
The screen of a depth finder consists of small squares, or pixels. The more pixels per square inch, the clearer the image. Vertical pixels separate fish from fish, fish from bait and fish from structure. The higher the vertical pixel count, the clearer the image.
The more horizontal pixels a screen has, the longer images remain in view. A high horizontal pixel count also allows for superior viewing when the unit is used in the split screen mode.
A minimum of 240 vertical pixels is needed to distinguish fish suspended just off the bottom in 30 feet of water. Deluxe units have vertical pixel counts of 480 and horizontal counts of 640.
Screen size and pixel counts go hand-in-hand. Generally, wide, tall screens have the highest pixel count. A large viewing area makes it easy to see detailed images at a glance.
Black and white, or color? Black and white is functional and is the least expensive option. Color enhances the view and the images seem to jump off the screen. A color unit is considerably more expensive. Is it worth the difference? Most fishermen believe that it is.
The more power a unit has, the deeper it can read underwater objects. A depth finder's power is measured several ways. All are confusing, to say the least. One common measure is known as peak-to-peak. Peak-to-peak is normally used to describe power output at the sonar transmitter. The peak-to-peak comparison is used by most manufactures. A unit with 800 watts of P to P power can read bottom depths to 600 feet. Peak-to-peak power is similar to a car's horsepower rating. The more horsepower, the better a car's performance. A higher P to p rating will increase the picture's sharpness and show more detail. Consider a minimum of 1500 watts of peak-to-peak power.
Before buying any depth finder, fish with someone who has a unit similar to the one you are interested in purchasing. If that’s not possible, ask a tackle store salesperson to show you how the display unit works in the simulator mode. Several company web sites can walk you through the comparison process. Downloadable PC-based software applications that simulate the use of a unit, are also available on line.
Sonar Tips from Gus:- A 20º 200 KHz transducer is excellent for freshwater use.
- A 20º transducer will show a bottom reading of about 1/3 the depth of the water. For example,
In 30 feet of water, you will see a circle 10 feet in diameter. - Small images can be enlarged and enhanced by using the 2X and 4X Zoom feature.
- The first column of pixels on the far right side of the screen produces new information. All other columns show a record of what the first column produced.
- A water temperature gauge is standard with many units and an accessory on others.
Fishermen need this feature.
Upcoming Events:
Tournament registration for the Lake Norman Striper Swipers’ Annual Winter Classic will be January 16 at Gander Mountain, Exit 36, Mooresville, NC from 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. LINES MUST BE IN THE WATER BY 7:00 a.m. on January 17. Weigh-in will be at Stumpy Creek Access area at 3:30 PM. ANGLERS MUST BE CHECKED IN BY 4:00 p.m.
A free seminar entitled “Learning To Use Your Depth Finder To Catch More Fish” is scheduled for Thursday, January 22, 2009 from 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. at Gander Mountain, Mooresville, Exit 36. Lake Norman Fishing Guide, Capt.Gus. Gustafson, and Jake Bussollini, author of “Freshwater Fighters”, with lead the discussion. Bring the instruction book for your depth finder and any questions you might have to this 90 minute session. For additional information, call 704 658 0822.
The Hot Spot of the week is Reeds-Davidson Creeks. Stripers are hitting live baits from the surface to depths to sixty feet. The past week found striper and bass fishing good to very good. The lake level is 97.0 or 3.0' below full pond. Water surface temperature is 40-50º.
Captain Gus Gustafson of Lake Norman Ventures, Inc. is licensed by the US Coast Guard, a member of the Southeastern Outdoor Press Association, and is an outdoor columnist and a full time professional fishing guide on Lake Norman, NC. Visit his web site, Fishin' With Gus! at www.FishingWithGus.com or call 704-617-6812.
For additional information e-mail Gus at Gus@LakeNorman.com
|
|
|
|
|
