"Fish Finder" / Depth Finder

[YPD996]

OK Guys....now I know enough about "Fish Finders" to know that guys who use em hate calling em that.  I just got my 1st one.  My question is should I never turn on the Fish Finder mode and just read the structure?? or do I turn it on and understand that it doesn't always mean there is a fish there??

Thanks Again,

Wayne

[VinnyH]

The fish symbol option tends to be too ambiguous and you see a lot of fish symbols that aren't fish. Most guys turn that off and look for the curved line marks that may be fish. Generally you want to look for depth and structure like humps and stuff at the bottom.

Best Always,
Vinny

[arkpov56]

I disagree, Vinny.  When you fish for trout, especially at depth, and you suddenly see fish symbols or curves somewhere midway between you and the bottom, you better bileave it's a fish, and adjust you depth accordingly.  You wouldn't miss much if it turns out to be a suspended seaweed, which is unlikely, but don't pass the opportunity.  With time you learn to distinguish what's what and this fishfinder becomes an addiction.  This is when you throw away your old "Fishing Buddy" and go and buy something really expensive

[VinnyH]

I may not have been clear. The main thing guys complain about is that the fish symbols are not as accurate as the curved lines. I like to see anything I can and then decide.

I also agree that in some lakes where the water is deep the marks will be more obvious anyway.

I'm still trying to figure out my Eagle 480, after 3 years.

Vinny

[YPD996]

So...the bottom line is learn your finder and add it to what kind of structure u have below ya?

[joel137]

you have to read the book and then just spend some time adjusting all your settings.i find when i turn off the auto and do the adjustments myself i get better results.you can see the thermocline and the baitfish better besides the bottom structure also when you adjust the grayline you can tell what the bottom is made up of

[YPD996]

Joel...the book really didn't say much other than explaining WTF each setting did in general.

[joel137]

yeah then you have to play with all the settings to get the best performanceits a trial and error thing and your own personal preferences.

[YPD996]

Come on Joel...that's not the answer I wanted....this is America where we need to be taught how to wash our hands correctly...lol jk  Maybe I'll take it out this w/e and work on it...

[joel137]

yeah well im from the do it your damm self school

[YPD996]

I hear ya Joel...I think I'm going out Sat & Sun...so I'll work it out...plus I found a few REALLY good websites that explained things pretty well and what I'm looking for, etc...