How to Use a Humminbird 997 Fish Finder
The Humminbird 997 fish finder differs from Humminbird's other models in a few areas, none that are more important than the side imaging technology. Side imaging provides another dimension for indirectly seeing through the water below the boat. Rather than sending out only bottom-aimed signals, as most fish finders do, the 997 sends side sonars too. Using a Humminbird 997, therefore, requires that you know how to interpret the normal view and the side-image view on your display, and how to use the interface to navigate between them.
Instructions
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Get familiar with the button interface on your Humminbird 997. Note the different keys, especially the "View" button, "Mark" button, and "4-WAY Cursor Control."
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Press the view button once to come to the side image view. Note the left column of numbers and the central image that probably looks like a long, dark column with different shades of gray surrounding it. The left column displays weather conditions including temperature, as well as other metrics such as boat speed and depth to the body of water's floor below the boat. Slow the boat to 2 to 5 miles per hour, which gives the best readings for the side image view. Study the image and keep in mind that the changing contour of the column express the changing depth to the floor below the boat as the boat moves. Note that around the column of water are shadows that can suggest a three-dimensional view of a shape, such as logs and fish.
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3
Press the "4-WAY Cursor Control" and then the "GOTO" button to create a waypoint on the side image view for areas of interest you want to explore further or remember.
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4
Press the "View" button again to switch to the normal sonar view, which displays a section view of the area below the boat to the ocean floor. Note the same column on the left that's in the side image view. Look for areas of interest on the central image, such as green, red, and yellow blots above the floor that could indicate fish.
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Continue pressing the "View" button to cycle through all of the views available, including the navigation and bird's eye view, if you have a GPS connected.
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