Fish Finder Training – Screenshots & Interpretations

[J-Doc]

More than likely. Could be a big group of sunfish too (smaller sized) as they will give off a stronger sonar image on downscan than shad will. Unless the shad are larger variety (6"+). At this range, it could be either. A bait cast net would have solved the riddle. ;-)

[fishinwrench]

How did we go from 73° to 81° in 2 days ?

[J-Doc]

Same here at Beaver. Went from 73-73 to low 80's in 2 days.

Stain in the water helped it warm faster and the heat really turned up quickly.

[WeekendWarrior]

Same here at Beaver. Went from 73-73 to low 80's in 2 days.

Stain in the water helped it warm faster and the heat really turned up quickly.

Sun and the stained water really warmed it quickly, other depth finder showed couple degree cooler

[Kdub]

J-Doc...Thank you for this thread. I'm new to fish finders and boat fishing. You have definitely inspired me to play around with my finder. I have a couple cheap units right now but will upgrade soon. I've read the entire thread and now will go back and follow some of the links you have provided. Once again, thank you.

[J-Doc]

I just wish someone had done this a long time ago. A few simple explanations go such a long way.

You're very welcome. :-)

[BleacherBum28]

Hummingbird 590 Settings: long time lurker with limited experience on new sonar. I only fish a few times a year when visiting family on Table Rock near Viola and stuggle sEttinger up the unit on my dads boat. What are your generic settings for this area (sensitivity, chart speed etc.) I rarely see the arches you all seem to post. Any tips and tricks would be appreciated. I love the Gps functionality and way points for active fish, but struggle getting the graph to show actively feeding fish (arches).

[J-Doc]

Running the settings on automatic is best.

If you're not seeing arches, there is an install problem. Shoot thru hull by chance? That setup restricts the sensitivity some....but should see arches. Is transducer mounted flat and level? Or rotated upward to one degree or another? Start there.

[BleacherBum28]

Thank you for the quick response.

We did not shoot through the hull. Transducer is mounted on the outside. We've only had the unit 2 years, but I don't remember how it's setup. I'll be down braving the crazies during the 4th and will post a pic or 2 of the screen mraking fish. The transducer should be mounted so it points 90* straight down, correct?

[J-Doc]

Correct. Straight down. Nothing in the way blocking it's signal.

Try kicking the sensitivity up and turning the surface clarity up. Maybe that might help. I don't know the Bird units that well.