INbassMAN

They say this time of year (pre-spawn), that fish are usually concentrated together near their spawning areas rather than being spread out throughout the lake. So, when searching for fish by using something with a faster retrieve like a crank bait or a spinnerbait, when do you decide to slow down and fish an area more thoroughly? If you catch 1 do you slow down or does it take several within a certain area?

My first thought is that it sounds like the water is clear. So maybe the fish is swimming to take the bait, then sees either you or the boat and backs off. Try sitting back a little farther from your target so the fish cant see you.

While fishing a jig, I hooked what felt like a monster. He darted straight for the surface, so I stuck my rod down in the water to try to keep it from jumping and spitting out the hook. When I did, it got off before it jumped. Looking back, I must not have had a good hook set, so when the fish went up, I was pulling down and that made the hook come out. So, my question to everyone is this: What do you do when a bass is going to jump? I've done some Tarpoon fishing and was told that when they jump, bow toward the fish to take the tension off of the line. It seems like with bass if you take off tension, they will "spit" out the hook.

Excellent, Thanks Wayne

Im trying to learn about how to dial in the settings on 2D, SI and DI to try to get the best quality of picture. I come across something that seems to simplify some things. Let me know what you guys think. This may not even be close to being true which is why Im asking. Sensitivity is usually going to be set between 8-10 Contrast is usually around 10 Sharpness is usually off. For softer bottoms increase the sensitivity and decrease the contrast For Harder bottoms decrease the sensitivity If the sharpness is turned up, it will distort the surroundings, but the fish will stand out better On side scan, if you are looking for fish, set it to scan 50-100ft out to the sides If your looking for structure, go wider Does this sound even remotely close to being accurate? If not, how do you go about adjusting your settings?

Thanks Wayne, I'll check to see if I'm getting 12v. If I am, do you think a software update would work? Either way though I can't see me spending much money on a unit that's never worked right. Maybe it's been a power supply issue this whole time.

OK never mind, I just saw an AS PC3 accessory kit that would work, but its $70. I think Im going to go with my original plan of replacing that piece of junk. Anyone want to buy a depthfinder lol?

I have a HB 570di that Ive had for a couple of years. This thing has never worked right. It works for a while, then the depth starts flashing on the screen. I have to power it down, then back on. It works for a while, then starts flashing again. I called tech support and they were no help at all. I just realized that I have never updated the software on this unit. What are the chances that would help and how do I do it? I know I need pc connect kit because it doesnt have a card slot. I looked online and the only thing I saw was one that connects to a serial port on my computer. The problem is my computer does not have a serial port. Does that mean im S.O.L.

Thanks Alot!!! Just when I thought i made up my mind! lol The only thing is I have $200 worth of Bass Pro Shop Gifts Cards. Maybe I can use that on a new rod/reel.

Wayne, Are all of the units talked about on this thread capable of recording data to be looked at later on your computer?

The Garmin has GPS and is able to mark waypoints. Is that what your talking about? What else can the helix mapping do besides that? Here is part of the description: "the Humminbird HELIX 7 SI GPS has the punch to deliver crystal-clear SwitchFire® Sonar images, provide Side Imaging and Down Imaging scans loaded with incredible detail, manage up to 2500 waypoints/45 routes, and support LakeMaster®, AutoChart®, AutoChart Pro, and Navionics® Gold/HotMaps mapping programs via its single Micro SD card slot. Includes internal precision GPS and built-in UniMap map. - See more at: http://www.basspro.com/Humminbird-HELIX-7-SI-GPS-Fishfinder-and-Chartplotter/product/1506251146/#sthash.7M8FB1hC.dpuf What is Lakemaster, autochart, navionics, etc? Is it worth the extra $200 to have these options? I assume I would need to purchase an SD card. Thanks again, you have been very helpful

Great Info, Thanks So, you've convinced me that I need side imaging, which means that the Hook 7 DI is out. Also, the bigger the screen the better for viewing side imaging, which probably eliminates the Helix 5SI. That leaves the Garmin Striker 7SV. Unless someone can convince me that its worth the extra $200 to get the Helix 7 SI with the mapping technology. One other question: Would I need to purchase anything else that isnt included in the price.

Thanks for the replies. Is the Helix 7 si worth the extra $200 for the bigger screen? Or on the other hand would it be better to have the bigger screen on the Helix 7 DI or the side imaging on the Helix 5 for the same price? Also, could someone explain what you mean by "linkable". Thanks

I would like to upgrade my fishfinder and have it narrowed down to these three. If I understand this correctly, the Garmin Striker and the Hummingbird are pretty close to the same, but the Humminbird helix 5 has a five inch screen instead of a 7 inch screen. The Hook also has a 7 inch screen, but it doesnt have side scan. However it does have some mapping features that I dont understand yet, but sounds like it would be cool once I learned how to use it. I think it would be between the Hook 7 and the Striker 7. Would it be better to have side scan or mapping capabilites? Or is there something about the Helix 5 that makes up for the smaller screen size? Or is there another fishfinder in this price range that anyone would recommend? I could possibly be talked into spending a little more. Thanks

Congrats, that's a nice boat. I have an 88 tracker similar to that one. They seem to hold there value. I think if sold mine I could get my money back, maybe even a little more. Enjoy

I just got an Eagle FishElite 480. I am having a hard time trying to figure out where to mount the display and the GPS module. I have an 88 alum. Bass Tracker. The console is not big enough. The display will fit on there, but its behind the steering wheel, so I dont have a clear view of the screen. Plus, it will be in the way of steering the boat. The GPS module would fit perfect there, but the directions say that it needs a clear, unobstructed view of the sky. It would have a clear view of 180 deg. of the sky, but the console obstructs the rest. Another option would be to take the windshield off and mount them both on top of the console. I just dont like the way it looks without the windshield. I have read about the RAM mounting bracket that the Gimble bracket would attach to.. That might put the display up high enough to clear the steering wheel. Or, mount the RAM bracket on top of the aluminum, outer edge of the boat next to the console. I really dont have any other ideas on the GPS module aside from making some type of pole to mount it on. Any and all suggestions would be appreciated. I would love to see pics of how/where your units are mounted. Thanks

Yes, the one I got does have that. I cant wait to get it out on the water...that may not be until April with the winter we're having :'(

Good Idea

Thanks for all of the insight. I was having a hard time deciding between the Eagle FishElite and the HB 570DI, so I bought both. I will probably regret it when my wife sees the next credit card statement ...but I will be lovin it this summer!! 8-) I'm going to use the Eagle with the GPS on the console and the HB up front. Is that what you all would do?

Thanks for the responses. I have seen a lot of good reviews on the Eagle elite 480. Everyone has positive things to say about the GPS, but no one mentions the quality or clarity of the images on the screen. I dont fish much big water, so I dont know if the GPS would be that beneficial for me. I know with the price down to 209 at BPS, it almost seems too good to pass up, but would it be better for me to get a HB 570 DI with down imaging or the lowrance mark 5x DSI with downscan to get better readings of the structure and fish. Or does the Eagle give out just as good readings.

That looks like a really nice depth finder. I would say that is definitely an option. Thanks for the info. Does anyone have an opinion on the Eagle FishElite 480 Sonar GPS Mapping Combo? It looks like it offers a lot for the money. I'm just worried that it might be too "cheap".

Any recommendations on depth finders in this price range. Also, when you buy a new depth finder is the transducer and cables included in the price. Thanks

I would like to bring this up again because there is something that I've heard that hasn't been talked about. I have heard from different people that if a fish swallows a hook, you should cut the line and throw it back and the hook will disolve. I would think that a fish would die of old age before the hook would disolve. What is better, doing it this way or trying what Glen suggested.

Ok, thats what I was thinking. I just wanted to make sure I wasn't over looking something. I will probably buy a third battery this spring, but wanted to get through the winter with what I have.

I'm looking at a 24V Minn Kota All Terrain Trolling Motor (65#). The one its replacing is a 12v. I just want to confirm that the proper way to hook it up is to hook a cable from + of one battery to the - of the other. Then, hook the black wire from TM to - of one battery and the red to + of the other. Also, can I hook up the rest of my electronics to either one of those two batteries, or should I buy a third battery? Thanks, Kevin