How to Find Fish Using a Fish Depth Finder
A fish depth finder is an invaluable tool to many fisherman. It uses sonar to send a signal into the water under the boat. The sonar signal hits anything that's under the water. This creates an echo that returns to the unit, which then sends this information to the viewing screen. Thus, a fisherman sees a representation of what is under the boat, including fish. To find fish using a fish depth finder, knowledge, practice, and a little bit of luck all come into play. Proper placement of the sonar equipment also helps to ensure an accurate reading.
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Instructions
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Familiarize yourself with the settings and controls on the depth finder. Use manual controls, instead of automatic, to refine the visuals. This makes it easier to define what you are seeing, and to identify it more accurately.
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Develop your knowledge of fish habitat and habits. A fish depth finder shows more than just fish. An underwater brush pile or tree is as easily identified with practice, and is often a good place to find fish.
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Look for scattered schools of small fish. Some larger fish like to feed on them, so a scattered school of small fish is sometimes a sign that the big fish are feeding. Normally, smaller fish school close together.
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Travel at slow speeds. This increases the timeliness of the picture on the unit, and makes it easier to find fish. Travel with the current when fishing on rivers, in order to avoid scaring any fish away.
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Use the fish depth finder in conjunction with what you may already know. It isn't necessarily a tool to use blindly, but to enhance the chances of catching fish. Use it to see what's swimming in your favorite fishing spot, and how deep the fish are, for good practice.
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Tips & Warnings
A large part of finding fish using a fish depth finder lies in learning to read the screen, in order to accurately identify what you see. Another large part is knowing where fish like to hang out. Certain habits and behaviors are universal among fish, regardless of the body of water they inhabit. Thus, relying on these things to lead the way will allow you to pinpoint exactly where fish are with the depth finder.
Keep in mind the depth that the fish are at also makes a difference.
The sensitivity control on the depth finder needs adjustment under certain conditions. Weedy areas and other conditions may make it necessary to adjust this control for clarity.
A fish depth finder doesn't find fish where fish don't go, so use common sense.
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