fish finder question - NJFishing.com Your Best Online Source for Fishing Information in New Jersey

jimmythegreek · #1 04-28-2016, 07:25 PM

the biggest problem with your units is you have the compact SI transducer, not the HDSI. I had a 798 a few years ago and it was night and day to the HDSI Im using now. theres no substiture for screen size and transducer frequency, and it takes time to learn the side imaging, it took me a full season to learn it well. What I did is set the bow unit to 2D sonar and the console to SI and brought the sides into 100ft and look for the marks and structure you see on the bow unit when the back passes over you know what it then looks like and you learn it. thats my best advice

XXlyakattacker · #2 04-28-2016, 07:57 PM

I find if I keep it out a short distance that I can identify things better. I did like my 2d lowrance sonar better though. My issue with it is that when I run my auto chart live and get some contours going on my map it isn't there the next time I go out to the same spot. Sucks when your powered by the paddle.

Chrisper4694 · #3 04-29-2016, 07:13 AM

i did the updates and micro card stuff but i'm the complete opposite of a tech guy. I have noticed some of those tips already, but i'll try making some more of the adjustments. I look at the demos and think wow that looks great, then i'm out on the water and i think, what the hell am i looking at...is that a bait ball? weeds? can't tell.

NJSquatch · #4 04-29-2016, 07:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by XXlyakattacker

I find if I keep it out a short distance that I can identify things better. I did like my 2d lowrance sonar better though. My issue with it is that when I run my auto chart live and get some contours going on my map it isn't there the next time I go out to the same spot. Sucks when your powered by the paddle.

It is my understanding that the unit only records 8 hours on the internal memory then starts over writing the data. I think you need a zero line card to save the autochart live information for future > 8 hours use. Good ol Hbird getting deeper into your wallet.

Ken Lyons · #5 05-01-2016, 09:53 AM

When you cram large amounts of data onto a small screen detail is lost. If you use bottom lock you can often eliminate much of what you don't care about and see what you do in far greater detail. The same goes for SI. Shorter distances will display better. Too, bigger screens are better. The detail can be there but it gets buried under all that data.

Chrisper4694 · #6 05-01-2016, 10:18 PM

7" was about the biggest i was going to get. i hate technology...you can never quite spend enough money to stay with the curve...

NJSquatch · #7 05-02-2016, 07:15 AM

I tinkered with mine a bit on Saturday after the bite died down. Definitely night and day difference in a deeper water (>10+ vs <4'). The SI was super clear. Still have to go slow (<4mph) to get clearer images but I totally see what all the rage is about. Found a nice submerged rocky point.

Agree with the tech curve, all the tech in the world isn't going to catch the fish. I just don't see the need for dual > 9" ff on the bow and console, 360 degree scanning, dual shallow water anchors, etc.