Lowrance Elite Ti on Kayak (Settings?)

[XF15-Loader]

Picked up an Elite Ti unit last fall and mounted it on my Vibe 110 using a Berley Pro xducer cover. 

 

I've gotten it wet a coupla times this year but the last time I took it out I was having issues with a blocky return and loss of bottom/depth readings.  Prior to that I was happy with the unit but the grass hadn't really emerged.

 

With that said, I'm assuming the issue was the grass I was fishing over but, I'm wondering if maybe settings need to be tweaked.

 

Does anyone have settings to share that's works well for them while kayak fishing?  If so, I'd love to see your configuration.

 

Thanks,

 

-J

 

 

[markedman]

Dont know much about the Lowrance, but I'm curious on you experience with the Seaghost 110. Getting ready to pull the trigger myself and would like to hear any feedback.

[XF15-Loader]

@markedman DM sent.  Sorry, it's a little long winded...lol.

[scotty918]

When you say loss of bottom depth readings, do you mean the unit can't find the bottom or the overlay is disappearing?

[XF15-Loader]

The overlay goes to double dashes and the display loses the bottom ie...the red or yellow return is not on the screen.  Basically, it turns into a yellow or orange screen.  

 

Just added a pic that shows where I'm talking.  However, you can't see the depth reading.

[scotty918]

That doesn't sound like a settings issue. What transducer are you using and how is it mounted?

[XF15-Loader]

@scotty918 I've got the Total Scan xducer mounted below the hull in a Berley Pro xducer cover.  

 

It was reading fine through the channel and into the main lake.  Just appeared to lose bottom when I got shallow in grass...say 4-5 ffw with submerged grass just inches  below the surface.  I figured the grass may have been covering the transducer and stifling the return.  

 

 

 

 

[scotty918]

It could be a combination of the grass and the xducer cover at that depth. It might be worth taking the cover off and testing it without it?

[XF15-Loader]

The problem is, the xducer is actually mounted to the cover.  The xducer port on the Vibe isn't large enough for the Total Scan so Berley Pro came up with a cover that mounts to the bolt pattern on the hull where the original xducer cover went.  It's pretty slick and has received great reviews from users.  

 

Ive resorted to leaving the unit at home when I know I'll be fishing grass.  I took it out the other night and got beautiful readings on it.  Depth was good, return was good.  I'm hoping it's a grass issue since I don't want to deal with a RMA on the xducer.  

 

Thanks for the input, and tight lines to you!! ?

 

-J

[Jleebesaw]

That is a grass issue. The grass is pretty much touching the transducer and you aren't moving, so the grass is showing up as long horizontal lines. If you move into deeper water it should be fine. No fish finder is going to help you in weeds all the way to the surface.

[jaimeastin]

Grass and air pockets will cause that issue.

[mrstangblb]

On 6/23/2019 at 11:30 PM, markedman said:

Dont know much about the Lowrance, but I'm curious on you experience with the Seaghost 110. Getting ready to pull the trigger myself and would like to hear any feedback.

I had one for 2 years. Well made except the rudder system has its issues. My clips in the pedals would often fall out due to design problems, and my friend had trouble with his rudder not deploying well.

 

 The only reason I sold mine is I am 6’-6” and could never get comfortable on any kayaks. I sold mine and bought a little Sun Dolphin Sportsman boat. Great room but still portable.